Faculty and Staff
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
Miel Alegre
Administrative Director
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
Venus Guevara
Registrar and Development
She/Her
Originally from Mexico, Venus moved to San Francisco at the age of six. With a passion for the outdoors, she enjoys hiking, camping, and off-roading with family and friends. Venus is excited to be part of the Golden Bridges community and looks forward to meeting and supporting families and assisting with development and fundraising needs. With a strong background in administrative work, Venus is committed to ensuring a seamless experience for all.
Spanish / Español
Andrea Regjo
Admissions Director
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
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.
Jessie Elliot
Co-Founder, In Gratitude
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 participated in the development of the administrative and governing bodies of the school. Jessie retired from Golden Bridges School in 2025.
Early Childhood
Justine Costerouse
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.
Jess Buslach
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.
Shirene Massarweh
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
Lesley MacDonald
Kindergarten Teacher
She/They
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.
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
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
Pippyn Carney
ECE Assistant
She/Her
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.
Fiona Salazaar
Kindergarten Support Specialist
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.
Chimay Posavec
Preschool Aftercare Director
Chimay completed her Waldorf teacher training at Rudolf Steiner College. She has taught at several Waldorf schools in many capacities, including Aftercare Director, Preschool teacher, Parent-Child teacher, Games and Movement instructor, Art, and Kindergarten teacher. Chimay is committed to the work of integrating anti-bias and anti-racist pedagogy into her teaching.
Grades
Monica Lomas
Grades Teacher, Class of 2033
She/Her
Ms. Monica brings exceptional experience in elementary education, having most recently served as an Elementary English and Reading Intervention teacher at East Bay German International School in Emeryville, where she worked with grades 1-4 from 2021-2025. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Modern Languages from the University of New Mexico and has extensive experience in bilingual education and curriculum design. Her multilingual abilities in English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, and German make her particularly well-equipped to support students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
Jaimee Rungsitiyakorn
Grades Teacher, Class of 2030
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. Jaimee graduated her first 8th grade class in 2025.
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
Nicholas Barter
Grades Teacher, Class of 2032
He/Him
We are delighted to welcome Nicholas back to Golden Bridges School after a two year sabbatical, during which time Nicholas lived on his land in the Mojave Desert, working in the public school system, Nicholas brings over a decade of Waldorf teaching experience to Golden Bridges, having led classrooms in Kindergarten and early grades at several Waldorf schools across California. As a beloved and respected member of our extended community, we are grateful for the warm, adaptive, and steadfast leadership Nicholas brings to the classroom.
Abbie Coburn
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.
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
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.
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.
Katherine Flores
Spanish Teacher
She/Her
(Picture coming soon!) Maestra Flores brings deep bilingual expertise and a passion for culturally responsive teaching to our school. Fluent in English and Spanish, she has taught in dual-language immersion programs, most recently leading a bilingual first-grade class at SFUSD’s Bryant Elementary. She holds a B.S. in Biology with a concentration in Physiology from San Francisco State University and is completing her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.
Known for nurturing the whole child through hands-on, nature-based, and arts-integrated learning, Maestra Flores creates calm, inclusive classrooms where every child feels safe to grow. Her blend of scientific knowledge and commitment to educational equity enriches our Spanish language program.
Spanish / Español
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.
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.
After Care
Patti Gelinas
After School Program Director
She/Her
Patti has a Bachelor’s in Performing Arts from Emerson College and a background in circus arts. She strives to create holistic programs where children feel welcome, nurtured and engaged with purposeful and fun activities. She sees after school as a time when children can relax, socialize, and engage in activities that offer outlets for their creativity and physicality. Her hobbies include juggling, crochet, guitar, singing, cooking and container gardening. She lives in the Mission with her two daughters, Nora and Tally, and their beloved dog Biddy.
Wendy Quinteros
Kindergarten Aftercare Teacher
She/Her
Mary Rose
Kindergarten Aftercare Teacher
She/Her
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.
Jenilyn Maglalang
Grades Aftercare Teacher
She/Her
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.
Patrick Smejkal
Substitute Aftercare Teacher
He/Him
Patrick is in the middle of a Masters of Arts in Teaching program at SF State. He previously worked with a small landscaping company for ten years and was the Director of the Landscape
Maintenance Department. He received his BA degree in Human Geography with a focus on Food & Water systems from SF State in 2010.