Programs

Meet the Residents: SFTR 2010-2011 Cohort

BCLAD Credential Candidates – Spanish, Elementary-Multiple Subjects

Joseph Merschdorf received his B.A. in Anthropology from the University of Arizona. Joseph spent two years in Santiago, Chile teaching English as a Second Language. Most recently he worked as a School Resources Coordinator for San Francisco Education Fund, where he placed numerous volunteers at schools throughout the San Francisco Unified School District.

Stephanie Peterson received her Bachelor of Science in Child and Adolescent Studies, with a minor in Spanish from California State University, Fullerton. While working on her degree, Stephanie worked as a bilingual instructional aide in a high school ELD classroom. After graduating, she worked at a private Catholic school in both an inclusion and second grade classroom.

Elementary-Multiple Subjects Credential Candidates

Danielle N. Casimiro received her B.A. in Liberal Studies from San Francisco State University where she served as a Resident Advisor for three years. Danielle taught in the YMCA’s first grade after school class at Visitacion Valley Elementary School. Additionally she was an art instructor at Camp Galileo in Belmont, California.

Enedina (Marisa) Leon graduated Cum Laude from the University of San Francisco with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. During this time she was part of the Dual Degree in Teaching Preparation program working on her teaching credential and Master of Arts in Teaching. Marisa is bilingual in Spanish. She has a strong passion for social justice issues, particularly around immigrant rights. She has worked with youth in Belize and served as a literacy tutor for a number of years.

Reese Ornellas graduated with highest honors from the University of California at Santa Cruz with a Bachelor’s in Cultural Anthropology. He spent a summer traveling extensively through China, teaching English to elementary and high school students. Reese also coordinated a supported employment program for adults with developmental disabilities. Outside of school, Reese enjoys photography, cycling, and spending time with his wife, friends, and family.

Molly Serra received her Bachelor of Arts in Politics from University of San Francisco, where she is currently participating in the Dual Degree in Teaching Preparation program to receive her Master of Arts in Teaching degree and Multiple Subject Credential. Molly has gained experience working with children of all ages. In addition to working in summer camps, she worked with Water Front, the Mission YMCA’s teen program. Molly also worked as an after school teacher at Cesar Chavez Elementary and a teacher’s assistant at Harvey Milk Elementary and Presidio Middle Schools. Struggling with ADD and dyslexia as a child, Molly has a deep understanding of the importance of making lessons accessible to students with different learning styles and needs.

Math Credential Candidates

Alex Larrimore attended Connecticut College where he received a B.A. in Computer Sciences. He later attended Boston University Law School. Alex is currently a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association. While in college Alex was the captain of the club soccer team, holding a position where he was responsible for taking care of a dormitory and its residents. Upon moving to San Francisco Alex began tutoring full time with Visitacion Valley Boys and Girls Club before joining SFTR. Alex is currently earning his Single Subject Preliminary Credential in Secondary Math.

Zack Miller received his B.A. from Vassar College, where he earned a 3.65 GPA. Zack played four years of NCAA baseball and served as the captain of the team during his senior year. Upon graduation Zack taught 7th and 8th grade math and technology classes at a private school where he also coached two sports. A San Francisco native, Zack also taught at Aim High, a San Francisco summer enrichment program, and coached high school baseball for many summers. Zack is currently enrolled in the Stanford Teacher Education Program where he is earning his credential and Master’s in Secondary Math Education.

Adriana Miu grew up in San Francisco and attended A.P. Giannini Middle School and George Washington High School. She recently graduated with a B.A. with Honors in Economics and a B.A. in Psychology from Stanford University. Before beginning her graduate work in the Stanford Teacher Education Program, Adrianna worked with students with ADHD, behavioral problems in an Oakland elementary school. Additionally she served as a counselor with the Stanford Youth Sciences Program working with youth who were active in gangs and who had been expelled from school. She is committed to working in the community in which she grew up. Adrianna is currently earning her Single Subject Preliminary Credential in Math.

Averel Wilson graduated Cum Laude from Princeton University. She then received an MBA from University of Chicago. Prior to enrolling with SFTR, Averel was co-founder, CEO and President of a successful Internet political satire business for many years. She served for five years on the Board of Directors of the San Francisco Education Fund and volunteered weekly at Bret Harte Elementary School for two years and for a semester at Visitacion Valley Middle School. Averel helped found TamTutoring.org which provides one-on-one and small group SAT prep for students who cannot otherwise afford individualized tutoring. She is currently serving on their Board.

Science Credential Candidates

Lianne Kim is a San Francisco native who attended Herbert Hoover Middle School and Lowell High School. She received a B.A. in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of California at Berkeley, and a Ph.D. in Immunology from the University of Washington. Lianne has volunteered in science classrooms in Seattle and San Francisco high schools. Her hobbies include backpacking and digital and film photography.

Ben Lowell received a Bachelor of Science Magna Cum Laude with honors in Biochemistry from Brown University. He was awarded a prestigious Woodrow Wilson Scholarship from Stanford University for his teacher education studies. A San Francisco native, Ben spent four summers teaching 8th grade chemistry to local middle school students as part of Summerbridge San Francisco, including one year as Dean of Students for the program. As a student teacher, he has been working in a 10th grade biology classroom at Mission High School where he has also helped start a mentoring club for immigrant youth.

Bryan Wasserman earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from University of Southern California. Since graduation Bryan has been involved in a number of community outreach and education-related pursuits. Most recently he has been working as a wellness instructor, trainer, and tennis coach. Bryan carries three key practices that he learned with this work into the classroom: keeping activities engaging, rooting plans in sound science, and believing in the success of his students.