Meet Our 2024-25 Team!
Administrative Team
Claudia Lee — Executive Director
Claudia Lee is a Fulbright Scholar who began her career in education as the founder of a school for 57 homeless children in Bogotá, Colombia. Over the years, she has served in various roles, including elementary and middle school teacher, language immersion coordinator, curriculum and content specialist, professional developer, teacher coach, and school principal. For the past six years, Claudia has worked as the Site Director at Downtown Charter Academy, where she and her team earned the California Department of Education’s Distinguished School Award in both 2021 and 2023. She holds a Master’s degree in Writing from the City College of New York, an M.Ed. in Curriculum, Instruction, and Technology from Temple University, and a Master’s degree in School Leadership from Arcadia University. As a published writer and translator, Claudia received an Honorary Mention from the Book of the Americas Award for Messengers of the Rain and Other Poems from Latin America. She also served as CEO of ASI, SAS, an environmental consulting company, where she gained experience in environmental laws and practices. Outside of school, Claudia enjoys hiking and cooking with her husband, as well as reading, writing, gardening, and listening to music. But what she loves most is traveling and relaxing with her now-grown children.
Minda Glynn — Director of Student Support
Kailly Chai — Director of Operations
Kailly Chai is new to the Francophone team this year. Originally from Singapore, she 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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Christophe Viret — Director of Lower School and French Immersion Program
Christophe Viret is excited to be the Director of the Lower School at FCSO this year. He is French-American and grew up in the Bay Area. After earning his BA from Duke University, Christophe taught Grades 1, 2, and 3 for nine years. During this time, he had the opportunity to teach at an international school in Lebanon while completing his Master’s degree in Education Administration at the American University of Beirut. The experience of immersing himself in a brand-new cultural environment—where his perspectives, experiences, and beliefs often differed from those of others—deepened his interest in working across lines of difference in the field of international education. After four wonderful years abroad, Christophe returned to California to teach Grade 1 at FCSO. He is now looking forward to supporting Lower Campus teachers and students in his new role this year.
Alex Webster— Director of Upper School, Data, and Assessment
awebster@francophoneschool.org
Alex Webster was born in the Bay Area and attended Reed College and UC Santa Cruz, where she graduated cum laude with a B.A. in Sociology and became a member of Phi Beta Kappa. In 2007, she moved to New York City, where she earned an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from The New School and an M.Ed. in Special Education from City College of New York. As a NYC Teaching Fellow, Alex taught for four years in Spanish Harlem. In 2012, she returned to California and became the director of an inclusive developmental preschool program. She earned her California teaching credential in 2014 and began teaching at Oakland High School in 2015. After eight more years in the classroom working with students with disabilities, she earned her Administrative Credential from Arkansas State University and became an administrator at a small charter school in deep East Oakland in 2022. Alex joined Francophone Charter as the Director of Upper Campus in 2024.
Reinel Campa— Operations Manager
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. It has been a joy for her to find her place in this community and contribute her unique skills to the school. Reinel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Production and a Master’s degree in Organizational Management, both earned in the greater Los Angeles area. She loves 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
Michelle Chau recently graduated from UC Irvine with two bachelor’s degrees in Public Health Policy and Social Ecology. Over the past two years, she worked in her university’s administrative office and also gained experience at a legal law firm on a temporary assignment. Michelle’s goal is to ensure that every student feels supported and inspired in a positive environment that fosters growth, creativity, and success. She looks 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
Omar has been working in education for over a year and enjoys building community and meaningful relationships with students, especially through sports. After working at the Upper Campus with the BASC program, he now supports the lunch/food program at the lower school while continuing his work with BASC. Omar is committed to creating a supportive and engaging environment for students. In his free time, he enjoys watching baseball or football, playing games, and learning new things. He can often be found looking at car parts or working to improve his car. His hobbies include playing volleyball, voice acting, and drawing or doing quick sketches.
