Our Team
Senior Leadership
Shawn Benjamin believes that education opens doors and opportunities for students to have access to the careers and lives they want to live. She was born in Michigan and grew up in the Bay Area, primarily Marin. Her favorite subject in school was Psychology. She has a BA from UC Berkeley, and two MAs in Education, one from the University of Pennsylvania, and one from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She is currently learning about dog training - obedience and behavior modification. She loves trail running (and sand dunes at the beach!) with her dog.
Shawn Benjamin, Executive Director
Esther Prokopienko believes deeply that access to a high-quality education can transform lives and create previously unimaginable futures. She is committed to ensuring that all students are supported to grow and achieve. Originally from upstate New York, Esther has called the Bay Area home since 2012.
Esther Prokopienko, Principal
Lauren Rhalson
Lauren Rahlson, High School Principal
As the Director of Operational Strategy and Sustainability, Tariq Hassoun brings a unique blend of leadership in education and a deep commitment to sustainability. With an MBA in Sustainability Leadership and extensive experience in operations and learning & development, Tariq is passionate about shaping educational environments that not only foster academic excellence but also promote environmental responsibility. His work focuses on creating strategies that empower schools to operate more efficiently while preparing students for success.
Tariq Hassoun, Director of Operational Strategy & Sustainability
Maren Kato has over 14 years of leadership experience in the nonprofit sector, developing diverse teams in educational and behavioral health organizations. In 2012, she earned her MAEd in Adult Education and Training to enhance her understanding of the adult learner. For six years, Maren taught GED classes to adults with serious mental illnesses (ages ranging between 18-68!). Observing the challenges that her adult students brought with them to their learning spaces, she created and implemented programs that addressed the underlying barriers to education including stress management, trauma recovery, executive functioning impairments, and access to resources. Finding a passion for this work, she pivoted to team development and leadership roles within behavioral health, crisis work, charter school staff sustainability initiatives, and Special Education. She advocated for bringing therapeutic interventions to vulnerable populations AND the professionals who serve them. Maren is committed to improving the student experience by empowering the adults who serve them while approaching complex issues with curiosity, fairness, equity, empathy, and vision.
Maren Kato, Head of People & Compliance
Brittany has personally experienced the transformative power of a college education. She is committed to ensuring that students in underserved communities have similar opportunities to earn a college degree, fostering economic mobility and well-being for themselves, their families, and their communities. Brittany grew up on a farm in West Virginia and later moved to California to pursue her bachelor's degree in Political Science with a minor in Education at Stanford University. To follow her passion for education, she completed Stanford's Teacher Education Program (STEP), earning both a master's degree in education and a teaching credential. Brittany taught and served as a teacher-leader at Robertson Continuation School for six years. Looking to expand her leadership in education, she went on to earn a second master's degree in Education Leadership, Organizations, and Entrepreneurship from Harvard. Brittany’s favorite subject in school was history, and in her free time, she enjoys watching Formula 1 and playing video and board games.
Brittany Martino-Weinhardt, Director of Operations
Leadership Team
Morgan Allen works in education because she had great teachers in East Tennessee near Chattanooga, where she grew up. She wants to have the same impact on others that her teachers had on her. Her favorite subjects in school were biology and algebra. She has a BA in Biology/Secondary Education from Milligan College and an MA in Education with a concentration in teaching from the University of the Pacific. She is currently learning to knit and learning bird identification! Outside of work she enjoys reading, going on hikes, being outside in nature, gardening and knitting!
Morgan Allen, 7th Grade Math, Science Instructional Coach
Ms Baah grew up in Ghana, where she learned to value education as a way to open doors and create opportunities. Her journey eventually brought her to Arizona State University, where her passion for learning and teaching deepened. Now, she’s dedicated to helping others reach their potential and build brighter futures through education. When Ms Baah’s not working, she love reading, cooking traditional dishes, and spending time with family. These experiences have taught her that education isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about relationships, growth, and making a difference in people’s lives.
