Swathi Krishan has been a treasured member of the Stratford family for 18 years, starting as a beloved preschool teacher at Stratford Sunnyvale Washington Park in 2006 and seamlessly moving into the role of well-respected school leader at Stratford Fremont Osgood in 2012. Now, as the Head of School of Santa Clara McKinley campus, Swathi brings a vibrant love for teaching and an active mission to share her skills and seasoned wisdom with her teachers, empowering them to reach their full potential as educators. Additionally, she strives to nurture meaningful relationships with her students, teachers, and staff, working to build strong bonds with the families in her school community. Swathi has been joyfully leading the Santa Clara Winchester campus since 2021.
Swathi lives by T.S. Eliot’s quote, “Every moment is a fresh beginning.” She is excited to expand the impact and reach of Stratford’s hands-on STEAM learning and warm, nurturing classroom environment within the Santa Clara community.
Jacqueline Soza
Principal
Jacqueline brings 18 years of dedicated teaching experience and five years with Stratford School to her role as Director. With a passion for educational excellence and a commitment to student success, she has a proven track record of fostering a positive learning environment. Jacqueline has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills throughout her career, empowering students and staff to reach their full potential. “Education is not the filling of the pail, but the lighting of the fire,” she reflects.
Jacqueline’s innovative approach to curriculum development and focus on student learning have resulted in measurable academic gains and a thriving school community. She is dedicated to continuing her professional development to stay at the forefront of educational best practices. Jacqueline is excited to lead Santa Clara McKinley in its mission to inspire and empower the next generation of lifelong learners and confident leaders.
With 18 years of experience in education, Terra Gonzales brings a strong foundation in early childhood and elementary education to her role as Assistant Principal. Holding a bachelor’s degree in Educational Studies, Terra began her career with a genuine love for working with young children and supporting their development.
Terra has a rich background working with early learners, including several years as a Kindergarten teacher. Her experience has shaped a strong understanding of child development, early literacy and numeracy, and the importance of nurturing relationships with children and families. She loves building relationships with parents and understands the important role that family structures and cultures play in shaping each child’s unique journey. As a leader, she is committed to creating a supportive, inclusive school culture where every child feels seen as an individual, valued, and empowered to succeed in building strong foundations for lifelong learning. Terra also values staying current in the field and regularly explores books, research, and other resources within the early learning community.
Favorite Quote: “ How wonderful it is that we laugh because our bodies cannot contain joy” -unknown
Our School Leaders
Swathi Krishnan
Head of School
Swathi Krishan has been a treasured member of the Stratford family for 18 years, starting as a beloved preschool teacher at Stratford Sunnyvale Washington Park in 2006 and seamlessly moving into the role of well-respected school leader at Stratford Fremont Osgood in 2012. Now, as the Head of School of Santa Clara McKinley campus, Swathi brings a vibrant love for teaching and an active mission to share her skills and seasoned wisdom with her teachers, empowering them to reach their full potential as educators. Additionally, she strives to nurture meaningful relationships with her students, teachers, and staff, working to build strong bonds with the families in her school community. Swathi has been joyfully leading the Santa Clara Winchester campus since 2021.
Swathi lives by T.S. Eliot’s quote, “Every moment is a fresh beginning.” She is excited to expand the impact and reach of Stratford’s hands-on STEAM learning and warm, nurturing classroom environment within the Santa Clara community.
Jacqueline Soza
Principal
Jacqueline brings 18 years of dedicated teaching experience and five years with Stratford School to her role as Director. With a passion for educational excellence and a commitment to student success, she has a proven track record of fostering a positive learning environment. Jacqueline has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills throughout her career, empowering students and staff to reach their full potential. “Education is not the filling of the pail, but the lighting of the fire,” she reflects.
Jacqueline’s innovative approach to curriculum development and focus on student learning have resulted in measurable academic gains and a thriving school community. She is dedicated to continuing her professional development to stay at the forefront of educational best practices. Jacqueline is excited to lead Santa Clara McKinley in its mission to inspire and empower the next generation of lifelong learners and confident leaders.
EmailTerra Gonzales
Assistant Principal
With 18 years of experience in education, Terra Gonzales brings a strong foundation in early childhood and elementary education to her role as Assistant Principal. Holding a bachelor’s degree in Educational Studies, Terra began her career with a genuine love for working with young children and supporting their development.
Terra has a rich background working with early learners, including several years as a Kindergarten teacher. Her experience has shaped a strong understanding of child development, early literacy and numeracy, and the importance of nurturing relationships with children and families. She loves building relationships with parents and understands the important role that family structures and cultures play in shaping each child’s unique journey. As a leader, she is committed to creating a supportive, inclusive school culture where every child feels seen as an individual, valued, and empowered to succeed in building strong foundations for lifelong learning. Terra also values staying current in the field and regularly explores books, research, and other resources within the early learning community.
Favorite Quote: “ How wonderful it is that we laugh because our bodies cannot contain joy” -unknown
EmailOur Faculty