Our Staff
At Crestmont, recruiting and retaining creative and experienced staff who are committed to Crestmont’s core values and best practices are among our top priorities.
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Leila Zaremba
School Director
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Clarence Berger-Greer
Director of Admissions + Operations
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Kjesh Goldsmith
Learning Specialist
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Arnulfo Miraz
Janitorial
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Ivanna Miraz
Janitorial
Our Teachers
We are fortunate to have talented and dedicated educators who think deeply about diversity and anti-bias, who are eager to dive deep into the research behind the best teaching practices, who design engaging lessons in all content areas and who open up a world of new experiences to our students.
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Chrissy Hernandez
Willows Classroom Teacher
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Amy Kubes
Live Oaks Classroom Teacher
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Leila Zarembi
Redwoods Classroom Teacher
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Lisa Hayle
Sequoias Classroom Teacher
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Michael Lewis Simpson
Physical Education Teacher
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Eli Reyes
Spanish / Visual + Performing Arts Teacher
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Miles Davis
Upper Grades Math + Science Teacher
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Lanette Vongphouthone
Willows Classroom Assistant
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Aiman Khan
Aftercare Teacher and Classroom Assistant
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Atiya Khan
Aftercare Teacher
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Jem Hoehner Haele
Substitute Teacher
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Elizabeth Vahlsing (E.V.)
Substitute Teacher
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"Mama" Vida Bateau
Yoga and Mindfullness Teacher
Our Board
Crestmont is run by a Board of Directors comprised of elected members from our cooperative that are either family or staff. Our strategic board focuses on work that is outside of the scope of member work requirements, such as long-term planning, financial stability, and adherence to Crestmont’s mission statement.
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Sara Nevius
Board President
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Amber Hatfield
Secretary
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Eric Angstadt
Treasurer
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Kristin Hathaway
Development Director
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Janae Fullenkamp
Director-At-Large
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Stefani Madril
Director-At-Large
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Jacki Murray
Director-At-Large
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Chrissy Hernandez
Teacher Representative
Our Chairs
Chairs guide teams of parents working in particular areas of the school’s operations, with a focus on parent job satisfaction and near-term fulfillment of the school’s mission. They partner closely with school staff on important strategic initiatives throughout the academic year.
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MariaFe Medina-Schmidt
Admissions Chair
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Benjamin Mertz
Diversity Chair
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Chrissie Bradley
Marketing Chair
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Stefani Madril
Fundraising Chair
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Janae Fullenkamp
Membership Chair
Staff + Teacher + Board + Chair Bios
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Staff + Teacher + Board + Chair Bios *
LEILA ZAREMBA
School Director
Redwoods Classroom Teacher
Mentor Teacher and Curriculum Specialist
After receiving a BA in Theater from UC Santa Cruz, I began teaching at Alum Rock Union School District in San Jose. During my ten years there, I earned my Multiple Subject Credential from National Hispanic University while getting experience in both Middle School and Elementary grade levels. However, I spent most of my time there in 3rd and 4th-grade classes. When I got pregnant with my first child, I moved to Berkeley and took a year off from teaching. I was thrilled to discover Crestmont School when I returned to work. I also spent many summers as a math, writing, and literature teacher at The Partners Program, an academic summer program for Oakland public middle school students. This will be my 14th year at Crestmont and my 23rd year as a teacher! CLARENCE BERGER-GREER
Director of Admissions & Operations
I was born and raised in France, in the Loire Valley. I’ve lived in California for the last 24 years with my husband. I was the Afterschool Director at Windrush School in El Cerrito for 8 years and a substitute teacher for grades K through 8th on and off for Crestmont and other local private schools for the last several years. I love building things with wood, mostly outdoor furniture and almost always with salvaged wood and other materials, cooking, baking, sewing projects and I do a lot of photography both digital and film.KJESH GOLDSMITH
Learning Specialist
I am an educational therapist at the professional level of certification (ET/P), and I live and work in the Bay Area in California. I have been practicing Educational Therapy since 2010 and support a diverse caseload of students who struggle with reading, writing, spelling, math, and executive functioning. I also work with students in their second languages, including Spanish, French, and Mandarin Chinese.
My current fascination/passion is how and why dyslexia manifests in multiple languages and in different orthographies (spelling systems).
