Learn ♦ Experience ♦ Thrive
September 2020 | Eagles #29
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CSD student Johnte Haggins proudly holds his bag of school supplies, delivered by cottage counselors Dako Tiku and Gwen Tsujimoto with the Student Life Express Delivery “SLED” program.
To help students study during the 2020-2021 school year, student life staff drives to students' homes to deliver school supplies—such as text books with notes from their teachers—every Thursday.
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Message from the Superintendent |
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Greetings from the land
of ORANGE and BLACK!
Even though this past summer was an unusual one, we continue to be resilient. Without question, this semester (or year) will be one of the most challenging times in our history, as we work together virtually. We can DO IT!
Before you enjoy this issue, I would like to take a moment to recognize everyone at CSD for all of their constant dedication and commitment towards creating an efficient and beneficial virtual learning environment for our students and families while keeping the school operational. You are to be appreciated for your unwavering support as well.
We began the summer with the first-ever virtual Extended School Year program. Our planning started with many questions on how to integrate our student life component into the virtual summer program. We decided to experiment by assigning our student life staff to small cohorts consisting of a teacher and teaching assistant/service providers. As this concept has succeeded, we are now applying similar logistical strategies into our Distance Learning environment this semester. I'm proud to report that this model has been quite successful thus far, and 95% of our students are connected and receiving Student Life evening support. I want to personally thank our student life staff for their flexibility as we approach this experiment through trial and error.
We are continuing to ‘taking charge’ in the Black Lives Matter national movement by taking action at CSD. There were several announcements throughout the summer regarding this effort. We continue to build Black Lives Matter online resources on our learning channel. With confidence, we will be expecting our workforce to participate in this series of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion topics. In the immediate future, our goal is to educate our school community through training. Eventually, we will continue to strengthen our existing action plan to ensure an Equitable, Diverse, and Inclusive environment and culture at CSD.
Our school community is fortunate to welcome a fantastic group of new employees this year, as they have chosen to work at CSD. We began our recruiting efforts very early in the year and successfully filled positions with high caliber individuals. We invite you to “meet” our new ‘high caliber’ staff and learn more about each of them. We appreciate their confidence in the school and the dedication they have demonstrated thus far. Can you imagine making changes in your life in the middle of a pandemic? They did; therefore, anything is possible at CSD!
Please enjoy this issue, and there will be much more to share in the upcoming newsletter for September and October. We look forward to a semester filled with virtual innovations.
With Eagle Pride,
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Clark Brooke, Ed.S.
Superintendent
California School for the Deaf, Fremont
39350 Gallaudet Drive
Fremont, CA 94538
510-344-6010 Videophone
510-823-6071 Spanish Callers
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Congratulations to our Trivia Cup winners |
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Chances are slim for getting lost in the world with our winners of Gallaudet’s Trivia Cup focusing on “Geography”! Congrats to senior Donovan Holmes (left) and sophomore Chang-May Tan (right) for placing 2nd and 4th respectively! 🦅🏆🌎
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Get the student perspective
on the news
with Talon Media
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Introducing the new
2020-2021 Talon Media members
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CSD offers its first ever virtual summer program for students
By Ron Bye, Extended School Year - Summer School Principal
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With the COVID-19 pandemic looming everywhere in the United States and around the world, our Extended School Year (ESY) program shifted from a traditional classroom instructional setting to a virtual distance learning setting. The new distance learning setting presented several challenges for our ESY teachers’ lesson preparations because the students were looking forward to having hands-on activities in the classroom; going on field trips; and playing on the playground during recess periods. This did not happen; however our ESY teachers made it happened through Zoom meetings with lots of creative lesson planning to keep students engaged, everyday for three weeks, from July 6 to 24.
Early Childhood Education delivered activity kit bags to our ECE families to work with their children during daily Zoom meetings. Storysigning was also offered to families from our assistant librarian.
Elementary, Middle School and High School had 1:1 and group sessions (daily), with physical education (twice a week) via Zoom.
Roughly, 64 students, from early childhood education through high school, attended our virtual ESY summer school this year. That is two-thirds of the 92 students who originally signed up last May. Those students demonstrated their eagerness to learn and interact with other classmates, teachers, and teaching assistants during the virtual distance learning class sessions.
ESY teachers, teaching assistants, and student life assistants demonstrated beautiful teamwork, seamlessly dedicating their time working with our students. Their commitment to our students was evident during Zoom meetings, in their newsletters to families, and in the photos we received via email.
