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.
Elementary
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.
Angela Perez, M.A.
1-3rd Grade Spanish & Homeroom Teacher
Music lover. Avid reader. Anthophile,
Native Mexican. MA in Pedagogy and BA in Preschool Education at Universidad Panamericana. With 35+ years of experience in teaching. Teaching is my passion, and I find great joy in supporting children’s growth and learning. ​
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.
Preschool
Patricia Etchekan, M.A.
Mandarin Preschool (Marin)
Natural athlete. Quadrilingual.
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. 6 years of preschool teaching experience. Fluent in Mandarin, French, and English. Proficient in Spanish.
Leeby Karolaay Flores
Spanish Preschool
Loves hiking and nature. Loves to cook.
B.A. in English Literature from UNACHI Panama. Over 20 years of experience in preschool education. Prior to joining Terra, she served as Site Director at another Spanish Immersion Preschool.
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!
Shan Li
Mandarin Preschool (Marin)
Hiker, Epicure, Mother of an elementary student
Bachelor degree in Child and Family Development from San Diego State University and have 5+ years experience "Although I earned a degree in Early Childhood Education, working at Terra has shown me how the Reggio Emilia approach truly elevates both intellectual growth and executive functioning at an early age. While I guide and teach the children, I find that I am constantly learning from them as well."
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."
Patricia Cárdenas
Spanish Preschool
Educator, Music Lover, Puppeteer
BA in Early Childhood Education at Inca Garcilaso de la Vega University in Peru, followed by over 17 years of classroom experience—10 years in Peru and 7 years in the United States, “It’s amazing how quickly children absorb a new language. Teaching through play is at the heart of what I do. What feels like a game to the children is actually a meaningful learning experience, rich in communication, empathy, and problem-solving. Their curiosity and kindness inspire me every day.”
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!
Our ADMINISTRATORS & Staff
Johanna Cervantes
Admissions
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
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
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.
Michael Pastor
Bus Driver - Marin
Served in the Navy, Has a grown daughter and loves his dog, Barba
San Francisco native. Punctual, 17 years as a bus driver. Previously, served as a building and property manager.