Faculty & Staff Directory

Cal Calamia teaches Heritage Spanish B and 9th Grade Seminar at Gateway. Calamia graduated from Saint Louis University with degrees in Spanish, Psychology, and International Studies. They completed credentialing at Loyola Marymount University and now attend University of San Francisco in pursuit of an MFA degree in Writing. Calamia has worked in elementary, middle, and high schools and is excited to bring innovative, student-centered ideas to the Gateway community. In their free time, they enjoy writing and performing poetry, running marathons, discovering new music, and searching for the best burrito in the city.

Kia is a native of the Bay Area.  She graduated from Loyola Marymount University where she earned a B.A. in Communication Studies with minors in African-American Studies and Studio Arts, as well as, a Master of Arts in Education. Prior to Gateway she taught 6th grade English in OUSD, and worked in the District of Columbia as a teacher and curriculum writer. In her free time she enjoys attending sporting events and concerts.

Elizabeth joined the Gateway Middle School team as a founding teacher in 2011; though some may say she rejoined the Gateway team as she is proud alumna of Gateway High School. After 5 years of teaching 6th grade both at Gateway Middle and a previous school in Whittier, CA, she transitioned to 8th grade to help get its pilot year off the ground. Elizabeth has a degree in History with an emphasis in United States history, and a Masters of Education from Whittier College. She is currently working on pursuing her National Board Certification in History. While not teaching, you can find her running the trails of Golden Gate Park or the Presidio, practicing yoga, reading a good book or traveling to a new place.

Laura Deanovic joined the math department faculty at Gateway twelve years ago. She has been an educator for twenty five years and previously taught music and/or math at South San Francisco High School, Campolindo High School, St. Catherine Indian School, and Santa Fe Community College. She was also a high school administrator at Desert Academy in Santa Fe, NM for six years. Laura has a bachelor's degree in music and teaching credentials in mathematics and music from San Francisco State University and holds a master's degree in education from the College of Santa Fe. In addition to teaching, Laura is a professional boxer, a boxing trainer,  and a percussionist/drummer.

Cassandra is a proud San Francisco native! Cassandra began her teaching career as a New York City Teaching Fellow. After teaching at a school in the Bronx for five years, Cassandra worked as a coach for the Office of Inclusive Education in New York City. Upon returning to her hometown, Cassandra worked as a Content Specialist in the Special Education Department of San Francisco Unified School District. In her free time, she enjoys exploring all of the food, music, and culture San Francisco has to offer.

Deidre Durling is joining Gateway this year as a Learning Specialist working with the tenth grade. After growing up and attending college in New Jersey, Deidre decided to explore the country. She has been teaching for ten years in various places including San Diego, Boston, Vermont, and San Francisco. Deidre is married with four year old twins who keep her on her toes. In her "free" time, Deidre likes to be outside with her family hiking, biking, playing sports, and going to see music. She is also super crafty with the sewing machine and loves to crochet as a downtime activity.

Originally hailing from Maine, John enjoys the great outdoors, including backpacking, cycling, and camping. Prior to joining Gateway, John worked in facilities and operations at an independent school for children with language-based learning differences. John holds an MFA from San Jose State and is an active local sculptor. He enjoys spending time with his wife and two children.