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Educational ASL Storysigning Videos
by CSD students, staff & alumni
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“The Unwelcome Stranger”
Storysigning by: Kiara Chapple
School Counselor
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“Coronavirus:
A Book for Children”
Storysigning by: Joann Ikeda
CSD Librarian
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“Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas”
Storysigning by: Chang-May Tan
CSD High School Student
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“Daddy, There's a Noise Outside”
Storysigning by:
Mirella Frijmersum-Di Pietro
CSD Middle School Student
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“I Have a Dream”
Storysigning by: Jayvon Harmon
CSD High School Student
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“Martin's Big Words”
Storysigning by: Samuel Brown
CSD Alum
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“The Voice That Won the Vote”
Storysigning by: Joann Ikeda
CSD Librarian
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“Wildfires!”
Storysigning by:
Pat Bernstein & Joann Ikeda
CSD Library
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CSD celebrates Latinx Heritage Month |
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Our very own Raza de Sordx club created this video in honor of Latinx Heritage Month.
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“The Woman Who Outshone the Sun”
Storysigning by: Elizabeth Bravo
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“The Story of Ferdinand”
Storysigning by: Susana Acosta
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“Mango, Abuela, and Me”
Storysigning by: Martha Koetz
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“Just a Minute”
Storysigning by: Cristal Duenas
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Here are two storysigning videos in Mexican Sign Language “lengua de señas mexicana” (LSM); and American Sign Language (ASL)
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A Story about Frida
LSM (on left)
ASL (on right)
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“Flying Snake”
(Mexican folklore)
LSM (first story)
ASL (second story)
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“The Smoking Mountain”
Storysigning by: Susana Acosta
CSD High School Social Studies Teacher
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A new era: Distance Learning at CSD |
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Story time and STEAM look a little different this year, but we are enthusiastically making the best of it. |
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Meet our new Division of Instruction
faculty & staff
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Amy Bobich
Preschool / Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Background: I was born in Germany and have lived in the following places: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Guam, Missouri, and Montana. Prior to moving here to work at CSD, I taught at Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind, and at Alaska State School for Deaf and Hard of Hearing. I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies at California State University, Northridge, and got my preliminary teaching credential there, as well. I went on to complete my Master of Science degree in Deaf Education at McDaniel College (in Maryland).
I did one of my practicums at CSD's Early Childhood Education department, a few years ago, and thought it would be a ‘dream school’
to work at (in the ECE department). I never thought I would actually be here! YAAAAY!
Hobbies: Watching movies at the theater, swimming and tubing. I have been wanting to learn how to kayak, so hopefully this will become a new hobby for me someday. I also love drinking coffee and eating cookies, cupcakes, and candy!
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Nathan Boyes
Middle School ASL /
Bilingual Language Arts Teacher
Background: I am from Vancouver, Washington. Born and raised in Salem, Oregon, I graduated from the Oregon School for the Deaf. I went on to attend Gallaudet University and Western Oregon University where I got a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and a Master of Science degree in K-12 Deaf Education.
My wife Tracey and I enjoy building things with our hands, and we have started a side business. We have two boys. One boy is in 9th grade and the other boy is in 5th grade.
CSD is a leader in Deaf Education. I have always thought about taking the opportunity to learn and grow in CSD's environment, so here I am: learning, growing, and thriving with the team at CSD.
Hobbies: Playing games (indoors and outdoors); right now I am doing disc golf, ball golf, and corn hole.
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Colette Fernandes
High School English
Language Arts Teacher
Background: I was born and raised in Huntington Beach, which is in Southern California. I obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree, with a major in Deaf Studies and a minor in Religious Studies, from California State University, Northridge in 2018. I recently obtained my Master of Science degree in Deaf Education from Western Oregon University, graduating in June of 2020.
The CSD teaching philosophy aligns directly with mine, with its focus on bilingual education. During my internship at CSD, in the Middle School department, I was welcomed so warmly by the entire community, from staff and students, to outside community members. From that point on, I knew I wanted to be a part of it!
Hobbies: Reading, exercise, skateboarding, travel, hiking and exploring the outdoors.
