Leadership Team

Emily Bobel Kilduff (she/her), Head of School 

My big question: What did the Big Bang look and feel like?

I began my career teaching middle school math and science in the South Bronx of New York City and quickly realized that middle students are perhaps the most fascinating age to work with (hormones and all). From teaching, I moved into various leadership roles with Teach For America, working to develop a pipeline of educators who are committed to educational equity and excellence. I received my degree in Human Biology from Stanford University and love answering questions about how the body works (our curious students seem to have many!).

When I’m not at school, I enjoy running, having tea parties with my two girls, and exploring the Bay Area with my family.

Ryan Chapman (he/him), Head of School 

My big question: What would our favorite pieces of music look like if painted?

Over the past 25 years, I have worked to start-up and expand organizations focused on closing the opportunity gap in low-resource, high-potential communities. My work in education has spanned the non-profit, public, and private sectors. I received my B.A. in developmental psychology and K-6 teaching certification from Vassar College and Masters of Public Policy from the Johns Hopkins University.

I live here in SF with my wife, daughter and son, both of whom are 5th generation San Franciscans and New School SF students. We’ve all been adopted by an orange tabby cat who thinks he’s a dog and a 120 pound Great Pyrenees who thinks he’s an area rug. We recently added two silkie chickens who are comfortable just being chickens.

Esther Fensel, Middle School Director

My big question: How might we create a new standard for what the middle school experience should be like?

My passion for equitable education is rooted in a deep love for middle school and middle schoolers. I believe in each student’s brilliance and capacity and am dedicated to supporting students to navigate this critical time in their lives as they figure out who they are and who they want to be. I started my career as an educator teaching seventh grade math and science in San Jose and San Francisco. For the past decade, I’ve worked with students, families, and educators across the Bay Area and then in San Francisco as an instructional coach, Assistant Principal, and Principal. I graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in psychology.

Aside from enjoying the humor that working with middle schoolers brings to my life, I love spending time with friends and family and hiking all over the Bay Area.

Gabi Netter, Elementary School Director

Gabi steps into the role of Elementary School Director with extensive organizational and instructional leadership experience ranging from classroom teacher to school administrator to district administrator and most recently, as a partner at an educational foundation, NewSchools Venture Fund, supporting school leaders who are launching new models around the country. Gabi is also not a stranger to our school. Not only was she referred to us by several trusted members of our community, but she is also part of a team that has invested in our school’s growth and learned alongside us as we’ve expanded over the years. Not surprisingly, she’s inspired by and drawn to -- among many things! -- our inquiry-based approach to learning, our commitment to anti-racist teaching, and our inclusion practices to ensure all students -- regardless of their background or needs -- succeed. Gabi’s salient strengths of being able to manage complex systems, facilitate strong adult learning, and set vision for continued growth of our program and her passion to ensure excellence for all learners give us immense confidence as we embark upon this next, exciting chapter.

Misha Villatuya, Interim Elementary School Director / Instructional Coach

My big question: How do we intentionally dismantle the power structures that dictate our everyday lives?

I am originally from right outside Chicago, and I graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Psychology with a minor in Secondary Education. In 2015, I moved to San Jose, CA and taught 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade Humanities at Rocketship Brilliant Minds Elementary School. As a classroom teacher, I was a strong proponent of fostering student independence and leadership. In 2018, I became an Assistant Principal, and I coached TK-2nd grade Humanities teachers. 

When I’m not in the classroom, you’ll find me taking full advantage of all that California has to offer. I love taking hikes, running alongside the bay, attending music festivals, enjoying a good book on the beach, or lounging on my deck with my pup. My fiance and I just bought a house in Mill Valley! I am incredibly excited to continue exploring Marin County this year. 

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. 

Trevor Burns (he/him), Director of Student Supports

My big question: What will public education look like in 30 years? What can we do to re-imagine the school experience for students, families, and staff?

After graduating from UCLA, I started my journey in education with Seneca’s Family of Agencies in 2009. After several years of counseling work with middle school students, I transitioned into partnering with families and schools in the East Bay through Seneca’s therapeutic behavioral services program. This experience further confirmed for me that I wanted a career in this field to develop systems which could counteract the inequities that existed in education.  I saw first hand the progress required in San Francisco’s public schools when I supported the integration of an Obama administration education grant called ‘Innovate for Education.’ After 3 years of overseeing the implementation of this grant, I joined New School San Francisco. I have been fortunate to call New School San Francisco home for the past 4 years. I cannot wait for year 5! 

I currently live in San Francisco, and when I’m not at work, you will find me exploring the city with my wife and daughter. 

Molly Horton, Instructional Coach

My big question: What systems, structures, accommodations and opportunities create equity in schools?

I am beyond excited to finally (I’m a longtime fan!) join this team as the K-5 instructional coach in the ‘22/’23 school year. I began the journey that led me to NSSF in Washington, DC until the allure of tide pools, year round rowing and fokore of a forward-thinking land of magic brought me out to the Bay Area. I was at Stanford for 10 years as an undergrad, grad student (STEP ‘06!) and as a founding member of a Stanford charter school until the allure of delicious food, diversity and… fog(?) brought me to SF.

I have been in SFUSD as a teacher, interventionist or coach in the 12 years since. I LOVE public education in this city and am honored to be able to engage with it through the inquiry, equity and student centered lens that New School brings to the landscape. In my free time you’ll find me with my husband and children tromping up and down the West Coast, spending as much time around water as possible. 

Karen Polk, Family Liason

My big question: How will we keep liberation and justice for our families the center of our daily practice and work?

I am elated to be here at New School S.F.  I cannot wait to meet all of the wonderful families and staff.  As your new Family Liaison and being a part of this dynamic culture, I look forward to a school year of growth, compassion and strong community.

I began my career in education in 1998 as a paraprofessional at Alvarado Elementary School in San Francisco.  I enjoyed my work and decided to get a teaching credential.

After leaving the classroom, I assumed the role of Student Counselor and Family Outreach for AIM High Charter Middle School. Continuing my love for outreach and literacy, I moved on to become the Program Coordinator for Bayview/ Hunter’s Point Even Start; a program that supported parents of preschool students. I later became the Family Literacy Specialist for First 5 followed by Coordinator of KIT (Kids in Transition)  Camp in SF.

I worked at SFUSD/ExCEL for over 16 years in different positions including: Tribes trainer, diversity trainer, enrichment facilitator, Restorative Practices coach, and STEAM grant implementation manager. I also led the SEL (Social Emotional Learning)/Cultural Humility initiative for after-school programs.

Earning  my Master’s Degree from University of San Francisco in Multicultural Literacy for Children and Young Adults. I strongly believe that literacy is the comprehensive foundation for leadership: both mine and students.

Tanvi Desai (she/her), Director of Operations

Hakim Pulu, Director of Enrichment

Hakim brings significant experience with out-of-school time leadership and development, having worked in SF public schools and with Bay Area youth for the past 8 years. Hakim’s alignment with our values, familiarity with our approach to academics and social-emotional learning, success with family engagement, and experience running enriching programs make him an amazing addition to our team.