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Meet the Team

The People Behind
the Bridge

Notre Équipe

Our educators, administrators, and support staff bring the world’s Francophone traditions into Oakland classrooms — every single day.

—— School Leadership

Ambassadors of Global Francophonie

Our teaching staff embodies the international character of the French-speaking world. Our educators bring not just linguistic expertise, but lived experiences from across the globe — enriching students’ understanding of different cultures, perspectives, and ways of life.


From Dakar to Paris, from Quebec to Beirut, Francophone’s team is itself a bridge between Oakland and the world.

8+
Countries Represented
5+
Languages Spoken
100%
Credentialed Bilingual Educators
school leadership

Administation & Directors

Claudia Lee
Executive Director

Claudia Lee

🌐 Colombia

Claudia Lee is a Fulbright scholar and lifelong educator who began her career by founding a school for 57 homeless children in Bogotá, Colombia. She has since served as a teacher, curriculum specialist, coach, and principal. As Site Director at Downtown Charter Academy in Oakland, CA, she led her team to earn the California Distinguished School Award in 2021 and 2023. Now in her second year as Executive Director at Francophone, Claudia brings a deep commitment to multilingual education and equity. She holds master's degrees in Writing (City College of New York), Education and Technology (Temple University), and School Leadership (Arcadia University). A published writer and translator, she received an Honorable Mention from the Books of the Americas Award for Messengers of the Rain and Other Poems from Latin America. Before returning to education, Claudia was CEO of an environmental consulting firm, gaining expertise in sustainability and environmental policy. Outside of work, she loves hiking, cooking, reading, and traveling with her family.

claudia@francophoneschool.org
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Director of Operations

Kailly Chai

Originally from Singapore, Kailly was a high school Chemistry and Math teacher for six years before moving to New York City nearly 20 years ago. She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Materials Engineering from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, as well as a Postgraduate Diploma in Education. In 2011, Kailly and her family moved to the Bay Area and she returned to the workforce as a Registrar at Downtown Charter Academy. She has also worked as a Secretary in the Albany Unified School District. Both roles equipped her with valuable school operations experience, including managing enrollment, finances, and understanding school compliance. Kailly grew up bilingual (Mandarin and English) and is a strong advocate for bilingual education. She raised her three daughters to be fully biliterate and hopes they will go on to speak other languages as well. She is excited to be part of the Francophone team and looks forward to getting to know the wonderful families in this diverse community.

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Director of Lower School and French Immersion Program

Christophe Viret

Christophe Viret is the Director of the Lower School at FCSO. He is French-American and grew up in the Bay Area. After earning his BA from Duke University, he taught grades 1, 2, and 3 for nine years. During this time, he had the opportunity to teach at an international school in Lebanon and complete his Master's degree in Education Administration at the American University of Beirut. His experience of immersing in a new cultural environment where perspectives, experiences, and beliefs usually differed from others' deepened his interest in working across lines of difference in the field of international education. He is looking forward to continuing to lead and support Lower Campus teachers and students this year!

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Operations Manager

Reinel Campa

Reinel is a California native with a background in production for education and media. Her journey with Francophone began in 2021 with the BASC program, where she led art projects. From 2022-2024, she served as the Office Manager at the Lower Campus. She now oversees the lunch program, technology, and facilities for Francophone. Reinel holds a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Production and a Master's degree in Organizational Management, gained in the greater Los Angeles area. Reinel loves her family and enjoys picnicking, doodling, and watching Portrait Artist of the Year.

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Office & Facilities Manager – Upper Campus

Kenisha Patterson

Bio coming soon!

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Office Administrative Assistant – Lower Campus

Michelle Chau

Michelle Chau graduated from UC Irvine with two bachelor's degrees in Public Health Policy and Social Ecology. Over the past two years, she worked in the university's administrative office and also gained experience at a legal law firm on a temporary assignment. She has worked at Francophone for a year and is excited to be here for another. Her goal this year is to ensure that every student feels supported and inspired in a positive environment that fosters growth, creativity, and success.

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Lunch Lead Upper Campus

Ja Nay Stevenson

Bio coming soon!

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BASC Instructor & Lunch Lead Lower Campus

Claudia Munoz

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.

our educators

Teaching Staff

Representing the breadth and beauty of La Francophonie — from West Africa to Western Europe.