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Michael Foust
7th Grade Science Teacher
Background: I grew up in the heart of California. In adulthood, I left for New York to begin my undergraduate career. I quickly realized my mistake and made every effort to return to the Sunshine State which, unfortunately, wouldn’t happen until after I received my degree. With that said, I sure am happy to be back! I majored in Packaging Engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology and am currently working towards a degree in Deaf Education.
CSD is my home. This was the perfect opportunity for me to give back to my alma mater and the community here after everything they did for me when I was a student.
Hobbies: Cycling, gardening, playing video and board games, creating things, and tinkering with electronics.
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River Frank
1st / 2nd Grade Teacher
Background: I was born and raised in Maryland. I graduated with a bachelor's degree in Psychology, and a master's degree in Sign Language Education at Gallaudet University. I recently graduated again, with a Master of Science degree in Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education from Western Oregon University.
CSD is a community of warm-hearted people who share the same end goal of wanting to see our students thrive!
Hobbies: Skateboarding, doing art (drawing, painting, and doodling on Procreate app), reading books, camping, hiking, and yoga.
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Megan Harris
3rd / 4th Adapted Curriculum &
3rd Grade Teacher
Background: I was born and raised in Buffalo, New York. In the third grade, I met my best friend who is Deaf and began to learn American Sign Language. After high school, I went on to pursue an interpreting degree at Rochester Institute of Technology and National Technical Institute for the Deaf. However, after graduating, I realized that while I liked community interpreting, I wanted to work more with children. I decided to move to Tennessee to work at the Tennessee School for the Deaf as a student life staff and interpret in the community. After a year, I began my master's program at the University of Tennessee in Deaf Education. I have a bachelor's degree in ASL/English Interpreting and a master's degree in Deaf Education with an endorsement in Elementary Education.
During my time at the University of Tennessee, I was constantly exposed to excellent resources created by CSD. Then during my internship at CSD, I felt supported and welcomed by staff and administration. I could see that our philosophies of bilingual education were aligned. I knew that getting the opportunity to work at such a great school would be a privilege.
Hobbies: Hiking, exploring new cities and towns, swimming, camping, and hanging out with friends.
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Shigehito Hashimoto
High School Social Studies Teacher
Background: I am from Japan. I taught at Deaf schools in Japan for 10 years. I came to the United States three years ago and got my EdS (Education Specialist) degree in Deaf Education from Gallaudet University.
CSD is a school with diversity and is supportive. I am glad to have become staff at CSD.
Hobbies: Cooking and reading
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Tara Lanning
Early Childhood Education
Office Technician
Background: I was bred, born and raised in NorCal, with my heart torn and left behind in Washington, D.C. I am a lifelong learner with a variety of skills, always finding something good in everything I see. I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education and another Bachelor of Arts degree in Cultural Anthropology. I am considering pursuing a Master of Arts degree in Cultural Anthropology and/or Special Education.
As a CSD alum, and having CSD as my alma mater. I see endless opportunities to learn, experience and thrive together at the school.
Hobbies: Reading, writing, drawing, painting, researching, observing, philosophizing, self-healing, meditating, dreaming, photography, growing plants, raising my two furry animals and basking myself in nature with the goal of achieving a zero waste lifestyle.
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Shea Rasmus
Youth Athletics Coordinator
Background: I was born and raised in Fremont, and am actually a CSD alumna, class of 2009 :) I left for a while to study, work and travel. Then I returned to California and settled in San Francisco, 2½ years ago, where I worked for several nonprofit organizations.
Found this ideal job position for myself at CSD. I’m all about the betterment and collaboration of Deaf communities. Our students are our future!
Hobbies: Backpacking and volunteering in underdeveloped & underprivileged countries. Trying new recipes to cook and trying new plants to take care of. Also staying active somehow!
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Jesse Steingieser
Physical Education Teacher
Background: I am from Maryland. I was born and raised there. With that being said, I am so excited to start my new journey here in California! I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and Recreation from Gallaudet University in 2018.
I chose to work at CSD because it is a tight-knit community and we want nothing but the best for the students. I am looking forward to meeting you all! Go Eagles!
Hobbies: Riding my bike, playing basketball, and drawing.
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Leeza Williams
Preschool / Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Background: Born and raised in Fremont and I am a CSD alum, class of 2013. I earned my bachelor's degree in Social Work (from Gallaudet), and my master's degree in Sign Language Education (from Gallaudet), and am currently working on my second master's degree in Deaf Education (from Rochester Institute of Technology).
