Faculty & Staff

Traci McMillan | Preschool Compliance Coordinator
Teacher

Traci was born and raised on California’s Central Coast. She developed a love for the visual arts, theater and dance at an early age. Traci received her bachelor’s degree from the University of California Santa Cruz, and was inspired to pursue a career in early childhood education while working with several Bay Area non-profit organizations. She has worked closely with young children for over a decade as both a teacher and preschool director. In her free time Traci enjoys exploring the outdoors, traveling and gardening.

Dawn Bensman
Teacher

Coming soon!

RaShunda Calhoun
Teacher

Coming soon!

Amber Doyle
Teacher

Amber is from Austin, Texas. She holds a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in children’s learning and development. She received her American Montessori Society Early Childhood Teaching Credential from St. Mary’s College and has been working in the field of education for almost fifteen years. It is Amber’s goal to provide children with a positive, inspiring vision of the world and to help them to find their place within it. In her free time, Amber enjoys traveling the world with her daughter, sailing, and sharing food with friends and family.

Sebastian Klavehn
Teacher

Sebastian was born near Heidelberg and grew up near Wiesbaden and Ulm, Germany. He earned his degree as State-Certificated Early Childhood Educator in 2020 and worked in a preschool in Ulm for three years. Sebastian also has experience as a media educator working with older children and has worked with refugees and people with special needs. In his free time, he enjoys skiing, being with friends, listening to music, and exploring the world in his classic car.

Nicole Koehler
Teacher

Nicole is from the Rhine Valley region of Germany. She earned her qualifications as a state-certified early childhood teacher at the Berufskolleg Vera Beckers. Since 2016, Nicole has led a kindergarten, worked with preschool aged children, and supported integrative daycare programs. Her approach emphasizes the centrality of movement in children’s physical and mental growth. Outside of her work, Nicole enjoys sports, professional dancing, baking, and taking long walks.

Daniela Koeneke
Teacher

Daniela is originally from Caracas, Venezuela. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education and Mediation in Social Work from Clara Hoffbauer University in Potsdam, Germany. Daniela has five years of preschool teaching experience. She strives to encourage students’ autonomy, creativity and collaborative skills. Daniela loves to sing, dance and make music.

Michaela Ranftl-Dietrich
Teacher

Michaela was born and raised in Berlin, Germany. She holds a degree as a state-certified educator and has sixteen years of teaching experience. Michaela has worked in diverse educational environments and strives to foster a harmonious atmosphere supporting creativity and inclusive learning. In her free time, Michaela loves hiking.

Melanie Riedle
Teacher

Melanie grew up in Karlsruhe, Germany. She earned her bachelor's degree in social work at the Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences with a major in Education and has worked as a preschool and kindergarten teacher ever since. Melanie enjoys singing, cooking and traveling.

Desiree Siebert
Teacher

Desiree is from a small town near Frankfurt, Germany. She earned a bachelor's degree in preschool and kindergarten teaching from the Technical College for Social Pedagogy in Marburg. Desiree previously taught at international schools in Spain. She encourages her students to learn with all their senses. In her free time, Desiree loves traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Antwanette Adger
Teaching Aide

Coming soon!

Ingrid Haider
Teacher

Ingrid grew up in a small town in Austria. After completing her education as an early childhood teacher in 2000, she worked as a preschool and kindergarten teacher in Vienna, Austria. In 2013 she earned her master’s degree in Occupational Therapy at San Jose State University and has experience as a therapist in pediatric private practice and schools. Ingrid enjoys time with her daughters, music, podcasts, yoga and the outdoors.

Meghan Rediske
Teacher

Meghan holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with an emphasis in early childhood education from Winona State University in Minnesota. She previously taught preschool and kindergarten for eleven years at a German/English school in Zurich, Switzerland. Meghan has a passion for bilingual education and teaching in immersive multicultural environments. In her free time, Meghan enjoys adventures with her toddler, cooking, listening to podcasts, and exploring the world.

Denise Tigges

Teacher & Enrichment Program Coordinator

Denise hails from the Sauerland region of Germany. She began training and working in Early Childhood Education in 2019, including teaching at an international school in Aruba. Denise prides herself on creating an inspiring and enriching learning environment for her students. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the fascinating underwater world through scuba diving.

