Kindergarten and 1st Grade Teachers

Denisse Mancia Braus (she/her), Lead Teacher

My Big Question: Should a person's legacy be based on the greatest thing they accomplish or the worst thing they do?

I’m starting my fourth year in the classroom and seventh year at New School! It's been a life-changing journey. I’ve been working with children since seventh grade when I was in charge of the 4 year-olds in my church scouting program. 

I believe in the magic of kindergarten. As a kindergartener, I was mistakenly labeled a 'quiet and serious learner'. While I take life-long learning seriously, I was only quiet because I didn’t know how to speak English! I’m pretty sure I’ve successfully shed the 'quiet' misnomer.

When not at New School, I can be found hanging with my girl gang, Olivia and Mila (my daughters), and doing crafts, cooking or having dance parties.  

William Nadel (he/ him), Lead Teacher

My Big Question: How can our small actions help to change the world?

I was born and raised in San Francisco. My journey to teaching began with 8 years as a camp counselor. After earning my bachelor's degree in Spanish from Middlebury College, Master in International Business Management from Thunderbird, and Master in Education from UOP, two plus decades in high tech and healthcare technologies, I have returned to my calling, teaching children. I am in my seventh year as a teacher, and have taught kindergarten, first and fourth grade. I want children to love school and to love learning.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my wife, family, and friends, walking around San Francisco, hiking in Marin County or in the mountains, and watching old movies and British mysteries.

Isiah Ball, Lead Teacher

I’m new to the team, and ready to rock and or roll!! From California, and went to school here. I joined the educational workforce not long after college. I’ve been teaching for a few years now, and I find myself learning more from the children every year, they will keep me young, “no cap”. They have an overflow of ideas, dreams, and it’s been a privilege helping them expand them.

Karen Roman-Vite, Resident Teacher

I graduated from UC Merced in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. I’m the first person in my family to go to college, which was a big deal for my mom. After college, I didn't really know what to do with my life. So, after 16 years of studying and stress, I decided to take a long break to work on myself and learn about the world. I realized that getting the degree was not the end goal, but the means to an end. And that end is to make a positive impact on the world through education.

Tilar Dixon, Resident Teacher

Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, my objective for impacting young minds was born from the city's unfavorable educational structure. While pursuing my Bachelor’s of Arts in Anthropology from Michigan State University, I worked and volunteered in a range of daycares and accumulated hands-on experience with children, aiding in my decision to teach in elementary classes upon graduation. My innate desire to nurture the creativity and intellect of children’s formative years will guide me to pursue her teaching credential through the Marshall Teacher Residency for the 2023-2024 school year.

Mx. Adali Rodriguez, Resident Teacher

I am thrilled to embark on this new journey at New School! While my formal teaching experience might clock in at around 4-5 years in preschool education, my ardor for guiding young minds began long before that. As a firm believer in the transformative power of education, I am eager to channel my passion into fostering the growth and development of my first-grade students. My previous years of teaching have taught me that every child is a unique and brilliant individual, and it is my privilege to provide them with a nurturing environment where they can flourish.

The prospect of guiding these young learners through their first-grade adventures fills me with excitement and determination. I firmly believe that education is a tool for positive change, and I am dedicated to instilling in my students a love for learning that will accompany them throughout their lives. Outside of the classroom, you'll find me engrossed in various pursuits that ignite my curiosity – from reading about innovative teaching strategies to exploring ways to make education more accessible and engaging for all learners.