Faculty & Staff Directory

Hakan hails from Turkey and studied journalism in Istanbul. He spent 15 years in informational technologies and media production in Istanbul and New York where he produced numerous commercials. After retiring from advertising, Hakan traveled around the world paragliding in Nepal, France, and India. He is genuinely enthusiastic about his new post at Gateway Public Schools where he designs workflows and teaches students technical troubleshooting so that they, too, can become accomplished Apple Professionals.

Alyssa teaches Chemistry and Honors Chemistry at Gateway High School. She studied Biological Anthropology at San Francisco State and received her Masters in Teaching from University of San Francisco. Ms. Amabile loves animals and the outdoors. She enjoys playing volleyball, hiking with her dog, cooking for friends and family, exploring new places, and trying new things. Ms. A loves everything about science and enjoys sharing that passion with others.
 

Ken Angelo is thrilled to be the School Counselor at Gateway Middle School. After working as a crisis counselor for over 10 years at schools throughout the East Bay, Ken is looking forward to getting to know the students and families that make up the Gateway community. Ken spent eight years as a private practice marriage and family therapist before earning his school counseling credential at St. Mary’s college in 2012. Outside of school, he enjoys working in his garden, cooking with the vegetables he grows, listening to music, and rooting for the Oakland Athletics.

Mrs. Arsenault is a founding teacher at Gateway Middle School.  She currently works as a 6^th grade Math and Science teacher and Instructional Leader at Gateway Middle School.  She is an active member of the Student Agency Task Force and an advisor for the Annual GMS’s Student Talent Show. She graduated from Simmons College with a degree in nursing and from Elmira College and the Harvard Graduate School of Education with masters' degrees in education.  Therese is currently enrolled in the Reach Instructional Leadership Academy and a member of the Exploratorium’s Teacher Leader Institute where she works as a mentor teacher to San Francisco science teachers.  When not working, Mrs. Arsenault enjoys traveling, spending time with her two sons, and reading.  Originally from the east coast, she currently lives with her husband, David, in San Francisco.

This is James’ first year teaching Humanities at Gateway High. He recently completed a Master’s degree in Education from the University of San Francisco and holds a Bachelor’s degree in English. Before entering the teaching profession, James traveled throughout Europe teaching English as a second language and worked in a variety of professional fields, including emergency medical care, construction, and project and account management. On his free time, he enjoys outdoor activities such as cycling, surfing, and hiking. 

Evan Bass is excited for the upcoming year at Gateway. He is teaching Algebra and sits on the School Leadership Team, overseeing Advisory and Student Life. Evan received his Bachelors degree at Macalester College in Minnesota in Communication Studies and Education. He is originally from Chicago, IL, but has been in the Bay Area for 14 years. Evan is married and has a daughter who keeps him busy. He loves sports, competition, and music, and stays involved with all of them during his free time. He also DJ’s, does photo booth and videography services as a side business.

Larry earned his BA in History from U.C. Berkeley and a law degree from Columbia. He worked as a corporate litigator, public defender, then tried his hand at running national junior golf tournaments, where he discovered his true passion is working with teenagers. After stopping at Stanford for a Masters in Education, he taught for four years on the Peninsula and in Oakland before returning to his native San Francisco to teach at Gateway. His goal is always to balance time at work with running, finding great restaurants, and yelling loudly at Cal games.

Justin Berthiaume teaches Environmental Science and AP Environmental Science, and led the creative team to design and construct the Gateway Garden. He has also taught Biology and Physical Science at Gateway. Prior to teaching, Mr. Berthiaume served for 7 years as a landscape architect and park planner for the National Park Service. He also worked as a professional musician and artist manager in Boston. Mr. Berthiaume completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Massachusetts, and obtained his Masters in Teaching from the University of San Francisco. His passion is everything science, everything music, and everything Earth.