Meet our leadership team

Ms. Sasha Clayton is an accomplished educator with a BFA in Theatre and an MAT in Teaching, holding credentials to teach secondary Theatre, Speech, and English. She began her career teaching private piano lessons and later expanded into early childhood education and high school teaching. In 2002, she founded the Education Department at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, creating a range of programs for children and adults, including a master class with Broadway star Idina Menzel. After relocating to California in 2007, she became the principal of Hilldale School in Daly City, where she has led the school's growth and focus on supporting gifted and twice-exceptional learners. As Head of School, Ms. Clayton continues to foster a nurturing environment that promotes academic, social, and emotional development.

Ms. Galvin joined the staff at Hilldale in 2021, though she has been a part of the Hilldale parent community since 2011. With 18 years of experience teaching high school dance and drama, she most recently served as Dean of Student Life and Assistant Head of School at Compass High School in San Mateo. Ms. Galvin has a wealth of experience supporting students, parents, and teachers within the gifted, twice-exceptional, and neurodiverse communities. She is committed to ongoing professional development, attending conferences and workshops with organizations such as Learning and the Brain, SENG (Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted), and Bright & Quirky.

Aaron Wheatley is in his 19th year of teaching elementary school. He began his career as a kindergarten teacher and has since taught 3rd grade math, 4th grade all subjects, and physical education for grades K-8. With experience in various classroom settings, he is excited to join the Hilldale School team. Mr. Wheatley believes that every child is competent and capable and that students can rise to high expectations. In his classroom, he strives to connect with students through humor, consistency, and genuine care.

Ms. Thompson, a Peninsula native, earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management Information Systems from San Jose State University. She later attended the Single Subject Teaching Program at Notre Dame de Namur in Belmont, CA, to pursue a career in teaching PE. While in college, Ms. Thompson discovered a passion for coaching youth lacrosse and has been teaching for 3 years in San Mateo County. Her interests include learning about other cultures, animals, outdoor activities, crafting, traveling, live music, cooking, and video games. Excited to join the Hilldale School community, she is committed to fostering strong connections and creating an inclusive, equitable environment for all students.

Ariel Alvarado was born in Querétaro, México, where he studied at the Centenaria y Benemérita Escuela Normal del Estado de Querétaro. He moved to the United States in 2003 and has always dreamed of becoming a teacher. He credits his own teachers for inspiring his passion for education. Mr. Alvarado is excited to be a part of the Hilldale faculty and to share his love of teaching with his students.

Mrs. Fong holds a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and a Minor in Business Administration from San Francisco State University, where she also earned a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and a Certificate in E-Learning Design and Development. She also has a Certificate in Child Development from City College of San Francisco. Before joining Hilldale, Mrs. Fong spent fourteen years as an afterschool teacher at Sharon Chinese Baptist Church and eight years as a second-grade teacher at Cornerstone Academy in San Francisco. With over thirty years of experience working with children, she is dedicated to fostering a lifelong love of learning in all of her students.

Ms. Bertrand is excited to return to the Hilldale School community as the Fourth Grade teacher. She previously taught Grades 1-3 at Urban Montessori Charter School. A 5th generation Bay Area native, she has over 15 years of experience working with children. Ms. Bertrand loves teaching and is passionate about learning new things and revisiting old interests, such as gardening, puzzling tabletop games, kayaking, hiking, camping, music, and making art. She enjoys spending time with her pet cat, Dragon, and her leopard gecko, Storm, who is the Fourth Grade class pet!

Eliana Carr began working at Hilldale in 2017, first serving as an Extended Care Teacher, then as an Assistant Teacher. After graduating from California State University, East Bay, she returned to Hilldale in her current role as Administrative Assistant. Ms. Carr brings dedication, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of the school community to her work. Her experience in both classroom and administrative settings allows her to support students, families, and staff with warmth and professionalism.

