Our faculty and staff combine passion, dedication, and flexibility with the wisdom of many years spent teaching children.
Pictured: A glimpse of our enthusiasm as we prepare for our 2025-26 schoolwide camping trip—one of the many ways we build community, resilience, and joy together. We invite you to meet us!
OUR TEAM
Our School Leadership
Wendy Xa
Founding Head of School
Neuroscientist. Nature Enthusiast. Quadrilingual. Mom.
Wendy envisioned a model that blends language immersion, nature-based learning, and social-emotional growth.
At Terra, this vision thrives through a trilingual (Spanish and Mandarin immersion), inquiry-based, nonprofit forest school rooted in the IB framework. With a focus on rigorous academics, global awareness, and flexible band scheduling by skill level, Wendy’s approach ensures every student is challenged, supported, and prepared to become a compassionate global citizen.
Shauna Sullivan, M.Ed.
Preschool Director
Cat & child whisperer. Math wiz, Avid reader and book collector. Proud grandmother.
M.A. and B.A. in Education with a focus in mathematics from SFSU. Multiple Subject Clear Teaching Credential. 25+ years of classroom experience. Cat and children whisperer. Grandmother of three adorable preschoolers.
Teachers
are at the heart of our program
Teachers are at the heart of our program. With a <1% acceptance rate, we hire only teachers who can create magical learning experiences in the classroom. Our teachers have previous experience teaching in Forest, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Language Immersion schools. And small student-teacher ratios (5:1 in preschool through transitional kindergarten, 8:1 in kindergarten through 8th grade) allow our teachers to provide the personalized attention your child needs to thrive.
nuestros PROFESORES de Primaria
Yan Zhang, M.A.
Mandarin TK/Kindergarten
Chinese Painter, Artist and Epicure
Bachelor's degree in Hospitality and Business Adminstration at San Diego State University, and a Master's degree in Education at San Francisco State U. Previous a Preschool Assistant Director.
Sandra Aranda, M.S.
Spanish
Poetess, musicophile and star observer.
Master of Science in Neuropsychology and Education and B.S. in Speech Pathology and in Mexico City. My love for children started from being raised in a big Mexican family. I am excited to make connections with the incredible the people and California nature.
Lily Panyacosit, M.S.
English 1-3rd grade
Clinical Herbalist, Healer, Life Coach.
M.S. in Environmental Health Science at UC Berkeley and B.A. in International Environmental Studies University of Southern California. Multigeneration Educator, Avid Student of Nature and Mindfulness, Mother of 3 daughters.
Ke Ding, M.A.
1-3rd Grade Mandarin & Homeroom Teacher
Positive & Energetic, Cinephile, Dancer.
BA and MA in language education at Coventry University, UK. CDA(Child Development Associate) credential issued by The University of Pennsylvania. 8 years of teaching experience.
Pippa Whelan
2do Grado
expositor de arte. Escritor. Entusiasta de la risa.
Licenciatura en Estudios Liberales de la Universidad Estatal de Sonoma. Originaria de Irlanda, le encanta viajar. Recientemente publicĆ³ una memoria. Voluntario de hospicio. Ćvido pintor y nadador, aprendiendo piano. Siete aƱos de experiencia docente.
Tianxing Yao, M.Ed.
Mandarin TK/Kindergarten
(on Maternity leave)
Talented poet. Amusement park enthusiast.
M.A. in Education from the University of San Francisco. B.A. in Electrical Engineering from Xi’ an Shiyou University in China. 9 years of teaching experience.
NUESTROS PROFESORES de idiomas para la programaciĆ³n de bandas
Clases de mandarĆn y espaƱol de kĆnder a octavo grado, preescolar y TK mandarĆn e inmersiĆ³n en espaƱol
Tianxing Yao, M.Ed.
conocimientos tradicionales de mandarĆn
Poeta talentoso. Aficionado a los parques de atracciones.
MaestrĆa en EducaciĆ³n de la Universidad de San Francisco. Licenciatura en IngenierĆa ElĆ©ctrica de la Universidad Xi' an Shiyou en China. 7 aƱos de experiencia docente.
ā
MarĆa Herrera
preescolar espaƱol
Madre de dos, amante de los perros.
27 aƱos de experiencia con niƱos.
Dana Wang, M.A.
Mandarin Preschool
Adventurous, Nurturing, and Mother of a Preschooler
MA in Child psychology at Chinese Academy of Science and BA in Education and English Education at Qinghai Minzu University, China. Born and raised in Shandong, China, and has over 10 years experience working as an preschool and elementary teacher in Beijing and Shanghai.. She is currently getting another master’s degree in education at Moreland University. She enjoys hiking and can make delicious dumplings from scratch!
emili herrera
preescolar espaƱol
Trabajo duro. Audaz. Entusiasta.
Docente con 6 aƱos de experiencia. Loving daughter, and friend. _cc781905-5cde-3194-bb3b- 136bad5cf58d_ _cc781905-5cde- 3194-bb3b-136bad5cf58d_ _cc781905-5cde-3194 -bb3b-136bad5cf58d_ _cc781905-5cde-3194-bb3b-136bad5cf58 d_ _cc781905-5cde- 3194-bb3b-136bad5cf58d_
Xuan Luo, MD
SF Mandarin Preschool
Healer, Organizer, Mother of a 1st grader
Bachelor degree in Medicine from Changsha Medical university and have spend 10+ years as an acupuncturist and pediatrician. "After having my baby girl five years ago, I realized that moving into Early Childhood Education was the best decision I ever made. Never underestimate the importance of early childhood education — it takes tremendous effort to thoughtfully build a curriculum that supports each child's ability to comprehend, process, plan, and grow. It is deeply rewarding to see how naturally and quickly children adapt and learn when given the right environment."
emili herrera
preescolar espaƱol
Trabajo duro. Audaz. Entusiasta.
