Golden Bridges School educates students led by inspired and creative teachers. 
Our teachers share the vision and a passionate commitment to an education that is transformative.
Collectively we strive to harmonize the physical, emotional, and intellectual life of each child as we equip
​our students with the tools to become free-thinking, moral human beings. 

All of our employees are asked to actively pursue and practice anti-racism, personal improvement,
​and service to the school's mission, bringing energy and excitement to serve all students, faculty, and families.

Administration
Golden Bridges School is independently incorporated and self-administered. The Administration is responsible for finance, development, business matters, enrollment, and communication. The Steering Committee, comprised of teachers and administrators, is responsible for all aspects of student life including the hiring and evaluation of teachers, admissions,
academic standards, pedagogy, and curriculum.

Jessie Elliot

Co-Founder, ​
​Director of Development, She/Her

Jessie is a Waldorf-trained teacher and professional administrator who brings a passion for weaving practicality and spirituality into every facet of the school life.  As a founder, Jessie has participated in the development of the administrative and governing bodies of the school.  Jessie has one child at Golden Bridges School and one child at the San Francisco Waldorf High School.  ​

Hebrew / עִברִית

Maria Favata

Director of Business Operations
She/Her

Maria uses her business skills to improve systems and processes, especially within organizations she believes in. She specializes in swooping into new environments, learning the ins and outs, and optimizing and improving processes and systems. Her love of learning, instilled in her by her immigrant parents, who emphasized and prioritized education throughout her upbringing, drives her professional and personal growth. 
As a native New Yorker, she adopted the Bay Area as her home. On weekends, she loves to hike and be outdoors. Maria fosters and rescues dogs in her spare time with local shelters and organizations.

Lyssa Beshears

Pedagogical Director
She/Her

Lyssa is a lifelong graduate of Waldorf education. She holds a BA in Geology from Occidental College, an MS in Geological Sciences from Ohio University. She received her Waldorf teaching certificate from BACWTT in 2011. She holds facilitator certificates from RISE Center for Social Justice and SF-CESS.  Lyssa taught in early childhood before becoming a class teacher in 2015. She joined Golden Bridges School in 2021. She escapes to the desert whenever she can.

German / Deutsch

Andrea Regjo

Enrollment Manager
She/Her

Andrea Regjo is a San Francisco native. She holds a bachelors in Business from SFSU and a California Real Estate license. She joined Golden Bridges School as a parent in 2018 and became the Enrollment Manager in 2022. Andrea is a community builder and community leader at Golden Bridges School.
​
Spanish / Español

Early Childhood Faculty
Our Early Childhood teachers support our children to feel nurtured, protected, and secure in a rhythm of predictable activities and loving interactions. As Waldorf trained educators, we strive to meet the unique developmental needs, capacities, and cultural backgrounds of each child. We believe play is the “true work” of the young child. Our teachers support active, creative, imaginative, unstructured play as a way of experiencing and understanding the world.

Justine Costerouse

Jess Buslach

Shirene Massarweh

Co-Founder, Preschool Teacher She/They

Justine is a 3rd generation, native San Franciscan. She studied Philosophy at SFSU and practiced homeopathy.  Justine received her Waldorf teaching certificate from Rudolf Steiner College in 2008 with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education. She began teaching in 2001 and co-founded Golden Bridges School in 2013. She received facilitator certification from SF-CESS.  Her passions include dance, gardening and knitting. 

Lesley MacDonald

Kindergarten Teacher
She/Her

Lesley grew up near Yosemite National Park and received her bachelors in Theater from University of California Santa Cruz. She received her Waldorf teaching certificate in Grades from Rudolf Steiner College and taught at the Davis Waldorf School, taking her class from 1st-4th grade. Life then brought Lesley to San Francisco and Golden Bridges School to teach in both aftercare and Kindergarten since 2017. Her child is now a student here, too.​

Pippyn Carney

ECE Assistant
& Grades Substitute

Growing up in the mountains and rivers of Grass Valley, CA, Pippyn found a love for nature at a young age. She received her BA in Psychology from SFSU in 2024. She plans to earn an MFT and begin her dream career as a Child and Adolescent Therapist with a private practice, and a farm with animals! Pippyn joined Golden Bridges School in 2023 as a support teacher and now works in preschool aftercare. ​

Preschool Teacher
​She/Her

Jess was born and raised outside of Seattle. Early in her career she studied cosmetology and worked in salons and spas. After traveling around the U.S. and Central America, Jess gave birth to her daughter Maia, which inspired her Waldorf journey. Jess began working in preschools and started a home daycare inspired by Waldorf and RIE philosophies. When Jess joined GBS aftercare and volunteered at Dandelion Preschool in 2018, she knew she'd found her place in the world. She began Waldorf teacher training and the following year started teaching at Dandelion Preschool. Jess loves going to hot springs, finding new vegan restaurants, and spending time with her daughter Maia, a Golden Bridges student.

