Who We Are
A place for children who need extra support in the classroom.
A School Designed for Neurodivergent Learners to Thrive
Some students need more than just a caring teacher and a quiet seat to succeed in school. They need a learning environment designed around their emotional, behavioral, and executive functioning needs — without compromising on academic challenge.
That’s what makes The Burkard School different.
We’re a K–8 program built specifically for bright, curious, neurodivergent students who haven’t found success in traditional settings. Our classrooms are intentionally small — no more than 10 students through fifth grade and 12 in middle school — and each one is led by both an experienced educator and a dedicated Behavior Specialist.
This model allows us to provide the individualized support our students need to stay focused, regulated, and engaged throughout the school day. With that foundation in place, students are able to rise to high academic expectations while also growing in their social-emotional skills, independence, and confidence.
At The Burkard School, students are seen, supported, and celebrated — for exactly who they are. And in the right environment, they shine.
A small independent K-8 school for bright children who need extra support with self-regulation, executive functioning, and/or social-emotional learning in the classroom.
Meet Our Team
Leadership
Agapi Burkard
Head of School
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.
Michelle Benham, MA, BCBA
Director of Behavior.
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!
View Michelle Benham's Interview
Cooper Zak, MEd, School Leadership
Director of Academics
Master of Education, School Leadership
University of San Diego
Bachelor of Arts, Politics
University of California, Santa Cruz
Cooper joins the Burkard School Leadership Team with over 9 years of experience as a humanities teacher, vice principal, and curriculum developer at schools dedicated to neurologically diverse students. As Director of Academics, Cooper’s main goal is to prepare students with the critical thinking and communication skills necessary for academic and career success. He views self-advocacy, self-efficacy, and digital literacy as important tools for navigating the world of education. Cooper encourages students and teachers to draw upon their cultural funds of knowledge and experiences in class discussions, cross-curricular group projects, and individual assessments. His favorite part of working in education is seeing students’ self-efficacy improve. A native San Diegan, Cooper enjoys swimming, playing music, and hiking.
Kindergarten and 1st Grade Teaching Team
Jennifer Davidson
Grades K/1 Educator
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.
Cameron Douglas
Grades K/1 Behavior Specialist
Bachelor of Science, Social Psychology
San Jose State University
Cameron Douglass has been providing exceptional behavioral support for elementary school classrooms since 2021 and has been in the ABA field since 2017. With a background in ABA and extensive experience working with children who have autism and behavioral challenges, Cameron collaborates closely with fellow staff personnel to ensure students have access to excellent support and guidance. His commitment to enhancing the lives of students shines through in his compassionate approach and dedication to implementing effective strategies tailored to individual needs. Cameron’s professional journey is complemented by his academic background, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from San Jose State University. With a holistic approach to success, Cameron is passionate about nutrition and exercise.
2nd and 3rd Grade Teaching Team
Jeremy Boado, MA
Grades 2/3 Educator
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.
Leanna Arriola, MA, ABA
Grades 2/3 Classroom Behavior Specialist
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 behavior specialist with a Masters’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and 4 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.
4th and 5th Grade Teaching Team
Mailisha Chesney
Grades 4/5 Teacher
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Sonoma State University
Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, Dominican College
Mailisha Chesney joins The Burkard School with a strong background in elementary education, specializing in classroom management and student engagement. With over a decade of experience, she has consistently demonstrated her ability to foster a positive, inclusive learning environment that encourages academic and social growth. Her exceptional classroom management skills and innovative teaching methods ensure that students not only meet their academic goals but also develop essential life skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, and self-advocacy. In her free time, Ms. Chesney enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with her family.
Kami Kodama, RBT
Grades 4/5 Humanities Teacher
Bachelor of Arts, Cognitive Science
University of California, Berkeley
Kami is a dedicated Behavioral Interventionist with extensive experience in providing behavior-analytic services to children on the autism spectrum. Previously, as a Behavioral Interventionist at Cortica in San Rafael, Kami provided both one-to-one and group therapy, documenting progress and communicating with families and clinical teams. Additionally, as an Instructional Support Specialist at Chabot Elementary School in Oakland, Kami supported students with individualized education plans and classroom management. A Registered Behavioral Technician, she holds a B.A. in Cognitive Science from the University of California, Berkeley with a 3.9 GPA. Kami is recognized for her strong communication skills, work ethic, and problem-solving abilities.
6th Grade Teaching Team
Robert Lohrer
Middle School Humanities Teacher
Bachelor of Arts, History
Princeton University
Robert is a distinguished professional who made the transition from an impressive journalism and editorial career to the field of education. With over 15 years of editorial experience, Robert served as President and Editorial Director at RLL Associates, Inc., and Editor-in-Chief at Fairchild Publishing in New York. Building on his editorial expertise, Robert embarked on his teaching journey in 2018. He has since made a significant impact as an ELA teacher at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception and St. Lawrence the Martyr. His responsibilities included curriculum development, writing instruction, and high school preparation guidance for graduating students. Robert’s educational background at Princeton University and his hands-on teaching experience uniquely position him to inspire and educate the next generation in English and humanistic studies.
