Governance
Golden Bridges School is independently incorporated and self-administered. The school is governed by the Board of Trustees. The Leadership Council (Administrative Director, Pedagogical Director and Chair of the College of Teachers) promotes, maintains, and facilitates harmonious workings within the bodies of the school by assuming authority and responsibility for the well being of the school, working with the social and spiritual ideals of Anthroposophy and working to uphold the social justice mission of the school. The College of Teachers (members of the Faculty) is responsible for supporting the school’s curriculum, pedagogy, administration, faculty hiring/interviewing, professional development, and student admissions, through the lens of Anthroposophy and anti-racism, in collaboration with the Pedagogical Chair. The Faculty carries the heart of the school, especially the cultural ethos, along with programming and curriculum mindful of selective collaboration with current educational trends. The faculty strives to make the spirit of Waldorf-inspired education relevant for modern times and our present cultural situation. The Administration is responsible for finance, development, business matters, and communication. The Parent Body is responsible for attending all-school and class meetings and participation in committee and volunteer work.
The Board of Trustees carries the legal and fiduciary responsibility of the school and supports the Leadership Council, College and Faculty in offering service, protection, and in holding the spiritual intentionality of the school mission. The Board meets regularly to discuss long-term planning, practical matters, budget review, and overall operations. The Board is composed of current parents, teachers, and friends of the school who have demonstrated an understanding of and commitment to the aims of Waldorf education and the founding mission of Golden Bridges School.
2024-2025 Board of Trustees
Nicole Barnes
Nicole is a product marketing leader with over 15 years of experience. Most recently, she led marketing for a community-focused education startup. Nicole earned a Bachelor of Science in Management from Tulane University. Driven by a passion for giving back to the community, she spent time volunteering with New Orleans youth programs pre- and post-Hurricane Katrina, and continues to volunteer with Bay Area literacy programs.
In 2020, Nicole took a career pause to focus on her family. Together, they love exploring new hiking trails, visiting the library, and discovering new recipes. An active participant in the GBS Family Collective, Nicole loves seeing how the magic of a Waldorf-inspired education translates into deep curiosity and wonder in her daughter. Michael Chasnow
Michael brings 15+ years of non-profit experience leading programs and fundraising efforts in the climate, economic justice, housing and homelessness spaces. Michael currently is the Development Director for ClimateVoice, and provides coaching & consulting to non-profit leaders in fundraising, strategic planning, and effective board engagement.
Michael holds an AB in Political Science from Washington University in St. Louis, and graduated with dual master's degrees in business and urban planning at UNC-Chapel Hill. Michael's family joined the GBS community in 2023, and loves the holistic head, heart and hands Waldorf education their daughter receives at Golden Bridges. Vanessa Ginzton
GBS Parent
Vanessa is a multi-skilled member of the GBS community helping with everything from development on the GBS Board, co-hosting fundraiser auctions, to sewing crayon cases. She has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from UCLA and worked in the tech industry for over a decade.
She is a strong believer in Waldorf education and the Golden Bridges School mission to teach the whole child, and believes that discovery and love of art, science and even technology can result in a beautiful and ultimately fulfilling life. Currently she is finding joy in learning guitar, reigniting her first love (dance), and learning about anthroposophy. She has 2 children attending Golden Bridges. Kit Colbert
Kit Colbert is a founding parent of the school and served on the board from 2019-2024, including several years as Board President.
In his day job, Kit is the Chief Technology Officer for VMware, driving technology strategy, innovation, and platform engineering. |
Kindra Briggs
Kindra Briggs is Junior/Senior Class Dean at Lick-Wilmerding High School in San Francisco. An experienced educator, leader, and advocate for school equity practices, Kindra has taught in the Bay Area for 20 years. Before landing in San Francisco, she taught abroad in Thailand and Korea. With a graduate degree in literature, stories are central to how Kindra builds relationships and community in schools and beyond. The opportunity to support child centered Waldorf inspired education at Golden Bridges brings Kindra deep satisfaction and joy- which she sees daily with her own child who is in the upper grades program.
Jessie Elliot
Director of Development
Founder Representative 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.
Alexander Lovell
Alexander joined the board in 2023, contributing primarily to projects for finance and development committees. He has two young children in the school community.
Alexander graduated from UCLA and works at Google. |
Jess Buslach
GBS Preschool Teacher
Faculty Representative Jess Buslach was born and raised outside of Seattle. After becoming a mother to Maia, a current 4th grader at GBS, Jess was inspired to learn more about Waldorf Education. She began working in preschools and then started her own home daycare inspired by Waldorf and RIE philosophies. In 2018 Jess joined the Golden Bridges School aftercare team and volunteered at Dandelion Preschool. She quickly knew it was her place in the world and began Waldorf teacher training. She is one of our preschool teachers at GBS and is wholly committed to helping the school evolve in holistic and sustainable ways.
Harris EpsteinGBS Parent
Bio Coming Soon...
Allie Schrader
GBS Parent
LinkedIn profile Allie Schrader is an Engineering Lead at Square, where she specializes in developing financial products that promote economic empowerment and support community entrepreneurship.
A San Francisco native, Allie brings a strong passion for education and innovation to the board. She is the proud mother of three children enrolled at the school, and she values the nurturing, holistic approach of Waldorf education. In her free time, Allie enjoys knitting and exploring the great outdoors with her family, embracing the beauty and adventure that the Bay Area has to offer. |