Diverse Learners Team

Dr. Tamarah Tilos (she/her), Director of Inclusion

My big question: What does inclusion look, sound, and feel like? 

Upon graduating from UC Santa Cruz, I began my career in education with Seneca Family of Agencies where I first served as a classroom counselor before becoming a Special Education Teacher. My passion for teaching, teacher development, and creating more equitable schools would lead me to become an Assistant Principal and then an Assistant Director. On my path to the New School team, I gained experience designing and implementing systems for equity and inclusion ranging from K-12 to graduate-level schools and programs. While I continued to learn and grow in my career, I was on a parallel path of higher education to deepen my expertise in Special Education and build my leadership toolkit. I earned my Master’s Degree in Special Education and a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership. I had the honor of joining New School as our school’s first Director of Inclusion in the 2020-2021 school year. Since entering this role, I have seen the school community grow in our commitment to inclusion and take collective action toward creating a school where diversity is at the heart of our decision-making. 

I am also the proud parent of a phenomenal 5-year-old who reminds me that while there is so much to learn and perhaps, more importantly, unlearn. 

Pamela Caro, Lower Elementary Learning Specialist

Lizzie O’Reilly (she/her), Upper Elementary Learning Specialist

My big question: How can we prioritize brain-based intervention methodologies to uplift all students? 

I moved to San Francisco from Denver, Colorado 15 years ago and became a resident of Berkeley 10 years ago.  I’m kicking off my first year at New School as the Case Manager for Kindergarten-Grade 3!  I have worked in Special Education for 11 years, but I have been working in schools for 13. I started my journey in education as a Playworks coach. I then moved to teaching in a Special Day Class in OUSD, followed by a 4 year gig as a Learning Specialist at a charter school in the Fruitvale District in Oakland. Most recently, I was the Assistant Principal at an Non-Public School for students with Social/Emotional and Behavioral disabilities. 

I love biking home at the end of the day to play with my 4-year old, Oliver! When I have time-off, I enjoy walking, reading, hiking, playing at the park and going on long roadtrips. Fun fact: I’m a part of a Bridge Club! We have been meeting consistently for at least 10 years and yet, somehow, we are still pretty mediocre at playing the game of Bridge.  

Kimberly Burns (she/her), Middle School Learning Specialist

My big question: How will research in educational neuroscience continue to impact society’s understanding of the dichotomy between general & special education?

I have been in education for 13 years and have spent the past ten years as a credentialed Education Specialist & Case Manager in Oakland, most recently the Fruitvale district.  I have also taught Kindergarten and Third Grade (general education) in the Bayview, SF.  I am trained in the Slingerland approach to literacy instruction and strive to provide quality access to instruction for students on all learning journeys.

My husband and I recently moved to Cole Valley after living in Oakland for the past decade.  We like to spend time riding bikes through Golden Gate Park (never thought I’d say that) and watching our tiny daughter make large messes all day long. 

Zulma Rodriguez (she/hers), Academic Interventionist

My big question: Can we trust to be represented by the law?

I was born and raised in Celaya GTO Mexico. This is my fourth year working at New School and my second year as an Instructional Aide. I am trained in the Slingerland approach and hope to continue expanding my knowledge applying what I have learned here at New School.  I am currently studying to become a speech pathologist and hope to be able to help shift the educational system in creating a more equitable and inclusive experience for all students. 

I love to explore different cuisines from around the world and be outdoors with my family and friends.

Noel Kaufman (he/him), Academic Interventionalist

My big question: How do we build relationships at school that encourage joy and a love of learning to all?

I was born in New York City, but raised in Cupertino, CA, when it was home to apricot and cherry orchards, long before Apple arrived on the scene. I came to New School in 2020, after a long career developing language arts, social studies, and math curriculum for K–8 schools. I’m an instructional aide working with middle school students. Soy bilingüe en español e inglés.

My wife and I raised two children in the city, both now adults on their own.

Our attention is now focused on our 12-year-old rescue, Moxi, with whom we share a love of long walks on the beach.

Hannah Lieberknect (she/hers), Speech Pathologist

My big question: Why do you think that is?

I’m looking forward to my NINTH year at the New School! I am beginning to lose track of the years. I support our students by helping strengthen their speech and language skills so they can maximize their potential and become confident communicators. I graduated from Stanford with a bachelor’s in Human Biology and a minor in Communications, and got my master’s degree at SDSU. I love language and word play and I love math -  but am starting to doubt the practicality of trigonometry.

I spend most of my “free time” as mama to my two kids, Larkin and Beckett (both NSSF students!) and our Labradoodle, Rhys. My favorite pastimes include running, listening to audiobooks, and running while listening to audiobooks.

Emily Lankin, Occupational Therapist

Originally from the East Coast, by way of New York, I have been living in California for almost 5 years. I am going into my 9th year as a pediatric occupational therapist. In that time I have worked mainly school-based with some time spent in outpatient pediatric clinics. I am looking forward to working at the New School and collaborating with the staff and families.

I am passionate about helping children of all different abilities and needs. I believe in a strengths-based approach when working with children and try to tailor their sessions around their interests. In my free time I enjoy creating pottery, fostering animals, hiking, and cooking. 

Katarian Catania (she/her), School Clinican

My big question: How can we best support students in showing up as their most authentic self?

This is my first year at New School as a Clinical Intervention Specialist. As a clinician I have predominantly worked with youth in school-based settings and believe strongly in collaborating with family, teachers, and service providers to ensure a child’s overall emotional wellbeing. I hold advocacy, humor, and patience close to my heart when working with students and feel honored to be of support. When not at work, I love hiking and sinking into video games.

Angie Espinoza, School Clinican

My big question:  How can I support parents in understanding and unlearning harmful ways of supporting their children’s educational careers? 

I am beyond honored and excited to join the New School of San Francisco. I am originally from Costa Mesa, Ca. I had always dreamed of living in San Francisco after having my college tours during High School when I was a part of the Puente Program.

I went to the University of California Santa Cruz for undergraduate studies. My focus of study was Community Studies and Education. I imagined myself becoming a teacher and my first job outside of school was an after-school teacher. Here is where I noticed the need for mental health support for parents and students. I felt like I didn’t have the tools to support the parents and families I was serving. I continued my education at the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco. I received my Masters in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Drama Therapy. 

I look forward to engaging parents and families to support their children’s education and social emotional growth through respect and creativity. I enjoy being outdoors, going to the beach, and hope to relearn how to play the violin this year.