Meet the Team

Dedicated Educators

Awa Gaye

Head of School

Awa was born and raised in Dakar, Senegal. She is passionate about supporting children's growth into confident, compassionate, and independent thinkers. Awa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and an Associate Early Childhood Montessori credential from MTECA.

She continues to deepen her commitment to education through workshops, conferences, and ongoing professional development. Her interest in psychology further strengthens her dedication to understanding how children learn and thrive.

Outside of school, Awa enjoys cooking and spending time working on her foundation that supports underserved children in Senegal.

Liz Jobst

Program Administrator

Liz joined the team in 2024. 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.

Teacher Maritza

Robin Co-Teacher

Site Supervisor

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, mindfulness, and playful activities.

Teacher Keyla

Hummingbird/ Finch 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 Teacher

Spanish & Science Enrichment

Marisol has worked in the Early Childhood Education field for our 7 years working with children from 2 to 5 years old. She joined The Lake School in 2020, and has worked in the classrooms. She is fond of play based learning where the teachers get to create an environment based on the children’s interests and needs. She enjoys building a safe, fun, and creative classroom. Marisol has a boy and girl of her own and a genuine love for all children. In her free time, she volunteers working with children at her church in San Francisco.

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

Sleepy Time

Teacher Jaime is the parent of twin Lake School alums and has been a substitute for us in past years. This is her second 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 Faith

Mallard Assistant

This is Teacher Faith’s second year at The Lake School. She is currently finishing up her Early Childhood Education credential and is excited to grow as a teacher this year. She is a big fan of observing children in their play and asking thoughtful questions to guide them forward.

Teacher Celine

Robin Assistant

Teacher Celine has worked at The Lake School since 2025. Previously she was a nanny for 3 years. She has completed her study of Early Childhood Education. She is looking forward to creating meaningful connections with your children.

Teacher Anna

Hummingbird/ Finch Assistant

Anna moved to Oakland in 2002 to earn her Master's in Child Development and Early Childhood Education from Mills College. Having sent her son to The Lake School, Anna is happy to be rejoining the community. She looks forward to sharing the ideas and skills she has developed working in play-based, Reggio-inspired preschools and in special education. She enjoys being in nature, seeing performances, spending time with her family, and watching bad tv and good movies while pursuing her new hobby of crocheting.

Teacher Naima

Blue Jay Teacher

Naima joined The Lake School in 2022, and after being away for two years, she is back as a Blue Jay teacher this year. She has a Master’s degree in Linguistics from Algeria, and is working to finish her AA degree in ECE. Naima is a mother of two girls and genuinely enjoys spending time with kids, creating fun, meaningful moments to make them feel happy, happy and safe.

Teacher Reyna

Blue Jay Aide

This is Reyna’s first year at The Lake School. She has previously worked as a nanny and is taking Early Childhood Education classes to become a certified teacher. Reyna brings her love for art and cooking into the classroom. She is excited to see the children grow this year.