I have come home. CSD was the place where I felt at home growing up. I have always wanted to be a teacher in the Early Childhood Education department. Here I am!
Hobbies: I have too many crafty projects! I also enjoy hiking and being a plant mama.
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CSD alumni ‘take the lead’ in opening a new
Mozzeria restaurant in Washington, D.C.
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Congrats to CSD alumni Amanda Mosher and Yordi Morales for their leadership with Mozzeria!
Yordi got his start at Mozzeria over 5 years ago through the job placement specialist in the CSD Career Center. After finishing high school, he was able to continue working for Mozzeria while he began attending Ohlone College as a part of the Work Readiness Program at CSD. His participation in WRP helped launch his career at Mozzeria.
Amanda was a leader in CSD's culinary arts program during high school. Taking culinary arts in the Career Technical Education program at CSD gave her the skills and leadership she needed to join the crew at Mozzeria.
In the past several years, Amanda and Yordi have taken on more and more responsibility within Mozzeria. They have managed the Mozzeria food truck all over the Bay Area and trained new employees at the San Francisco Mozzeria location. Recently, both Amanda and Yordi's leadership skills were recognized as they were sent to prepare and train the team at the newly opened Mozzeria restaurant in Washington, D.C. CSD helped develop their leadership skills which they then passed on to future Deaf employees. We're so proud of our soaring eagles!
Mozzeria was created with the goal of providing a welcoming, memorable, and visual environment to experience Deaf culture while working to increase career placement opportunities for Deaf people. Mozzeria's new restaurant in Washington, D.C. is only a few blocks away from Gallaudet University.
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Former CSD student interprets for Governor Gavin Newsom
Alexis Bravo interprets for the governor's press conference, on August 26, through Latent Interpreting Media.
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CSD alumna featured in National Association of the Deaf's youth summer series on the topic of student
organizations
Are you involved in Jr. NAD or a student organization? If not, learn why you should from Liliana Ortiz, a recent graduate of California School for the Deaf.
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Ohlone College resolution recognizes California School for the Deaf |
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Deaf Awareness Month
International Week of the Deaf and
International Day of Signed Languages
September 2020
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WHEREAS, The Ohlone Community College District has one of the largest populations of Deaf students, faculty and staff among colleges and universities in the world; and
WHEREAS, Fremont is also the home of one of the largest schools for the Deaf in the world, the California School for the Deaf, and the Bay Area Deaf community is recognized as one of the most vibrant Deaf communities in the world; and
WHEREAS, the month of September has been designated as Deaf Awareness Month by the National Association of the Deaf, the last week of September has been designated as the International Week of the Deaf by the World Federation of the Deaf, and the last Sunday of September has been designated as the International Day of Signed Languages by the World Federation of the Deaf; and
WHEREAS, the Ohlone Community College District continues its commitment toward a fully inclusive community at Ohlone College, and the Ohlone Community College District recognizes and embraces the Deaf community as one of the unique cultural groups that contributes to the dynamic college environment on campus; and
WHEREAS, the Ohlone Community College District is proud of its world-wide reputation of excellence in providing post-secondary opportunities to Deaf students;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Ohlone Community College District Board of Trustees proudly participates in the celebration of Deaf Awareness Month, the International Week of the Deaf, and the International Day of Signed Languages and encourages all faculty, staff, and students to promote and join in the appropriate celebrations and observances throughout the College District.
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Commentary by CSD alum Ken Norton |
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It Takes a Village to Raise a Deaf Child
As the saying goes, it really does take a village to raise a child, and for Deaf children, this village is primarily found at residential schools such as California School for the Deaf-Fremont. As in a village, a Deaf child at a residential school is surrounded by a close-knit “village” of peers and multiple generations who communicate in his language, help him develop his potential, and teach him how to thrive in the greater world. This is, indeed, a better way to learn.
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From the class of 1945 at California School for the Deaf:
Kenneth Norton, Eleanor Elmassian, Betty Hartmann (Newman), Fred Collins
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Reflections by Kenneth Norton, MS
Mr. Norton has devoted the greater part of his life to the California School for the Deaf-Berkeley and Fremont. Over the span of 73 years, he has been a student, teacher, coach, dean of students and retired volunteer. He began his teaching career at the Oklahoma School for the Deaf where he was a teacher and coach for 11 years. Among Mr. Norton’s literary accomplishments are four books, one of them The Eagle Soars to Enlightenment, is a history of CSD, from 1860-2000. (Ken Norton is pictured here at 17 years of age.)
