Meet Our 2024-25 Team!
Administrative Team
Claudia Lee — Executive Director
Claudia Lee is a Fulbright scholar who began her career in education as a founder of a school for 57 homeless children in Bogota, Colombia. She worked as an elementary and middle school teacher, language immersion coordinator, curriculum and content specialist, professional developer, teacher coach, and school principal. For the last six years, Claudia has worked as site director at Downtown Charter Academy where she won with her team the Distinguished School Award in 2021 and 2023 from the California Department of Education. Claudia holds a master degree in Writing from the City College of New York, a M. Ed. in Education, Curriculum, Instruction and Technology from Temple University, and a master in School Leadership from Arcadia University. As a published writer and translator, she received the Honorary Mention of the Book of the Americas Award for the book, Messengers of the Rain and Other Poems from Latin America. She also worked as the CEO of ASI, SAS, an environmental Consulting Company, where she learned about environmental laws and practices. Outside school, Claudia enjoys hiking and cooking with her husband, reading, writing, gardening, and listening to music; but what she loves most is traveling and chilling with her now grown up kids.
Minda Glynn — Director of Student Support
Kailly Chai — Director of Operations
I am new to the Francophone team this year! I am originally from Singapore and was a Chemistry and Math high school teacher for 6 years before moving to New York City almost 20 years ago. I have a Bachelor in Applied Science, Materials Engineering, from the Nayang Technological University in Singapore, as well as a Post Graduate Diploma in Education. In 2011, our family moved to the Bay Area and I started going back to work as a Registrar in Downtown Charter Academy. I have also worked as a Secretary in the Albany Unifed School District. Both jobs has equipped me with school operation skills like managing enrollment, finances, as well as being familiar with school compliances. I grew up bilingual (Mandarin and English) and am a full supporter of bilingual education! I raised my 3 girls fully biliterate and hope they speak other languages as well! I look forward to being part of the Francophone team and getting to know the amazing families in this diverse community.
Christophe Viret — Director of Lower School and French Immersion Program
Bonjour! My name is Christophe Viret, and I am excited to be Director of the Lower School at FCSO this year. I am French-American and grew up in the Bay Area. After earning my BA from Duke University, I taught Grades 1, 2, and 3 for nine years. During this time, I had the opportunity to teach at an international school in Lebanon while completing my Master’s degree in Education Administration at the American University of Beirut. The experience of immersing myself in a brand-new cultural environment where my perspectives, experiences, and beliefs usually differed from others’ deepened my interest in working across lines of difference in the field of international education. After four wonderful years abroad, I returned to California to teach Grade 1 at FCSO. I am looking forward to supporting Lower Campus teachers and students in my new role this year.
Gabriel Miller— Director of Upper School, Data, and Assessment
I have been part of the FCSO staff since 2020, previously teaching ELA/History. This year I will be the Director of the Upper School. I am very excited to work with the new leadership team and excel the school forward. I am originally from Melbourne, Australia and I was a high school History and Social Studies teacher. I have been living in the Bay Area since 2019 and have welcomed two new children to my family while living here. I look forward to another wonderful year of learning at FCSO with our amazing students and families.
Reinel Campa— Operations Manager
I am happy to be called the Operations Manager for Francophone for the 24-25 school year. My journey here began in 2021 with the BASC program doing art projects. For the past two years, I served as the office manager at the lower campus. It has been a joy to find my place in this community and contribute my special skills to the school. I have a Bachelor’s in Broadcast Production and a Masters in Organizational Management both in the greater Los Angeles area. I love creating art and experiences, playing music, and floating on the lake at Chabot.
Kenisha Patterson— Office & Facilities Manager - Upper Campus
Michelle Chau — Office Administrative Assistant - Lower Campus
Hello! I am Michelle Chau, the new Office Administrative Assistant at Francophone. I recently graduated from UC Irvine with two bachelor degrees in Public Health Policy and Social Ecology. For the last two years, I have worked at my school’s administrative office as well as working at a legal law firm temporarily. My goal is to ensure that every student feels supported and inspired, with a positive environment that fosters growth, creativity, and success. With that being said, I look forward to meeting all the parents and students at Francophone!
Ja Nay Stevenson— Lunch Services Upper Campus
Omar Calderon— Lunch Services Lower Campus & BASC Instructor
ocalderon@francophoneschool.org
I have been working in education for a little over a year and enjoy building community and meaningful relationships with students, especially through sports. After working at the upper campus doing BASC, I will now be joining the Francophone team at the lower campus, where I will be doing lunch/food services and continuing BASC. I am committed to creating a supportive and engaging environment for the students and look forward to another great year here with you all! During my free time I like to watch baseball or football and love playing games and learning new things. You can often find me looking at car parts or trying to improve my car. My hobbies are playing volleyball, voice acting, and even drawing or doing quick sketches. Once again, I look forward to another great year with you this 2024-2025 school year!
