A message from our founder

 

When I began my teaching career in 2007, it was with the goal of providing equality of opportunity through education to more children in our country. In the past twelve years, what opportunity looks like, and the skills needed to take advantage of opportunities when they appear, have evolved quite a bit. Advances in technology have meant that more people can create and connect than ever before, but to take advantage of that technology and all the new tools at our disposal, people need the know-how and the confidence that they can put these tools to good use. That means a sense of agency.

Regardless of what a child wants to do in life, having a sense of agency is an essential disposition for achieving satisfaction, significance, or success. This is the mission at the heart of Red Bridge – to develop a sense of agency in every child as the foundation for academic and life success. Traditional schools are designed to reward and support compliance. Red Bridge is designed to reward and support agency. Instead of passively receiving information, students become active drivers of their own learning.  The result: lifelong learners who can’t wait to get to school each morning.

Shifting the core school design principle from one of passive transfer of knowledge to one of “agency” means redeveloping all the systems and structures of school. That means the student experience won’t look just like what you remember from your K-8 days, but the meaningful pieces will still be there: teachers your children love, exciting hands-on projects, academic challenge, and the stuff every child looks forward to - field trips, the Halloween parade, etc. 

While many of the tactical approaches of Red Bridge are new, the values come from a long history of progressive educators, including John Dewey, Maria Montessori, and Deborah Meier. And in addition, we’ve learned a lot about child development thanks to advances in cognitive science, and psychology over the last fifty years, all of which will be incorporated into the Red Bridge curriculum and implemented by a team of experienced teachers and subject-matter experts who share the Red Bridge mission. 

I welcome you to join us on our journey as a founding family, curious educator or champion of this new approach to K-8 education. 

 

Bio

Orly Friedman is the founder and Head of School at Red Bridge. Before launching Red Bridge, Orly was an Entrepreneur-in-Residence with Transcend. She spent a year creating a blueprint for a new model of education designed to foster a sense of agency in students. Prior to that, she spent four years as the Head of Lower School and a member of the founding team of Khan Lab School in Mountain View. She taught elementary school for five years in Washington, DC where she was a Teach for America corps member. She has spoken around the globe on the topic of student agency, and had her writing published in Education Week and EducationNext.

Education

Stanford Graduate School of Business, MBA

George Mason University, MA Early Childhood Education

Yale University, BA Urban Studies

Orly Friedman

Orly Friedman
Founder

 
 

School team

 
 

Bio

A Bay Area native, Nikita began her journey in the field of education after college when she joined Teach for America as a 5th grade teacher for Clark County School District in Las Vegas. In her career as a teacher, she has taught everything from 1st grade to 4th grade at district, public charter, and independent schools. She also spent two years designing curriculum for an education technology company in San Francisco. As both a teacher and curriculum designer, Nikita understood the power of engaging students in deeper learning. She is passionate about designing learning experiences for students that are meaningful and rigorous.

Education

UNLV, MEd in Curriculum and Instruction

UC Berkeley, BA in Public Health

Nikita Khetan
Acting Head of School
& Head of Program

Abby has worked in education for over ten years, focusing on early childhood education. She has experience as a teacher and administrator at Red Hook Playgroup and AltSchool. Most recently, Abby worked as Assistant Head of School and helped her school transition to distance learning.

Abby has spent her years in education prioritizing social justice, specifically engaging in conversations with even the youngest learners. She wrote her master’s thesis on peer friendships and peer relationships, which culminated in writing a children's story about a dog named Zadie who travels throughout New York City, finding friends along the way.

Abby has lived in Brooklyn for the past 11 years. This summer she is moving back to her home state of California.

Education

Bank Street College of Education, M.S. in Early Childhood Education

Connecticut College, B.A. Gender & Women Studies, B.A. Religious Studies

Abby Wilkes 
Dean of Students
& Head of Operations

Kristin Goodell has been teaching pre-kindergarten to second grade for the past ten years. An educational background in psychology grounds her teaching in child development and drives her inquiry to ascertain how each student learns best. Her aspiration is to translate her passion for teaching into a love of learning within each child. She is inspired daily by the enthusiasm and creativity of children and loves guiding student learning through discovery, exploration, and peer collaboration. Kristin is dedicated to educating the whole child through social-emotional learning, instilling a growth mindset, and fostering intrinsic motivation. Above all else, she works to ensure that each child feels safe, loved, heard, and appreciated in the classroom and beyond! She is thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with families and actualize the Red Bridge mission.

