A new school year is also a chance to welcome new faculty and staff to the Dragon community. “We are delighted with the talented and dedicated professionals who join the O’Dowd community, ready to embrace our mission and charism,” shares President Kim Walsh. “Since joining us, they have already brought so much joy and care to our community.” Read below to learn more about our newest faculty and staff, all of whom are committed to O’Dowd’s mission of building a most just, joyful, and sustainable world.
Sarah Abreu | Librarian
Sarah joins O’Dowd as a Librarian, bringing 19 years of education and library experience. She enjoys helping every member of the O’Dowd community utilize the library to serve their academic needs and personal interests. It brings her particular joy to help students answer questions they sometimes didn’t know they were asking.
Meredith Barnidge | Drama Program Manager
Originally from Saint Louis, Missouri, Meredith joins O'Dowd's Fine and Performing Arts Department as the Drama Program Manager. She sees her work as her vocation and wants her students to see that drama classes are more than learning performing arts skills, but also about learning important skills for any career beyond high school. In her free time, Meredith enjoys reading dystopian fiction, watching live performances, and being a member of the Raider Nation!
Megan Cannon | Alumni Giving & Engagement Associate
Megan joins O'Dowd's Development Team as the Alumni Giving & Engagement Associate. She holds a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice, Pre-Law. In her spare time, Megan enjoys watching Modern Family, painting, hiking, and traveling. She whitewater rafts in Idaho every summer, and her favorite travel destination is France.
Claire Chaix '16 | Choir Teacher
Claire is back at O'Dowd as our choir teacher. She holds a Bachelor of Music from the Berklee College of Music, and sees the arts as a place for students to discover their talents, learn life skills, and grow. In her free time, Clair enjoys cross-stitching and discovering new ways to make salads. In addition to voice, Claire plays piano, organ, cello, and viola. She hopes to learn mandolin, too!
Corey Chan | Sustainability Programs Coordinator
Corey joins the Creation Care Team as the Sustainability Programs Coordinator. She works in education to help facilitate deep connections to the natural world and one another. In her free time, Corey enjoys being surrounded by nature, crafting, camping, wild foraging, and kayaking.
Tiara Cobbins | Athletic Trainer
Originally from Oakland, Tiara joins us as an athletic trainer. She has a Bachelor’s in Kinesiology with a concentration in sports medicine, a minor in nutrition, and a Master’s in athletic training. Tiara's favorite foods include all kinds of noodles—ramen, spaghetti, etc. She's proud of the fact that she once camped in Joshua Tree.
Mondo Diaz | Director of Equity and Belonging
Mondo brings 20+ years of education experience to O'Dowd as the Director of Equity and Belonging. Mondo loves the power of connection and opportunities to support students as they grow. In his free time Mondo enjoys running, including being involved in the running community.
Nicole Elliot | Social Studies Teacher
Originally from the East Bay, Nicole has joined our Social Studies Department. She credits her high school teachers with changing the trajectory of her life and hopes to pay that forward as a teacher to her students. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with her kids, being with animals, and reading.
Yolanda Harris | Campus Security Manager
Yolanda is an Oakland native and has 27 years of experience in law enforcement and public safety. She earned her Bachelor’s in Communications from CSU East Bay, has an enthusiasm for fitness, and enjoys spending quality moments with her friends and family.
Gabriel Hirsh | Social Studies Teacher
Gabriel joins O'Dowd in the Social Studies Department and is excited to teach US History, Intro to Law, and the Holocaust. He believes in facilitating authentic projects for students and providing an important context for modern social issues. In his free time, Gabriel enjoys watching football, hiking, doing yoga, and grilling.
Joshua Grosswirth | Director of Leadership and Planned Giving
Josh is excited to join the O'Dowd community in the Development Department, where he will lead planned giving. Josh received a Bachelor of Science from Boston College, and in his free time he enjoys fishing, camping, surfing, cooking, and playing basketball.
Jon Ray A. Guevara | Social Studies Teacher
Jon Ray joins our Social Studies Department with great excitement for the year ahead. He believes students should feel loved and supported so they can achieve their goals. As a teacher, Jon Ray gives students the skills to review history with a critical eye. In his free time, Jon Ray visits national parks, tries new food, and hangs out with friends.