Kaori Yamashita

Kindergarten Teacher
They/Them 

Kaori is Japanese. They studied Creative Writing at Bunkyo University and worked as an astrologer. They have experience in organic farming and experimental theater. Kaori holds certificates in Waldorf Early Childhood education and World Language education from Sunbridge Institute. They started teaching in 2006 and joined Golden Bridges School in 2021. They are passionate about bringing social justice and antiracism into their teaching
​
​Japanese / 日本


Fiona Salazar​

Preschool Aftercare Teacher
​She/Her

Fiona was born and raised in Santa Cruz, CA and attended Santa Cruz Waldorf School from kindergarten through high school. She has nurtured children in a variety of settings, including as a nanny, a teacher at a Waldorf Playground, teaching assistant in Waldorf Kindergarten and working as a Special Education Aide. Fiona is passionate about the healing power of foods and connecting with local food sources. Fiona works in preschool at Golden Bridges School, and two of her children are in the grades.

Preschool Teacher
​She/Her

Shirene received her BA in Anthropology from the University of Oregon and her Waldorf certificate in Early Childhood and Grades teaching from BACWTT. She received facilitator certification from SF-CESS and is fluent in ASL.  Shirene joined Golden Bridges School in 2016 and has worked in the aftercare, early childhood, and grades. You will often find her with her dog Louie in McLaren Park. 
Arabic/American Sign Language

Jimena Bertschi

Kindergarten Teacher
She/Her

Jimena is a native of Argentina and her greatest love in the world is to observe a child's amazement at discovering something new, especially in nature. As her interest in education deepened, she moved to California in 2015 to pursue Waldorf Teacher Training. Jimena first worked as a Kindergarten assistant and later taught Spanish from 1st to 8th Grade students at the East Bay Waldorf School. In her free time, she enjoys singing, reading, cooking, and hiking.

Spanish / Español

Grades Faculty
​Beginning in First Grade, students have a class teacher who guides their learning for multiple years. Our teachers foster wonder, reverence, attention, curiosity, and confidence to form the solid foundation on which the children build their academic learning. During the daily Main Lesson, teachers provide an in-depth exploration of subjects in blocks of four to six weeks.

Tzila Lowe-Cohen​

Grades Teacher, Class of 2032
​She/Her

Tzila started her Waldorf journey as a student and knew even then that she would find herself back in the classroom as a teacher. She studied Women and Gender Studies at the University of Oregon and received her Waldorf teaching certificate from Rudolf Steiner College Canada, in Toronto. She began her first class at Golden Bridges School in 2024. She loves doing art of many kinds, ranging from embroidery and sewing to ceramics and knitting.

Christy Bovis

Grades Teacher, Class of 2031
​She/Her​

Christy is passionate about fostering language and cultural understanding. Christy received a BA in Spanish Language and Culture with a minor in Ethnic Studies. She holds a California teaching credential and is currently pursuing her Waldorf teaching certificate from Sacramento Waldorf School.  She received facilitator certification from SF-CESS. She spent six years teaching K-1 as a Spanish immersion teacher in SFUSD. Christy joined Golden Bridges School in 2023 as a class teacher. Her oldest daughter is also a student here.
​
​​Spanish / Español

Miel Alegre

​Grades Teacher, Class of 2030 
She/Her ​​

Miel is an avid crafter, chef, and proud collector of folk tales from her homeland, the Philippines. She has a background in educational non-profits and has a masters and doctorate in Cultural Anthropology from UCSC. She received facilitator certification from SF-CESS. Miel joined Golden Bridges School in 2021 and has worked as a support teacher and grades class teacher. Her two youngest children attend GBS.
Tagalog / Filipino​​

Abbie Coburn

Co-Founder, Grades Teacher,
Class of 2029, She/Her

As a school co-founder Ms. Coburn spent her first four years as a teacher in the preschool program and then in the grades.  She then transitioned to support the growing administration as Faculty Chair for four years.  After years of helping advance the GBS vision and mission in all its pieces, Ms. Coburn is thrilled to be back on the grades journey with an incredible class.  She has three children who are part of this community, and a partner whose steadfast support continues to make all this possible. Abbie loves to travel, go for long walks, and burst with laughter.