My greatest joys are my two adult children, the creativity of the Educational Therapy field, and the intellectual challenges that arise from my practice. CHRISSY HERNANDEZ
Willows Classroom Teacher
Teacher Board Representative
I completed my BA in Child Development and Urban Education at Mills College in Oakland and continued my education at Mills to complete my MA in Educational Leadership. During my work and at Mills I completed my credential requirements by teaching at the Mills College Children’s Laboratory School in the 2nd/3rd grade classroom. After my time at Mills I began working for Oakland Unified School District as an Instructional Support Specialist, teaching in a multi-grade special education classroom. I completed a fellowship with Peralta Community College to continue my work creating curriculum and began teaching curriculum and instruction to student teachers at Touro University, where I still teach. I am so passionate about education and am thrilled to be able to teach in a community that brings me joy.
When I am not at Crestmont, I am most happy at home in San Pablo, usually fretting over a sourdough starter that won't rise. I love spending time with my husband, Mario and kids Sebastian, Rory and Lucas - Dog, Cat and Chickens. I have kept up with my pandemic hobby - gardening - and am currently working on a greenhouse project, which will be finished one day!
I care deeply about the lives of children and am committed to educational practices which center children's experiences. I am excited to bring my experience and perspective to Crestmont School and continue to be apart of an amazing community.AMY KUBES
Live Oaks Classroom Teacher
I completed a BA in Fine Art and Philosophy at the University of Massachusetts at Boston and a MFA in photography at Mass College of Art. I started teaching following my graduate degree in 1995 and have been working in education ever since. I first taught art at a private 5th-12th grade school outside of Boston and then moved to UC Berkeley when I came out west in 1998.
My years at Crestmont began when my son entered the Kindergarten class in 2007. I was hired as a teaching assistant and lunch supervisor at the end of his Kinder year and have been at this wonderful school ever since. In my fourteen years at Crestmont, I’ve had the pleasure of working in some capacity with students from every grade, either as their art teacher, assistant teacher, or lead teacher in their classroom. My Crestmont students are among the most authentic and engaging people I know. It is a pleasure to spend my days in their company, as we work through the curriculum and the trials and joys of being a young person in our increasingly complex world.
When I’m not at Crestmont, I spend time working in my garden, reading, hiking, and playing tennis. I love to travel, take photographs, and think about what colors things should be.LISA HALE
Sequoias Classroom Lead
Sequoias Humanities Teacher
I consider it an honor to be in the company of children; I learn from them daily. Most of my almost two decades of teaching experience is with 10 - 14 year olds because they are a fascinating blend of innocent and sassy. Maybe I click with them because part of me hasn’t matured past the age of twelve! I have a BFA in Visual Arts, a MEd in Education, but the most important parts of teaching I learned from the students themselves. I’ve had the pleasure of shaping Live Oak School’s middle school, working at the now defunct Windrush School, developing East Bay School for Boys’ early language arts program, and now find myself happily co-creating Crestmont’s middle school. When I am not in the classroom I enjoy biking, hiking with dogs, writing fiction, and writing and performing music.MICHAEL LEWIS SIMPSON
Physical Education Teacher
Known as “Mr. Michael” at Crestmont, I’m going on my 13th year as a Physical Education Teacher and have 20 years of teaching experience with a BS in Exercise Physiology from California State University. I’m a certified member of several professional organizations including the American Council of Exercise (ACE), International Dance and Exercise Association (IDEA), and I’m a Certified Fitness Trainer. I’m a member in good standing with California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (CAHPERD).
I embarked on my teaching career as a presenter and teacher of the “Joy of Sports” teaching model. I strive to make PE inclusive and FUN for all students and believe that through physical play students can develop successful life skills such as concentration, cooperation, self-esteem, imagination, relaxation, and conflict resolution skills. As a PE teacher, I provide a safe environment for children to work on their skills and develop socially as well as develop physically active lifestyles. When I’m not teaching PE classes, I enjoy playing USTA competitive tennis, traveling, cooking and spending time with my wife Jenneke and our two children Noah and Maya.ELI REYES
Visual & Performing Arts Teacher
Spanish Teacher
Eli Reyes is a mixed media visual artist born and raised in the Central Valley. She is the daughter of immigrant farm laborers. Her focus is reinterpreting and applying Mexican folk art practices into contemporary contexts to create modern folklore in an exploration of identity, family, community, politics, and culture. Her primary mediums are quilting, embroidery, papier-mache, music, and performance. She teaches children how to tell their own stories through visual mediums introducing art techniques and taking advantage of art’s therapeutic benefits.
