Who We Are

Juris Doctor
University of California, Hastings College of the Law

Bachelor of Science, Economics
Santa Clara University

Agapi has drawn upon her legal training and 10 years of experience as a full-time mother and advocate of an amazing, engaging, and challenging child to create The Burkard School. The Burkard School is her labor of love, commitment, and passion.

Masters of Science, Educational Leadership
California State University East Bay

Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education – Specialization in English Literature
San Diego State University

Scott joins The Burkard School with a decade’s worth of experience in school leadership and twenty years of experience as a classroom teacher. He spent his illustrious career at Woodland School in Portola Valley, serving as a classroom teacher, then Middle School Dean, and finally Dean of Students. Social-Emotional Learning is a special interest of Scott’s: he created the 5th grade Executive Function curriculum at Woodland and was a part of the Middle School Advisory Program which set up cross-grade cohorts for intentional SEL and executive functioning learning. Scott is a passionate educator and leader who strives to make lasting differences in the lives of his students. He has dedicated his life’s work to partnering with families to inspire students and develop a lifelong love of learning. As an administrator, he is committed to creating a collaborative, caring, and inspiring environment for teachers and students alike. 

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Master of Arts, Psychology, Emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis

California State University, Fresno

Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

San Diego State University

Michelle brings to The Burkard School a wealth of experience, proven effectiveness, and deep expertise in behavior. During her 9-year career as a behavior analyst both in-home and in classroom settings, she has designed and implemented programs and treatment plans, managed specialized classrooms including developing curriculum, and trained faculty and staff in behavior and social skills interventions. Before joining TBS, she was a Program Director for FirstSteps for Kids, where she oversaw 12 treatment teams. Michelle elevates our program with her passion for maintaining the highest integrity in our data collection, implementing our interventions with consistency, and ensuring our interventions are responsive to our students’ needs. Just as importantly, Michelle approaches behavior with a fun but steadfast presence that is calming to her students and creates a strong bond. Our students love being around her!

Master of Arts, Education
Eastern Oregon University

Bachelor of Science, Psychological & Brain Sciences
University of Santa Barbara

California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential

Jeremy is a passionate teacher with experience developing and implementing diverse curriculums covering various subjects. He is highly skilled at motivating students through positive encouragement and reinforcement. He recently completed his Master’s of Education and Multiple Subjects credential with a 3.9 GPA. Jeremy prides himself on his ability to construct, plan, and execute lessons and instructions using many modalities to fit the individual. In his previous work at Trivium Charter Schools in Santa Barbara, Jeremy has experience working with students with divergent learning styles and implementing learning plans with care and fidelity.

Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education Instruction
Notre Dame de Namur

Masters in Education and Teaching Credential, In Progress
National University

Jenn Davidson is proud to be joining the TBS team as our fourth grade teacher. She is a Bay Area native and received her bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies with a focus on education. She has spent the past five years as an assistant teacher in third and fourth grade. Jenn is currently working towards her multiple subject credential with a masters at National University. The masters she is working towards focuses on inspired teaching practices which helps her learn how to bring the most effective classroom management techniques and assessment procedures into the classroom. Jenn has a true passion for teaching and strives to create a community that nurtures growth in a fun, and positive environment.

Bachelor of Arts, Business Management
University of Phoenix

California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential

Ms. Lentz brings 20 years of teaching experience to The Burkard School. She has a Multi-Subject Teaching Credential in conjunction with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management. She states, “I am a critical thinker, always aiming to meet the best interests of my students. I have a record of being a teacher who demonstrates patience, compassion, reliability, excellent communication skills, and creative problem-solving. I enjoy a strong home-school connection and work hard to foster positive relationships with students and families.”