Jaimee Rungsitiyakorn

Grades Teacher, Class of 2025
​Chair of the College of Teachers 
She/Her

Jaimee grew up in San Francisco. She studied Creative Writing and Ethnic Studies at Mills College and completed her Waldorf Grades teacher training at Rudolf Steiner College.  She received facilitator certification from SF-CESS. Jaimee began teaching at Golden Bridges in 2014.  She has worked in Early Childhood and taken her graduating class through the grades.  She finds teaching to be an incredible spiritual practice. Smart literature and crying from laughing are two of her favorite things.

Lyssa Beshears

​​Grades Teacher, Class of 2027-28 She/Her

Lyssa is a lifelong graduate of Waldorf education. She holds a BA in Geology from Occidental College, an MS in Geological Sciences from Ohio University. She received her Waldorf teaching certificate from BACWTT in 2011. She holds facilitator certificates from RISE Center for Social Justice and SF-CESS.  Lyssa taught in early childhood before becoming a class teacher in 2015. She joined Golden Bridges School in 2021. She escapes to the desert whenever she can.
​
German / Deutsch

Niku Bolourchi

Grades Teacher, Class of 2026
She/They

Niku has always loved learning and working with children. She earned her Bachelors in Communicative Disorders at SFSU and began her career as a learning specialist in 2000. She earned her Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of San Francisco with a focus on Social Justice and is pursuing her Waldorf teaching certificate through Sacramento Waldorf School.   She received facilitator certification from SF-CESS. Niku joined Golden Bridges School in 2022 and loves coming to school with her son. 

Specialty Teachers
Specialty teachers support the core curriculum taught by class teachers. Subject classes such as Spanish, Music, Farm, and Handwork are taught by specialty teachers with expertise in their subject areas. While Main Lesson provides in-depth exploration of subjects in blocks of four to six weeks, subject classes are taught throughout the year.  

Stephanie Blair

Handwork Teacher
She/Her

Stephanie moved to San Francisco in 2007 to study Fashion Design at the Art Institute of California. After working as a seamstress, florist, and wedding planner, she joined Golden Bridges School in 2017. She has worked preschool and grades aftercare, and as the handwork specialty teacher. In 2021, Stephanie became a parent and her child now attends GBS. 

Beth Powell

Educational Support Teacher
She/Her

Born and raised in the Bay Area, Beth had first her start in the classroom as a teen visiting her mom’s adult ESL class. She holds a BA in Math from San Jose State University and a MA in Transformative Leadership. An early summer job at a tutoring program for students with learning disabilities sparked joy and years later, after exploring other opportunities in the picture framing and semiconductor industries, she returned to education as the director of a company that helped kids learn to read and love math. She has taught in the UC Santa Cruz Extension Educational Therapy program and is now doing what she loves most, working with students directly and helping others support unique learners. In her free time, Beth plays harp and kayaks.
​

Katherine Delafkaran

Music Teacher
She/Her 

Katherine grew up in Orange County and is a Waldorf graduate herself. She attended SFSU and earned her bachelors in Viola Performance, Katherine received her Waldorf teaching certificate in Grades curriculum at Rudolf Steiner College in 2015. She received facilitator certification from SF-CESS.  Katherine started teaching at Golden Bridges School in 2016 as the first grade teacher and  graduated the first two 8th grades from GBS in 2023 and 2024. She now leads the music program.

Natasha Singh

Sexual Literacy & Ethics
She/Her

Natasha has worked in education for 20 years and taught at institutions including Rutgers University and The Collegiate School. She speaks widely on sexual ethics, sexual exploitation, and ending gender-based violence. She works as an educational consultant to schools communities to create curriculum and education that addresses sexual assault prevention, consent, porn literacy, toxic/mindful masculinity and the hyper-sexualization of girls, and healthy relationships.  Natasha co-launched the Consent and Healthy Relationships Assembly, a vital  tool for schools seeking educational dialogue around the prevention of sexual violence. She is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Asha Rising.

Lala Florez

Spanish Teacher
She/Her 

Lala was born in Colombia and received her bachelors in Marketing and Advertising from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana.  She holds a Masters in Agricultural Education from University of Puerto Rico. She received her Waldorf teaching certificate from Comunidades de Aprendizaje Mexico. Lala lived in Puerto Rico where she founded multiple new schools. She has worked as a teacher, parent educator, and teacher trainer. She joined Golden Bridges School in 2024 and lives in the Mission with her youngest daughter. 

Colin Shober

Mathematics, Grades 4-7, Chess Club He/Him

Colin received his B.A. in Psychology from Northwestern University, where he also competed on the wrestling team for four years. He began his teaching career in 2014 in mathematics and chess, as well as high school wrestling. He joined Golden Bridges School in 2020 and teaches upper grades math and after school chess and math clubs. Colin will teach you to juggle at recess- just ask!