🇫🇷France 🇨🇦Canada 🇨🇲Cameroon 🇸🇳Senegal 🇧🇪Belgium 🇱🇧Lebanon 🇩🇿Algeria 🇳🇴Norway 🇺🇸USA
TK – 2nd Grade Lower Campus
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Transitional Kindergarten (TK A) Teacher

Danielle Payopay

Danielle is a proud Filipino and Bay Area Native, excited to start her first year teaching. Danielle graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and French. Currently, she is getting her Master of Arts in Teaching. Last year, Danielle was a Kindergarten Assistant helping students work on their French skills. Danielle’s goal is to help students feel welcome at school and foster an environment where students feel safe to learn. Outside of school, Danielle likes to spend time with friends and family, play ukulele, and read.

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Transitional Kindergarten (TK B) Teacher

Mélanie Combe

Melanie is from France and has been a teacher for more than 10 years. She studied Spanish and Educational Sciences at university and has a French Teaching Master’s Degree. She taught all levels of education from TK to 5th grade as well as a year with students with disabilities. During Melanie’s first year at Francophone, she taught 3rd grade and she is excited to teach TK this year. She loves transitional kindergarten and can’t wait to get back to this level because she taught Kinder and TK students in France for 5 years. Melanie wants every child to feel good and be happy to come to school to learn new things every day. She loves traveling, hiking, and discovering new places. Melanie is so happy to be here and to discover the Bay area every weekend!

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Transitional Kindergarten (TK B) Aide

Carmene Ngadjeu

Bio coming soon!

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Transitional Kindergarten (TK C) Teacher

Kira Rassifi

Kira is from France, where she taught for seven years in preschool, Kindergarten, and Elementary. She has a French Master’s degree in Teaching (MEEF). Kira recently joined Francophone and is delighted to be teaching a TK class this year. She is excited to be part of the team and to support her students in their discoveries and learning within a caring and dynamic environment. Her goal is for every child to feel happy to come to school and proud of their progress. Outside of school, Kira enjoys spending time with her family. This is her first year at Francophone, just like it is for her TK students. She says, “It will be a wonderful adventure that we will experience and build together.”

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Transitional Kindergarten (TK C) Aide

Rosia Butler

Born and raised in Oakland, CA, Mrs Butler brings heart, patience, and a deep love for early childhood education to the TK aide role. She brings with her 25 years of creative experience and support. With a natural ability to connect with young children, Mrs. Butler is passionate about supporting students during these important early learning years. Whether it’s helping with classroom activities, offering a kind word, or simply being a dependable presence, Mrs. Butler is committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and fun environment where every child can grow and thrive. In her free time, she loves to go fishing and she is passionate about holistic healing and creating with her oils.

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Kindergarten (K) Teacher

Charlotte Potie

Charlotte is from Belgium and grew up in Binche, a city that is known for its Carnival. She received her teaching degree in Belgium in 2008 and worked 2 years in Brussels teaching elementary. After that, Charlotte moved to Beijing, China for seven years. She taught at the French International School of Beijing, in the three grades of Kindergarten. China was a great experience for her professional and personal development. She learned Chinese language and culture. Charlotte is excited to begin her seventh year living in Oakland and working at Francophone as a Kindergarten teacher. She spends her free time doing outdoor activities: hiking, kayaking and yoga. She also takes time to meet friends and discover new places and new restaurants. She loves reading books!

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Kindergarten (K) Teacher

Suzanne Bana

Suzanne Bana is a dedicated teacher from Cameroon with over 10 years of experience teaching kindergarten through 5th grade. She holds an Associate degree in Biochemistry and a Bachelor’s in Cultural Anthropology from the University of Yaoundé I. Her passion for education led her to complete a diploma in elementary teaching, which marked the start of a meaningful career in the classroom. Her background reflects a strong commitment to student growth, especially in supporting second language learners through engaging, student-centered methods. Suzanne strives to create a safe and inclusive classroom where all students feel confident to learn. Outside of teaching, she enjoys cooking and spending time with her family.

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Kindergarten (K) Aide

Florian Combe

Florian is French, 34 years old, and grew up in central France near Lyon. He graduated in physiotherapy in 2015 and practiced the profession for 9 years in France. He arrived in the United States in 2024 with his wife Mélanie Combe, a TK teacher at Francophone. For the second year in a row, he is serving as a kindergarten classroom assistant. He enjoys working with children to help them develop and advance in their learning with kindness and empathy. Personally, he finds his experience to be the perfect opportunity to practice his English while sharing his native language with the students. He is passionate about sports (soccer, running, cycling) and traveling.

