Who We Are

English

Drew Grimshaw

When not teaching English language or literature at Summit, Drew has been involved in education reform efforts for some time. He has humanities degrees from Oxford University and Harvard University, as well as a law degree. Drew taught in schools in England, Japan and the East Coast (and worked for the British and Japanese governments) before coming to Summit in 2003. He is inspired and energized by great Summit students in a daily basis.

Lily Lam

Besides teaching English, Lily loves to take pictures, spend time at the dog park, and attend Greyhound organization events around the Peninsula. Lily graduated with an English major and education minor from UC Berkeley and earned a Masters in Education at Stanford University. She taught English in Elk Grove (Sacramento) for 3 years before coming to Summit in 2008. She loves Summit because the students and faculty build trusting and lasting relationships.

Micah Morris

When not teaching English at Summit, Micah spends his time doing Crossfit, reading (mostly about cooking), and experimenting in the kitchen. Micah has Bachelor's degrees in English Literature and Classics from San Francisco State University and a Master's degree in Education from Stanford. Before coming to Summit, Micah taught English and Government at Impact Academy in Hayward and English at Downtown College Prep in San Jose. Micah is excited about the opportunity to build relationships with Summit students and their families and to join in their college journeys.

Jessica Rice

When not teaching English at Summit, Jessica enjoys reading young adult novels, decorating sugar cookies, and any sort of craft project.  Jessica got her bachelor's degree in English at Santa Clara University and her Master's degree in Education at Stanford University.  Before Summit, Jessica tutored college and high school students and worked as a summer camp counselor.  Jessica is inspired by the energy, enthusiasm, and empathy of Summit students.

History

Shannon Sieckert

When not teaching at Summit Shannon enjoys spending time with her family, watching Audrey Hepburn films, traveling and museum wandering. Shannon earned her Bachelor's Degree in History, as well as her Single Subject Credential in Social Studies from California State University Stanislaus. Before Summit, Shannon taught US History and coached Academic Decathlon in Stockton, and served as a Humanities 10 teacher for three years at East Palo Alto Academy. She is very passionate about social justice and offering an exciting and equitable classroom experience for her students, and was drawn to Summit for its commitment to those ideals. .

Shilpa Duvoor

While Shilpa is not teaching History at Summit, she enjoys traveling, fine wine under $20, and watching anime! She is currently the faculty sponsor for debate club and is looking forward to leading Summit's novice debaters to a win this year. Shilpa received her B.A. in Political Science from Williams College and her M. Ed. from Stanford University. Before teaching at Summit, Shilpa worked as a Development Associate for Envision Schools and taught in the Bronx.

Chris Kelly

Chris keeps his skills and interest in young people, history and successful organizations potent through being with his family and writing historical articles for a regional history magazine. He enjoys the outdoors by backpacking, cycling and open water swimming. Chris recently graduated from San Francisco State University with a master's degree in education. Chris taught at Skyline High School in Oakland before coming to Summit in 2007.

Bobby Cupp

When not teaching History at Summit, Bobby enjoys wandering in San Francisco, time in a coffee shop with a good book, and Giants baseball. Bobby received his B.A. in American Studies at UC Berkeley (Go Bears!) and his M. Ed. at Stanford. Before teaching, he worked with Breakthrough Collaborative, helping under-served middle schoolers to be more prepared for high school and bringing college students to their first teaching experiences. Bobby's longtime goal has been to level the playing field for all students, and to make sure that hard work and success are tied together..

Math

Julian Cortella

When not teaching math at Summit, Julian enjoys all things outdoors, particularly competitive volleyball, cycling, and snowboarding. Julian graduated from UC Berkeley with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Northwestern University with a master's degree in mechanical engineering and from Stanford University with a master's degree in education. Prior to his teaching career, Julian was an engineer for 15 years, developing medical devices for eye surgery and diabetes care. He received several patents for his work in engineering but switched to a teaching career about ten years ago because he believes there is no work more important or critical for the future of our kids and our country.

Maura Dudley

When not teaching Statistics, Maura enjoys running, riding her fixed gear bike, and doing crossword puzzles. Maura graduated from Johns Hopkins and Stanford, where she majored in Applied Math and Statistics and Education, respectively. Maura taught in Massachusetts before coming to Summit in 2007. Maura is inspired by Summit's committed and generative faculty.

Trevor Gibson

When not at Summit teaching Algebra II, Trevor follows sports and travels. Before coming to Summit in August 2010, Trevor served in the Marine Corps. He finds Summit's culture especially endearing.

Geetha Lakshimnarayanan

When not teaching math at Summit, Geetha loves to travel and explore new places. She's visited inhabited continent, including some adventures with other Summit teachers. Geetha graduated from the University of Michigan (B.A. - American Culture) and Stanford University (M.A. - Education). Before coming to Summit, Geetha taught at San Lorenzo High School. Geetha loves the collaboration opportunities at Summit that encourage teachers to develop new, innovative ways to reach all students.