Associate of Applied Science
Hinds College

Tonya is a veteran of teaching with over 12 years of experience. She joins The Burkard School with a wealth of experience across age groups, curriculum, and settings, having taught everything from Basic math to Algebra II. She understands the importance of adequately differentiating classes and creating modified groups to meet standards that still need to be mastered. Tonya is passionate about using different forms of instruction to reach all four types of learners based on assessment results and student needs. In previous positions, she enjoyed working closely with learning specialists and staff members to address and Identify student needs. She is also passionate about the importance of explicit Executive Function coaching.

Master of Education, School Leadership
University of San Diego

Bachelor of Arts, Politics
University of California, Santa Cruz

Cooper joins The Burkard School with over 7 years of experience as a humanities teacher, vice principal, and curriculum developer at schools dedicated to neurologically diverse students in San Diego and Del Mar. As an English Language Arts and Social Studies teacher, Cooper’s main goal is to prepare students with the critical thinking and communication skills necessary for academic and career success. He encourages students to draw upon their own cultural funds of knowledge and life experience in class discussions and assignments. Cooper supports mindful civil discourse in class, and he believes any student can write and interpret history effectively with the right environment, training, and practice. His favorite part of teaching is seeing students’ self-efficacy improve. His favorite career moments include seeing his students achieve college acceptance and successfully swimming the English Channel with alumni and teachers. A native San Diegan, Cooper enjoys ocean swimming and hiking.

Bachelor of Science, Human Biology
University of California, Merced

Master of Science, Applied Behavior Analysis
Florida Institute of Technology

Registered Behavior Technician

Leanna is a passionate and highly skilled Registered Behavior Technician with a Masters’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and 3 years of experience. As a Classroom Behavior Specialist for Grades 2/3, she brings a calm and analytical approach to handling behaviors, creating a safe and supportive environment for her students to flourish. Her intuitive nature and unwavering dedication to her students’ success make her a wonderful advocate for her students.

Master of Science, Applied Behavior Analysis, In Progress
National University

Bachelor of Science, Psychology
San Francisco State University

Brandon stands out as a dedicated behavioral specialist with significant expertise, particularly evident in his work at Esther B. Clark School, where he served from 2010 until 2020. Collaborating with various mental health agencies, he has developed individualized education protocols, Positive Behavior Intervention Plans, and comprehensive treatment plans for both in-home and school settings. His extensive experience includes supporting students with learning disabilities, ADHD, Autism, and other challenges, ensuring they can access the general education curriculum effectively. A certified Pro-Act Assault Crisis Trainer, Brandon possesses an intimate knowledge of crisis protocols and has actively managed challenging and crisis behavior. As a leader in behavior management, he has overseen classroom specialists and conducted a wide range of staff training. Additionally, his work on the Children’s Health Council’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion task force, coupled with his pursuit of a Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis, emphasizes his continuous drive for professional growth and a commitment to creating an equitable environment for all.

Masters of Arts, Applied Behavior Analysis
Capella University

Bachelors of Science
San Francisco State University

Registered Behavior Technician

Ligia has deep experience in ABA, having worked in the field for 6 years and recently becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Ligia is an expert at teaching social-emotional skills to her class, creating engaging lessons that deepen social connections. Her calm and insightful presence makes her beloved to her students. Ligia has 2 young children of her own who have inspired her commitment to helping other kids cope with difficult behaviors and thrive in their environment.

Bachelor of Science, Psychology and Social Action
Palo Alto University

Registered Behavior Technician

Gabby has 5 years of experience in ABA as a behavior specialist and paraprofessional, most recently as a behavior specialist in two Oakland elementary schools. Her passion for working with vulnerable populations makes her particularly interested in our school, where she can count on all the support she needs to really make a difference in our students’ lives. Gabby’s fun-loving and energetic personality combined with her deep understanding of behavior make her a favorite of her students!