Kwamah Baah, Director of Curriculum & Instruction - STEM
Megan Carter believes that quality education and being able to make informed choices about your future is a right for every child, not a privilege. Megan loves building relationships in the school community and seeing students grow and thrive! Megan grew up in London, and then Essex, in England. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Durham, UK, and more recently her graduate study at UC Berkeley, CA. Megan enjoys reading fiction, writing, traveling, and sports -- especially Arsenal FC!
Megan Carter, Director of Curriculum & Instruction - Humanities
Sean Carter-Hopkins is passionate about working in education because it provides a powerful opportunity to shape the lives of students and help them unleash their full potential. Sean has dedicated his life to studying the art and science of education, combining theory with practice to create meaningful learning experiences. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Elementary/Middle School Education from Knox College, a small liberal arts school in Galesburg, IL. His studies at Knox laid the foundation for his passion for educational equity and effective teaching practices. Sean later pursued advanced studies, earning a Master of Science in Curriculum & Instruction from Western Governors University, further deepening his expertise in designing impactful, research-driven instruction that meets the diverse needs of learners. Sean’s career reflects a deep commitment to building inclusive school cultures where students feel seen, valued, and inspired to succeed. He believes that education is not just about academic growth but also about fostering confidence, character, and a sense of purpose. Sean’s work is guided by the powerful words of Malcolm X: “Education is our passport into the future, for tomorrow only belongs to those who prepare for it today.” He strives to prepare students for that future by equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and belief in themselves to thrive. Outside of school, Sean enjoys horseback riding, traveling to experience new cultures, exploring music, and spending quality time with his family. These experiences fuel his creativity and provide balance, helping him bring energy, passion, and perspective to his work in education.
Sean Carter-Hopkins, High School Dean of Students
Megan Davis
Megan Davis, Director of Special Education
Jovan Fulton-Wilson is passionate about working in education because he loves seeing the difference he can make in a positive light with the students he’s come across. He grew up here in Richmond, CA a true native. Dean Fulton-Wilson attended Langston University where he obtained his Bachelors Degree in Psychology. He loves playing softball on my free time and weekends. A special interest of his is traveling, He’s been to 20+ countries and 5 continents.
Jovan Fulton-Wilson, Middle School Dean of Students
Carrera Padilla is passionate about working in education because it's imperative that inclusivity is taking place in our schools, modeled by educators and strong genuine relationships with families, students, and colleagues are built thus ensuring learning is taking place. Outside of school, Ms Padilla enjoys spending time with her family, trying different foods, having new adventures, and reading non-fiction books.
Carrera Padilla, Director of Student Support
Libby Richmond firmly believes in the transformational power of holding all students to high expectations. She wants doors to be open for all of our students to be able to achieve whatever it is they want to in life. She grew up in St. Louis, Missouri and has been working in Bay Area schools since 2018. She has a BA in Spanish with minors in political science and chemistry from Knox College. In school, her own favorite subject was math. She enjoys reading and going on long walks with her dog.
Libby Richmond, Student Recruitment & Enrollment Manager & Family Liasion
Vania Silva truly believes education betters individuals, communities, and societies. She grew up in Reedley, California and her favorite subject was U.S. History. She has a BA in Psychology & Anthropology from Georgetown University and an MA in School Counseling from San Diego State University. She would like to learn sign language and enjoys exploring new areas.
Vania Silva, Director of College Access
Teachers
Ms Alvarez is passionate about empowering students to unlock their academic potential and become successful in all aspects of life. Sue strives to inspire a love of learning that lasts a lifetime by implementing mutual aid principles in the classroom. Ms Alvarez grew up in Richmond, California, and attended school in both Mexico and Brazil. She graduated from Scripps College in 2023, where her academic focus includes Psychology, Human-Centered Design, and U.S. Politics. In her free time, she enjoy exploring new restaurants around the Bay, writing handwritten letters to loved ones, and spending time with her kitten.