Docente con 6 aƱos de experiencia. Loving daughter, and friend. _cc781905-5cde-3194-bb3b- 136bad5cf58d_ _cc781905-5cde- 3194-bb3b-136bad5cf58d_ _cc781905-5cde-3194 -bb3b-136bad5cf58d_ _cc781905-5cde-3194-bb3b-136bad5cf58 d_ _cc781905-5cde- 3194-bb3b-136bad5cf58d_
ARTS, EARTH EDUCATION,
Aftercare & PE
Gwen Kuhn
PE - Circus/Gymnastics (Fall)
Acrobatics, Knitting, Fire Spinning
BA in Psychology from Vassar College, in Poughkeepsie NY. Nine years of of circus experience and five years experience as a children’s circus coach. Outside of coaching, they enjoy practicing acrobatics, knitting, and helping make exhibits for natural history museums.
Aurora Mora
Aftercare
Epicure. Nature Hikes and Love spending time with family
Currently at City College of SF. 3 years of experience with children. "Children are truly wonderful — they are genuine, open-minded, and naturally find the positive in every situation. Their forgiving nature reminds us of the important lessons we can all learn: to stay open, optimistic, and compassionate."
Dylan Turner, M.A., Ph.D
PK Earth Educator
Avid Hiker. Preschool Teacher, Equity Advocate
Accredited Early Childhood Educator, Ph.D. in Anthropology at City University of New York. M.A. in Sociology and Social Anthropology at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada. B.A. in Anthropology and Philosophy (Joint Honors) at McGill University, Montreal, Canada. 15 Years early childcare experience.
Alek Cordeiro
PE Physical Education (Spring)
Growth Mindset, Goal-Oriented.
B.A in Psychology at Sonoma State University. 7 years experience with ages 18 months to 18 years. Will coach skills in soccer, basketball, football, volleyball, and track and field. Fluent in Portugese.
Boyan Harlie Li, M.A., Ed.S.
Art Preschool & Elementary
Cat Lover. Professional Photographer
Ed.S. in Education and M.A. in Education and B.A. in of TESOL at at Lee University Cleveland, TN. With over five years of experience working with preschool-aged children, she brings a deep passion for teaching and learning. Outside the classroom, she enjoys art, photography, and spending time in nature. She recently completed the 17-mile Crosstown Trail in San Francisco and looks forward to more outdoor adventures this summer!
Nuestros ADMINISTRADORES y Personal
Chloe Lechuga, MA SEL
Consultor SEL, 7-8 InglƩs/Humanidades
Amante del ocƩano. Epicuro y culinario.
Licenciatura en Desarrollo Humano y EducaciĆ³n Infantil de la Universidad Estatal de Sonoma. 8 aƱos de experiencia docente con jĆ³venes en riesgo. MaestrĆa en Aprendizaje Social y Emocional.
Melvin Watson
Conductor de autobĆŗs - San Francisco
Ama las bicicletas, padre de cuatro hijos adultos.
Nacido en Galveston, TX. Anteriormente operaba una tienda de bicicletas, pasĆ³ 22 aƱos como administrador de edificios en Presidio y trabajĆ³ algunos aƱos en otra escuela K8 en SF .
claire laurenz
Educador de la Tierra, Director de Campamento
Le encanta comer helado de limĆ³n. Esquiador acuĆ”tico. EmpollĆ³n organizador.
Licenciatura en EducaciĆ³n en Agricultura, Alimentos y Recursos Naturales de la Universidad Estatal de Michigan. Recorrido en bicicleta por todo el paĆs para estudiantes de secundaria y siempre alienta a las personas a salir de sus zonas de confort. "Trabajo para inspirar asombro y aprendizaje de por vida".
Xavier Seguin, M.M.
Marketing
Traveler, Polyglot
B.A. (candidate) in International Business Management at Haute Ecole de Gestion, Geneva, Switzerland. Experience in marketing and business administration.
Jaz Perico
Virtual Administrator
Matcha Enthusiast, Devoted Aunt,
Dancing Fool
BS in Business Administration/ Operations Management. Five years of experience as a Marketing Coordinator, specializing in administrative and customer support. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, dancing, organizing, and connecting with people from all walks of life.
Melvin Watson
Bus Driver - San Francisco
Loves bikes, Father, Grandfather and Great grandfather
Born in Galveston, TX. Previously owned and operated a bike shop, spent 22 years as a building manager in the Presidio, and worked a few years at another K8 school in SF.
Enhui Luo
Custodian
Loves seafood and being a grandfather.
B.A. in Mechanical Engineering at Yingkou University and worked 16 years as a mechanical engineer, designing products that help clear water pollution. Grew up in Yingkou, China, which is near North Korea and is known for its fresh seafood. Worked at Terra since 2017.
Bridget Perater
Virtual Administrator
Mother of Three & Sugarcane Farmer
BS in Information Technology from Negros Oriental State University. 8 years of experience. On the side, she has taught English on to Japanese students for 6 years and is a substitute high school teacher in her local community. Outside of work, she finds peace in gardening and caring for her small sugarcane farm.
Melvin Watson
Conductor de autobĆŗs - San Francisco
Ama las bicicletas, padre de cuatro hijos adultos.
Nacido en Galveston, TX. Anteriormente operaba una tienda de bicicletas, pasĆ³ 22 aƱos como administrador de edificios en Presidio y trabajĆ³ algunos aƱos en otra escuela K8 en SF .