I grew up in the desert, in the hot San Bernardino/Rialto area, located an hour east of Los Angeles. After graduating from high school, I moved to Atlanta, Georgia to attend Morehouse College, an all-male historically black liberal arts college. After completing my BA in African American Studies I intended to return to Southern California to work at my high school alma mater. However, intrigued by Branson's Gallard Fellowship and commitment to diversity and community service, I planned to take a one-year detour that has suddenly turned into 20. In addition to working in admissions, I play an active role in our inclusion/diversity initiatives. When I'm not at Branson, I'm spending time with my family and doing ministry in West Oakland. While I strive to be an all-around nice guy, I apologize in advance for the trash-talking alter ego that take over from April to June (aka NBA Playoffs time).GO LAKERS and WARRIORS!

I am a true Northern California girl, whose roots go back six generations in San Francisco! Although my entire family lives in the city, I was raised with my brother in Sonoma County. If it's sunny outside, you can catch me canoeing, backpacking, or just playing around in the outdoors. Despite my active lifestyle, I do have a passion for California cuisine, especially when it comes to figs, risotto, and chocolate mousse...yum! As a member of the first graduating class at Sonoma Academy, I hold a special place in my heart for private education and independent schools. After graduating, I continued to give back to SA by teaching a performance class and chaperoning class retreats, while also pursuing my BA in Theatre at Colorado College with a minor in Urban Art. Once I graduated college and entered the real world, I worked for four years as a recruiter for a summer camp company and directed one of their summer camps in Marin. In my seventh year at Branson, I could not be more thrilled to be a part of this community and work with the students. I look forward to getting to know the new families and supporting you through this exciting process!

Born to a Japanese mother and American father, I spent the first nine years of my childhood in London; the latter half was spent in Marin County. I attended Branson for high school along with my twin brother (go Bulls!). Since graduating from Branson, I have been incredibly fortunate to explore my love of learning, which consequently nurtured a passion for teaching. I earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Hawai’i in English and Political Science while also competing on the Varsity Sailing Team (go Rainbows!). Apparently one college degree was not enough for me; since graduating from UH, I earned three master’s degrees – in English, Teaching, and Education, respectively. I have been a middle school English Teacher in both Seattle and Oakland. I have also taught a variety of high school courses and college composition courses. After pursuing many different avenues within the field of Education, I value the perspective and experience I’ve gained. Because of my intersecting identities, I have been particularly drawn to diversity and equity issues within Education. When not at Branson, you can find me in the East Bay gardening, reading fantasy novels, and spending time with my toddler, partner, and our numerous cats and dog.