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1st Grade Teacher

Eric Kezoh

Eric Kezoh is from Cameroon. He obtained a Bachelor of Education degree in Curriculum Studies and Teaching from the University of Buea, Cameroon in 2009. He taught in Les Champions Bilingual Institute in Yaounde, Cameroon. In 2012, he moved to South East Asia where he taught Kindergarten, Elementary and College students in Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos. After five years, Eric moved back to Cameroon where he continued teaching at Rousseau International Bilingual School. This is his second year teaching at Francophone. Teaching is his passion and he likes spending his free time playing soccer, swimming, dancing, cooking and meditating.

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1st Grade Teacher

Daouda Tine

From the bustling streets of Dakar to the vibrant classrooms of Oakland, Daouda’s journey has been woven in two languages and shaped by many worlds. He holds a Master’s degree in Bilingual Education & American and Caribbean Studies from Cheikh Anta Diop University, with advanced online certifications from the University of Pennsylvania and the British Council. For over eight years, he has taught, led, and inspired learners across continents—designing bilingual curricula, leading FLE and ESL programs, translation work between cultures, and coaching both soccer and martial arts. Whether guiding a kindergartener’s first steps in literacy or crafting data-driven strategies for first graders and teaching adults, his goal is constant: to create spaces where curiosity thrives, languages become bridges, and every student feels seen and empowered. Education for M. Tine is more than a profession—it’s a craft, a dialogue, and a celebration of identity. He stands at the intersection of cultures, blending academic rigor, creativity, and empathy to nurture confident, resilient, and culturally aware learners. He has dedicated his past four years in the Francophone community to equipping future heroes and change-makers with the tools and knowledge they need.

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1st Grade Aide

Sylvère Boitel

Sylvere Boitel was born in the south west of France, near a town called Toulouse. He spent most of his adult life in Paris where he worked as a theater technician. He began his journey at Francophone two years ago. He lovse spending time in nature, reading, gardening, and wood working.

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2nd Grade Teacher

Sarah Reberac

Sarah is from Saint Malo (Brittany), on the Northwest coast of France. She began her academic journey in South Carolina where she successfully balanced her studies with a career as a tennis student-athlete. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology before returning to France to continue her education. Back in France, she obtained a Master’s degree in Teaching French as a Foreign Language (FLE), which enabled her to teach for four years in middle school, working primarily with non-native speakers. She helped these students adapt to their new linguistic and cultural environment, an experience she found incredibly rewarding. Three years ago, Sarah decided to move back to the United States. Since then, she has taught 1st grade. This year marks her second year teaching 2nd grade. Outside of school, Sarah spends time with her family and new daughter, whom she welcomed in October 2023. Sarah loves visiting amusement parks and enjoying thrilling rides, as well as attending sporting events. She’s already looking forward to the LA 2028 Olympics!

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2nd Grade Teacher

Jana Willcock

Jana is originally from Santa Rosa, CA and began learning French in high school. She enjoyed the experience so much that she earned a B.A. and an M.A. in French. Jana also taught English in France after her studies. She has been a part of the Francophone family since the second year it opened, and two of her children are Francophone graduates! This will be her 6th year teaching 2nd grade. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time outside with my family.

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Recess & P.E. Teacher

Andre Johnson

Bio coming soon!

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LC English, PE & ELD Teacher

Johnny Missoup

Johnny is the proud father of Evelyn and James Missoup, students in grades 3 and 5. He recently made the career pivot back to teaching after an almost 2o year pause and looks forward to enriching himself and the students with a fun, immersive, and creative curriculum.

3rd – 8th Grade Upper Campus
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3rd Grade Teacher

Nadyne Ndjoke Yetna

Nadyne is excited to be back at Francophone Charter School after serving for three years. Since 2008, she has had the opportunity to teach in diverse educational settings across Ivry-sur-Seine in France, Douala in Cameroon, and in the U.S, including Minnesota, San Francisco, and Hayward. Her experience spans working with students from elementary through college to adult learners, in roles such as teacher, curriculum facilitator, and extracurricular programs, with a strong focus on bilingual instruction. Nadyne holds a Master degree in Education and a Bachelor Degree in History. Outside the classroom, she enjoys spending quality time with her family, as well as singing and cooking. She is looking forward to a fun-filled and productive year with 3rd grade!

