Leadership

TaSheena is an experienced individual and team coach who has worked with organizations spanning Retail, Education, Pharma, and Tech. With a genuine passion for coaching, mentorship, and empowering women leaders, TaSheena brings a unique perspective to her work. She firmly believes in fostering equity and inclusion at all levels, striving to cultivate thriving organizational cultures where everyone feels a strong sense of belonging.

In her one-on-one coaching sessions, TaSheena specializes in empowering BIPOC leaders, guiding them towards leadership roles, promotions, high-visibility projects, and broader career advancement. Her expertise enables these individuals to expand their influence and make a significant impact.

As a team coach, TaSheena cultivates systemic relationships through an equity-focused
approach, enhancing team performance by emphasizing the interplay between team
dynamics and the broader systems in which they operate. This method ensures that
teams not only meet but exceed their objectives by fostering a cohesive and inclusive
environment.

TaSheena Braxton holds a Master's degree in Organization Development from the
University of San Francisco. She is also an ICF PCC and Co-Active certified coach, an
ORSC certified team coach, an accredited Enneagram facilitator, and a practitioner of the
Leadership Circle Profile and PROSCI Change Management. These credentials enable
her to offer a holistic and comprehensive approach to her coaching practice.

A native of San Francisco, CA, TaSheena continues to call the city home along with her
partner, four children, and their puppy, Coco.

As a youth-serving community leader, Jai strives to create a culture of excellence that prioritizes student success and growth. She believes that education is a powerful tool for liberation and strives to empower young people to become critical thinkers and active agents of change in their communities. As a former science teacher for grades 8th - 12th, her approach to education has been rooted in culturally responsive and sustaining pedagogy. As a leader, Jai leads with a strong and unwavering direction towards liberatory education, which emphasizes the importance of social justice and community building. Jai is dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive space for all students, staff, and families and to fostering a culture of mutual respect and understanding. Jai is the first in her family to attend college, receiving a Bachelors of Science in Biological Psychology from UC Davis, and a Masters in Education from Reach Institute. In her free time, Jai enjoys reading, spending time with loved ones, DJing, exercising, and generally anything that involves sunshine, community, laughter, traveling, and good vibes!

Chris has over 10 years of senior management experience for corporations and non-profit organizations in Silicon Valley and San Francisco. Previously Chris served as Chief Operating Officer for Stanford Schools Corporation. Chris received a BA in History from Santa Clara University and an MBA from Boston University's Graduate School of Management. When not working, Chris travels as much as possible, preferably to places on paths less traveled. Having played for his college team, Chris is also an avid tennis player.

Ms. Khaziran joined the Gateway family in 2015 and is Co-Principal at GHS. She grew up in Los Angeles, where she earned her undergraduate degree in Sociology. She moved to San Francisco in order to pursue a Master of Arts from USF in Counseling Psychology. After several years of working as a school counselor in San Francisco, Ms. Khaziran attended the UC Berkeley Principal Leadership Institute, where she earned her Master of Arts in Education. When she isn't running around the halls of Gateway, Ms. Khaziran spends her time teaching graduate students at USF and exploring the Bay Area.

Aaron Watson is our Acting Executive Director. Aaron formerly served as Gateway's Chief of Schools and Programs and GMS' principal. He is proud to have worked with teachers, families, and students to found Gateway Middle School in 2011. Prior to becoming principal, Aaron led the advisory program and taught humanities at Gateway High School for seven years and worked in a wraparound social services program for children and families involved in foster care in Alameda County. He earned a BA from Brown University and an MA in Education from UC Berkeley. Aaron also earned an MA in Educational Leadership from UC Berkeley's Principal Leadership Institute. Outside of Gateway, Aaron enjoys getting outdoors, traveling, and spending time with his family.

Rebecca works to develop a cohesive, equity-oriented approach to teaching and learning through her role as Co-Principal. Rebecca has worn many hats since joining Gateway High School in 2005-- Humanities Teacher, Instructional Coach, and Director of Curriculum & Instruction. Through all of these roles, Rebecca has had the opportunity to collaborate with a talented staff to innovate and grow. Prior to joining Gateway, Rebecca taught humanities at Oakland Technical High School and earned her M.Ed. from UC Berkeley. She received her BA from Brown University, majoring in American Studies and Latin American Studies. When not at 1430 Scott, Rebecca can be found cooking, hiking, and hanging out with her family.