Education

University of Northern Colorado, M.A. in Literacy Instruction

BYU, B.S. in Psychology

Kristin Goodell
Learning Guide
Autonomy Level 1

Rachel believes that relationships are the foundation to growth and success in the classroom. She is excited to be part of a team that places students at the center of all choices. Rachel’s passion for teaching developed early while teaching dance in her hometown in Southern California. Her studies as an undergraduate psychology student at UC San Diego motivated her to join Teach For America as a Las Vegas Valley Corps Member in 2012 and she has been committed to developing joyful learners ever since. In 2014, Rachel moved to San Jose and spent 7 years in elementary charter, district, and independent schools. Most recently, she was a 3rd grade teacher at Campbell School of Innovation, a public school with a focus on design thinking. When she is not designing curriculum or hunting for the next great read-aloud, Rachel enjoys playing with her pets: a dog, a cat, and a rabbit!

Education

UNLV, MEd in Curriculum and Instruction

UC San Diego, BA in Psychology

Rachel Smallwood
Learning Guide
Autonomy Level 2

Jenny Bennett has been an educator for more than a decade. Most recently she served as a third-grade teacher and literacy curriculum leader at an innovative, independent school in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She also has experience in early childhood education. Jenny believes that children learn best in an environment where they feel a sense of belonging, have voice and choice, and can work with others to accomplish things that really matter. Over her career, Jenny has developed expertise in curriculum development, culturally responsive teaching, social-emotional learning, and Mind, Brain, & Education (MBE). Outside of school, you will most likely find her on a paddle board, cruising in a sailboat, or snuggling with her rescue cat.

Education

University of Minnesota, B.A. Foundations of Elementary Education

University of Minnesota, M.A. Elementary Education

Jenny Bennett
Learning Guide
Autonomy Level 3

Michelle Capobres has over twenty years of experience in education, program design, and nonprofit leadership. Most recently, she spent over ten years working for Aim High where she oversaw curriculum development, teacher professional development, and program evaluation. She began her career in education as an English teacher in China, and taught high school social studies for several years. 

Michelle is skilled at developing curriculum grounded in deeper learning and project-based learning, and is committed to educational equity. She served on the Executive Board of the People of Color in Independent Schools of Northern California and was in the second cohort of the Deeper Learning Leadership Forum. Outside of work, you might find Michelle listening to music, cheering on Detroit sports teams, or floating in a body of water. 

Education

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, B.A. Asian Studies

Teachers College Columbia University, M.A. Social Studies Teaching

San Francisco State University, M.P.A. Nonprofit Administration

(in progress) University of San Francisco, Ed.D. Organization and Leadership

Michelle Capobres
Middle School Lead

After growing up in the Philadelphia area, Eric Gladstone moved West where he became a lecturer in Cinema at San Francisco State University. Interested in working with younger students, he transitioned to elementary education and found his true calling and joy. After teaching at various schools in the Bay Area for the last 10 years, Eric is thrilled to be joining the Red Bridge team, where he is excited to share his passion for math and the way it informs our understanding of both the natural world and human-made enterprises like art and music. Eric loves spending time with his wife and two young children, whether taking walks or playing sports.

Education

Williams College, B.A. in American Studies

San Francisco State University, M.F.A. in Cinema

Eric Gladstone
Math & Observation Specialist

PaJah Vang is passionate about creating purposeful, adaptive, and accessible education. As the oldest of five children, she has seen how an intentional childhood education can transform the lives of students, families, and entire communities. Her joy for teaching evolved from her time as a Kindergarten teacher's assistant. Since then, she has gone on to mentor high school students through the college application process and lead workshops at youth conferences. Most recently, she taught extracurricular math, writing and public speaking classes to students between the ages of 7-14. 

