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Our School Leaders

Gigi Tate

Head of School

“I strive to create a positive learning environment where students are motivated to succeed.”

Gigi Tate brings over 20 years of experience in the field of education to her role as the Head of School at Stratford’s Santa Clara Pomeroy campus. She strives to create a positive learning environment where students are motivated to succeed and realize their full potential. When students feel safe, supported, and included, there is no limit as to what they can achieve.

Meher Irani

Director of Lower School (3G-5G)

“Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.” – Albert Einstein

Bringing more than 18 years of teaching experience to her leadership position at Stratford Santa Clara Pomeroy, Meher Irani holds a Master’s degree in Psychology and a Diploma in Montessori, specializing in Early Childhood Education. With over a decade of experience at various Stratford school campuses, she is dedicated to cultivating a well-rounded and engaging learning environment for her students. Meher’s dedication lies in nurturing the individual strengths and talents of each student within a supportive and interactive educational setting. Emphasizing social-emotional learning and cultivating a growth mindset, she enriches the educational journey for her students.

Jinkie Galvan

Director of Lower School (KG-2G)

“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.”

As an educator and leader with a decade of experience spanning the developmental stages from preschool through elementary school and a Master’s Degree in education, Jinkie Galvan is the Director of Lower School (Kindergarten through Second Grade). She believes that every child deserves a nurturing, inclusive, and supportive learning environment to thrive. Education is not merely about imparting knowledge, but about cultivating a love for learning, instilling essential life skills, and nurturing the overall well-being of each child. Central to her approach is the recognition that fostering positive partnerships with staff, students, and families is paramount in achieving academic success and holistic development in an ever-changing world.

Laysan Andrews

Director of ECE

“Never stop learning, because life never stops teaching.” – Lin Pernille

Laysan Andrews has been a dedicated member of the Stratford community for more than eight years, bringing her passion for education and her belief in lifelong learning to every role she has held. She began her journey as a Spanish teacher, inspiring curiosity in preschool through first-grade students, before serving as Assistant Director and then Director of Early Childhood Education.

In her current role as Director of Early Childhood Education at Stratford Pomeroy, Laysan is committed to nurturing the growth of young children, supporting parents as partners in their child’s journey, and guiding teachers in their professional development. She believes in building strong connections between school and home to create joyful, inclusive, and meaningful learning experiences where children feel valued, parents feel heard and supported, and educators feel empowered to shine

Nina Paoloni

Assistant Director (PS-5th Grade)

“All students deserve a champion—an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best they can possibly be.”
— Rita Pierson

Nina Paoloni brings seven years of educational experience and a deep commitment to student growth and well-being to her role as Assistant Director (PS–5th Grade) at Stratford’s Santa Clara Pomeroy campus. Over her six years of classroom teaching, she discovered the power of connection, consistency, and care in helping students thrive. Nina is passionate about creating spaces where students feel safe being themselves and are encouraged to grow into compassionate, thoughtful stewards of their communities and the world. She strives to cultivate an inclusive and connected school community—one where students, staff, and families work together to build strong relationships, take meaningful risks, and find joy in learning and growing together.

Sandy Donis

Extended Day Supervisor

“Always believe that the impossible is always possible.”
— Selena Quintanilla

As the Extended Day Supervisor at Stratford, and with eight years of experience here, Sandy Donis is passionate about helping students grow in confidence, curiosity, and kindness. She believes that learning continues beyond the classroom, through play, exploration, and meaningful connections. Sandy’s goal is to create a safe, inspiring space where every child feels supported and encouraged to believe in themselves and their limitless potential.

Kacey Linares Torres

Extended Day Lead

“I don’t want to do nothing.”

— Captain B. McCrea, WALL·E

Kacey believes that leadership in education means choosing to show up with purpose, care, and intention. This quote reminds Kacey that leadership is about showing up, taking initiative, and leading with heart even when the work is challenging. Every day is an opportunity to positively impact our students, our staff, and our community by being present, thoughtful, and committed to growth. Doing something, especially with intention and heart, matters.

Chitra Sundararaman

Director of Admissions

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou

With over a decade at Stratford, Chitra brings deep knowledge, heartfelt connection, and a genuine passion for helping families find the right start to their educational journey. She is dedicated to making each family’s experience welcoming, informative, and personalized—ensuring every child feels set up for success from the very beginning.

Sia Johal

Office Administrator

“A well-organized system and a solution-focused mindset can transform challenges into opportunities for excellence.”

Sia Johal serves as Office Administrator at Stratford Pomeroy, where she brings order, efficiency, and a problem-solving approach to every aspect of campus operations. Whether she’s streamlining enrollment procedures, coordinating after-school programs, or finding creative solutions to unexpected challenges, Sia’s commitment to organization and attention to detail ensures nothing falls through the cracks. She takes pride in being the person families and staff can rely on when they need answers, support, or simply someone who can make things work. Sia believes that behind every successful school is a foundation of strong systems and proactive problem-solving—and she’s dedicated to building and maintaining that foundation every single day.