Agapi Burkard
Middle School Science Teacher
Juris Doctor
University of California, Hastings College of the Law
Bachelor of Science, Economics
Santa Clara University
With four years of experience teaching Science at The Burkard School, Agapi is dedicated to making science both exciting and accessible. Agapi’s lessons engage students in hands-on exploration of observable phenomena and spark students’ curiosity. She believes in creating a dynamic classroom where every student can connect their prior knowledge and experiences to new scientific concepts. By focusing on hands-on, student-centered activities, she ensures that all students have the opportunity to investigate, question, and solve problems, fostering a lifelong love of science.
Arob Sulieman
Middle School Math Teacher
Master of Arts, Mathematics Education
University of Haifa
Teaching Certification
Oranim College of Education
Arob brings over 15 years of extensive experience in teaching mathematics to students in both classroom and private settings. Most recently, as a mathematics teacher at Gideon Hausner School in Palo Alto, Arob specializes in Algebra and has a proven track record of creating engaging, effective lesson plans that align with her students’ varying needs. Her professional journey includes roles such as a math tutor, a teacher examiner, and a teacher instructor. Arob holds a Master of Arts in Mathematics Education from the University of Haifa, where she graduated with distinction, and a Teaching Certification from Oranim College. Fluent in Arabic, English, and Hebrew, Arob excels in classroom management, individualized instruction, and fostering positive learning environments that encourage problem-solving and critical thinking. Her passion for education and diverse teaching background make her an excellent addition to our team and an invaluable asset.
Danielle Apfelbaum, RBT
Grade 6 Classroom Behavior Specialist
Associate of Arts, Psychology
University of California, De Anza College
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology
San Jose State University
Danielle is a seasoned Senior Behavior Therapist with a strong background in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and over a decade of experience working with children on the autism spectrum. Previously a Lead Behavior Therapist at Autism Living Leisure and Education Nurturing Inc., Danielle models behavioral reinforcement techniques for school staff and provides comprehensive therapy. At Trumpet Behavioral Health, she developed social stories, recreational therapies, and tailored protocols for individual client needs. Danielle’s extensive experience includes private home therapy, classroom management, and training new staff. She holds an AA in Psychology from De Anza College and is pursuing a BA in Psychology from San Jose State University. Certified as a Registered Behavior Technician, Danielle excels in crisis intervention, case management, and curriculum development, consistently striving to make a meaningful impact on her community.
7th and 8th Grade Teaching Team
Robert Lohrer
Middle School Humanities Teacher
Bachelor of Arts, History
Princeton University
Robert is a distinguished professional who made the transition from an impressive journalism and editorial career to the field of education. With over 15 years of editorial experience, Robert served as President and Editorial Director at RLL Associates, Inc., and Editor-in-Chief at Fairchild Publishing in New York. Building on his editorial expertise, Robert embarked on his teaching journey in 2018. He has since made a significant impact as an ELA teacher at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception and St. Lawrence the Martyr. His responsibilities included curriculum development, writing instruction, and high school preparation guidance for graduating students. Robert’s educational background at Princeton University and his hands-on teaching experience uniquely position him to inspire and educate the next generation in English and humanistic studies.
Agapi Burkard
Middle School Science Teacher
Juris Doctor
University of California, Hastings College of the Law
Bachelor of Science, Economics
Santa Clara University
With four years of experience teaching Science at The Burkard School, Agapi is dedicated to making science both exciting and accessible. Agapi’s lessons engage students in hands-on exploration of observable phenomena and spark students’ curiosity. She believes in creating a dynamic classroom where every student can connect their prior knowledge and experiences to new scientific concepts. By focusing on hands-on, student-centered activities, she ensures that all students have the opportunity to investigate, question, and solve problems, fostering a lifelong love of science.
Arob Sulieman
Middle School Math Teacher
Master of Arts, Mathematics Education
University of Haifa
Teaching Certification
Oranim College of Education, Israel
Arob brings over 15 years of extensive experience in teaching mathematics to students in both classroom and private settings. Most recently, as a mathematics teacher at Gideon Hausner School in Palo Alto, Arob specializes in Algebra and has a proven track record of creating engaging, effective lesson plans that align with her students’ varying needs. Her professional journey includes roles such as a math tutor, a teacher examiner, and a teacher instructor. Arob holds a Master of Arts in Mathematics Education from the University of Haifa, where she graduated with distinction, and a Teaching Certification from Oranim College. Fluent in Arabic, English, and Hebrew, Arob excels in classroom management, individualized instruction, and fostering positive learning environments that encourage problem-solving and critical thinking. Her passion for education and diverse teaching background make her an excellent addition to our team and an invaluable asset.
Brandon Carlton
Grade 4 Classroom Behavior Specialist
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.
Support Staff
Anthony Curiel, RBT
Administrative Assistant
Bachelor of Science, computer science (in progress)
California State University San Francisco
Registered Behavior Technician
Anthony has 6 years of experience in ABA as an RBT, most recently as a registered behavior technician with EBSI out of Morgan Hill focusing on health and nutrition with varying medication and food allergy considerations with the adult disabled. Prior to rejoining the field of behavioral science, a break was taken to join the United States Army and serve from 2010-2014. After serving his focus shifted to aiding more regarding health and nutrition alongside his behavioral science scope. He encourages student’s questions about cuisine and how you can elevate any dish from simple and plain to robust and elegant all while maintaining proper nutritional balance through clean eating. He enjoys an active lifestyle outside of work taking part in a wide array of activities from Skateboarding, Surfing, and Hiking to list a few.