Meet the Team
Dedicated Educators
Maia Gallo
Head of School
Maia held a teaching position at The Lake School for four years before taking the leadership role in 2020. She has worked with children of all ages in various teaching and caregiving positions for over 25 years. Her years in the field, Master's in Early Childhood Education, yoga teacher training, and Connection Practice certification all influence her guidance of the children and staff. She is passionate about the rights of childhood, play-based education, social-emotional learning and equity issues. She very much enjoys caring for The Lake School community of children, teachers, parents and pets.
Teacher Steph
Blue Jay Co-Teacher
Site Supervisor
Teacher Steph joined The Lake School in 2017 and immediately became loved by students, faculty and parents alike. She is passionate about animals, nature and all outdoor activities and enjoys sharing these experiences with her students. Teacher Steph has been also been declared our "Play Expert" as it is always hard to tell who is having more fun, her or the children.
Teacher Maritza
Mallard TK Co-Teacher
Spanish & Cooking Enrichment
Maritza has been a preschool teacher for 13 years. After college she worked for 5 years at a Reggio Emilia inspired preschool and then moved on to a Spanish Immersion preschool for eight years. Looking for a change and a place to grow she joined The Lake School in 2017. She enjoys being able to introduce new concepts and skills to young children through music and playful activities as well as sharing the Spanish language and Latinx culture through her Enrichment class.
Teacher Keyla
Robin Co-Teacher
Keyla joined The Lake School in 2020. She enjoys discovering each child's interests and helping them learn about themselves and their world through play. She is the mother of two young children and loves helping all of her students feel safe and supported.
Teacher Marisol
Mallard TK Co-Teacher
Spanish & Science Enrichment
Marisol began her teaching career in a variety of preschool settings, working with children from 3 months to 5 years old. She joined The Lake School in 2020, leading classes with her kind and patient presence. Marisol has a boy and girl of her own and a genuine love for all children. Her teaching is guided by the belief that every child is unique!
Teacher Eva
Robin Co-Teacher
Phonics Enrichment
Eva joined The Lake School in 2021. She is a Bay Area native who is passionate about education and community. Eva believes children deserve a space built on mutual respect and trust where they can fully be themselves. In her free time, she enjoys spending time in the sun, listening to music, and trying new foods.
Teacher Jaime
Hummingbird/Finch Co-Teacher
Art & Phonics Enrichment
Teacher Jaime is the parent of twin Lake School alums and has been a substitute for us in past years. This is her first year as Lake School Teacher. She has a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Mills College and a Bachelor's in Elementary Ed with an emphasis on reading. She has taught in preschool programs and volunteered with youth in several different capacities.
Teacher Zoe
Finch/Hummingbird Teacher
Yoga Enrichment
Zoe started with The Lake School as a parent, then a substitute, then aide and now, Teacher! She is a fully qualified teacher currently pursuing Early Childhood Development degree at Chabot College. She is empathetic and caring and enjoys sharing her love of nature and creepy crawlies with
the children.
Teacher Celine
Hummingbird/Finch Aide
Teacher Celine has worked as a nanny for the past 3 years and has begun her study of Early Childhood Education with her first 12 credits completed. She is looking forward to creating meaningful connections with your children.
Teacher Lili
Blue Jay Aide
Lili came to us this year with 9 years of experience in preschool settings and as a nanny. She has begun her study of Early Childhood Education with the first 12 credits completed. She likes to keep things fun and let the children lead!
Teacher Faith
Mallard Aide
Faith is beginning her journey as a preschool teacher with us. She has 7 years of experience as a babysitter and has worked as a summer camp counselor. She is a big fan of observing children in their play and asking thoughtful questions to guide them forward.
Liz
Administrative Assistant​
Liz is excited to be a new part of the team! A parent of three Lake School alumni, she has served the school as part of the Parent Association and Executive Board Member in the past. She has a Masters in Education and began her career teaching Kindergarten. A former foster parent, Liz is interested in special education programs and loves photography.