Welcomes and Updates
Updates, Welcomes & Back-to-School
We have begun the 2024-25 school year with a banner professional development week with our AMAZING staff! Our focus is on team-building and community planning, developing our systems, and setting up a warm and welcoming space for our young people.
Furthermore, we are thrilled to WELCOME Gee Moloi as Lapis Band Collaborator. Gee comes to Brightworks with an extensive background in Montessori education. Gee is a beacon of light with sharp intellect and abundant verve. She is a lifelong learner with a passion for theater, film, and television. She says, “My technical theatre training allows me to bring the magic of the stage into the classroom, creating an immersive learning environment.” Gee is an outdoor enthusiast and is also looking forward to sharing this with her learners.
Please join us in extending a big warm Brightworks welcome to GEE!
Welcome back, Shirvan Mahto! Shirvan will be a Middle School Collaborator as part of the Upper School Team! Shirvan is a decades-long San Francisco educator who is known, respected, and beloved for his wisdom, epic smile, passion for hot sauce, and love of all things feline. Shirvan is a believer in democratic pedagogical approaches and loves engaging in collaboration and creativity in the classroom. We are beyond ecstatic to welcome Shirvan back to Brightworks!
Mandisa Lyons will be the new High School Collaborator in Obsidian. Mandisa brings a radical belief in young people’s ability to express themselves fully through various modes of communication. With her diverse background, she has journeyed a nontraditional path to becoming an educator. Last year, Mandisa stepped up to bring solidity to the Onyx band after unforeseen disruptions. With her steady insights and guidance, they were able to produce wonderful high-level projects as well as become a fully integrated band. We value and welcome Mandisa’s insightfulness and facilitation, along with her incredible style and wonderful sense of humor.
For returning families, we’re excited to let you know that Justine is returning from family leave in a part-time but significant role as our Transitions Specialist and Registrar. Justine’s work will remain primarily WFH but will be no less of an impact.
Lisa Nowell has stepped fully into the role of Director of Admissions and Communications after spending last year as a phenomenal force and family advocate in the role of Interim Admissions Director while Justine Macauley was out on maternity leave. Lisa has stepped up our marketing and communications and continues to lend her keen eye and wisdom to innovating our admissions and enrollment processes.
Lisa is an educator in her own right with significant experience as founder and executive director of the Recess Collective, “a community-driven organization that supports families and young children in perinatal education, play, creativity, support, and connection.” We feel so fortunate to have Lisa become part of our integral staff.
Alex Oeffinger will be shifting into the role of Facilities/Operations Coordinator after a year as our Front Desk Manager and a summer with young makers in Tinkering School. Alex is known and beloved for her warmth and thoughtfulness towards everyone she meets. Alex’s background includes working with at-risk youth in Oregon as well as roles in office management. Truly, we’d be lost without her and we feel fortunate to have her back and elevated to this position.
Additionally, Brightworks retains Hailey Warner as Support Collaborator working with Citrine Band and in our stupendous Aftercare program. Hailey brings a calm and grounded presence to the staff and students of Brightworks. Last year Hailey additionally spearheaded a Creative Writing Club that was well-attended and provided learners of all ages an opportunity to nurture their love of words in a safe and supportive environment. Hailey plans to continue this club this year.