Certificate, Bookkeeping & Office Administration
Cañada College

Certificate, Conflict Resolution
Bevill State Community College

Tawanda brings a diverse skillset and multifaceted experience to the team. As a Job Specialist with People Ready, she demonstrated a talent for managing day-to-day operations, from opening the branch office to handling client and candidate communications. Tawanda’s experience in interviewing, onboarding, and ensuring adherence to laws and regulations at job sites speaks to her attention to detail and commitment to quality. Tawanda’s compassionate side shines through in her work with children and adults with special needs, providing personal assistance, respite care, and home healthcare. These roles required her to administer medications, assist with daily activities, and provide emotional support. Tawanda holds certificates in Conflict Resolution, Bookkeeping & Office Administration, and CPR/First Aid/AED. With excellent time management and organizational skills, as well as a wonderfully warm and compassionate manner, Tawanda brings expertise and wisdom to the role of Administrative Assistant and Aftercare Leader.

Doctorate of Learning Sciences and Technology Design
Stanford University

Master of Arts, Teaching, Elementary Education
Clark University

Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, Minor: Education
Clark University

Molly B. Zielezinski serves at The Burkard School as the Consultant for Academic Excellence and Strategic Planning, providing hands-on support for excellent teaching and aiding in the recruitment of a high quality teaching staff for the future of TBS. With 10 years of experience as a teacher, academic coach, and educational researcher, she is deeply committed to building teachers’ capacity for excellent instruction characterized by critical thinking, collaboration, the development of deep content knowledge, and the use of technology. Molly has her doctorate from Stanford University specializing in in Learning Sciences & Technology Design and Curriculum & Teacher Education. Molly works closely with The Burkard School administration and staff to support their goal of academic excellence.

Doctor of Medicine
University of California, San Francisco

Residency, Pediatrics
Standford University Medical Center

Fellowship, Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics
University of California, San Francisco

Board Certified in Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics
American Board of Pediatrics

Dr. Dale Jacknow is a Developmental and Behavioral pediatrician with more than 25 years of clinical experience. Dr. Jacknow practices in San Mateo, CA but her patients come from all over the Bay Area, as well as from the East Coast, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. She specializes in providing comprehensive, individualized assessments and creating prioritized action plans that best address the needs of children from birth through age 18 who face a diverse range of developmental and behavioral challenges.

Dr. Jacknow’s website is www.dalejacknow.com

Doctorate, Clinical-Community Psychology
University of South Carolina

Bachelor of Arts, Psychology
University of Missouri

Dr. Marlo is Professor of Clinical Psychology and Chair of the graduate Clinical Psychology Department at Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont, CA. She has been on the faculty at The University of South Carolina, Palo Alto University, and Sofia University. She is a faculty scholar with the Sr. Dorothy Stang Center for Social Justice and Community Engagement.

Dr. Marlo is a licensed clinical psychologist (PSY 15318) and a certified Jungian Psychoanalyst through the C.G. Jung institute of San Francisco. She provides psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, and consultation to adults and children through her private practice in San Mateo, CA.

Dr. Marlo is Reviews Editor for Jung Journal: Culture and Psyche. She serves on dissertation committees and teaches, trains, and presents to mental health professionals including at the C.G. Jung Institute of San Francisco.

For over 27 years, Dr. Marlo has worked in private and public institutions, including the Stanford University School of Medicine; Palo Alto Veterans Administration Health Care System; Kaiser Permanente Health Care System; University of South Carolina Department of Family and Preventive Medicine; Richland Memorial Hospital Emergency Room, and Columbia Area Mental Health Center. She has significant clinical experience treating lifespan developmental issues; trauma; and reproductive mental health issues, including perinatal problems, birth trauma, pregnancy and infant loss, infertility, and obstetric/gynecological illnesses.

Dr. Marlo’s work in the community encompasses the complimentary consultative perinatal mental health service, “Mentoring Mothers,” that she developed for mothers and infants. She is passionate about engaging with individuals during this vulnerable and influential time of life. She volunteers for HealthRight International and provides pro bono clinical services for victims of torture and trauma.

She and her husband cherish life with each other, their two daughters, and son. She enjoys her close relationships, art, culture, travel, reading, film, yoga, meditation, and dance.

Dr. Marlo’s website is www.helenmarlophd.com