Lower Campus
Flora Rosillette - Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Teacher
frosillette@francophoneschool.org
Bonjour! I am Flora Rosillette and I come from France where I obtained my Master’s degree in primary education and where I taught for 3 years in Nantes. After this experience, I traveled for 2 years in Central America and eventually decided to conquer a new adventure in California. Since 2019, I have been teaching at Francophone 1st grades and TK, my favorite grade! The past year, I also decided to dive into my passion for learning and started a Montessori training to be certified. During my free time, I love practicing yoga, traveling, reading, and dancing on live music. This gives me much energy to give back to my students!
Rosia Butler - Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Aide
Charlotte Potie - Kindergarten (K) Teacher
Bonjour, my name is Charlotte. I am from Belgium. I grew up in Binche, a city that is known for its Carnival. I got my teaching degree in Belgium in 2008. I worked 2 years in elementary school, in Brussels. After that, I moved to China, in Beijing for seven years. I have taught at the French International School of Beijing, in the 3 grades of Kindergarten. China was a great experience for my professional and personal development. I learned Chinese language and culture. I am excited to start my seventh year living in Oakland and working at Francophone as a Kindergarten teacher. I spend my free time doing outdoor activities: hiking, kayaking. Yoga is part of my life. I also take time to meet my friends and discover together new places and new restaurants. And I love reading books.
Suzanne Bana - Kindergarten (K) Teacher
Danielle Payopay - Kindergarten (K) Aide
Eric Kezoh - 1st Grade Teacher
Hello! I am Eric Kezoh. I am from Cameroon. I obtained a Bachelor of Education degree in Curriculum Studies and Teaching from the University of Buea, Cameroon, in 2009. I started teaching in Les Champions Bilingual Institute in Yaounde Cameroon. In 2012 I move to South East Asia where I taught Kindergarten, elementary and College students in Thailand, Myanmar and Laos. After five years I moved back to Cameroon where I continued teaching at Rousseau International Bilingual School. This is my second year teaching in FCSO. Last year I was a long term substitute teacher for second grade and assistant teacher in Kindergarten. Teaching is my passion and I also like spending my free time playing soccer, swimming, dancing, cooking and meditating.
Daouda Tine - 1st Grade Teacher
Sylvère Boitel - 1st Grade Aide
Sarah Reberac - 2nd Grade Teacher
sreberac@francophoneschool.org
My name is Sarah, I am from Saint Malo (Brittany), on the north west coast of France. I began my academic journey in the United States, in South Carolina, where I successfully balanced my studies with a career as a tennis student-athlete. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology before returning to France to continue my education. Back in France, I obtained a Master’s degree in Teaching French as a Foreign Language (FLE), which enabled me to teach for four years in middle school, working primarily with non-native speakers. I helped these students adapt to their new linguistic and cultural environment, an experience I found incredibly rewarding. Three years ago, I decided to move back to the United States, in the Bay Area. Since then, I have taught 1st grade, and this year marks my second year teaching 2nd grade. Outside of school, I spend time with my family, caring for our little daughter, whom we welcomed in October 2023. I love visiting amusement parks and enjoying thrilling rides, as well as attending sporting events. I’m already looking forward to the LA 2028 Olympics!
Jana Willcock - 2nd Grade Teacher
Alexis Powell - TK-2nd English Teacher
Andre Johnson - Recess & P.E. Teacher
Upper Campus
Mélanie Combe - 3rd Grade Teacher
My name is Melanie. I’m from France, from the Lyon region. I’m teacher since 10 years in France. I taught all levels from kindergarten to 5th. I also taught for a year with students with disabilities. I’m very excited to join Francophone this year (in 3rd grade), to have a new teaching experience and to share my knowledge. I want every child to feel good and be happy to come to school to learn new things every day. I studied Spanish and Educational Sciences, so I speak French, Spanish and English (but not very well yet). I love traveling, hiking, reading, animals. I’m so happy to be here for discover the Bay area!
Angele Abanda - 3rd Grade Teacher
I am Angele Abanda, born and raised in Cameroon. After my bachelor degree, I studied the art and teaching method at “High teacher school training college” of the University of Yaounde 1 Cameroon. I taught in Cameroon for 15 years, from middle school to college. This year is my second year in Francophone where I teach 3rd grade. I am happy to be able to discover elementary classes, learn other teaching methods, and share my knowledge. To share with my students values like respect, responsibility, and the desire to progress and improve, has always been my goal.
Pauline Hirault - 4th Grade Teacher
phirault@francophoneschool.org
My name is Pauline. I was born in Reims, Champagne, in the North East of France. After High School I studied History and Law and worked in France as a Museum Curator. I moved to the U.S. in November 2013 and lived in Arizona (Tucson where I taught High school Art and History) and Ohio (Columbus where I taught 4th grade) for 18 months each. I moved to the bay in 2017 and I’ve worked at Francophone since 2020. I was a 2nd grade teacher for 3 years and I am now very excited about teaching 4th grade. I love hiking, trail running, taking film photography, going to metal/punk concerts and visiting Museums. I am very proud to be part of that great Francophone community.