Lower Campus
Flora Rosillette - Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Teacher
frosillette@francophoneschool.org
Flora Rosillette comes from France, where she obtained her Master’s degree in Primary Education and taught for three years in Nantes. After that experience, she spent two years traveling through Central America before embarking on a new adventure in California. Since 2019, Flora has been teaching 1st grade and TK at Francophone—her favorite grade! This past year, she also pursued her passion for learning by beginning Montessori training to become certified. In her free time, Flora enjoys practicing yoga, traveling, reading, and dancing to live music. These passions fuel her energy and enthusiasm for teaching and giving back to her students.
Rosia Butler - Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Aide
Charlotte Potie - Kindergarten (K) Teacher
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!
Suzanne Bana - Kindergarten (K) Teacher
Danielle Payopay - Kindergarten (K) Aide
Florian Combe - Kindergarten (K) Aide
Eric Kezoh - 1st Grade Teacher
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.
Daouda Tine - 1st Grade Teacher
Daouda Tine is from Senegal and he graduated from Cheikh Anta DIOP University of Dakar with a Masters degree in Bilingual Ed and American and Caribbean Studies. He received certifications from Pennsylvania University in assessment of English Language Learners (Feb 2022) and from the British Council in Teaching Pathways: How to Teach Speaking (Feb 2022). He served as an ESL lead teacher in College Jean de la Fontainefor two years and was also was in charge of sport instruction (self-defense, kung-fu and gymnastic) and bilingual teaching in the Institution Bilingue Montessori (Les Almadies/Dakar 2017-2022). From 2018-2020, he worked as a translator and interpreter in the West African Research Center. This is my third exciting year in Francophone Charter School of Oakland. He taught kindergarten and is now teaching 1st grade.
Sylvère Boitel - 1st Grade Aide
Sarah Reberac - 2nd Grade Teacher
sreberac@francophoneschool.org
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!
Jana Willcock - 2nd Grade Teacher
Alexis Powell - TK-2nd English Teacher
Andre Johnson - Recess & P.E. Teacher
Upper Campus
Mélanie Combe - 3rd Grade Teacher
Melanie is from the Lyon region of France. She has been a teacher for 10 years in France, teaching all levels from kindergarten to 5th. She also taught students with disabilities for a year. Melanie is very excited to join Francophone this year, to have a new teaching experience, and to share my knowledge. She wants every child to feel good and be happy to come to school to learn new things every day. She studied Spanish and Educational Sciences and speaks French, Spanish and English (but not very well yet). She loves traveling, hiking, reading, and animals. Melanie is so happy to be here and to discover the Bay area!
Angele Abanda - 3rd Grade Teacher
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.
Pauline Hirault - 4th Grade Teacher
phirault@francophoneschool.org
Pauline was born in Reims, Champagne, in the North East of France. After high school, Pauline studied History and Law and worked in France as a Museum Curator. She moved to the U.S. in November 2013 and lived in Tucson, Arizona (taught high school Art and History) and Columbus, Ohio (taught 4th grade) for 18 months each. She moved to the Bay Area in 2017 and has worked at Francophone since 2020. Pauline was a 2nd grade teacher for three years and is now very excited about teaching 4th grade. Pauline loves hiking, trail running, taking film photography, going to metal/punk concerts and visiting museums. She is very proud to be part of the great Francophone community.
Nadia Benachour - 4/5th Grade Combo Teacher
Bardou Olivier - 5th Grade Teacher
Olivier Bardou is a new teacher at Francophone Charter School. His teaching career spans several countries including Switzerland, France and Australia. Olivier really enjoy traveling and is delighted to be able to discover California and the Bay Area. He is passionate about animals and philosophy. Olivier is looking forward to learning about and sharing memorable moments with students at this great school!
Claire Hamard - 6th Grade: French, Math, Science; 7/8th Grade: Advisory, French, Elective
Claire is from Rouen, Normandy and has spent the last five years teaching French at the Lycee Francais of San Francisco. Outside of school, Claire plays music in a metal band and go to lots of concerts. She also loves animals, cycling, writing and going on road trips. Claire is very excited about this new adventure!
Silaty Mane - 6th-8th Grade Math & PE
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.
