Education Leadership

List of 5 items.

• 

  Kathleen McNamara

  Head of School
  
  As Head of School at Seven Hills, Kathleen brings almost three decades in independent school education to our community. She was Head of School at Tuxedo Park School in New York, Head of the Upper School and Assistant Head for the Upper Division at Marin Country Day School in Corte Madera, and spent 10 years at the Rippowam Cisqua School in Bedford, New York, where she served as Head of the Rippowam Campus and Director of Secondary Placement. She lived in France as both an undergraduate student and graduate student and, upon returning to the United States, spent her early years in independent schools teaching Middle and High School French, AP French Language and Literature, and Middle School and High School English.
  
  Kathleen demonstrates her strong commitment to professional development through active participation and speaking engagements at national and regional independent school conferences, and her colleagues effusively praise her as a collaborative leader. Kathleen earned her B.A. in French from Rutgers University and her M.A. in French Literature from New York University. She also holds a Diploma of French Studies from Université François Rabelais in Tours, France. Kathleen and her husband, Jihad, have three children: daughter Hannah, son Alex, and nephew Matthew. Please click here to read Kathleen's blog on education and parenting.
• 

  Dan Rogoff

  Head of ECE-3rd Grade
  In his role as Head of ECE-3, Dan focuses on overseeing and refining a dynamic, rich, and relevant academic curriculum, as well as strengthening the social and emotional wellbeing of students, families, and faculty. Paying attention to communication and relationships is integral to Dan’s work as he partners with faculty and administration to support the school's mission, instill a strong sense of purpose, and ensure the highest possible quality of student life. Initially attracted to Seven Hills by the “whole child” approach—the commitment to children in mind, body and spirit—he’s come to discover that Seven Hills is also an “each child” school. He works to guarantee that all children are met where they are, instruction is differentiated, and each child is seen as unique and capable.

   

  This is Dan’s fourth year at Seven Hills, following 22 years at Marin Country Day School. He is a husband and the father of three sons, ages 29, 9, and 5. Away from school, Dan is proud of his hardcore car singing and soft jump shot.
• 

  Scott Espinosa-Brown

  Head of 4th-8th Grade
  
  As Head of 4th-8th Grade, Scott brings 44 years of teaching experience to his interactions with students in academic classes, in advisory groups, on athletic fields, in student council meetings, and through his conflict resolution initiative. Scott is school leader and teacher, coach and counselor, challenger and encourager. He is most gratified when a student leaves his “comfort zone” and enters his “courage zone.” In this space, the student attempts things she has never tried before, takes academic risks, explores the difficult, and seizes the opportunity to reach her ultimate potential. By the end of eighth grade, Seven Hills students are ready to leave our close-knit community for the challenges and adventure of high school.
  
  Scott is known in peer circles for his groundbreaking conflict resolution work at Seven Hills – the Restorative Justice program. From the earliest age, Seven Hills students learn to respect themselves and each other. The Restorative Justice program teaches students how to form wholesome relationships and move through the world with realistic optimism. Away from Seven Hills, Scott and his wife, Katherine are parents of eight children. He coaches a winning local girls’ basketball program and is beyond happy that the San Francisco Giants have won the World Series three times.
• 

  Rhys Miller

  Director of Teaching and Learning
  
  Rhys works closely with Seven Hills teachers to provide a continuum of educational excellence, founded on integrated studies, hands-on learning and differentiation. She also spearheads our professional development program for teachers. Rhys’ impact is felt from preschool through 8th grade, in the classroom, on the school fields, and in trips away from campus. Teachers are excited to have a partner and guide as they continuously refine how they inspire, teach, guide, encourage, celebrate, and learn with, their students. Please click here to see Rhys' blog, the unique vantage point from which she sees learning and growing at Seven Hills.
  
  She received degrees in English, Art and Education from Kansas State University, and an administrative services degree and master's degree in curriculum and instruction from Chapman University. Her work has included 12 years in the classroom, tenure as an elementary school principal, administration of an inquiry-based summer program for 3rd-8th grade students, county and district professional development leadership, and time as Program Specialist in Mount Diablo Unified School District's Curriculum & Instruction Department. Rhys and her husband, Neil, have one daughter. Away from work she relishes a challenging hike, and enjoys gardening, reading, cooking, and traveling.
  
• 

  Cyrell Roberson

  School Counselor
  As our school counselor, Cyrell provides individual counseling, group counseling, consultation and resources to teachers and families, and administrative support to the school. Cyrell is available to students, teachers, and parents across all grade levels to help navigate interpersonal and intrapersonal challenges and concerns, as well as behavioral and learning challenges. In addition, Cyrell also teaches Restorative Justice and Conflict Resolution for our 7th graders. Outside of Seven Hills, Cyrell also provides neuropsychological and neuroeducational evaluations and therapy for children and adolescents at Summit Center in Walnut Creek.

   

  Cyrell is a doctoral candidate in School Psychology at UC Berkeley where his research focuses on the psychosocial development of underserved gifted students. His work has been published in several journals including the Journal of Advanced Academics and the American Psychological Association. Cyrell has a wide range of experience in K-12 public, independent, and charter schools in the Bay Area. His previous professional experience also includes working at Educational Testing Service (ETS) on the Fairness Review, teaching education and psychology courses at UC Berkeley, and interning at The White House where he worked on education policy and advocacy initiatives of the Executive Office of the President. He earned a B.S. in psychology from Xavier University of Louisiana and an M.A. in education from UC Berkeley. Away from work, Cyrell enjoys live music, visiting art museums, running, and traveling.