Faculty
Stratford Preparatory places a high mandate on supporting our students’ visions of their future goals with confidence, care, excellence, and respect. Our teachers and staff are guided by our continuous improvement plan and united in their commitment to Our Purpose, Promise, and Principles.
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Dr. Anuradha Murthy is a founding faculty member and dynamic leader in our High School Biological Sciences department at Stratford Preparatory Blackford! Dr. Murthy brings a distinguished academic background, holding a Doctorate in Biology from New York University.
With over 20 years of experience spanning middle school to college, and a background in cutting-edge Postdoctoral Research at Stanford University and PAMF, Dr. Murthy brings a rare blend of academic rigor and real-world scientific mentorship to our students.
For over 10 years at Stratford, Dr. Murthy has been pivotal in building our science program:
As an AP Mentor, she supports colleagues’ pedagogical development and actively guides multiple student clubs, including Neuroscience, Genes in Disease and Symptoms (GIDAS), and Science Fair. Her dedication ensures students gain exposure beyond the classroom through arranging university workshops and speaker events.
Reflecting on Her Time at Stratford: .
“As one of the founding high school teachers at Prep, it has been an incredible privilege to guide our very first Stratford Preparatory High School graduating class. I am so proud of who they have become and all they have achieved across so many different subjects. I will always cherish the memories of their laughter and goofy moments as I watched them mature into thoughtful, capable young men and women discovering passions in art, writing, math, world languages, economics/ business, healthcare, science, and for many, in all their classes.”
Degree(s):PhD Biology, New York University
M.Sc. Microbiology, India
M.S. Biology, New York University
Dr. Nair has been instrumental in shaping the minds of our future engineers and physicists. With over 22 years of experience spanning India, Kuwait, and the USA, she brings a truly global perspective to our classrooms.
A Legacy of Academic Rigor
Dr. Nair isn’t just a teacher; she is a lifelong researcher and leader. Her impressive background includes:
Beyond the Classroom
At Stratford, Dr. Nair’s impact extends far beyond the whiteboard. She is a driving force behind our Science Olympiad team, the Physics Club, and competitive exams like the Physics Bowl and US Physics Olympiad.
She also developed our Honors Physics curriculum, ensuring our students have a rock-solid foundation for advanced university-level studies.
In Her Own Words:
“I thrive on creating ‘light bulb’ moments where students gain conceptual clarity and confidence. I especially cherish my time at Stratford guiding our founding seniors. Seeing them grow from sophomores in AP Physics 2 to seniors tackling AP Physics C has been a journey of witnessing their grit, confidence, and love for learning.”
Please join us in thanking Dr. Jayalakshmi Nair for her dedication, her passion for innovation, and her commitment to helping our students push beyond their limits!
Degree(s): Ph.D., Physics, Mumbai University
M.Sc, Physics. Mumbai University
B.Sc., Physics, Mumbai University
Degree(s): B.A., Child and Adolescent Development, Minor, Chicano/a Studies, San Jose State University
Mr. Patrick Oline is our Head of the Math Department and Instructional Mentor Teacher.
With a career dedicated to fostering deep curiosity in STEM since 2012, Patrick brings a wealth of global expertise to our high school program. His journey has taken him from classrooms in the United States to international and bilingual schools in Beijing, China, where he specialized in middle and high school mathematics and science.
In his current role, Patrick leads our students through some of their most rigorous academic challenges, teaching both AP Statistics and Multivariable Calculus. As a champion of integrated learning, his instructional philosophy centers on the idea that math and science are not isolated subjects, but interconnected tools for discovery. In his previous leadership roles, he successfully oversaw the integration of Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) frameworks, ensuring that students develop a cohesive understanding of how these disciplines reinforce one another.
Now in his second year at our campus, Patrick continues to draw on his international background to create a dynamic environment. He is particularly passionate about the growth of our community, noting:
“I am excited to help continue to build and develop the high school program here as we prepare our students to excel in the foundational languages of STEM.”
