Faculty & Staff Directory

Cal does lots of things at Gateway– from international travel to health education to happy hours! Formerly a 9th Grade Seminar and Heritage and AP Spanish teacher, they will be transitioning out of the Spanish department and piloting a new class– Yearbook and Journalism. Cal is super excited to continue the Yearbook’s enhancing trajectory, while supporting students in developing practical skills in photography, design, and journalism. Other passions include the pursuit of a Master’s in Writing at the University of San Francisco, the management of a non-profit organization that supports gender-expansive youth, piecing together a second book, and activism for more gender-inclusive spaces in sports and beyond.

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.

Melissa (Meli) Díaz grew up in San Mateo and teaches 9th grade Humanities at Gateway High School. She double majored in History and International Relations at Stanford University, and spent a lot of time thinking she was going to be a immigrant’s rights lawyer. She fell in love with education after teaching in English in Madrid and New York City. She completed her Master’s in Education at Stanford Graduate School of Education, and spent three years teaching Ethnic Studies and World History in Redwood City. She is excited to join the Gateway community this year! In her free time, Meli loves dancing ballet folklorico, riding her bike through the city, spending time at local bookstores, and hanging out with her cat. 

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.

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.