TIDE Academy

Staff Biographies

TIDE Staff Photo 2024-25

TIDE Academy's Administration Team
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Simone Kennel

Principal

Why TIDE Academy - As a lifelong educator at heart, I am excited to serve as the Principal at TIDE Academy. The start of the 2021 school marked the beginning of my 29th year in education and my 20th year with the Sequoia Union High School District. I look forward to serving our collective community at TIDE, which is a very special, unique gem in the Sequoia Union High School District and one I am thrilled to be part of.

read more about my background >>

Carla Chavez

Vice Principal

Why TIDE Academy- As an educator passionate about fostering innovation and personalized learning, I chose to work at TIDE Academy because of its focus on empowering students to thrive in a rapidly changing world. The school's commitment to creativity, collaboration, and academic excellence aligns with my vision for preparing students for lifelong success.

Nichole Coy

Senior Secretary

Why TIDE Academy -

The close-knit community fosters meaningful relationships with students and colleagues, creating a supportive and engaging environment. The opportunity to take on multiple roles helps me develop diverse skills while actively contributing to the school’s culture and values.

Rocio Chavez

School Secretary

Why TIDE Academy -

Rocio Chavez is the welcoming face and warm presence you’ll find at the front desk of TIDE Academy. Serving as the school secretary since 2019, she has been an integral part of the school community since its opening. As one of the leaders of the Latino Union club, Ms. Chavez plays a key role in celebrating and sharing culture, organizing events such as Cinco de Mayo and Day of the Dead that bring students, staff, and families together.

A proud Latina, Ms. Chavez is passionate about fostering a sense of community and inclusion. She loves working with students, teachers, and parents, helping make TIDE Academy a special place for everyone. She treasures the opportunity to work in such a vibrant environment and enjoys traveling and learning about other cultures in her free time.

TIDE Academy's Counseling and Wellness Team
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Lara Sandora

Lead Counselor

Why TIDE Academy -

After years at large high high schools, I have enjoyed the opportunity to work in such a small, special community here at TIDE. I am also the Foothill professor for a counseling class offered to students at TIDE via dual enrollment.

Cristal Hernández

School Counselor

To be part of small and new school and be part of the development of TIDE. Enjoy working with students and hoping to get to know many students and families at TIDE.

Wendy Mosqueda

Guidance Information Specialist

Wendy has worked for the Sequoia Union High School District for 10 years as an instructional assistant and Guidance Information Specialist, where she served in the role for the last six years at Menlo-Atherton High School.

Kimberley Sullivan

School Psychologist

Kimberly received a bachelor's degree from Cal State San Bernardino and a master's degree from Azusa Pacific University. With 11 years of experience as a school psychologist in various pre-K to high school settings. Most recently she was a school psychologist in the Student Services Department for SUHSD. She has worked as a behaviorist, providing therapy support in schools and homes and is currently enrolled in an administrative credential program through San Mateo County Office of Education. Kimberly has also been working with Ceramics since 2018.

Lauren Reiser

Mental Health Support Specialist

Why TIDE Academy - I am honored to be at TIDE supporting such a diverse, creative set of students with their mental health and wellbeing. It is unique to be a part of such a tight-knit community and "young" school, where students are shaping more and more ways to build a supportive culture. I am excited to work closely with students and staff on new wellness initiatives!

Jackie Farias

Health Aide

Why TIDE Academy -

I enjoy the small setting here at Tide and it gives me the opportunity to get to know the staff on a better level. It also allows me to build meaningful relationships with our students and provide the individual support they need.

TIDE Academy's Teaching Team
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John Allen

Spanish Teacher

Why TIDE Academy - I thoroughly enjoy this small, yet unique, school setting here at TIDE. I enjoy working at a STEAM-focused high school that offers career technical education pathways and dual-enrolled classes with Foothill College. I MOST love the students we serve in this community.

read more about my background >>

Joel Basquez

Education Specialist

Why TIDE Academy -

I joined TIDE Academy so that I could be a part of the school's emerging programs and help all students meet their post-secondary goals by providing equitable opportunities and support.

Cat Cole

Social Studies Teacher

Why TIDE Academy - Cat is excited to be a teacher at TIDE because she believes in our Mission and Vision of providing engaging project-based learning. Closing race and gender gaps in the STEM field here in Silicon Valley is also something she believes in.

read more about my background >>

Bella Sandoval

Social Studies Teacher

Why TIDE Academy-

I am excited to join TIDE! I love the opportunity for meaningful relationships that a small school offers.

