Began at CAIS in 2014

After working for several years in management in the telecommunications industry, Mr. Williamson realized his lifelong dream of becoming an educator in 1989 when he was hired at Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton in the position of Part Time Primary Grades (1-3) P.E. Teacher. The following year, Mr. Williamson found his true calling when he was offered a full-time position in the middle school where, in his sixteen-year tenure at SHS, he taught every course in the middle school catalogue except science and the arts. In addition, he coached both boys’ and girls’ basketball, coached the Sacred Heart Preparatory men’s rowing team, and served for nine years as the lower school/middle school yearbook moderator. Most importantly, Mr. Williamson was a sixth grade homeroom teacher for each of those sixteen years – the genesis of his belief that sixth grade is the finest year of human existence. He moved to St. Matthew’s Episcopal Day School in San Mateo in 2005, and after two years as a sixth grade lead teacher, was promoted to his first Middle School Director position in 2007. In 2011, Mr. Williamson moved to Orange County to become the Middle School Director at The Pegasus School in Huntington Beach for three years. A fifth generation northern California native, Mr. Williamson was delighted when Head of School Jeff Bissell invited him to return to the Bay Area in 2014 to become the Director of the Middle School at CAIS.

Mr. Williamson holds a B.S. from the University of Santa Clara, a B.S. from the University of San Francisco, and an M.Ed. from Notre Dame de Namur University.

Began at CAIS: 2017

An educator and dance artist, Ms. Womack-Freeman has experience teaching in a variety of settings locally and at international schools in Malaysia and Shanghai. She holds a Master’s degree in Education, Social Justice and Leadership from Antioch University, a B.A. in Dance and Ethnic Studies from Mills College, and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, Dance Authorization from California State University. Her classes are an energizing experience in creativity, and she is an integral part of our Arts integration learning community.

Began at CAIS in 2022

BEGAN AT CAIS: 2014

Ms. Woodman-Russell brings a passion for cultivating “an unflappable love of learning” in students. She has a proven track record of making students feel known and valued, which is especially key for connecting with and motivating middle schoolers. In addition to holding bachelor’s degree in French and psychology from Wesleyan University, Ms. Woodman-Russell has deepened her tools and frameworks with training in Developmental Designs, mindfulness, project-based learning, iPad integration, differentiation and leadership. Ms. Woodman-Russell came to CAIS from San Francisco Day School, where she taught differentiated lessons in reading, writing, social studies, and math. In addition, she designed and taught test preparation courses for eighth grade students.

BEGAN AT CAIS 1992

Mr. Wright started working at CAIS in 1992. He has been the library media specialist for most of that time. He helps Preschool-5th grade teachers get teaching materials, and meets with K and 1st grade students for classes. He studied Chinese at UC Santa Barbara, Hong Kong Chinese University, and the Normal University language center in Taiwan. He has a BA in Religious Studies from UCSB, and an AA in library science from SF City College. He took all the classes for a BCLAD from SF State. He received an MLIS from San Jose State. He loves to hike in the woods and drink tea at home.

Began at CAIS 2022

While Ms. Reid is on maternity leave through late October, we are so pleased to have Ms. Hu step into the lead teacher role. Following Ms. Reid’s return, Ms. Hu will continue with second grade as English Teaching Associate. A San Francisco native, she graduated from UC Irvine with a B.A. in Business Economics and a minor in Digital Arts. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching Reading with Credential at USF and will be graduating in May 2023. In her free time, she enjoys swimming, biking, and hula hooping.

Began at CAIS 2022

Mingjiao Xu is from Shenzhen but originally was born in one of the biggest panda reserve areas in China and home of the hotpot–Sichuan province. She enjoys working at CAIS with her wonderful colleagues, students, and parents. In her free time, water sports and hiking are her biggest passions. 

Bilingual in Cantonese and English, Ms. Yan was born in China but raised in New York City from the age of three. Over the course of ten years, she has taught children of various ages, from preschool to fifth grade in New York City and San Francisco. She earned her master’s degree in education from Bank Street College of Education. Ms. Yan believes that every child has the potential to learn beyond expectations when they feel safe, loved, and excited to learn. In her free time, she loves to hike, camp, practice yoga, and complete 1000 piece puzzles. Ms. Yan joined the Advancement Team in 2022.

BEGAN AT CAIS 1999

With a wellspring of enthusiasm, Yang Laoshi gets children singing and smiling their way through the day. An alumni parent herself (Aaron ’07), Yang Laoshi has been teaching kindergarten at CAIS since 1999. Originally from Beijing, Yanmei also taught Kindergarten for over ten years in her hometown upon graduation with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She loves singing and dancing, and her hobbies include gardening, hiking, and other outdoor activities.

BEGAN AT CAIS 1999

We are celebrating Yang Laoshi’s 22nd year educating and supporting students at CAIS. Prior to joining CAIS, Yang Laoshi served as editor for the Taiwanese National Math Curriculum and as math master teacher and consultant for the Taiwan Province. She continues to bring her expertise not only to her classroom, but to her peers as well.