Mark Kushner '01 | Social Studies Teacher
Mark returns to O'Dowd as a member of the Social Studies Department, teaching AP Psychology. Mark is incredibly grateful for the teachers he had while a student at O'Dowd and is excited to pay it forward to his own students. In his free time, Mark enjoys being with his family, skiing, backpacking, finding new recipes, and traveling internationally.
Michelle Lynch | Dance Teacher
Michelle joins O’Dowd this spring as our dance teacher. Her favorite food is French Fries. This November she'll be on a safari in Africa. She has said yes to every activity EXCEPT shark diving since she's scared of the ocean.
Robert Mahoney | Data Analyst and Administrator
Originally from San Jose, Rob joins the Tech Department as a Data Analyst and Administrator. Rob holds a Bachelor of Arts in Physics from the University of Virginia, a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Education from Santa Clara University, and a Master of Science in Business Analytics from the University of Texas.
Mary McInerney | Director of Technology, Data and Innovation
Mary joins O'Dowd as the Director of Technology, Data, and Innovation. Raised in Oakland, Mary earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Purdue and a Master of Education from Southern Methodist University. Mary is inspired by students' curiosity and resilience, which reminds her of the joy and transformative power of teaching and learning. Besides cheering on the Purdue Boilermakers, Mary enjoys being with her family, hiking, reading, and sailing.
Savannah Robinson '12 | Science Teacher
Savannah Robinson ’12 returns to O'Dowd as a science teacher. Savannah graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from UC Santa Cruz. She enjoys working with teenagers and helping them grow, learn, and discover themselves. In her free time, Savannah enjoys hiking, backpacking, reading, and playing volleyball.
Jennifer Seavey | Debate Coach
Jennifer joins O'Dowd as our Debate Coach. She holds a Master's in Education from the University of Virginia and loves to empower her students to feel confident in themselves. In her free time, she enjoys being with her five grandchildren, attending the opera, watching baseball, and traveling.
Mallory Servais | Anawim Program Coordinator
A proud dog mom, Mallory holds a BA in Anthropology from the University of Maryland, and a Master’s in Peace and Human Rights Education from Teachers College at Columbia University. In her free time, Mallory participates and performs in a Balinese Gamelan musical ensemble. She is also an avid long-distance runner and will be in her second 100-mile race in November.
Dennis Taylor | Math Teacher
Originally from Sacramento, Dennis holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from UC Davis and is joining our Math Department. He has a passion for helping students see the beauty and power of math. When he can, Dennis enjoys listening to music.
Aileen Throne | Chief Financial Officer
Aileen Throne is excited to join O'Dowd as our Chief Financial Officer. Originally from Michigan, Aileen brings more than 15 years of experience in financial strategy. At home, she enjoys baking, watching sports, and hiking with her family and her dog Maverick.
Anjelica Tynes | Career Counselor, Academic Support Liaison
Anjelica Tynes is joining O'Dowd as the Career Counselor and Academic Support Liaison. She has a BS in Adolescent to Young Adult Mathematics Education from Central State University and an MEd in Secondary Education from Towson University. She enjoys supporting students as they overcome obstacles and see how God has called them to use their gifts. In her free time, Anjelica enjoys hula hooping, double-dutching, hiking, and traveling.
Tony Van Houten | Database Associate
Originally from South Carolina, Tony Van Houten is the new Database Assistant in the Development Department. Tony received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from San Diego State University.
EJ Walls ’11 | English Teacher
EJ joins the English Department this year. EJ received his Bachelors in Communications and Minor in Spanish from San Diego State University. He believes in the inherent brilliance of young people and finds joy in facilitating their process of self-discovery. EJ enjoys sports, hip hop, traveling, and trying new foods. EJ is a hip hop artist and spoken word poet.
Tala York | Director of Events
Tala York is our new Director of Events in the Development Department. Tala received her BS in Marketing from California State University Sacramento. and her MBA from Syracuse University. She believes in the power of good company, good food, good coffee, and staying active to live a balanced and fulfilling life. In her late teens, Tala was a professional ballerina with the Sacramento Ballet. When not at work, Tala teaches spin and barre classes at a gym in Walnut Creek.
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