Eric O'Connell teaches Technology for all grade levels at Hilldale and is also the parent of a Hilldale graduate. Before joining the school, he worked as an independent consultant, supporting small business client management software. Prior to that, he spent many years in the publishing industry. Mr. O'Connell is excited to be part of the Hilldale community and enjoys sharing his passion for technology with students.

Garson Lee is the Office Manager at Hilldale School. He holds a Liberal Studies degree from San Francisco State University. Prior to joining Hilldale in 2012, Mr. Lee worked for eight years in the San Francisco Unified School District, serving five years as a Resource Specialist Paraprofessional and three years as a Technology Paraprofessional. He also spent fifteen years as an after-school program leader and backup site coordinator with the Sunset Neighborhood Beacon Center. At Hilldale, Mr. Lee has progressed from Extended Care Director and Administration Assistant to his current position. He is passionate about supporting the development of the whole child, focusing on intellectual, emotional, and interpersonal growth.

Gigi Sanchez graduated with honors from San Francisco State University and completed a credential program to become a teacher. Before joining Hilldale, Ms. Sanchez taught high school, Pre-K, 4th grade, and 5th grade. While she enjoys working with all age groups, she has a particular passion for teaching lower grades, understanding the importance of fostering curiosity and a love for learning. Born in Caracas, Venezuela, and raised in New York, Ms. Sanchez moved frequently, often changing schools mid-year. This experience exposed her to a variety of teaching styles and inspired her to create a safe, welcoming, and culturally rich environment for students. She is dedicated to ensuring her students feel excited to come to school, eager to engage in the day's lessons and activities.

Mr. Knight is a Bay Area native who recently returned from serving as the Head of Middle School at the American Academy Casablanca in Morocco. He has also taught English in Indonesia and China. Mr. Knight holds a BA in Political Science, a Juris Doctorate, a teaching certificate, and is currently completing his MA in Education.

Ms. Julabien Suitos holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Education from San Francisco State University, with an emphasis on community-based public health. She volunteers for an after-school program, teaching second and third graders Filipino and Filipino American studies. With a background in ABA therapy and experience as a behavior technician, she finds joy in helping students grow and gain confidence. Ms. Suitos also has a green thumb and is a plant mom, which reminds her of the growth and thriving that happens with care and attention. She enjoys connecting with nature through beach outings and hikes, particularly at Strawberry Hill in Golden Gate Park, and loves reading while relaxing with her fur babies. Ms. Suitos is excited to bring her nurturing and encouraging presence to Hilldale.

Mrs. Valladares earned her Bachelor’s of Arts in Child and Adolescent Development with a concentration in School Age Children and Families from San Francisco State University. She continued her studies at Brandman University, working toward her Single Subject Credential in English. Teaching has been her passion since Fifth Grade, when she was asked to read stories to the Special Needs class. Mrs. Valladares has worked with children from toddlers to high school seniors and believes in keeping education engaging, challenging, and thought-provoking. She strives to create a classroom environment where students can thrive, become independent lifelong learners, and develop physically, socially, and emotionally.

Ms. Daniels is excited to return to Hilldale as the Fifth Grade Teacher, a position she held from 2018-2020. Beloved by her students, she loves teaching and working with children, using fun and creative methods to inspire them. Ms. Daniels is passionate about hands-on learning and celebrating what makes each child unique.

Michael Espina is a dedicated mathematics teacher with over six years of experience, ranging from elementary to college-level instruction. He helps students succeed in subjects from Algebra to Calculus and Statistics, while emphasizing the relevance of Mathematics in everyday life. Mr. Espina has worked around the world, including in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, after earning a degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering, along with Master's degrees in Business Administration and coursework in Quantitative Marketing. His diverse experience and passion for teaching go hand in hand. Outside the classroom, he enjoys cooking, reading, and exploring new places, with an interest in culture and architecture.