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CSD infuses Black Lives Matter into our
school programs
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Victorica Monroe of Monroe’s Pedagogy gave a presentation during CSD's staff development day. This presentation was part of our school's promise to promote an anti-racist / anti-bias environment, in every aspect of our program, to ensure that our students thrive.
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Learning about our Constitution |
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Storysigning by: Pat Bernstein
CSD Assistant Librarian
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Meet our new Administration staff |
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Kevin Carpenter
Human Resources Assistant
Background: I proudly hail from the Bay Area, where I was born and bred. I was a CSD student for 15 years, starting at the age of 3, and I graduated with the class of 2009. Some of my favorite memories of being a CSD student involved having plenty of opportunities—such as participating in sports activities and student organizations—which were great for friendships and personal growth. After graduating from CSD, I studied at Gallaudet University.
Now that I am back at CSD, I truly feel ‘at home’ again. I wanted to work here because I wanted to give back to the school that helped raise me.
Hobbies: Outdoor activities.
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Jennie Homberg
Office Technician
Background: I am from Chicago, Illinois. I worked under victim/witness of domestic violence and sexual assault services for 7 years, while volunteering to provide services to the homeless.
I was also the president of a Deaf club where I set up a Deaf volleyball team that won 3rd place at Harper Volleyball Tournament.
I chose to work at CSD because of their great leadership. I feel so fortunate to be part of CSD’s amazing support system.
Hobbies: Hiking, biking, camping, fishing, traveling, painting, photography and filmography, watching historical documentary shows on Netflix or Disney Plus, and of course, READING A GOOD BOOK!!
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Review from Los Angeles Times
Granville Redmond, deaf from age 2,
became Charlie Chaplin’s favorite painter
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Summary from Los Angeles Times article:
As an extravagantly talented artist, one whose facility with a brush is obvious from first look, Granville Redmond (1871-1935) is a peculiar case. His vividly colored landscapes and moody twilight and nighttime scenes are often lovely, if old-fashioned for their time. But his extraordinary biography finally commands more attention than his canvases.
Believe it or not, without Redmond, Charlie Chaplin might not be exactly the genius of silent pictures that we know today.
What’s remarkable about Redmond’s biography is his personal tenacity and fearless creativity in making a full life for himself. Struck with scarlet fever at the age of 2, he had been rendered deaf and mute.
At the California School for the Deaf, then in Berkeley, now in Fremont, he found a supportive staff — including for his budding artistic skills. When he set out to cross both a continent and an ocean for ambitious study in Paris, he went alone. He made his way through art school. When he returned to Los Angeles, he married, had children and became one of the most popular painters in the state.
He also put his highly developed skills in sign language and pantomime to good use in the newly flourishing industry of silent movies. Chaplin was impressed. They became fast friends. The actor bought Redmond’s paintings, and he introduced them to other Hollywood heavyweights.
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Children's Stories in American Sign Language |
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“The Secret Shortcut”
Storysigning by: Joann Ikeda
CSD Librarian
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“Swing”
Storysigning by: Joann Ikeda
CSD Librarian
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“I Can't Get My Turtle to Move”
Storysigning by: Pat Bernstein
CSD Assistant Librarian
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“The Silly Sheepdog”
Storysigning by: Joann Ikeda
CSD Librarian
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“Stick and Stone”
Storysigning by: Pat Bernstein
CSD Assistant Librarian
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“Don't Touch My Hair!”
Storysigning by: Zarya Miller
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News from our Guidance Counselors
By Nancy Moser, Supervisor of Counseling Services
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Backpack Program
Family Giving Tree’s annual Back-to-School Backpack program provided us with 30 new backpacks, with STEM school supplies, for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The program is coordinated by our Supervisor of Counseling and our School Social Worker, this year, with collaboration with the Department of Instruction and Student Life. Most of the backpacks were delivered to students through the Student Life Express Delivery program. It was exciting to see big smiles and gratitude for these backpacks!
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Counseling Supports and School Social Worker Services
We are very pleased to have two new school counselors join the Counseling Team this year—Jayne Spaeth and Katryna Baldiviez. We are also fortunate to have a Counseling Intern from San Francisco State University join our Counseling Team. Bonnie Jo Morrision has a new role, this year, as our School Social Worker.