Eva Allolio
First Grade Teacher

Eva is originally from Cologne, Germany. She holds a master's degree in primary bilingual education from the Education University of Freiburg. Eva has five years of teaching experience including in bilingual schools and special education programs. Her teaching focuses on cooperative learning and nurturing a growth mindset. In her free time, Eva loves learning languages.

Valerie Ehrenthal | Fourth Grade Teacher

Valerie is originally from Salzburg, Austria. She holds a master's degree in elementary education with a focus on science and health from the University College of Teacher Education in Vienna. Valerie previously taught in international schools in Sweden and Finland. As an educator, she integrates movement into learning, a practice she honed through additional training in Bewegtes Lernen (Active Learning). Valerie believes that education should celebrate each student's unique strengths and help them grow in a supportive environment.

Jana Ezawa
Third Grade Teacher

Jana is from Bremen, Germany. She earned her degree in primary and secondary education from the University of Oldenburg, Germany. For over seventeen years, Jana has taught Art, Mathematics and German, both in Germany and the US. Jana has a passion for art and she loves to witness the development of students’ artistic abilities and confidence. In her free time, Jana enjoys exploring the Bay Area art scene and spending time outdoors with her family.

Mónica Lomas
English Teacher, Learning Support Teacher

Monica grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She studied Modern Languages at the University of New Mexico with a concentration in Spanish, French, and Portuguese. Monica went on to study Elementary Education at the College of Santa Fe. She has been in the field of education for a decade working with all ages from kindergarten to high school. Her experience ranges from teaching in a bilingual Spanish program to curriculum development to consulting work with the San Francisco Unified School District. Monica enjoys time with her family, dancing flamenco, and creating block prints.

Michaela Schantl
Second Grade Teacher

Michaela is originally from the charming South Styrian region of Austria. She holds degrees in nutrition and elementary education, along with certifications in German as a second language and Montessori pedagogy. Michaela has several years of teaching experience in diverse educational settings. She believes that education is a lifelong journey that should inspire students to explore the world with curiosity and confidence. Michaela loves horseback riding and surfing.

Ursula Spindeldreier
German Teacher

Ursula is originally from Hamburg, Germany. She earned her teaching degree from Würzburg University. Ursula previously taught in elementary schools in Baden-Württemberg. She believes in fostering a learning environment that encourages critical thinking, independent learning, and self-confidence. Outside of school, Ursula is fascinated by marine life.

Derek Burle | Teacher
Music

Derek is from Los Angeles, California. He holds a bachelor’s degree from UC Santa Cruz and has been a professional musician and music teacher for over ten years, teaching guitar, bass, ukulele, piano, songwriting and music production. Derek has taught at Shu Ren International School, The School of Rock, Music for Aardvarks, Music City SF and Classroom Matters. In his free time, he continues to create and perform music and enjoys riding his bicycle, rock climbing and reading science fiction.

Chantal Diercks | Teacher
Theory of Knowledge, Spanish

Chantal is originally from the Lüneburg Heath in Northern Germany. She holds a teaching degree in Spanish and History from the University of Freiburg and a teaching certificate in German as a foreign language. Chantal has seven years of teaching experience and works to create a learning environment promoting tolerance and empathy. She enjoys traveling the world and has studied and worked in Costa Rica and Mexico.

Benedikt Gasser | Director of Culture
Science Teacher, Director of Extended Day Program

Benedikt is originally from Zug, Switzerland. He holds a secondary school teaching diploma in Science from the University of Fribourg, Switzerland. Over twenty-three years of teaching, Benedikt taught science in an International Baccalaureate (IB) school in Ecuador and taught and served as principal in a secondary school in Switzerland. As an educator, Benedikt strives to inspire critical thinking and learning through discovery.

Yvonne Hagemann
German Language and Literature

Yvonne is from the Rhine Valley in Germany. She holds a master's degree in education from the Bergische Universität in Wuppertal. With over twenty-five years of teaching experience in Germany and the US, Yvonne believes that education is about empowering students. Yvonne loves playing tennis and spending time in nature with her family and her dog.

