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 is excited to be a 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.

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 and playful activities as well as sharing the Spanish language and Latinx culture through her Enrichment class.

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 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

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 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 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.

Teacher Celine

Robin 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.