School Counselors continue to provide counseling supports for students through Zoom, and collaborate with families and school staff. We have also been providing additional supports related to coping skills to address Zoom fatigue, motivation, and social isolation during these times.
If you have any concerns about your child’s emotional well-being, please contact Nancy Moser, Supervisor of Counseling Services or call 1(510) 344‑6054 (videophone).
Student workshops
School counselors will be providing workshops and fun activities for middle school and high school students in collaboration with teachers. Workshop topics will be related to mental health, coping skills, healthy relationships, and self-care skills during the year. Our school social worker will be working with our physical education teachers to provide Personal Safety workshops for elementary students this fall.
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September was Suicide Prevention Month
We provided a presentation for high school students on September 30th. Our ASL presentation, signed by Katryna Baldiviez, addressed suicide; how to ask for help; available hotline resources; how to support others who may be struggling with depression and/or suicidal feelings, and how to inform a trusted adult when a someone makes suicidal comments. The presentation was facilitated by the high school teachers, in small groups, during class.
Personal Safety Workshops for Elementary Students
In collaboration with our physical education teachers, we are providing our annual Personal Safety workshops for elementary students. Bonnie Jo Morrison, our school social worker, is joining physical education health education classes to provide important personal safety information for students, including teaching the skills of “no, go, tell” when a student is in an uncomfortable or potentially unsafe situation.
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October is Bullying Prevention Month
We are working closely with each department to develop information, signed stories, and discussions related to Bullying. Stay tuned for next CalNews issue for more details!
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October is also Domestic Violence Month
This month, we will be providing presentations about Healthy Relationships and Domestic Violence for high school students, again in collaboration with high school teachers in small group settings.
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The Unwelcome Stranger
The Unwelcome Stranger is a story about COVID‑19. The goal of this story is to provide facts about COVID‑19 for children. It is important for children to have clear information to help reduce anxiety and worries. We are pleased that one of our school counselors, Kiara Chapple, who has a strong interest in addressing anxiety and worries, did a beautiful job signing The Unwelcome Stranger in collaboration with our school library staff. We encourage you to watch this video with your child.
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Protect yourself and your family from the flu |
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The Alameda County Public Health Department, along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older. All formulations are available: nasal sprayers, prefilled syringes, multi dose vials (across the different brands). The nasal spray vaccine is available during the 2020-21 influenza season but may be harder to find because of a limited supply. The best place to receive a flu vaccine is at your doctor’s office, but there are also other options, like pharmacies, clinics or sites on this flu locator website.
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough. Raise your arm and sneeze into your sleeve, or elbow.
- Use disposable tissues and throw them into the garbage right away
- Do not share personal items that go in the mouth like toothbrushes or drinks.
- Clean frequently-touched items and surfaces with soap and water.
- Try to keep a distance of 6 feet between yourself and others.
- Eat a healthy diet, get enough rest, and make exercise a regular part of your life.
- Get enough sleep every night
- Reduce your stress
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Meet our new
Pupil Personnel Services staff
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Katryna Baldiviez
School Counselor
Background: I was born and raised in Riverside, California. I have lived in Washington, D.C. for the past 10 years. Oh, how much I missed this side of the country! During my time in D.C., I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and my Master of Arts degree in School Counseling.
I am really excited to be joining the CSD Eagles team this year. I have heard nothing but great things about CSD. I truly appreciate how diverse and welcoming the CSD
community has been. I am looking forward to meeting all of you students, staff, parents, alumni, and the rest of the community!
Hobbies: I love cooking and trying new recipes. The best part about trying new recipes is that you get to eat them in the end!
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Bex Clark
Overnight Nurse
Student Health Unit
Background: My family lives in the Miami, Florida area. My background is in women's health, with 8.5 years at Planned Parenthood Northern California, and I have trained as a doula. (I almost became a midwife instead of a nurse!) Since April, I have been helping out during the pandemic at the Berkeley Public Health Department with a nurse triage line for testing, and am currently a case investigator for COVID cases.
I heard good things about CSD from Nurse Friend Kimberly Jennery, and I have taken some beginning ASL classes.
Hobbies: I like a lot of kinds of dance. I love mosaics, and street art!