Kristina Hetterich
Mathematics

Kristina is originally from Lower Saxony, Germany. She earned her Gymnasium teaching degree (equivalent to a US master’s degree in education) at the Goethe University in Frankfurt, where she developed a profound passion for higher mathematics. Kristina is an avid sports enthusiast. She enjoys skiing and working out at the gym, but her greatest passion besides mathematics is soccer.

Daniela Klimetschek
German Language & Literature, Social Sciences

Daniela is originally from Lower Saxony in Germany. They hold a Gymnasium teaching degree (equivalent to a US master’s degree in education) in German and History from the Technische Universität in Berlin. Daniela has seventeen years of teaching experience, much of it in bilingual education. They believe the unique connection between educators and students can inspire both to explore life from new perspectives. Daniela loves to travel and is always up for a friendly competition whether it is tennis or a reading marathon.

Julia Neumann | Associate Head of School
IB German, IB History

Julia grew up in the German Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region near the French border. Pursuing her passion for education, she obtained teaching degrees in Bavaria as well as studying in Switzerland. Julia has taught a variety of national and international secondary school curricula and has also taken on academic leadership roles in Germany, India, and the United States. In her free time, Julia enjoys spending time with her dog, traveling, visiting national parks, and engaging in cultural activities.

Marion Rassinoux
French

Marion comes from Limousin in southwest France. She received a BA in English Language and World Civilizations from the University of Limoges. She then lived in England and Scotland before moving to the Bay Area and teaching for fifteen years at the Lycée Français of San Francisco. She has also taught at the École Bilingue and the Alliance Française de Berkeley.

Haley Wooning
English Language & Literature, IB English

Born in California, Haley spent her childhood between the Bay Area and the Netherlands. She received her master's degree in English literature and composition in 2019 and has over ten years of teaching experience. Haley works to encourage a passion for learning in her students and to provide students a safe space in which they can explore their inner and exterior worlds through the thrill of stories and storytelling. Haley has published over thirty works under various pen names including a book of poetry. In her free time, she enjoys reading, Dungeons and Dragons, video games, and hanging out with her cats.

Elia Singer
English Language & Literature, AP Human Geography

Elia is originally from Montreal, Quebec. They hold a Bachelor of Education in English from the University of Toronto where they developed a deep passion for literature. With almost thirty years of teaching experience, Elia has worked at the elementary, secondary and post-secondary levels, fostering a learning environment that encourages critical thinking and creativity. Elia is also a graduate of the Interfaith/Interspiritual Seminary.

Tim Stahlschmidt
Physical Education Teacher

Tim is originally from the Rhine Valley region of Germany. He holds a bachelor's degree in English and Physical Education from the Technical University of Dortmund. Tim has three years of teaching experience in elementary and secondary schools in Dortmund and Bochum and prides himself on fostering a learning environment encouraging critical thinking, teamwork, fairness and the embrace of new challenges. Tim loves soccer and is a loyal fan of the Borussia Dortmund soccer team.

Benjamin Thielecke
Intern

Benni is from Berlin, Germany. He holds a bachelor's degree in physical education and social sciences from the University of Bielefeld. Benni has two years of teaching experience including at the educational program Studierende machen Schule. Benni enjoys fostering a learning environment that encourages active learning and multilingualism. Benni is also a surfing instructor.

Benedikt Gasser | Director of Culture
Science Teacher, Director of Extended Day Program

Benedikt is originally from Zug, Switzerland. He holds a secondary school teaching diploma in Science from the University of Fribourg, Switzerland. Over twenty-three years of teaching, Benedikt taught science in an International Baccalaureate (IB) school in Ecuador and taught and served as principal in a secondary school in Switzerland. As an educator, Benedikt strives to inspire critical thinking and learning through discovery.

Mónica Lomas
English Teaceher, Learning Support Teacher

Monica grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She studied Modern Languages at the University of New Mexico with a concentration in Spanish, French, and Portuguese. Monica went on to study Elementary Education at the College of Santa Fe. She has been in the field of education for a decade working with all ages from kindergarten to high school. Her experience ranges from teaching in a bilingual Spanish program to curriculum development to consulting work with the San Francisco Unified School District. Monica enjoys time with her family, dancing flamenco, and creating block prints.

Taylor Simmons | Registrar
Student Counseling Coordinator, Learning Support Coordinator

Taylor brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to her roles at EBGIS|EBIHS. Her approach is rooted in her belief that learning extends beyond the classroom and that every student can positively impact the global community. Taylor hails from Los Angeles and previously worked in the fields of counseling, social work, and program development.

