Name: in ,
Address: US

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.

Namrata Vineet Bhalla

Director of Lower School (3G-5G)

“I believe in each child’s unique potential.”

Namrata Bhalla brings over a decade of experience in the field of education to her role as the Director of Lower School (3-5th Grade) at Stratford’s Santa Clara Pomeroy campus. Before assuming her current role, Namrata served in both teaching and leadership roles at Stratford.

Namrata believes in each child’s ability to succeed, but knows that children learn in a variety of ways. Stratford’s curriculum provides an excellent framework of learning opportunities to all students that allows educators to help students tap into their unique potential to learn, perform, and accomplish their educational goals. She knows that the teachers in students’ lives play a vital role in development by creating a nurturing and enriching environment to help each child shine.

More than anything, Namrata appreciates Stratford’s focus on the overall development of each student and the family partnerships that are core to a Stratford School education.

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.

Meher Irani

Director of ECE and TK

“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.

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.

William DeVera

Extended Day Lead

“When educators support one another, we create a ripple effect that reaches every classroom. Leading a team means nurturing that spirit — where collaboration fuels courage, and every child feels seen, heard, and empowered to learn.”

As an Extended Day Team Lead, William DeVera is grateful, honored, and deeply privileged to be in a position where he can support a culture that encourages an overall positive wellbeing for our students whether that is within the classroom or outside. William’s lifelong pursuit is that he can make an effective impact on Stratford’s parents, students and staff —a person who first and foremost, strives to be a figure of flawless character, technical competence, and moral courage but to also instill these traits within our team so that they can pass them on to the children of our community.

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.