Alondra Alvarez, Middle School U.S. History
Melinda Boettcher is passionate about working in education because she loves getting to know her students, learning about the world with them, and supporting them as they pursue their goals. She grew up in Fallon, Nevada and attended the University of Oregon (B.A., M.A.) and the University of California, Santa Barbara (M.Ed.). Ms Boettcher has studied and lived in Mexico, Spain, and Chile--she love exploring new places! Her two daughters, husband and her recently moved here from Eugene, Oregon, so now she is excited to put down roots in the Bay Area. She loves reading, hiking, baking gluten-free treats, and (when lucky) petting her unfriendly cat.
Melinda Boettcher, High School Spanish
Leah Borquez started teaching because of the wonderful teachers and professors she had who made significant impacts on her life. She believes that education helps students grow into themselves and is honored to be a part of that process. She was born and raised in Ann Arbor, MI. She went to Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania for her bachelor's in History with intensive study in both Latin and Ancient Greek. After graduating, she moved out to the Bay Area and received her MA in History from UC Berkeley. In her free time, she likes swimming, playing violin, reading, and video games.
Leah Borquez, High School Social Studies
Gizem Caliskan
Gizem Caliskan, High School English Language Arts
Lucy is originally from Charlottesville, Virginia. Before coming to Invictus, Lucy worked as an English and History teacher in Colorado, where she guided outdoor programs for high school students. She holds a both her Master’s in English and her B.A. in English and creative writing from the University of Virginia. When she isn’t grading papers, she can be found cooking, biking, writing, surfing, or reading on a good porch.
Lucy Catlett, Middle School English Language Arts
Tobias is an educator because of his High School Art teacher. Mr McCabe instilled a love of art and creativity in Tobias who now wants to pass on that passion and education to more future artists of California. Tobias grew up in the mountains of Washington State where we studied art, theatre and creative writing. When he is not painting, drawing, writing or producing a comedy show, he is climbing, skiing, running, cooking or gardening.
Tobias Childs, High School Art
Jiayi Ding grew up in Shanghai, a city in China. She attended elementary school through high school there. Ms Ding then applied for universities in the United States and earned her Bachelor of Science degree from UC Davis. In her spare time, she enjoys video editing and creating animations, which allow her to express her creative thoughts. These hobbies have also helped her develop valuable technical skills.
Jiayi Ding, High School Math
Jeff Grossmann loved his Engineering classes, where he got to work on a team and build projects. But he didn't get to experience this until college so he’s excited to help our students build their creativity and problem-solving confidence in a hands-on way in high school. His favorite subjects are Physics and Algebra. He grew up in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, has a BA in Engineering from Dartmouth College, and would like to learn more Spanish. Outside of work he spends time with his family, including 2 young daughters, and riding his bike.
Jeff Grossmann, High School Science
Samantha Kephart
Samantha Kephart, Middle School Science
Ayesha Khalid
Ayesha Khalid, High School Biology
Seeing students discovering the journey of learning is Mr Liu’s reason for teaching. Having grown up in the East Bay, he understand where many of my students are coming from. He is passionate about working in education because he fully believes that all students deserve a chance at success. Mr Liu graduated with a B.S. in Biochemistry from his alma mater, University of Southern California, and is currently working towards his M.A. in Education at Loyola Marymount University. In my spare time, he enjoys animal rearing, discovering new music, and learning about recipes and the history of food.
Colton Liu, High School Chemistry
Jasmin Lopez
Jasmin Lopez, High School Geometry
Corey Parker
Corey Parker, High School Algebra II
Lucia Rios is passionate about working in education because she wholeheartedly believe that we all deserve a high quality education regardless of our background. As someone who grew up in Richmond, she has seen the impact that a caring and dedicated teacher can have on a students. Having an educator who can truly understand a students experience and perspectives truly makes a positive impact on students. This impact lasts throughout high school and beyond, influencing the decisions and paths we take. Ms Rios’ educators pushed her to reach the goals she set for herself. Their guidance led her to Williams College where she studied American Studies and concentrated in Latinx Studies. She was heavily involved in student organizing within her affinity groups and leading our Latinx dance team on campus. Her educators equipped her with the skills and confidence to pursue her interests in and outside of school.