Building on her work teaching art workshops for bilingual communities she has created a Spanish curriculum that combines linguistic development with social emotional and cultural learning. Starting with music and rhymes, by the time students leave our program they are comfortable conjugating verbs and able to communicate with simple sentences. A strong introduction to a foreign language can not only prepare students for further language acquisition, it also increases their confidence, and provides them with the multiple cognitive (improved memory, attention span, and flexibility), academic (improved reading ability, problem-solving skills, and analytical skills) and cultural benefits of second language exposure.MILES DAVIS
Upper Grades Math + Science Teacher
Miles has taught math and language arts to 5th-8th graders in Oakland Unified School District and has worked as a private math tutor for various grade levels. He is passionate about creating engaging, student-centered learning environments that foster academic growth and confidence.
Raised in South Central Los Angeles, Miles is a first-generation college graduate with a degree in Sociology: Law in Society from UC Davis and is completing his Master’s in Human Rights Education at USF. His academic interests focus on legal reform in the American justice system and the formation of African Diasporic communities. At UC Davis, he held leadership roles in student organizations dedicated to academic development, political awareness, and advocacy in predominantly white spaces. He also worked as a Campus Community Organizer, registering students to vote in primary elections with the National Education Association. His experiences as an educator, mentor, and advocate inform his approach to teaching, ensuring that all students feel empowered in their learning.
Beyond the classroom, Miles serves in the Army National Guard and recently assisted in recovery efforts during the SoCal fires. He enjoys drawing, painting, poetry, hiking, skateboarding, and fashion. He believes deeply in the power of love, community, and education, and we are thrilled to have him join our school! LANETTE VONGPHOUTHONE
Willows Classroom Assistant
I was born and raised in the Bay Area and attended Contra Costa College and San Jose State University to complete my General Studies. I received my nursing certification and soon after started working as a Medical Technician and then in Hospice Care. Although I worked in the medical field my heart was always in teaching and school settings.
In 2015 I started volunteering at Crestmont as a PIC (Parent in the Classroom) when my daughter started Kindergarten at Crestmont. Currently, I’m the Kindergarten Aide, Morning and After Care Team Member at Crestmont. I love assisting in the Kindergarten class. Knowing that I am playing a role in their life is a great feeling. While I’m not at Crestmont I love spending time with my daughter, who is a current Crestmont student, my husband, and my French Bulldog Montana. I love crafting, crocheting, going on adventures with family and friends and watching movies. AIMAN KHAN
Aftercare Teacher
Classroom Assistant
I was born and raised in Berkeley. I've always been a thoughtful person, but my degree in philosophy aided me in comprehending and contemplating the beautiful world and unique people around me. This is beneficial to my role because I strive to positively impact the young people I work with while also working to give them space to use their bring minds and kind hearts. ATIYA KHAN
Aftercare Teacher
I have a Master’s degree in social work, and in Pakistan I was a teacher for children with special needs. I’ve worked for thirteen years in Berkeley/Albany Child Development Center, YMCA. I thank God for providing me with a job that I get so much fulfillment and happiness from. I cherish the role of an educator with this community!JEM HOEHNER HAELE
Substitute Teacher
I was born and raised in the East Bay Area, and my family is close to Crestmont for a couple of reasons: my younger brother attended Crestmont until his graduation in 2023—and we live about two minutes away from Crestmont!
I am proud to be entering my second year working as a substitute teacher at this wonderful school; in addition to working as a substitute teacher, I’ve worked at a summer camp for three years and babysat even before that. I love working with youngins (kids); there’s something special about it that you can’t find anywhere else. It’s usually a lot more fun and interesting than working with grownups, I’ll tell you that!
Aside from sometimes being called into duty to work at Crestmont, I’m in the middle of enjoying a gap year, writing short stories and a novel!🔝ELIZABETH VAHLSING (E.V.)