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Melissa "Melly" Flushman
Part-Time Office Assistant
Student Health Unit
Background: I was born and raised near San Diego. I have a Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation and have completed ASL levels 1, 2, and most of 3, as well as Deaf Culture, Deaf History, and Deaf Education at Ohlone Community College and Vista Community College. I started working as a cottage counselor at CSD from 2006-2007, and worked as the secretary to the dean, for Ethan Bernstein, from 2012-2017. Now I am back again!
CSD is such an empowering school, on so many levels, for the students and staff. It is an educational experience that I am so proud to be part of.
Hobbies: Everything connected to the outdoors, especially the mountains.
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Anna "Azaleah" Goose
School Counselor Intern
Background: I am a school counselor intern from San Francisco State University's graduate program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Originally from Ohio, I have lived in San Francisco for over three years and now call it home.
CSD was a natural choice for me for my final internship site. As someone who has been studying counseling for the past 3+ years; is interested in working within the Deaf community in the future; and wants to gain experience working with school-aged populations, CSD seemed like the perfect match for me. I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to join the counseling team this year!
Hobbies: Watching (too many) Disney and Marvel movies, creative writing , and playing Animal Crossing.
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Maggie Mills-Kohler
School Psychologist
Background: I was born and raised in Greensboro, North Carolina. I moved to Lynchburg, Virginia when I was little and lived there for 12 years. Lynchburg has always been one of my favorite places to visit, whenever I miss the quaint, small town feeling. I went to Gallaudet University where I received my bachelor's degree in Education; my master's degree in Developmental Psychology; and my specialist degree in School Psychology.
I chose to work at CSD because it was all I would hear about from my husband. (He is a CSD alum.) How welcoming and friendly the campus is! I can completely attest to that. It truly is a home far away from home.
Hobbies: Hanging out with my husband and my dog, exploring local coffee shops, and doing home renovations. I also happen to be an enthusiastic Netflix subscriber.
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Ted Rossini
Registered Nurse
Background: I grew up in Modesto, California, but have lived in Alaska, Maryland, Colorado, Texas, South Dakota, New Mexico, and Indiana. I learned basic ASL at Western Maryland College. I got my Bachelor of Arts in English–Creative Writing from Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis, and my
Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Samuel Merritt University
I chose to work at CSD because I love working with kids and want to continue learning ASL.
Hobbies: I like to play softball and ice hockey. I am currently playing a lot of card games; my favorite is a collaborative game called Hanabi.
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Jayne Spaeth
School Counselor
Background: I am from Sacramento, and grew up in a mainstreamed educational program. I went to Rochester Institute of Technology for my Bachelor of Arts degree, then attended Gallaudet for my Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
I chose to serve at CSD because I want to ‘pay it forward’ to our d/Deaf students. I want to support them as they strive for their own stars, like many people did for me when I was a student.
Hobbies: Creating tie dye projects, painting, reading, and hiking.
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Cottage counselors support students
through fun Zoom activities
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As soon as CSD opened for the 2020-2021 school year, our dedicated Student Life counselors from Cottage 1 and Cottage 2 began providing activities for both the cottage students and the day students. We host daily Zoom meetings, where we play games, dance, and chat, as well as offer help with homework after school. Our counselors are there, not only to lead activities and monitor behavior, but also to give our students non-judgmental, emotional support in a rapidly changing world. |
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High School Group playing a Word Game |
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High School Group doing a Drawing Activity |
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Student Life Express Delivery:
Staff delivers school supplies to families
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Cottage counselors Dako Tiku and Gwen Tsujimoto deliver books and other learning materials to Ofelia and Alvin Evans. Many of our student life staff drive to deliver essential learning materials, such as textbooks and projects, to students living remotely every Thursday.
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Marcelle Esezobor and Tami Gonzalez, both night attendants, pick up instructional materials, at the high school activity center, before delivering them to students who are living remotely.
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Night attendant Jeff Dunn delivers learning materials to Josefina Orozco for Cesar Casillas Orozco (student). SLED driver is cottage counselor Adnan Jawed.
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Night attendant Jeff Dunn delivers learning materials to Cynthia & John Klobuchar for Caleb Klobuchar (student). SLED driver is cottage counselor Adnan Jawed.
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Night attendant Jeff Dunn delivers learning materials to Michael and Amina Burrell for Ava Adofoadom Burrell (student). SLED driver is cottage counselor Adnan Jawed.
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Meet our new Student Life staff |
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Xavier Chin
Cottage Counselor
for Middle School Boys
The kids are our future!
Hobbies: Riding anything with two wheels and living in the moment.