Hawk Creek Farm


​Jenna Frank

Land Steward & Farm Teacher She/Her

Jenna received a B.A in Environmental Studies and International Affairs from Skidmore College, where she discovered her passion for outdoor education. Jenna has had the privilege of working with inspiring traditional farmers in Latin America to support the wellbeing of communities and ecosystems. She is currently pursuing her Masters in Sustainable Development and Policy from UIS. She has been a teacher and land steward at Hawk Creek Farm since 2017.


​Mel Buslach

Farm & Life Science
They/Them

Mel studied Publishing Arts and Photography at Seattle Central and Bellevue University. They have been teaching at Golden Bridges School since 2016. As a queer trans person and as an educator, Mel has made it their personal responsibility to practice antiracism and work to dismantle interlocking systems of domination and oppression. ​They have been teaching and farming at Hawk Creek Farm since 2016. When they don’t have their hands in the dirt, Mel enjoys eating delicious vegan food. 


​Roberta Chávez

Hawk Creek Farm Executive Director
​She/Her

Roberta completed her Waldorf teacher training at Sacramento Waldorf School in 2023.  She has previously served as Faculty Chair at GBS, co-taught our current 7th grade class with Niku Bolourchi, and has been a dedicated parent volunteer at GBS since 2015 (her son Francisco is currently in 8th grade). She was a School Crisis, Recovery and Renewal Project Leadership Fellow last year. Roberta brings her previous experiences as an educator and administrator in higher education for 30 years, her work as a dancer and artistic collaborator, and her passion for nature and social justice to this role.

Aftercare

Patti Gelinas

After School Program Director
She/Her

Patti is a dog loving, club juggling mother of two daughters. She has been delivering and administering enrichment and camp programs in SF for over 15 years. In that time she’s coached circus arts classes, managed STEM focused summer camps, and developed new enrichment programming from the ground up. She grew up in Southern Maine where she spent countless hours as a kid exploring the outdoors, peeking under rocks, climbing trees and cruising the neighborhood on her bike (she still loves doing all those activities, btw). She has a degree in Performing Arts from Emerson College and is a Certified Positive Discipline parent educator. She’s excited to continue evolving her understanding of how to support children holistically.

Laura Cohen

Grades After School Teacher 

Laura is a photographer, choreographer, ikebana-ist, educator, musician, performer, and poet, who often incorporates chance operations into a diverse artistic practice. They have been teaching mindfulness and movement to all ages at various YMCA locations since 2015, and working with elementary schoolers through Oakland non-profit, Niroga Institute, since 2018. Last year, Laura collaborated with 4th and 5th graders at Golden Bridges on mandalas and mindfulness techniques and is excited to help create a calm and supportive environment at After Care this year. Their favorite animal is a chicken, but tortoises are quickly becoming a close second. ​

Patrick Smejkal

Substitute After School Teacher

Picture & Bio coming soon...

Wendy Quinteros

Kindergarten After School Teacher 

Jenilyn Maglalang

Grades After School Teacher

Hello, my name is Jenilyn, but you can call me Jhen. Jhen is a licensed teacher from the Philippines with a broad teaching experience, ranging from preschool to college. She has also worked as a guidance counselor and supported students with special needs. During the pandemic, Jhen taught English as a Second Language online to other Asian students. She has three daughters and enjoys cooking for her family.

Marcel O'Conner

Substitute After School Teacher

Picture & Bio coming soon...

Mary Rose

Kindergarten After School Teacher

Mary grew up on a small farm in Northern California. From a young age, she has been passionate about exploring nature and all its wonders. Raised in an environment centered around free outdoor play, she has been drawn to working with children in outdoor spaces, believing strongly in the importance of helping them foster a connection with their natural surroundings. Mary graduated from UC Davis with a BA in Psychology, after she went on to work as a garden teacher in Marin. In her free time, you can find her guiding whitewater rafting trips on the river or out hiking, exploring the diverse landscapes our beautiful planet has to offer.

Carly Pucci

Grades After School Teacher

Having dabbled in many areas of education, Carly has seen a variety of approaches. Some of her experiences include: teaching English in Mexico and Guatemala; working at her former Waldorf inspired charter school; Working with LandPath’s IOOBY, outdoor education program; and most recently working at WildCare in San Rafael. She understands the value of hands on, experiential learning, project based approaches, and peer led activities.

Carly studied literature, with a concentration in Latin American and Spanish literature, at California University of Santa Cruz, as well as at La Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. She has a love for learning languages and for travel. She has been to 21 countries, and enjoys learning about the endless intricacies of planet earth. In her free time, you can still find her in the waves or in the mountains, surfing, foraging or making art.