Nadia Benachour - 4/5th Grade Combo Teacher
Bardou Olivier - 5th Grade Combo Teacher
Hello! Je suis Olivier Bardou, un des nouveaux professeurs de la FSCO. Je fus enseignant en Suisse, en France et en Australie. J’aime beaucoup voyager et je suis ravi de pouvoir découvrir la Californie et la bay area. Dans la vie, Je suis passionné par les animaux et la philosophie. J’ai hâte de pouvoir apprendre de nouvelles choses et partager des moments chaleureux avec vous tous!
Claire Hamard - 6th Grade: French, Math, Science; 7/8th Grade: Advisory, French, Elective
Bonjour! My name is Claire, I just joined the Francophone middle school team. I come from Rouen, Normandy, and have spent the last five years teaching French at the Lycee Francais of San Francisco, so I know the Bay Area pretty well already. Outside of school, I play music in a metal band and go to lots of concerts. I also love animals, cycling, writing and going on road trips. I’m very excited about this new adventure!
Silaty Mane - 6th-8th Grade Math & PE
Je me nomme Silaty MANÉ et je viens du Sénégal. J’ai étudié les Mathématiques et l’Informatique à l’Université Gaston Berger de Saint-Louis (UGB), les Sciences Mathématiques à l’African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS-SENEGAL) pour me spécialiser dans le domaine de l’Education en obtenant le Certificat d’Aptitude à l’Enseignement Secondaire (CAES) en Mathématiques à l’Université Cheikh Anta Diop (UCAD) de dakar. Je suis Professeur de Mathématiques au collège et au lycée et j’ai enseigné pendant 6 ans au Lycée de Sadel (Matam). Depuis tout petit, j’ai intégré l’école de football PEPINIERE SUD de Kolda (Sénégal) et j’ai gravi les échelons en jouant à tous les niveaux jusqu’à l’université. Je pratique plusieurs sports mais j’adore le Soccer. C’est un plaisir pour moi de faire partie de l’équipe francophone et de connaître cette diverse communauté très chaleureuse et très aimable.
Hannah Creasman - 6-8th English, Social Studies & Advisory
hcreasman@francophoneschool.org
I grew up in San Francisco and earned my bachelors in Education and English from Regis University in Denver, Colorado. I’ve loved getting to teach at Francophone the last few years, as our students continue to grow as critical scholars and empathetic readers.
Emma Botea - 3rd Grade English & 6-8th Electives
I hold a BA and a MA in English. My teaching experience extends over a span of more than twenty years. Prior to working as an English and ESL instructor at Quarry Lane School for six years, I taught English Composition, Developmental English, and English as a Second Language course at Ohlone College, Las Positas College, and Los Medanos College. In addition to English, I speak Romanian, Spanish, and some French. I am very passionate about teaching and I get a great deal of satisfaction from watching my students grow into avid readers and skillful writers. When I don’t teach, I love to read, go to theater, hike, shop, get together with friends, and travel. I have a Bichon Frise, Daisy, who is my best friend and companion. I truly adore her!
Special Education Team
Before After School Care (BASC) Team
Erika Cardona— Director of the BASC Program
ecardona@francophoneschool.org
I have over 20 years of experience working with children. Throughout my career, I have dedicated my time and efforts to setting children up for success both in and out of school. I am passionate about creating an environment that fosters the learning, growth, and development of young people. I believe that After School Programs can help children find their purpose, realize their potential, and make a positive impact on the world. My goal is to help children reach their full potential by providing them with the tools they need to succeed. I am deeply committed to creating a better future for the next generation and ensuring that these programs are available to as many young people as possible. I truly believe that these initiatives have the power to change lives and create a brighter tomorrow. In my free time, I love to immerse myself in books, spend time with my family, and donate produce to Oakland’s unsheltered community.
Blanca Ester— BASC Manager
Claudia Munoz— BASC Instructor
Ms. Claudia is a dedicated professional with over 12 years of experience working with children. She finds joy in the carefree nature of kids and appreciates how each interaction teaches her something new. Outside of her work, Ms. Claudia loves spending quality time with her family, enjoying the outdoors and creating lasting memories together. She also has a great passion for dance and reading.
Leslie Galdamez— BASC Instructor
I have lived in East Oakland for majority of my life. I attended Oakland public schools for my primary education and went on to UC Santa Cruz for some of my secondary education. I am a new face that will be joining Francophone this year. This will be my third year working in the educational field and I will be at the upper campus assisting with BASC. As someone who grew up being part of after school programs, I know how important it is for students to have additional support outside of regular school hours, whether is be social-emotional or academic help. I’m a creative individual who is eager to collaborate with my colleagues and also very excited to be a part of this new community. Can’t wait to create fun long-lasting memories with the students!
Abigail Cardona— BASC Instructor
acardona@francophoneschool.org
I am a BASC instructor who also assists with lunch supervision here at the lower campus. I’m passionate about building strong relationships with the students and families that we serve in our community. Raised in the Bay Area and now living in Oakland, I take pride in my Salvadorian and American heritage. In my free time, I enjoy music, creativity, and spending weekends with family and friends. I look forward to connecting with all the kids and families this year!