Substitute Teacher
My name is Elizabeth Vahlsing. My husband and I have lived in the Bay Area for 31 years. I am a graphic designer, painter, community organizer, and most recently a new grandmother.
My favorite experience working with kids was when I volunteered at Marin Elementary, in Albany, teaching art. Also, I was a key organizer at Albany High School to get back lost programs (sports, music, library) in the California Public School financial crisis of 2001. More recently, I was part of Writer Coach Connection, being a Writer’s Coach. It is a unique one-on-one experience working with high school and middle school students to develop their writing skills. My husband and I love hiking with our standard poodle, camping, and traveling to see our grandson. As well, when we can, we love attending performances by our daughter, a jazz violinist, and our son, a guitarist. “MAMA” VIDA BATEAU
Yoga and Mindfulness Teacher
Vida Bateau was the Music teacher at Crestmont from 2014-2021 and at Beacon Day School in Oakland for 35 years before that. She has practiced yoga in the Iyengar style since 1976, and Mindful Practice for the last 12 years.
A frequent retreatant at Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Marin, she has seen the deep value of taking a moment or more just to breathe and notice the present moment. Her students over the many years seem to agree! She loves this new post-retirement “job!” and having the opportunity to stay engaged with the Crestmont Community.
She has two grown children, lives with her wife and two cats in Berkeley, and enjoys time in the garden and boogie boarding at Stinson Beach.
Mama Vida has wholeheartedly accepted the Dalai Lama's invitation: “If every 9-year-old child is taught mindfulness, we will have world peace in one generation.” What better intention? SARA NEVIUS
Board President
Sara Nevius is parent to two Crestmont students and married to a Crestmont alumnus. She works as a psychotherapist specializing in adolescent mental health and substance abuse and has experience in special education in public schools. She is honored to serve Crestmont as interim Board President and loves contributing to this special environment that nurtures our children.AMBER HATFIELD
Board Secretary
I have been grateful to participate in the Crestmont community since enrolling my only child, Lemon, in 2022. I highly value the culture of acceptance, respect, and possibility that the school strives to foster among students in the classrooms and also among parents working together in the co-op. I bring a love of language to the Board Secretary position, as well as an MA in Comparative Literature and a long career in operations and educational services.ERIC ANGSTADT
Board Treasurer
I am father of Finn, a current Crestmont student. I have been the Treasurer for the Board of Directors for two years. For work I am the Chief Assistant County Administrator for Contra Costa County. As such I am part of the executive team that is responsible for producing the County’s annual budget of over five billion dollars. My direct role at the county is to manage the larger construction projects and their associated budgets as well as long term capital planning and budgeting. I currently have two projects under construction, one with a 75 million dollar budget the other with a 135 million budget. I also have experience with non-profit organizations having served as the treasurer for three years at a church I previously attended. Aspects of my work experience that are relevant to my Board position are that I am responsible for the long-term, 20-year time frame, capital planning and budget forecasting for the County. In addition to Finn, I have a younger daughter who is two and a half and is very eager to join her brother at Crestmont in a few years.JANAE FULLENKAMP
Board Director-At-Large
Membership Chair
I am mom to Elijah in 5th grade and Adeline in 3rd grade and wife to Aaron. This is our 6th year at Crestmont. I have been serving as Membership Chair for several years and am continuing to do so with a lovely Co-Chair as I also join the Board this year. My focus as Director-At-Large is to support our school in increasing our eco-friendly practices. In addition to a full co-op life I run my own wellness business which includes herbal medicine I have grown, seeing clients for bodywork, ceremony and leading classes. CHRISSIE BRADLEY
Marketing Chair
I have a professional background in non-profit arts administration, and I currently do communications and accessibility work for NIAD Art Center, a progressive art center for artists with disabilities in Downtown Richmond. I'm a lifelong resident of the Bay Area and have lived with my partner and two children in Richmond for almost ten years. We feel incredibly lucky to live in a town with such a rich culture and history, and so close to a school like Crestmont. For our family and so many others, Crestmont is both an idea - rooted in intellectual curiosity, creativity, and kindness - and also a real place where we can practice this beautiful idea in real time with our community. I am honored to support Crestmont alongside this incredible group of parents, teachers and children, and to spread the Crestmont magic out into the world as widely as we can.