Lucia Rios, High School English Language Arts
Olivia Robertson grew up in San Luis Obispo, California, where she started tutoring at her school's after-school math lab in seventh grade. Through middle and high school, she had fantastic teachers who nurtured her love for math, even as she struggled with the subject sometimes. Ms Robertson attended UC Berkeley to study mathematics, while also continuing to work as a math tutor. It was through this work that she first fell in love with education. She is passionate about working in education because she knows what it feels like to struggle in math class, and also know that math is for everyone. She want to pass on my love for the subject to her students, and give them the same problem-solving tools and confidence that her math teachers encouraged in her. In her free time, she enjoy cooking and baking, reading speculative fiction, playing board games, and going on long walks with my rescue dogs.
Olivia Robertson, Middle School Math
Aaron Rosenthal is passionate about working in education because it presents a unique opportunity to personally transform kids' lives. Originally from our nation's capital, Aaron grew up as a student of DC Public Schools, where he witnessed the profound harm of educational inequality. Aaron’s experience in DCPS always made him want to teach. Now, after graduating from Dartmouth College, Aaron has gotten the chance to do just that. He can't wait! Outside Invictus, you can find Aaron at Fremont High School, where he plays for Oakland's professional ultimate frisbee team, the Spiders.
Aaron Rosenthal, High School English Language Arts II
Mr Schauss focuses on teaching concepts that will be useful to humans, not only in the classroom, but in the course of everyday life. It is his calling to teach students how to locate those concepts in literature, especially when the source material belongs to a different historical moment than ours right now. Though born in San Francisco, Mr Schauss spent his childhood years in Spain and England. He has a PhD in Philosophy from the New School for Social Research, where his favorite classes were on the history of Western thought and architectural design. Outside the four walls of the classroom, you can find him watching soccer (Hala Madrid!) and on East Bay playgrounds with his six-year-old.
Philip Schauss, High School ELA
Jennifer Sosa is passionate about working in education because it has the power to break down barriers, challenge prejudices, and create a more inclusive and compassionate society. She believes in helping others think critically, freely, creatively, and with empathy. Ms. Sosa grew up in Richmond and attended school in Richmond so she is very excited to serve her own community! She obtained a BA in Hispanic Studies from Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon. She loves going to bachata social dances and would love to try other types of social dancing!
Jennifer Sosa, High School Spanish
Jia Xin Sun is passionate about working in education because she understands the importance of a quality education in shaping student lives’. Therefore, her goal as a teacher is to plan and implement lessons that students find educational, fun, and useful. She am also passionate about creating a safe space where her students can feel comfortable learning and growing. Growing up, her favorite subject in school was biology. So combining her love of teaching and science, Ms Sun received her BA in Molecular and Cell Biology and later her MA in Education both from UC Berkeley. Outside of work, she enjoys reading a good mystery novel and and watching TV shows to relax.
Jia Xin Sun, Middle School Science
Matt Taylor is passionate about working in education because of a sincere desire to contribute meaningfully to the next generation's growth and development. Mr Taylor was born and raised in Gainesville, GA and graduated from Middle Georgia State University in 2017. He migrated west for work and found himself landing in California over 10 years ago. He fell in love with the state and has never looked back. When he is not teaching Government and Economics he enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing with his dog, reading (especially fantasy and sci-fi), and Gaming (at a computer or around a table).
Matt Taylor, High School Government & Econ
For Soren Tjernell, any other job seems boring in comparison to education! His favorite subjects were literature and government. He grew up in Marin County, holds a BA in Literature from Claremont McKenna College, and is currently learning French. Outside of school he enjoys building forts with his son!
Soren Tjernell, High School English Language Arts
Emersyn White is passionate about teaching because she wants to help make learning feel accessible and empowering for all students. She was born in Berkeley and grew up in the Bay Area. She has a BA in Economics from UC Davis; her favorite classes were comparative literature courses and a tight-wire walking seminar! Outside of the classroom, you'll find her in a park walking on a slackline or simply enjoying the sun.