Mrs. Burleson joined the Hilldale family in the spring of 2019 as a TK teacher and has since taught Kindergarten, First Grade, and Fourth Grade. She is currently a Third Grade Teacher. Mrs. Burleson has had a passion for teaching since childhood and studied History at SF State and UC Santa Cruz with the goal of obtaining a single-subject credential. However, her path shifted after having children, and she worked part-time at a swim school and assisted with an online store while staying home. Now that her children are older, she is excited to pursue her dream of teaching. She has developed a deep love for early education and is dedicated to helping shape her students into thoughtful, kind, and curious learners. Outside of school, Mrs. Burleson enjoys hiking, spending time at the beach, and reading when she finds a book she can't put down.

Mrs. Olga Kleytman brings extensive teaching experience, exceptional artistic talent, and a passion for Art Education to her role as Art Teacher at Hilldale. Her warm and approachable personality creates a positive and engaging classroom environment. Mrs. Kleytman has a 9-year-old son, Misha, who has been the inspiration for many of her artworks. She holds both a BA and MA in Education, along with a teaching certification from Ukraine. Mrs. Kleytman exhibited two pieces at the 2016 Next Generation Showcase at the De Young Museum. She has taught through the Art in Action program at Lafayette Elementary School and has led youth art classes at her private studio, Artek SF, since 2011.

Pedro Goncalves has been a valued member of the Hilldale community since 2023. As Facilities Coordinator, he carefully maintains the school grounds, ensuring that our campus remains clean, safe, and welcoming for students, staff, and families. His attention to detail and commitment to safety help create an environment where learning can thrive. Whether he’s managing repairs, improving shared spaces, or assisting with daily operations, Pedro takes pride in supporting the well-being and comfort of the entire school community.

Mrs. Raquel Castro has been a valued member of the Hilldale School community for over a decade, serving in various roles. She began as an after-school staff member and later worked as a substitute teacher. Mrs. Castro holds a B.A. in Music Education from Mills College and has taught elementary school music at several schools throughout the Bay Area. She began her teaching career as a volunteer with Music for Minors (MFM) and was later hired as a permanent teacher. Mrs. Castro worked with MFM across the Peninsula, making music accessible to students who might not otherwise have the opportunity. Now, as the Music Teacher for K-8th graders at Hilldale, she brings joy, creativity, and a deep passion for music education. She is dedicated to celebrating her students' musicianship and providing them with opportunities for performance, hoping to leave every student with a song in their heart.

Mrs. Sandra Powers has spent her life in the Bay Area, where she is currently furthering her education in Early Childhood Education at Skyline College. Passionate about working with children, Mrs. Powers is dedicated to fostering a love of learning in a nurturing and caring environment. She believes that children should be happy, engaged, and taught to be peaceful, respectful citizens. Mrs. Powers focuses on promoting social-emotional awareness, mutual respect, and kindness. One of her goals is to enhance children’s early experiences, helping them become lifelong learners. She is also committed to motivating students and helping them feel successful.

Ms. Pereira has been teaching at the elementary school level for three years and is excited to join the Hilldale team. She is passionate about helping students develop a love of learning and strives to make school a fun and engaging place where students look forward to returning each day. Ms. Pereira holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a teaching credential from Dominican University of California. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, walking her dog on the beach, learning to cook Indian food with her mom, and reading.

Mr. Singh is excited to join Hilldale School as a Science Teacher. With a passion for science and math, he aims to create an engaging learning environment. He holds a Bachelor's in Science, a Master’s in Industrial Chemistry, and both Bachelor's and Master’s degrees in Education from India. He also earned a Graduate Diploma in Teaching Science and Chemistry from the University of Auckland. Having taught middle school science and math, Mr. Singh fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Outside of school, he enjoys walking, running, experimenting with chemicals, and practicing yoga. He looks forward to inspiring students in scientific discovery.

Zobeida earned a B.A. in English Literature from Dartmouth College, where she volunteered teaching Art to children in underfunded schools, organized playgroups for children with special needs, and worked with autistic children. After college, she began a career in Recruiting, working in New York, London, and San Francisco. Her passion for education grew as she spent more time volunteering in the classroom, inspiring a career change. After a year of substituting in TK-8th grades, she is excited to join the Hilldale community, where she strives to foster a joyful environment where imagination and curiosity thrive.