Kieran McMillen

When not teaching Algebra to energetic 9th graders, Kieran enjoys traveling, exercising while listening to podcasts, and following all of the professional Washington D.C.-area sports teams. Kieran earned his undergraduate degree from Duke University in 2001 and a Master's in Education from Stanford in 2008. Before coming to Summit, Kieran taught various levels of math for four years at Georgetown Prep, his old high school in North Bethesda, Maryland. He is constantly inspired by Summit students' commitment to meeting their school's high expectations.

Mark Spong

Before coming to Summit, Mark taught at Burlingame High School. He currently teaches Precalculus for the 11th grade and enjoys the coaching crew, hiking, science fiction and games of all kinds. Mark graduated in 2007 from Harvard with a degree in Mathematics and 2008 with a Masters degree in Education.

Science

Melissa Barger

When not teaching Biology at Summit, Melissa enjoys hiking and camping around the Bay Area. Melissa earned her undergraduate degree in Biology at Dartmouth College and her master's degree in education at Stanford University. Melissa worked in a genetics lab at Children's Hospital Boston before coming to Summit in 2009. Melissa is inspired by the curiosity that Summit students demonstrate everyday in class.

Wren Larson

When not teaching Environmental Science at Summit, Wren enjoys all outdoor activities including biking, hiking, camping, and competitive sports. Wren graduated from Duke University with a Bachelor's degrees in Biology and English; she also received a Master's degree in Education from Stanford University. Before Summit, Wren taught high school Biology for two years in New York City. Wren is inspired by the dedication and excitement demonstrated by Summit students and faculty each and every day.

Kari Brown

When not teaching Physics at Summit, Kari enjoys biking, hiking, reading, debating politics and philosophy, and playing video games. Kari got her bachelor's degree in Physics at UC Davis in 2007. She wen on to complete a Masters in Education from Claremont Graduate University in 2009. Before Summit, Kari taught Physics at Claremont High School for three years. She is passionate about learning and is excited to learn new ways of thinking about things from her students.

Howard Shen

Even after 4 years of teaching science at Summit, Howard still indulges in his hobbies from adolescence: reading fantasy novels, playing video games, and baking desserts. Howard graduated from Stanford University with a B.S. in Chemistry, a minor in Computer Science, and an M.A. in Education. Howard was a student teacher at Summit and has taught both Biology and Chemistry at Summit. Howard ascribes strongly to the philosophy that every student can learn Chemistry.

Spanish

Alison Weir

When not teaching Spanish at Summit, Srta.Weir enjoys traveling, painting, and all art related activities, reading graphic novels, watching anime, hiking and cooking large elaborate dinners for friends. Srta.Weir got her bachelor's degree at the University of Illinois in Champaign/Urbana, with a major in Spanish and a minor in education. She received her teaching credential at San Francisco State University. Before Summit, Srta.Weir worked at College Preparatory Architecture Academy in Oakland for 7 years teaching Spanish 1,2,3 and native speakers 2. She is very excited to teach at Summit, and to work with new students and new teachers in such a successful and unique environment.

Jose Alcala

When not teaching Spanish at Summit, José enjoys watching and playing soccer, running, reading, and listening to music. José graduated from Notre Dame de Namur University with a Bachelor's degrees in Spanish and Liberal Studies. He is currently working on his master’s degree in Curriculum Instruction. Before coming to Summit, José taught at Birmingham High School in Southern California. José is motivated by Summit's goal to provide an excellent education and build great character.

Alara MacGillivray

When not teaching Spanish at Summit, Señorita MacGillivray enjoys watching or going to Giants games, traveling with friends and cooking. Alara completed her undergraduate degree at Sonoma State University in Spanish and Business Administration. Later, she earned her teaching credential and Master's in Education from the University of San Diego. Before joining the Summit family, Alara taught Spanish and English as a Second Language in San Diego. Prior to becoming a teacher, she spent 13 years working for Boys & Girls Clubs in her hometown of Sonoma as well as in the Peninsula community. Alara is excited to be a part of the tight-knit community at Summit and looks forward to building lasting relationships with both faculty and students.

Bjorn Wickstrom

Though he loves teaching Spanish 3 and 4, Sr. Wickstrom tries to make time outside of Summit to travel (sometimes with Summit teachers!), work out at the gym, and spend time with friends. Sr. W graduated from Stanford University with his Masters in Education and Davidson College in Davidson, N.C. with majors in Spanish and Political Science. Having spent the last two years teaching at Burton High School in San Francisco, Sr. W was excited to come to Summit on account of its dedication to providing individualized attention to each and every one of it's students.

SPED

Andy Lichtblau

When not teaching and directing Special Education at Summit, Andy enjoys playing competitive soccer and racquetball. Andy graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he majored Special Education. Andy taught at Lincoln Middle School in Santa Monica, CA before coming to Summit in 2006. Andy is inspired by the character of Summit's students.

Renee Moyer

When not teaching Special Education, Renée enjoys the arts and the outdoors. Renée graduated from Northwestern University where she majored in Journalism and Political Science. Later, she earned a Masters in Education from the University of Alabama. She is currently working towards a Masters in Special Education at the University of San Francisco. Renée taught English internationally before joining the Summit faculty in 2009. She is inspired by the creativity and commitment of both Summit's students and faculty.

100 Students Make-Up the Average Classroom...Our Classes Are Made Up of Only 25 Students, and Each Student Has a Dedicated Mentor.
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