We are incredibly grateful for Patrick’s leadership and his commitment to empowering our students through cross-curricular innovation. Please join us in celebrating Patrick Oline!
Degree(s): M.Ed. Secondary Mathematics Education, Holy Family University
B.S., Physics, Shippensburg University
Sathya is our 10th Grade Math Teacher, leading our Precalculus and Honors Precalculus courses. With over 20 years of global education experience, she brings a deep passion for numerical rigor and a proven track record of academic excellence to our community.
A Legacy of National Excellence
Before arriving at Stratford Prep, Sathya spent four years at the prestigious Stanton College Preparatory School in Jacksonville, FL, consistently recognized as one of the top-ranked public high schools in the United States (#65 nationally by U.S. News & World Report).
During her tenure at Stanton, Sathya:
Global Leadership & Local Impact
Sathya’s career is marked by significant leadership, including her previous role as Headmistress of St. Martin’s High School in India. At Stratford, she has seamlessly translated this leadership into the classroom by:
“I strive to create a positive, reflective classroom culture that helps students grow both mathematically and personally.” — Sathya Uma Palepu
Sathya’s commitment to helping every student reach their full potential is evident in every lesson she plans. We are incredibly fortunate to have her expertise and dedication on our team!
Degree(s): M.Ed., Osmania University
M.S., Mathematics, Osmania University
B.Ed., Osmania University
B.Sc., Railway Degree College
From a hesitant first speech to the national stage at Harvard, the journey of a student often mirrors the dedication of their mentor. We are thrilled to highlight a pillar of our community, Mr. Marvin Pascua, whose 12-year career at Stratford is a testament to passion and the power of finding one’s voice.
From the Classroom to the Podium
Marvin celebrates his 12th anniversary with us this April! He first joined Stratford at Washington Park as an elementary teacher, and over the last decade, he has transitioned his energy to the podium, now serving as our Speech and Debate Department Chair and Curriculum Lead for middle and high schoolers at the SPB campus.
Moments That Matter
For Marvin, the impact of his work is found in the transformation of his students. He often recalls a student who, years ago, stood on the verge of tears during a first classroom speech. Today, that same student is competing and winning at major tournaments.
One of Marvin’s standout memories involves a trip to the Harvard National Speech and Debate Tournament in Cambridge. While the competition was fierce, it was the debriefing calls after each round that meant the most. Those conversations reflect the deep bond and culture of growth he has built within the team.
A Personal Connection
Marvin’s dedication to the craft is personal; he discovered his love for Speech and Debate as a high school competitor and has carried that spark into his professional life.
“I may be a little biased, but I truly believe Speech and Debate builds skills that last a lifetime,” Marvin says. “I’m excited about continuing to build a strong culture of confidence, critical thinking, and community here.”
Teamwork Over Titles
While Marvin leads the department, he is the first to credit his students for the program’s success. Whether they are preparing for a local tournament or a national circuit, Marvin views every achievement as a reflection of his students’ dedication and competitive spirit.
What’s Next?
In his new role as Curriculum Lead, Marvin is focused on creating a seamless bridge between our Middle School and High School programs, ensuring every student has the tools to find their voice and excel.
Please join us in thanking Marvin for 12 incredible years of mentorship and leadership!
Degree(s): B.A., Politics, University of San Francisco
George Peters is our Lead Middle School PE Teacher and HS Strength & Conditioning Coach. In his 8 years at Stratford, George has become a student favorite, not just for his 15 years of elite coaching expertise (including time with the Oakland Raiders as a Strength and Conditioning Intern), but for his incredible energy as our official school dance DJ.
The George Peters Quick-Hits:
George says he feels “truly blessed” to work with such intelligent students. We feel just as blessed to have his unique blend of athletic excellence and school spirit!