Michaela Ranftl-Dietrich
Early Childhood Student Support Specialist

Michaela was born and raised in Berlin. In 2008 she completed her studies in Early Childhood Education. Since then, Michaela has been working with children between the ages of one and seven. After six years as a Montessori teacher, she earned a special training certification in integrative pedagogy in 2014. In her free time, Michaela likes to go to the movies, play the guitar, and spend time in nature.

Benedikt Gasser | Director of Culture
Science Teacher, Director of Extended Day Program

Benedikt is originally from Zug, Switzerland. He holds a secondary school teaching diploma in Science from the University of Fribourg, Switzerland. Over twenty-three years of teaching, Benedikt taught science in an International Baccalaureate (IB) school in Ecuador and taught and served as principal in a secondary school in Switzerland. As an educator, Benedikt strives to inspire critical thinking and learning through discovery.

Shabree Barton
Extended Day Counselor

A native Californian, Shabree has fifteen years of experience in pediatric dentistry and education. Passionate about early childhood development, Shabree champions inquiry-based learning to encourage students to explore ideas and solve problems. She is currently pursuing a degree in Health Science at Grand Canyon University. Shabree also enjoys working out and nature, incorporating outdoor activities into her teaching to promote a healthy lifestyle.

Constanze Dangelmaier
Extended Day Program Teacher

Constanze grew up in the foothills of the Alps in the beautiful Allgäu region of Bavaria. She earned her Masters Degree in Sinology, Philosophy and Psychology from Ludwig Maximilians University in Munich. She also studied Chinese in Taiwan and Beijing, living in China for two years. Constanze has over five years of experience teaching German and English in Asia, Europe and the US. She loves singing, playing the violin and viola, arts and photography.

Skylar Kerzner
Librarian, Extended Day Program Teacher

Skylar is originally from Los Angeles. He holds a master's degree in applied mathematics from UC San Diego and a bachelor's degree in physics and astrophysics from UC Berkeley. Skylar has previously taught at Arete, Academy of Alameda, Mathnasium and TREE Academy. He strives to create a holistic and personalized learning experience for every student. Skylar also enjoys playing music and connecting through song.

Colleen Wilberts
Director of Finance

Coming soon.

Ashley Duplechin
Enrollment & Engagement Manager

A native Californian, Ashley brings years of experience in the management and finance fields to her work at EBGIS/EBIHS. She is passionate about fostering a collaborative environment and believes that continuous learning is essential for both personal and professional growth. Ashley is currently furthering her education as a student at Grand Canyon University. In her free time, Ashley loves to travel and explore new cultures.

Samuel Hedrick
Operations Manager

Samuel was born and raised in Northeast Ohio. After completing an exchange year in Wiesbaden, Germany as a Congress Bundestag Youth Exchange Scholar, he went on to earn his BA in German Studies and International Relations from Kent State University, and his MA in Political Science from the Goethe University Frankfurt. Samuel has lived and worked in Germany for over six years, where he was working in the diplomatic field. In his free time, Samuel enjoys traveling, hiking, running, and playing the cello.

Taylor Simmons | Registrar
Student Counseling Coordinator, Learning Support Coordinator

Taylor brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to her roles at EBGIS|EBIHS. Her approach is rooted in her belief that learning extends beyond the classroom and that every student can positively impact the global community. Taylor hails from Los Angeles and previously worked in the fields of counseling, social work, and program development.

Fiona Grigg
Campus Administrative Coordinator

Fiona was born in the UK and grew up in Boston, Massachusetts. She studied History and Literature at Harvard College and went on to earn a PhD in European History. She has worked as a college lecturer and in administrative positions in the Bay Area. Before arriving at EBGIS, she spent six months living in Berlin, Germany. She enjoys reading and spending time outdoors.

Tina Sabella
Campus Administrative Coordinator

Tina grew up near Aachen, Germany. She holds bachelor's degrees in industrial design and interior design. Tina brings prior experience in school administration to her work at EBGIS/EBIHS, and she is passionate about working with students in a German-speaking environment. Outside of work, Tina enjoys art, music and spending time outdoors, especially by the water.