Emersyn White, Middle School ELA & History
Julia Wiersema grew up on the beach in Pacific Grove, on the tip of the Monterey Peninsula. Ms Wiersema went to school at U.C. Santa Barbara… also on the beach. She loves swimming, hiking with her dog, photography, reading, hanging out with her cat, playing the piano, the cello and the ukulele. She thinks there is nothing more important than opening up the minds of the future! It is a serious and awesome responsibility.
Julia Wiersema, High School US History
Student Supports
Emma Aguilar
Emma Aguilar, Academic Counselor
As an education specialist, Ms. Tracy loves teaching because it enables her to make a meaningful impact on students' lives. She is passionate about helping each children discover their unique strengths and interests. Watching students grow, overcome challenges, and reach their full potential is incredibly fulfilling. She believe that education is not just about imparting knowledge but about nurturing a love for learning and fostering resilience. Ms. Tracy was born in Iran and moved to the United States at the age of eight. She grew up in Los Angeles and moved to the Bay Area to attend UC Berkeley and has been residing there ever since. She’s passionate about exploring new places and enjoy traveling whenever she can.
Tracy Alehverdian, Education Specialist
Maya Bloemhard is passionate about working in education because it provides an opportunity to work closely with students and create positive change. Maya was born in Vancouver, Canada. She moved to Albany, California when she was six years old, and she grew up in the Bay Area. Maya received her BA in Psychology and Sociology from the University of British Columbia. Maya then moved to Edinburgh, Scotland for two years where she received her Masters of Social Work. In her free time, Maya enjoys traveling, dance, and spending time with her dog!
Maya Bloemhard, Instructional Aide
Sophie Casimiro is passionate about working in education because she believes that every person should have the right to learn in a safe environment; one that facilitates growth, joy, and curiosity. She was born and raised in Southern California, and moved north for school at San Francisco State University. There, Ms Casimiro received her BA in Psychology and a minor in Holistic Health. In her time outside of work, she enjoys reading, cooking, and making art. On the weekends, she loves finding new places to hike and be in nature.
Sophie Casimiro, Education Specialist
Ariel Dale attended Fordham University in New York City and played Division 1 basketball. She developed an interest in entertainment while studying at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Dean Dale has collaborated with many successful producers of shows on Youth Radio, Amoeba, UnderArmour, and iHeart Radio, all while working alongside young people.
Over the past six years, she has been developing leadership skills and empowering Oakland children. She’s proud to be an educator. She enjoys watching the students evolve and take pride in their accomplishments. She wants them to know that someone genuinely cares enough about their future to invest time and energy to develop their potential for leadership.
Ariel Dale, Middle School Associate Dean of Students
Mary Dias is passionate about working in education because she believes learning is the most beautiful way to grow as a person. She believes that you never stop being a learner and working in education allows her to grow every day. Dean Dias grew up in Concord, CA, just 40 minutes away from Invictus and graduated from UC San Diego in 2024 with a B.S. in Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience. Throughout her childhood and teenage years she attended many types of schools (private, public, charter, and college prep). In school, she became very passionate about leadership education for young people. She loves swimming, thrift shopping, and trying new foods! In San Diego, she loved to explore the local community and try new things! She loves the beach and spending time with her friends and family.
Mary Dias, High School Associate Dean of Students
Chris Diener
Chris Diener, Education Specialist
Rachel Freeburg grew up in Berkeley and went to schools there . She has been an instructional aide for 18 years and loves what she does. Some of her hobbies include reading, doing arts and crafts, walking with her dog, and spending time with friends/family, and listening to 90’s r&b/pop, and hip hop. She loves to be creative by crating things with my hands especially painting or drawing. Ms Freeburg loves working with young people and seeing the world from their unique perspective and that’s one of the many reasons she likes working with teenagers.
Rachel Freeburg, Instructional Aide
Ms Hansleben is passionate about working in education because it is a field that, for her, provides a perfect combination of challenge and reward. She loves the challenges and rewards of building and being part of a learning community that can serve to improve lives and create opportunities for young people and families. She is also passionate about her personal interests and feels it is her job to inspire others to try new challenging activities no matter what age or skill level. Personal interests and activities have significantly enriched her life and those of her students; some of her favorite activities include flow arts and juggling, garden science and ecology, paddle boarding, hiking, and rollerskating. Ms Hansleben grew up in St. Louis, Missouri and attended Columbia College for her undergraduate degree in Social Work. Shortly after earning her bachelor's degree, she moved to Arizona and attended Northern Arizona University and earned a Master's Degree in Special Education.