Degree(s): B.S., Kinesiology with an emphasis in Nutrition and Wellness
Role: High School Science Teacher
Subjects: 9th & 11th Grade Honors Biology, 12th Grade AP Environmental Science
Years of Experience: Over 12 years of teaching, including 8 years in high school (Engineering, Biology, AP Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and AP Environmental Science) and 4 years in middle school science. Mr. Powell is in his 5th year at Stratford.
With a Master’s in Education from Santa Clara University and a Biochemistry degree from UCSB, Mr. Powell brings deep expertise and a passion for innovative science learning. He helped pilot FlexFactor with Nextflex at his previous school, where his students won district-wide competitions and later brought the program to Stratford, where it evolved into our STEM Factor Club, now transitioning into the growing Startups Spring initiative.
Known for his energy, creativity, and commitment, Mr. Powell was honored with Stratford’s Spirit Award for embodying positivity and dedication.
Reflecting on his time at Stratford, he shares:
“COVID was a rough time as a teacher, I almost stopped teaching altogether. Starting at Stratford reignited my passion. I was blown away by what the middle school students could do, and returning to high school has been incredibly rewarding. My AP Environmental Science students amaze me daily. I’m very happy to be here and excited for what’s to come.”
Thank you, Mr. Powell, for your exceptional leadership and the enthusiasm you bring to our community!
Degree(s): B.S., Biochemistry, University of California Santa Barbara
M.Ed., Santa Clara University M.Ed., Santa Clara University
Claudia Puga is a cornerstone of our 6th Grade ELA department at Stratford Prep! Claudia brings nearly a decade of expertise and a deep academic passion to our middle school classrooms.
A Journey of Academic Excellence
Claudia’s background is as impressive as her dedication to her students. With a Master’s in English Literature and Languages, she specializes in 18th and 19th-century literature and English-Language Learner (ELL) pedagogies. Her professional background includes four years at a Santa Cruz County high school and two years as a Teaching Assistant at a notable college in Oakland, where she specialized in teaching freshman English courses.
Beyond the Classroom: Leadership & Success
Claudia isn’t just teaching literature; she’s fostering future leaders! As the advisor for the Finance and Investment Club, she recently mentored the winning team for The Stock Market Game (Fall 2025) and coached an essay winner for the InvestWrite Fall 2025 Competition.
Bridging the Gap
For Claudia, 6th grade is a pivotal year. She is deeply committed to:
“I feel a duty to help bridge the gap… guiding students to become independent and accountable to be successful for their entire journey from middle school to high school.”
Degree(s): M.A., English Languages and Literature, Mills College
B.A., Literature, Minor: Education, University of California, Santa Cruz
Dr. Daniela Raducanu is one of the founding faculty members of Stratford Prep and a driving force behind our advanced Spanish program!
Daniela brings a wealth of academic rigor to our high school, having previously served in prestigious roles including Postdoctoral Teaching Fellow at Utah State University and Visiting Assistant Professor at Colgate University. Her transition from higher education to Stratford Prep has enriched our community with a deep scholarly perspective on Spanish language, literature, and culture.
Bringing Culture to Life
For Daniela, teaching Spanish 3, 4, and AP is about moving beyond the textbook. She is known for organizing immersive local experiences that bridge the gap between the classroom and the real world:
Looking Toward the Future
Daniela is constantly looking for new ways to challenge and recognize her students. Her upcoming projects include:
A Founding Perspective
Having been with Stratford Prep since day one, Daniela finds immense joy in the long-term growth of her students.
“It is incredibly rewarding to see non-heritage students achieve top scores on the AP exam and decide to continue their Spanish studies in college. Realizing that Spanish has become a meaningful part of their future reaffirms my commitment to engaging, rigorous instruction.”
Degree(s): Ph.D., Spanish, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
M.A., Hispanic Studies, Auburn University
M.A., English, Auburn University
Degree(s): M.S., Computer Science, Cal State University, East Bay
B.S., Computer Science and Engineering, Nitte Mahalinga Adyantaya Memorial Institute of Technology