Hector Cornejo

Physical Education Teacher

Athletic Director

Why TIDE Academy -

TIDE Academy is a small school that provides multiple learning and social opportunities to its students. The staff brings a positive and energetic attitude that makes you feel like you are at home. It's a school setting that embraces you and makes you part of the community.

read more about my background >>

Karen Cortez

Education Specialist

Why TIDE Academy -

I deeply value TIDE Academy for its commitment to fostering a supportive, personalized learning environment. As a small, vibrant school, TIDE offers individualized support tailored to the diverse needs of each student, ensuring that every learner is seen, heard, and empowered to reach their full potential. Our school’s unique emphasis on technology integration and creative problem-solving encourages students to develop the skills and mindset necessary to become future innovators. We prioritize nurturing each student’s strengths and supporting their growth by adapting to their individual learning styles, whether through hands-on learning experiences, project-based assignments, or one-on-one mentorship. At TIDE, we not only celebrate academic achievements but also recognize the personal milestones and growth of our students, creating a culture where every success, big or small, is acknowledged and valued.

read more about my background >>

Michael Davis

Science Teacher

Why TIDE Academy -

TIDE academy is a a great small-school setting that has a well-funded and highly qualified science department. There are multiple pathways for student success and, because we have such an intimate department, we are able to cater to the specific individualized needs of our students.

Sreemayee Ghosh

CTE Graphics & Interactive Design Teacher

Mentor/Intern Program Coordinator

Student Band Advisor

Why TIDE Academy - TIDE Academy with its focus on Dual Enrollment and STEM Curriculum, offers a unique opportunity for people like me with diverse Industry as well as academic experience to bring unique industry skills and academic expertise into the classroom and provide an enriching career-ready learning program for students. I hope to make a big difference in a school like TIDE still in its nascent stage with many opportunities for growth.

At TIDE, I'm excited to be wearing several hats in addition--managing the school website, coordinating the Mentor Program for Juniors, and also teaching Graphic Design in the dual capacity of both TIDE teacher as well as Foothill College instructor.

read more about my background >>

Carmen Gutierrez

Spanish and Bilingual Resource Teacher

Why TIDE Academy - I’m looking to really get to know my students at a deeper level and TIDE provides the perfect opportunity.

Brian Klackle

Computer Science Teacher

Innovation Lab Manager/ Tech Coordinator

Why TIDE Academy -

I chose TIDE Academy because it combines innovation, collaboration, and opportunity, creating an environment where I can make a meaningful impact. With its small class sizes and personalized learning, TIDE allows me to build strong connections with students while integrating my industry experience into practical, hands-on learning. TIDE's focus on Career Technical Education and dual-enrollment opportunities with Foothill College aligns with my passion for preparing students for success in college, careers, and beyond.

Daphne McCann

English Teacher

Recruitment Lead

Why TIDE Academy -

I chose to work at TIDE Academy because I was excited about the opportunity to build new programs from scratch. The idea of starting something new was both scary and exciting, and now that I'm a few years in, it has been a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Each year, I keep coming back to TIDE because I'm proud of who we are and what we've built over time.

Maria Pimentel

Education Specialist

Why TIDE Academy - Coming soon!

Ryan Stagg

Math Teacher

Why TIDE Academy -

As a founding teacher of TIDE Academy I was thrilled with the opportunity to participate in designing a school to best serve students from scratch. It has been such a privilege to participate in building this community and watching TIDE grow into the institution it is today.

Christine Turk

English Teacher

Why TIDE Academy - I love the students here at TIDE! Our students are curious, creative, and driven. Every day, they inspire me to grow as an educator.

Nicholas McKeon

English Teacher

Why TIDE Academy - I am enamored with the small school setting; it's exciting that we get to know students so well and work with them much more individually than is possible at a larger school!

Cherie Cohen

Science Teacher, Students Activities Director

Why TIDE Academy -

I really enjoy the small school size that TIDE offers. I feel like TIDE offers the ability to really get to know our students. I am able to work with them and draw out their ability to succeed within the classroom.

Amrutha Venkatesha

Computer Science Teacher

Amrutha received her Bachelor of Engineering (BE) in Computer Science in India and her Master’s Degree in Computer Science from the University of Illinois, Springfield. Amrutha is joining us from industry where she was a Senior Engineer for Comcast for the last 10 years. She has her Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Credential. She will teach Computer Science I, II and III, including the dual credit courses.

Parmveer Masuta

Art Teacher and Yearbook Advisor

Why TIDE Academy -

I have been at TIDE for 3 years and counting. TIDE drew me in because of it's small school atmosphere and I am exciting to jump start a new Yearbook and Digital Photography class. I hope I can provide TIDE with more opportunities to share their voices through their art.