She is thrilled to be at Red Bridge where creativity and student initiative are centered, and is excited to teach and learn from her students. Outside of the classroom, you'll find PaJah curled up with a good book, crocheting, or watercolor painting!

Education

Stanford University, B.A. in English

PaJah Vang
Associate Teacher

Arianne has a background in fundraising event production and years of experience working with children of all ages in various roles (including, but not limited to; nanny of three, camp counselor, and birthday party captain). She found her niche working in school administration, combining her logistical and problem solving skills with her passion for thoughtful, independence-focused education. Most recently, Arianne worked as the School Coordinator at Mission Montessori, playing an integral role overseeing daily operations and supporting teachers, students and families in the school community over the past four years. 

Arianne is a native New Yorker, originally from Staten Island. After living temporarily in both LA and SF for several years to work events, she eventually moved to San Francisco permanently in 2019. Arianne currently lives near Alamo Square Park with her partner, Amanda, and two dogs, Okie and Cooper.


Education

Marymount Manhattan College, B.A. Teacher Education / Special Education (K-6) & Sociology

Arianne Cintula
Administrative Assistant

Dylan Vodzak will be a Content Specialist working with Upper Elementary and Middle School students in a variety of subject areas. Growing up on the island of Oahu, Dylan’s passion for education began as a camp counselor in high school at his school’s outdoor education program. After moving back to his birthplace, San Francisco, he pursued teaching elementary school students while getting his Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) at the University of San Francisco. Most recently, he taught Language Arts and Math in fifth grade at an independent school in the heart of the city. Dylan believes that successful classrooms are environments where students feel empowered in their own learning, think critically, and continually tackle just-right problems. When not in the classroom, Dylan enjoys getting through his backlog of books, the occasional surf session, and rooting for the SF Giants. 

Dylan Vodzak
Content Specialist

Konika Ray Wong has dedicated over two decades to education, starting as the Lower School Science Specialist at the Hamlin School for girls for 16 years. In 2021, she founded Girl Power Science, blending her passions for body literacy, science, and social-emotional learning. For the past two years, Konika has been leading body literacy enrichment classes at Red Bridge and is thrilled to officially join the team. She will develop curriculum and lead inquiry-based observation and body literacy classes. Beyond the classroom, you'll often find her embarking on campervan adventures in nature with her husband and daughter.

Education:

University of San Francisco, M.A. in Teaching
University of San Francisco, California Teaching Credential
Virginia Polytechnic University, B.S. in Biology

Konika Ray Wong
Body Literacy &
Observation Specialist

Johanna grew up in a charming small town nestled in the picturesque landscape of southern Germany. She pursued her passion for education at the Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, where she specialized in Biology, German, Mathematics, and Art. After completing her degree, she dedicated a couple of years to teaching elementary school children in Bavaria, where she cultivated a teaching philosophy centered around fostering curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning in her students. In 2021, she embarked on an exciting new chapter and relocated to San Francisco, where she spent three fulfilling years teaching first and second grade at an international school. Driven by curiosity, she continued visiting schools to seek inspiration. When she visited Red Bridge, she immediately felt right at home. In her free time, she thrives in the great outdoors, enjoying activities such as hiking, mountain biking, swimming, and exploring new destinations.

Education:

FAU Erlangen-Nuremberg, 1. state examination / comparable with B.Ed. Elementary Education

State of Bavaria, 2. state examination / comparable with M.Ed. Elementary Education

Johanna Härtl
Content Specialist

Devin Harris is the founder of Showstoppers4kids - a song and dance enrichment program that helps students foster a love of music and confidence for performance through pop songs and show tunes. Devin is passionate about singing, dancing and working with kids, and has worked with students in all stages of grade school for many years.

Devin Harris
Music Specialist

Yuliana Sameroynina will be the Associate Teacher in Autonomy Level 1.Yuliana is delighted to join the Red Bridge community. She holds a MA degree in Economics from New York University and has previously worked as an educator in college and undergraduate settings, having lectured undergraduate courses at New York University and St. Francis College in Brooklyn, New York. Working with college-level students and seeing their interest and passion for learning made Yuliana realize what a vital role early childhood education plays in providing a strong foundation for future development and academic, social, and emotional success.

