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,
Vice Principal, and
IB Curriculum Coordinator
Math wiz, Avid reader and book collector. Proud grandmother.
35+ years of classroom experience. M.A. and B.A. in Education with a focus in mathematics from SFSU. Multiple Subject Clear Teaching Credential. Called the children whisperer, she is also a grandmother of three.
Lily Panyacosit, M.Ed, M.S.
Head of Elementary and
English Teacher
Clinical Herbalist, Healer, Life Coach.
M.A. in Education, 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.
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.
Teachers in Alphabetical Order
by Last Name
Yulieth Anteliz-Martin
Spanish
Oil Painter. Folkloric Dancer. Gardener.
Bringing 5 years of experience, she is passionate about creating joyful, inquiry-based learning experiences that inspire curiosity, confidence, and a love for the Spanish language and culture. She holds bachelor’s degrees in Law and Accounting from Universidad de Pamplona, Colombia, and enjoys performing Colombian folkloric dance with her husband in the San Francisco Carnaval.
Patricia Cárdenas
Spanish
Educator, Music Lover, Puppeteer
18 years of classroom experience: 10 years in Peru and 8 years in the United States. BA in Early Childhood Education at Inca Garcilaso de la Vega University in Peru, followed by over , “What feels like a game to the children is actually a meaningful learning experience, rich in communication, empathy, and problem-solving.”
Daniela de la Torre Garcia
Spanish
Marathon Runner, Ludophile & Avid reader
2 years of teaching experience as she is a former middle school teacher and a native Spanish speaker. Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies. Former cross-country and track athlete.
Ke Ding, M.A.
Mandarin
Positive & Energetic, Cinephile, Dancer.
13 years of teaching experience. BA and MA in language education at Coventry University, UK. CDA(Child Development Associate) credential issued by The University of Pennsylvania.
Patricia Etchekan, M.A.
Mandarin
Natural athlete. Quadrilingual.
11 years of preschool teaching experience. M.A. in Chinese Language & Literature at Inner Mongolia University, China. B.S. in Preschool Education at Inner Mongolia Normal University and B.S in software engineering from Groupe Pigier, Côte d’Ivoire. Fluent in Mandarin, French, her native tongue and English. Proficient in Spanish.
Leeby Karolaay Flores
Spanish
Loves hiking and nature. Loves to cook.
Over 20 years of experience in preschool education. B.A. in English Literature from UNACHI, Panama. Prior to joining Terra, she served as Site Director at another Spanish Immersion Preschool.
Junling Lai
Mandarin
Pianist and Piano Teacher, Seamstress/dressmaker
8 years teaching expereince. BA in International Trade at Guangdong Provincial Institute of Economic Management College, China. Montessori certified. Mother.
Xuan Luo, MD
Mandarin
Healer, Organizer, Mother of a 2nd grader
Bachelor degree in Medicine from Changsha Medical university and have spend 10+ years as an acupuncturist and pediatrician. "After having my baby girl, 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."
Bangting Ma, M.Ed.
Mandarin
Artist, Vocalist, Loves animals.
2+ years of teaching experience. M.Ed.in Early Childcare Education from Columbia University. He is inspired by both the arts and the natural world, once dreaming of becoming either an artist or a zoologist as a child. Originally from Shandong Province, China,
Karina Russell, Ph.D.
Spanish
Loves Hiking/Climbing, Health & Wellness
12 years of IB and Reggio teaching experience. PhD in Nutrition & Bachelor's Degree in Science at University of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Accredited PK director in Early Childhood Education. Has 2 dogs, one is 19 years old!
Meng (Rebecca) Tang
Mandarin
Chinese Painter, Artist and Epicure
8 years teaching experience. Bachelor's degree in Hospitality and Business Adminstration at Previous a Preschool Assistant Director.
Dana Wang, M.A.
Mandarin
Adventurous, Nurturing, and Mother of a Preschooler
10 years experience working as an preschool and elementary teacher in Beijing and Shanghai. 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 She is currently getting another master’s degree in education at Moreland University. She enjoys hiking and can make delicious dumplings from scratch!
Yanet Vargas
Spanish
Nurturing. Engaging. Dedicated.
10+ years of elementary and preschool experience. Originally from Michoacán, Mexico.
Yan (Keke) Zhang, M.A.
Mandarin
Chinese Painter, Artist and Epicure
13 years teaching expereince. MA in Education at San Diego State University, multisubject elementry teaching credential at Moreland University, BA in Hospitality and Business Adminstration at San Francisco State U. Previous Preschool Assistant Director.
Sha Zhao, M.S.
Mandarin
Avid Reader, Art and Nature Enthusiast
7 years of teaching experience. MS in Computer Science from Arizona State University, AZ and MS in Environmental Engineering at Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning, China. B.S. in Environmental Engineering.
ARTS, EARTH EDUCATION,
Aftercare & PE
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.
Grace Heidegger
Aftercare
Nature Enthusist, Crafter and Poet
7 years experience. Currently pursuing a BA degree in Environmental Studies at the University of San Francisco. She lives in San Francisco with her two cats, Waffle and Frankie. A caring and curious educator, Grace is passionate about creativity, nature, and self-expression, often spending her free time crafting and writing poetry.
Our ADMINISTRATORS & Staff
Johanna Cervantes
Admissions and PK support
Marathon runner & standup comedian
BA in Environmental Studies and Theology & Religious Studies from USF. Fluent in English and Spanish. Has been with Terra Schools since 2021.
Anpa Miriam Mathew, M.S.
Finance & PK support
Culinary enthusiast, Pious, Devoted Daughter
MS in Accounting, Auditing & Assurance at UC Riverside; BA in Commerce from Rabindranath Tagore University, India. Experienced in finance with international exposure, having grown up in Dubai and India before moving to California. Passionate about numbers, faith, and family.
Maylet Hernandez
Summer Camp Director
Film Producer, Artistic visionary, Chocolate connoisseur, Philosopher.
BA in Film Making and Pursuing a Law degree at UABJO, originally from Oaxaca, Mexico. Coming up to her fourth summer with Terra Camps, where she brings a unique blend of creative and educational experience. Prior she directed at Arte por la Mixteca, an educational art program in rural communities. Previous awarded for her social impact work that earned her recognition as Citizen of the Year in Oaxaca de Juárez - she is a radiant and imaginative educator who is passionate about magical realism, creative advocacy, and uses chocolate as artistic fuel.
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
Camp Coordinator
Matcha Enthusiast, Devoted Aunt,
Dancing Fool
BS in Business Administration/ Marketing 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 and Preschool
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
School 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.
Michael Pastor
Bus Driver and Preschool
Served in the Navy, Has a grown daughter and loves his dog, Barba
San Francisco native. Punctual, 20+ years as a bus driver. Previously, served as a building and property manager.