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3rd Grade Teacher

Angele Abanda

Angele Abanda was born and raised in Cameroon. After her bachelors degree, she studied the Art and Teaching method at “High School Teacher Training College” of the University of Yaounde 1 Cameroon. She taught in Cameroon for 15 years, from middle school to college. This year is her second year at Francophone where she teaches 3rd grade. She is happy to be able to discover elementary classes, learn other teaching methods, and share her knowledge. Her goal has always been to share with students values like respect, responsibility, and the desire to progress and improve.

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4/5th Grade Combo Teacher

Nadia Benachour

Nadia Benachour is a French educator and researcher with a Ph.D. in French and Francophone Studies. She has taught in Algeria, France, and the United States, and she is passionate about bilingual education, cultural exchange, and innovative approaches to language learning.

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6th Grade: French, Math, Science; 7/8th Grade: Advisory, French, Elective

Claire Hamard

Claire joined the Francophone middle school team last year. She was born and raised in Rouen, Normandie. She studied in Paris and worked for a few years in cultural mediation, journalism and publishing. She started teaching in 2015 and fell in love with the profession. Claire taught four years in Normandie as a middle and high school French teacher, then she had the chance to work at the Lycee Francais of San Francisco where she worked for five years. Outside of school, Claire plays music in a band and goes to a lot of concerts. She also love animals, cycling, writing, and going on road trips. I’m very excited about this new school year!

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6th-8th Grade Math & 6th Grade Science

Silaty Mané

Silaty Mané is from Senegal. He studied Mathematics and Computer Science at the Gaston Berger University of Saint-Louis (UGB), then Mathematical Sciences at the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS-SENEGAL). Silaty specialized in the field of Education by obtaining the Certificate of Aptitude for Secondary Education (CAES) in Mathematics at Cheikh Anta Diop University (UCAD) in Dakar. He is a middle and high school Mathematics teacher and taught for six years at the Sadel High School (Matam). Since he was very young, he joined the PEPINIERE SUD soccer school in Kolda (Senegal) and climbed the ranks, playing at all levels up to university. Silaty plays several sports but loves soccer the most. It is a pleasure for him to be a part of the French-speaking team and to know this diverse, warm, and very kind community.

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6-8th English, Social Studies & Advisory

Hannah Creasman

Hannah grew up in San Francisco and earned her bachelors degree in Education and English from Regis University in Denver, Colorado. She has loved getting to teach at Francophone the last few years, as the students continue to grow as critical scholars and empathetic readers. They are most certainly the reason I am excited to come to work every day!

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ELA Teacher

Jessica LaFave

Jessica Lafave was born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. She is in her fourth year of teaching at French Immersion schools, with experience in both French and English at the elementary and high school levels. Jessica studied History and Elementary Education at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, while playing Lacrosse at the collegiate level. Outside of school, she has a passion for healthy and active living and coaching youth sports. She is honored to have the opportunity to teach, learn and grow alongside the FCSO students and community. She looks forward to building lifelong and resilient bilingual learners.

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French Teaching Intern

Victorine Berbonde

Bio coming soon!

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5th Grade Teacher and Social Studies

Rémi Tabanji

Rémi was born and raised in Lebanon. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Pure Mathematics and a master’s degree in Education. With 16 years of experience in teaching and coordinating mathematics at the high school level, she is deeply committed to supporting students in reaching their full potential. Rémi believes that learning should be engaging and enjoyable, and she strives to create a positive, encouraging classroom environment where every student feels confident, valued, and inspired to succeed. Outside of school, she loves spending time with her family, exploring nature, and traveling to experience new cultures.

Student Support

Special Education Team

Specialists, counselors, and paraeducators who make sure every learner is seen, supported, and set up to thrive.

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Director of Student Support

Minda Glynn

Bio coming soon!

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School Counselor

Meridith Anne Baldwin

Meridith Anne Baldwin holds an MA in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Expressive Arts from California Institute of Integral Studies, an MFA in Ensemble Based Physical Theatre from Dell’Arte International School of Physical Theatre, and a BA in Theatre and Dance from Western Washington University. As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and an Expressive Arts Therapist, she works with children and adults individually and in groups, as well as with the entire family system. Prior to joining Francophone, she served as a middle school counselor in Richmond and as a high school counselor in San Francisco. At Francophone, Meridith Anne will help students navigate the social and emotional challenges of childhood and adolescence as they learn to understand/name/regulate their feelings, communicate their needs with others, and as they develop the skills of self-advocacy in social and academic settings. Meridith Anne enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and being in nature.