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Adnan Jawed
Cottage Counselor
for Middle School Boys
Background: I was born in Pakistan. I moved to the USA when I was 8 years old.
I chose to work at CSD because I wanted to work within the Deaf community, and to contribute my experience, knowledge and time to help Deaf students.
Hobbies: Basketball (I love watching and playing basketball); video games (I have been crazy about video games since I was a kid); and building PCs (I love learning about computers and building them with the parts).
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Raymond Nelson
Cottage Counselor
for High School Boys
Background: I am from California. I have a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Recreation.
I chose to work at CSD for my personal growth.
Hobbies: Fitness and recreation
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Ruan Poindexter
Cottage Counselor
for Middle School Boys
Background: I am from New Orleans, Louisiana, and I have a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies.
I love the energy of working on a campus, around all these students. I feel that I am making more of a difference here. The kids at CSD are going to do wonderful, no matter what. But I can help a deaf kid graduate and go on to college. That could completely change the outcome of their life!
Hobbies: Travel, sports, volunteering, community service, and cooking.
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California School for the Deaf would like to thank Sorenson Communications for their generous donation of sanitizers, along with some wireless laptops for our students. Sorenson has been a staunch supporter of our beloved school while providing communicative access for our frontline staff who conducts frequent outgoing calls.
Recently, Sorenson coordinated an effort to bring Deaf school administrators together to look into a new Distance Learning model. This model will allow students from several schools to learn together online. This program should be ‘up and running’ as soon as the necessary logistics are completed that will make it a reality.
If you are in need of communication access, you may want to contact Sorenson to receive a phone number that would allow you to connect with an interpreter. They provide Spanish interpreting services as well. Recently, Sorenson released Wavello that allows you to communicate with anyone directly using an interpreter.
Thank you, Sorenson.
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Meet our new Support Services staff |
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Rebecca Barron-Murguia
Supervising Cook
Background: Born and raised in San Francisco, I have worked as a correctional cook for the Department of Corrections for the past 13 years.
I chose CSD because I heard great things about the school.
Hobbies: Gardening and shopping with my daughter.
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Robert Hawley
Maintenance Mechanic
Background: I grew up in Whitter, California. When I was 10 years old, my parents bought a farm in Linden, which is also in California. I went to a public school where they had a small special education program. I was eager to learn about electronics, which my high school didn't have, so they transferred me to San Joaquin Delta Community College, instead of going to 12th grade at Linden High School. My grade point average was so high that the Department of Rehabilitation sent me to the National Technical Institute for the Deaf and Rochester Institute of Technology. I graduated from RIT with an Associate of Applied Science degree in electro-mechanical.
I think this job is so great because it has better communication, friendly people, and a clean environment.
Hobbies: My wife Barbara and I love boating, swimming, hiking in the forest, bike riding, and camping. And I love motorcycles!
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Robin Jones
Food Service Technician
Background: I am orignially from St. Louis, Missouri, but I currently reside in Oakland, California.
I will be working at both the deaf school and blind school campuses doing what I love, which is working in food service.
Hobbies: Reading, enjoying company, and watching television.
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Caligor Thy
Staff Services Analyst
Background: I was born in Berkeley and grew up in Oakland. I was a teaching assistant at Laney College for my first internship. That’s where I realized that I had an interest in teaching people things and sharing knowledge. I have been doing business work since 2015.
I enjoy working at CSD because of the caring culture and community presence.
Hobbies: Gardening, MOBA gaming, and needlework (crocheting, embroidery, and knitting).
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Clint Wade
Chief of Plant
Background: I was born and raised in the Bay Area. I have been a sports fan of Oakland my whole life—Raiders, Warriors, and A’s.
I am at CSD because of the beautiful people here.
Hobbies: Snowboarding, golfing, and tennis. I like all sports!
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Christina Wong
Food Service Technician
Background: I grew up in Canton, China and immigrated to California over 30 years ago, where I have worked as a seamstress and in the restaurant industry.
I chose to work for CSD because I wanted to continue my career in the food service industry. In the past, I volunteered to work in Food Services at my son's elementary school, and I really enjoyed that environment. So when my friend informed me of the food service technician position opening, I had to apply.
Hobbies: Cooking, sewing clothes, and gardening.
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California School for the Deaf
39350 Gallaudet Drive,
Fremont, CA 94538
(510) 794-3666
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