Hannah Creasman - 6-8th English, Social Studies & Advisory
hcreasman@francophoneschool.org
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.
Gwendolyne Dekon - Substitute Teacher
Gwendolyne is excited to bring her experience and passion for teaching to Francophone Charter School. Originally from French Guiana, she has spent eight years teaching middle and high school students in France. Her experience includes organizing events like Christmas markets, International Language Day, and carnivals, as well as leading cultural dance classes and coordinating international trips and Erasmus+ projects.
Gwendolyne is eager to teach in the U.S. for its strong education system and rich diversity, which offers great opportunities for personal and professional growth. Immersing in this new world and culture fuels her passion for challenges and further enhances her teaching skills. She looks forward to making a meaningful impact and fostering cross-cultural understanding through education in the U.S.
Special Education Team
Daniela Bernstein— School Counselor
dbernstein@francophoneschool.org
Daniela Bernstein (they/them) is excited to join FCSO as the school counselor for the ’24-’25 school year. Daniela brings a background in education to the role, having previously worked as an educator at Downtown Charter Academy in Oakland for nearly five years. Daniela earned their M.S.W. at Smith College School for Social Work and received their B.A. from Stanford University. The school-wide goal of fostering a sense of belonging for everyone is particularly galvanizing to Daniela- they believe in collective liberation and that none of us are free until all of us are free, and Daniela aims to work towards that in all ways. Daniela looks forward to supporting the Francophone students, promoting social-emotional learning, and getting to know all FCSO learners, families, and staff. When Daniela is not at school, they like to take long neighborhood walks, attempt elaborate baking projects, and cook for loved ones. They would love to hear about your favorite dessert spot in the Bay!
Ella Knox - Special Education Teacher
Ella grew up in the South Bay Area and spent a lot of her childhood in Canada where her family lives. Ella currently lives in San Francisco, where she received her BA in Psychology at the University of San Francisco. She is now working towards her MA in Special Education, which she will complete this spring! This is Ella’s third year teaching at FCSO, and she is thrilled to continue supporting the growth and success of the community and students.
Jose Zuno- Lower School Paraeducator
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.
Naqada Rowland - Behavior Support Specialist - Upper School
Nathalie Sanchez - Speech and Language Pathologist
Cathy Yaghi - Speech and Language Pathology Assistant
This is Cathy Yaghi (she/her)’s fourth school year working with Francophone, her seventh year in Speech Therapy, and her twentieth year in education. She has spent most of that time tailoring individual supports to students ranging from children as young as three to seventeen. Cathy is a mother of one. Her daughter is currently going to school at San Jose State. Outside of school, Cathy enjoys playing board games with friends, attending theatre or music events, and traveling with her family.
Margaret Maceda - Occupational Therapist
Before & After School Care
Erika Cardona— Director of the BASC Program
ecardona@francophoneschool.org
Erika has over 20 years of experience working with children. Throughout her career, she has dedicated her time and efforts to setting children up for success both in and out of school. She is passionate about creating an environment that fosters the learning, growth, and development of young people. Erika believes that After School Programs help children find their purpose, realize their potential, and make a positive impact on the world. Her goal is to help children reach their full potential by providing them with the tools they need to succeed. She is 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. She believes that these initiatives have the power to change lives and create a brighter tomorrow. In her free time, Erika loves to immerse herself in books, spend time with her family, and donate produce to Oakland’s unsheltered community.
Blanca Bustamante-Zamora— BASC Manager
Claudia Munoz— BASC Instructor
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
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. She is a new face joining Francophone this year and fills many roles confidently. This will her third year working in the educational field. She works at the upper campus in the BASC program. 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!
Abigail Cardona— BASC Instructor
acardona@francophoneschool.org
Abby is a BASC instructor who also assists with lunch supervision at the lower campus. She is passionate about building strong relationships with students and families in the Francophone community. Raised in the Bay Area and now living in Oakland, she takes pride in her Salvadorian and American heritage. In her free time, Abby enjoys music, creativity, and spending weekends with family and friends. She looks forward to connecting with all the kids and families this year!