Tina Hansleben, Education Specialist
MR Harvey is passionate about working in education because he believe in helping kids succeed, no matter their background. Whether they come from challenging circumstances or supportive environments, He enjoy motivating and inspiring them to reach their full potential. Mr Harvey grew up in Richmond, CA and attended El Cerrito High School. In his free time, he enjoy watching collegiate and professional football, reading, spending time with my family, and relaxing. These hobbies keep him grounded and energized for the work he loves to do.
Jalen Harvey, Campus Supervisor
Selena Lopez is passionate about working in education because it allows her to make an impact on young students lives. As an Athletic Director, she am dedicated to fostering an environment where students can thrive both on and off the court and is excited to encourage students to develop teamwork, discipline, and a lifelong love of fitness. Ms Lopez grew up in Hayward, where she attended Moreau Catholic High School and was part of the water polo and swim team. She continued her education as she recently graduated from Saint Mary's College of California with my Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and a Minor in Psychology, and is currently receiving a Masters in Sports Management at the same institution. During my time she was the president of the women's water polo team for three years where she was able to grow the team and bring recognition to the sport. She also has experience in coaching water polo to high school student and has helped them develop a love for the game, discover their strengths, overcome challenges, and achieve their goals.
Selena Lopez, Athletic Director
Sarah Oldershaw attended High School at El Cerrito High School and graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a degree in Psychology. She finds it very rewarding to work in education to observe the students learn, grow and find their passions and interests. She is an avid yoga practitioner and I love to create jewelry with beads. She is looking forward to working with the staff and students at Invictus!
Sarah Oldershaw, Instructional Aide
Alex Riley
Alex Riley, Instructional Aide
Meka Tull was exposed to the educational field at a young age because her mother was a Speech Pathologist and worked with severely disabled individuals. In high school she wasn’t sure she’d be working in education, but after completing her undergraduate program, her mother proposed she consider a job in school psychology believing it'd be a good fit for her personal and professional goals.
In high school she took a memorably physiology class and in college, she loved Black Studies courses, particularly classes related to civil rights issues, and at one time wanted to become a Civil Rights Attorney. Her BA is in Black Studies and Sociology from UCSB and her MA is in School Psychology from Howard University. She recently adopted a rescue dog so has a current interest in getting good at dog training! She was born in Oakland and grew up in El Cerrito/SF Bay Area and outside of work enjoys cooking, cycling, and spending time with family and friends.
Meka Tull, School Psychologist
Operations
Sara Cano
Sara Cano, Breakfast Service Provider
Errol Lima is passionate about working in education because he knows that all of the effort it takes in making the school run smoother contributes to the growth of students. He has always believed that education can open our minds and can create opportunities for us that we may not have thought were available. Mr Lima was born and raised in San Francisco. He moved around different neighborhoods, but was primarily raised in San Francisco's Mission District. He attended CSU East Bay in Hayward, CA and received his B.S. in Criminal Justice. He enjoys spending time with his family in the outdoors and they are BIG 49er fans.
Errol Lima, Front Office Manager
Christian Nieves
Christian Nieves, Tech Coodinator & OPS Assistant
Yenzy grew up in the East Bay attending local schools in the San Pablo Area. She attended Contra Costa College and transferred into UC Berkeley. She major in Spanish Linguistics and also completed a minor in Chicano Studies. Yenzy started her work in Education as a tutor in college and has worked in local schools for 14 years. In her free time she enjoys going on hikes and baking.
Yenzy Padilla, School Operations Manager
School Leadership Contact
Esther Prokopienko, School Principal
eprokopienko@invictusofrichmond.org
Phone: 925.435.1866
Office Hours: Fridays, 3:00-4:00 PM or by appointment