Norma Rodea Hernandez

Algebra I Teacher

Why TIDE Academy - TIDE's small setting is ideal! It makes it easier to build meaningful relationships with my students and provide them with the supports that they need. It's also a wonderful community staffed with individuals who want what's best for our students.

Martin Wai

Math Teacher

Why TIDE Academy-

I recently had a huge life change, which caused me to move further south from San Mateo. I left my previous teaching position for a shorter commute. Out of all my interviews, Tide caught my attention. Everything just seems so intentional and I'm really fond of that. Looking forward to getting to know more about the community here!

Joanne Yao

English 9 Teacher

Why TIDE Academy -

I love being able to personalize instruction and build relationships with students! TIDE allows me to do this because of our smaller teacher-to-student ratio. My colleagues are wonderful.

Adriana O. Stone

Gov/Econ

Why TIDE Academy -

TIDE is a diverse, small, and friendly place that allows students, teachers, staff, and families to form a strong community. I am excited to have the opportunity to work and be a part of the TIDE community and support and encourage its diverse, innovative student body. Go Astronauts!

TIDE Academy's Support Staff
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Fatima Aguilar Villicana

Campus Security Aide

Why TIDE Academy - Coming soon!

Daisey Velasquez

Paraprofessional

Why TIDE Academy - Being at a smaller tight knit school intrigued me to gravitate towards TIDE. To be able to get to know the staff and faculty on a better level. Most importantly get to know a lot of the students closely, build great bonds and trust with each individually.

Daniel Stewart

Tech Support

Why TIDE Academy - Coming soon!

Dawn Johnson

Food Services Lead

Why TIDE Academy - Coming soon!

Jacob Delao

Custodian

Why TIDE Academy - Coming Soon

Angelina Mendoza

Paraprofessional

Why TIDE Academy - COMING SOON!

Marisol Angeles

Support Staff

Why TIDE Academy - TIDE provides the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with our students and provide them with the supports they need.

Dalila Amezcua

Bilingual Site Parent Liaison

Why TIDE Academy-

I chose to work at TIDE Academy because it provided me with a unique opportunity to make a direct and meaningful impact on the lives of students and their families. As a small, close-knit school, TIDE offers a community-focused environment where I can connect with parents on a personal level, offering the support they need to navigate the challenges and obstacles of high school. It’s rewarding to help families feel empowered and supported in their educational journey, and TIDE Academy’s commitment to fostering a collaborative and supportive environment made it the perfect place for me to contribute and grow.

Staff Biographies

TIDE Staff Photo 2024-25

TIDE Academy's Administration TeamTop of Page

Simone Kennel

Principal

Carla Chavez

Vice Principal

Nichole Coy

Senior Secretary

Rocio Chavez

School Secretary

TIDE Academy's Counseling and Wellness TeamTop of Page

Lara Sandora

Lead Counselor

Cristal Hernández

School Counselor

Wendy Mosqueda

Guidance Information Specialist

Kimberley Sullivan

School Psychologist

Lauren Reiser

Mental Health Support Specialist

Jackie Farias

Health Aide

TIDE Academy's Teaching TeamTop of Page

John Allen

Spanish Teacher

Joel Basquez

Education Specialist

Cat Cole

Social Studies Teacher

Bella Sandoval

Social Studies Teacher

Hector Cornejo

Physical Education Teacher

Athletic Director

Karen Cortez

Education Specialist

Michael Davis

Science Teacher

Sreemayee Ghosh

CTE Graphics & Interactive Design Teacher

Mentor/Intern Program Coordinator

Student Band Advisor

Carmen Gutierrez

Spanish and Bilingual Resource Teacher

Brian Klackle

Computer Science Teacher

Innovation Lab Manager/ Tech Coordinator

Daphne McCann

English Teacher

Recruitment Lead

Maria Pimentel

Education Specialist

Ryan Stagg

Math Teacher

Christine Turk

English Teacher

Nicholas McKeon

English Teacher

Cherie Cohen

Science Teacher, Students Activities Director

Amrutha Venkatesha

Computer Science Teacher

Parmveer Masuta

Art Teacher and Yearbook Advisor

Norma Rodea Hernandez

Algebra I Teacher

Martin Wai

Math Teacher

Joanne Yao

English 9 Teacher

Adriana O. Stone

Gov/Econ

TIDE Academy's Support StaffTop of Page

Fatima Aguilar Villicana

Campus Security Aide

Daisey Velasquez

Paraprofessional

TIDE Academy's Administration Team
Top of Page

TIDE Academy's Counseling and Wellness Team
Top of Page

TIDE Academy's Teaching Team
Top of Page

TIDE Academy's Support Staff
Top of Page