Admin Team
 
Harlin Hansen, Jenn Pedersen, Steve Frank, Marta Batlle, Patrick Hurley

Steve Frank — Superintendent & Preschool Director
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Steve Frank2017-18 Staff Photo Steve Frank
Superintendent & Preschool Director
EMAIL

I am fortunate to be entering my 22nd year at Woodside School and in my first year as Superintendent. I have an undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of California, Berkeley, and received my master’s degree in Educational Administration from Santa Clara University. I am so proud of my two amazing daughters.

I began my tenure at Woodside School in 2001, and I spent nine years as an Upper School social studies teacher.  I transitioned to administration and spent five years as the K-8th grade Assistant Principal, and in 2013, I transitioned to be the Upper School Principal. At the start of the 2019-20 school year, I held the position of Superintendent as well as the US Principal, supported by three Upper School Deans for each of the three Upper School grades. And then, starting the 2020-21 school year, which is one to go down in the history books, I was, and still am, the Superintendent of the district. 

My duration at Woodside School is due in large part to the small-town experiences that Woodside provides. The talented staff, motivated students, and supportive parents help to provide a rich, nurturing environment for learning to occur.  I take great pride in the relationships that have been created during my tenure at Woodside School, and there is no better feeling to watch our students grow into leaders as they enter the world.
 
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Jennifer Pedersen — Upper School Principal
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Jennifer PedersenPedersen 2022
Upper School Principal (Grades 5-8)
EMAIL

Jennifer Pedersen has been an integral part of the Woodside Upper School staff for 9 years, teaching English Language Arts, then served as the 8th Grade Dean during the 2019-20 school year and transitioned to Upper School Principal at the start of the epic 2020-21 school year. She earned her B.A. in English Literature, Theory, and Criticism and her M.A. in Education from U.C. Davis, and recently earned her M.A. in School Administration from Loyola Marymount University.  Jenn has a relationship-based approach to leadership, focusing on the importance of a growth mindset, flexibility, and integrity. Her background in curriculum development, differentiation, high school transition support, and social-emotional learning positions her well to serve our Middle School community. Jenn is committed to the idea of continuous improvement and enjoys engaging with data and hands-on research, especially as it relates to advances in student achievement and program development. She is proud to lead the administrative team as the Woodside Upper School Principal and appreciates that our phenomenal staff members hold high expectations for all students. As a Woodside resident herself, she is passionate about our community and looks forward to working to uphold our school’s commitment to rigor, innovation, and fostering the development of well-rounded children.
 
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Patrick Hurley — Lower School Principal
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Patrick HurleyHurley
Lower School Principal (Grades TK-4)
EMAIL

Patrick Hurley is the Lower School Principal (Grades TK-4) at Woodside Elementary School. Patrick joined the Woodside School community as our ELD Teacher for the 2021-22 school year. Prior to this, Patrick served as the principal at Foster City Elementary School in the San Mateo-Foster City School District from 2016-2021. He taught English and English Language Development for 18 years, including 12 years at Mountain View High School. He has worked with teachers, district leaders, and education researchers on various improvement efforts, mostly related to supporting English Learners. He was a lecturer in the Stanford Teacher Education Program (STEP) where he worked with pre-service secondary teachers on supporting English Learners. 

Patrick graduated from John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio with a BA in English and earned a master's degree in Education Administration at San Jose State University. He swims with a masters swim team most mornings before school and is currently learning how to play pickleball.

If you have any elementary / lower school questions or items to be addressed, please contact Mr. Hurley directly.   
 
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Maria Lang-Gavidia — Interim Student Services Director
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Director of Student Services — Interim (March - July 2024)
EMAIL 
School Office
650.851.1571 ext. 4007

We are excited to welcome Ms. Gavidia to Woodside School as our Interim Director of Student Services from March to July 2024.

Waly Ndiaye — Director of Business Services
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Waly Waly Ndiaye 
Director of Business Services
EMAIL
 
Waly joined join the Woodside Elementary School District as Director, Business Services in 2018. He holds a BS in Accounting from New Jersey City University and CPA license from the State of California. Waly has over twelve years of experience in School Finance. Most recently, he was a manager in the External Business services department with the San Mateo County Office of Education. Also, Waly held positions in the private sector, respectively, as a GL accountant, Cost Accountant, and Senior Auditor. He lives in Foster City with his wife and two sons.  
 
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Harlin Hansen — Educational Technology Director
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Harlin Hansen2017-18 Staff Photo of Harlin Hansen
Educational Technology Director
EMAIL
851-1571 x4039
 
Prior to coming to Woodside, I taught for 11 years in both the Cupertino and Poway school districts. In those districts, I taught 2nd and 4th grade as well as 4 years as a technology resource teacher working with teachers on using technology in the classroom. I also began teaching a technology class for teachers in the credential program at Santa Clara University.

In 2005, I came to Woodside School as the Director of Instructional Technology. I managed the technology program here and was able to spend time working with students and teachers in using technology in the classroom. I later moved back into the classroom and taught 3rd grade. After being out of the classroom for 8 years it was amazing to start using some of the technology that didn’t even exist when I last taught in a regular classroom. After 5 years, I was asked to become the Technology Lead where I am now responsible for the school’s tech department. I continued to teach as the coding teacher for students in grades 3 – 8. Last year I was given the opportunity to move away from teaching coding and start teaching design thinking with all of our students. I love my new role as the design lead and I look forward to enhancing this program as I work with students, parents, and teachers.
 
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Killian McHugh - Director of Human Resources
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Killian McHughKillian McHugh
Director of Human Resources
EMAIL
851.1571 ext. 4003
Office Hours: M-F, 9:30am - 1:00pm

With over 15 years of experience in HR communications, I am passionate about creating and delivering effective communication strategies that engage employees, promote collaboration, and align with organizational goals. I have a Master's degree in Public Relations, a BA in HR, and other qualifications.

I am an internal comms consultant for various corporations and charities, helping them leverage the metaverse, UI/UX, sponsorship, and engagement opportunities to grow their impact and reach. Also, I am a seasoned HR person who has worked on HR programs and projects such as; Recruitment and Staffing, Employee Relations, Benefits and Compensation, Training and Development, Policy Development, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Records and Reporting, Labor Negotiations, Budget Management and Legal/Compliance issues. 

Previously, I was the internal communicator lead at Zoom during the pandemic, delivering CEO, senior, and HR messaging that enhanced employee engagement, transparency, and trust. I also have experience in change management and IT communications at Cloudera, Silicon Valley Bank, LinkedIn, and HP. I always look for new ways to improve internal comms and foster a strong company culture. 
 
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