Leadership

Kaylene brings extensive school leadership experience to EBGIS | EBIHS. She started her career in teaching and went on to assume various leadership roles in PK-12 learning environments. Among other things, Kaylene served as Curriculum Coordinator, Curriculum Director, and Middle Years Head of School at public, charter, and private schools in California and Texas. Most recently, Kaylene served as Managing Director of High Schools for a charter school system with fourteen high schools serving over 7,000 students. Kaylene also serves as an evaluator, examiner, workshop leader, and consultant for the International Baccalaureate Americas organization, helping schools across the Americas authorize and implement IB and bilingual IB programs. Kaylene lived and attended school in Germany before returning to the US as a youth.

Julia grew up in the German Rhine-Neckar Region. Pursuing her passion for education, she obtained teaching degrees in Bavaria and also studied in Switzerland. Julia has taught a variety of national and international secondary school curricula and has 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.

Daniela is originally from Lower Saxony in Germany. She holds a Gymnasium teaching degree (equivalent to a US master’s degree in education) in German and History from Berlin Technical University. Daniela has seventeen years of teaching experience, much of it in bilingual education. She believes 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.

Katharina grew up in Germany and holds a state teaching degree in Elementary Education, as well as a degree in German as a Second Language (DaZ). She is qualified to teach German, Math, Science, and Crafts.

At EBGIS, she leads the DaZ program and supports all students in strengthening their German skills—whether they are new to the language or already proficient—while fostering a supportive, language-rich environment across the curriculum.

As part of her academic journey, Katharina spent time abroad in Belgium and Paris, gaining valuable international experience. She has since taught at several international schools. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, visiting zoos, and being creative.

Sara Shorter is a California native, she brings more than 15 years of experience in education, having served in a variety of roles throughout her career.

Most recently, Sara was the Director of a Reggio-inspired preschool, where she supported teachers, partnered with families, managed school operations, and helped foster a warm, welcoming community for children to learn and grow. Prior to that, she served as the Special Programs Manager at Bay View Academy, supporting students, staff, and families while helping schools run smoothly.

Sara was drawn to EBGIS by its rich cultural diversity, the many languages spoken throughout the community, and its close-knit, family-like atmosphere where everyone feels connected and supported. She is excited to get to know the students, families, and staff and to be part of a community that values collaboration, curiosity, kindness, and lifelong learning.

Outside of school, Sara enjoys spending time with her family, exploring new places, being outdoors, and tackling DIY or organizing projects.

Julian is originally from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He holds a degree in Political Science and Economics from Northwestern University, with minors in German, Music and Psychology.

Before joining EBGIS, he worked at the German International School of Chicago (GISC) for three years, teaching English as well as music. Julian has also taught in Austria as an English teaching assistant and worked as a guitar instructor for Guitar Center.

As the English Teacher and Literacy Coordinator, Julian is committed to fostering students' curiosity, instilling a passion for language, and bolstering their literacy skills. Outside of school, Julian loves to play guitar, read, and is learning how to skateboard.

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.

Rufus grew up in Berlin, Germany, and has lived and worked in the Bay Area and New York City for over 20 years. He studied law at the University of Freiburg, Germany, and at Stanford Law School. He is currently a partner at Fenwick & West LLP, where he advises clients on a wide range of transactional matters involving technology and intellectual property.

Kay grew up as a “global citizen,” spending her early childhood through young adult years in North Africa and South East Asian countries, and ultimately receiving her undergraduate and law degrees in the United States. She began practicing law 30 years ago, initially focusing on litigation and insurance coverage work in the maritime/insurance field, and eventually shifting to more transactional work. Currently, she owns and operates an insurance consulting and claims firm in Oakland, California. Kay’s family heritage is German, although her father did not pass down his German language skills. Determined to bring the German language back into the family, Kay and her husband enrolled their daughter in the school’s kindergarten program several years ago and she is now in 12th grade at EBIHS. Contact Kay at knaumann@ebgis.org.