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Upper School Paraeducator

Leslie Galdamez

Leslie has lived in East Oakland for the majority of her life. She attended Oakland public schools for her primary education and went on to UC Santa Cruz for some of her secondary education. This is Leslie’s third year working in the educational field. She previously worked at the upper campus in the BASC program and now serves as a paraprofessional for the Upper campus. As someone who grew up being part of after school programs, Leslie knows how important it is for students to have additional support outside of regular school hours, whether it is social-emotional or academic help. Leslie is a creative individual who is eager to collaborate with her colleagues and very excited to be a part of this new community. She can’t wait to create fun long-lasting memories with the students!

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Lower School Paraeducator

Jose Zuno

Jose Zuno is a dedicated educator bringing over five years of experience working with after-school programs. Passionate about helping students overcome obstacles and achieve their goals, Jose has a strong commitment to supporting young learners. Having lived in Oakland all his life, Jose is excited to begin his first year at Francophone as a paraeducator, and looks forward to collaborating with the staff to create a positive and enriching environment for all students.

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Speech

Anthea Charlemagne

Anthea Charlemagne holds a master’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology. She has extensive experience working with children and young adults from 18 months -21 years of age supporting a wide range of communication needs. She has developed particular expertise in working with individuals with autism spectrum disorder, down syndrome, and other neurological and developmental differences and/or disorders. She is dedicated to a strengths based, neurodiviersity-affirming approach that values all forms of communication– spoken, gestural and augmentative or alternative communication (AAC). Originally from Miami, Anthea has lived and worked at children’s hospitals both in Baltimore and Philadelphia before relocating to California.

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Orientation and Mobility Specialist

Yvonne West

Bio coming soon!

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Occupational Therapist

Margaret Maceda

Bio coming soon!

BASC

Before & After School Care

Our BASC team keeps the Francophone spirit going from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm — with enrichment, homework help, and play.

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Director of Student Support

Minda Glynn

Bio coming soon!

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School Counselor

Meridith Anne Baldwin

Meridith Anne Baldwin holds an MA in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Expressive Arts from California Institute of Integral Studies, an MFA in Ensemble Based Physical Theatre from Dell’Arte International School of Physical Theatre, and a BA in Theatre and Dance from Western Washington University. As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and an Expressive Arts Therapist, she works with children and adults individually and in groups, as well as with the entire family system. Prior to joining Francophone, she served as a middle school counselor in Richmond and as a high school counselor in San Francisco. At Francophone, Meridith Anne will help students navigate the social and emotional challenges of childhood and adolescence as they learn to understand/name/regulate their feelings, communicate their needs with others, and as they develop the skills of self-advocacy in social and academic settings. Meridith Anne enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and being in nature.

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Upper School Paraeducator

Leslie Galdamez

Leslie has lived in East Oakland for the majority of her life. She attended Oakland public schools for her primary education and went on to UC Santa Cruz for some of her secondary education. This is Leslie’s third year working in the educational field. She previously worked at the upper campus in the BASC program and now serves as a paraprofessional for the Upper campus. As someone who grew up being part of after school programs, Leslie knows how important it is for students to have additional support outside of regular school hours, whether it is social-emotional or academic help. Leslie is a creative individual who is eager to collaborate with her colleagues and very excited to be a part of this new community. She can’t wait to create fun long-lasting memories with the students!

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Lower School Paraeducator

Jose Zuno

Jose Zuno is a dedicated educator bringing over five years of experience working with after-school programs. Passionate about helping students overcome obstacles and achieve their goals, Jose has a strong commitment to supporting young learners. Having lived in Oakland all his life, Jose is excited to begin his first year at Francophone as a paraeducator, and looks forward to collaborating with the staff to create a positive and enriching environment for all students.

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Speech

Anthea Charlemagne

Anthea Charlemagne holds a master’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology. She has extensive experience working with children and young adults from 18 months -21 years of age supporting a wide range of communication needs. She has developed particular expertise in working with individuals with autism spectrum disorder, down syndrome, and other neurological and developmental differences and/or disorders. She is dedicated to a strengths based, neurodiviersity-affirming approach that values all forms of communication– spoken, gestural and augmentative or alternative communication (AAC). Originally from Miami, Anthea has lived and worked at children’s hospitals both in Baltimore and Philadelphia before relocating to California.

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Orientation and Mobility Specialist

Yvonne West

Bio coming soon!

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Occupational Therapist

Margaret Maceda

Bio coming soon!

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