Her passion for teaching extends beyond the classroom. She thoroughly enjoys interacting with children and relishes the opportunity to introduce them to new concepts and skills. Mathematics, in particular, holds a special place in her heart. She played an active role in nurturing her son’s love for the subject and is eager to share that same passion with the Red Bridge School students.

Yuliana Sameroynina
Associate Teacher

 

Board of trustees

 

Bio

Sujata Bhatt is Senior Fellow at Transcend, a national non-profit that supports communities to create and spread extraordinary, equitable learning environments by launching redesign processes as well as building, testing, and codifying catalytic models. Sujata writes regularly for EdSurge, Forbes, and other national publications. She serves on the board of the Mastery Transcript Consortium and is an instructor and mentor in the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education’s Education Entrepreneurship Program. Her mission is to create equitable access to innovation to enable all young people to thrive in a changing world.

Prior to Transcend, she served as Managing Partner of Innovation for the Boston Public Schools. She also founded of The Incubator School, which, during its four-year tenure, was one of the most diverse, high performing schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District. Her work draws upon her 14 years' teaching experience, including National Board certification, and 21 years’ parenting experience.

Education

Junior Fellow at the Society of Fellows at Harvard

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, M.A. in medieval history

University of Pennsylvania, B.A. in history

Bio

Erica Cosgrove has dedicated her career to supporting students as they learn both in the classroom and in the world, with the goals of discovering their purpose, talents and curiosities. She currently works at Valley Christian Schools, as the Associate Director of the Business and Entrepreneurship Initiative. Previously, she was a career and college admissions director at Khan Lab School and ran her own educational consulting business. She taught and conducted research as a Lecturer in Public Policy and International Relations at the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs (WWS) at Princeton University. In her early career, she worked for a U.S. Senator and a human rights lobbyist in Washington, D.C.

Education

Cambridge University, PhD in history - international relations

Graduate Institute of International Studies, Fellowship

UC Berkeley, BS in peace and conflict studies

Bio

Dr. Lee has over thirty years of experience in the biotechnology industry. He was founder and CEO of Dragonfly Sciences, Adnexus Therapeutics, and Epitome Biosystems and held previous positions as a research director at DNAX Research Institute/Schering Plough and Chief Scientific Officer of Millennium Pharmaceuticals.

Frank’s current interests are in education, healthcare and entrepreneurship. At Stanford University he has served on the Board of Trustees and the Humanities and Sciences Council, and currently sits on the Board of Directors of the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital and the Life Sciences Advisory Council. He is working to expand opportunities for digital technologies in education in the developing world. With his wife, Carol Hall, he co-founded Tanzania Education Corporation, a non-profit organization which supports primary and secondary education in Tanzania. He is an advisor to Learning Equality, a non- profit which provides technology to distribute educational content globally to those lacking internet access, a board director of FAME Medical, a US NGO which runs a clinic in rural Tanzania and a former trustee of Gould Academy, an independent boarding school. He is a board director of IonPath, an early stage life science company, and an advisor to Incite Health, an innovation and entrepreneurship program in primary care at Harvard Medical School.

Education

Stanford University, PhD in molecular biology

Post-doctoral research at MIT and the Stanford University School of Medicine

University of California, Berkeley, BA in biochemistry (Phi Beta Kappa)

Bio

Josh Reeves is the Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Gusto. He leads the company on its mission to create a world where work empowers a better life, and building Gusto to its full potential is a multi-decade mission for him. Josh was recognized as one of the “Most Admired CEOs” by the San Francisco Business Times in 2016 and he was selected to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2012. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering from Stanford University, where he was a Mayfield Fellow and a recipient of the Terman Engineering award. Education has meant a great deal to Josh throughout his life. Both of his parents are teachers, and he views education as one of the most foundational programs in society to empower and enable youth to pursue their dreams.

Education

Stanford University, MA in Electrical Engineering

Stanford University, BS in Electrical Engineering

 

Advisory board

 
Dominic Liechti
Kat Clark
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