KATHERINE O’BRIEN
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TEACHING, AND HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AT GARFIELD?
I’ve been teaching since 2014 and have been at Garfield since 2014.
WHAT STRENGTHS DO YOU BRING TO YOUR PROFESSION?
I bring understanding, compassion, patience and humor. I am determined to raise my student’s self confidence and cognitive skills so they may succeed personally and academically.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT GARFIELD?
What I like most about Garfield is our location in the wonderful North Beach and Chinatown neighborhoods that are so rich in history. I also love the welcoming and caring community of families and staff that make this a great school where children can learn and have fun. Lastly, the view is absolutely stunning from our perch high atop Telegraph Hill beside those raucous parrots.
WHAT ARE 5 THINGS YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?
I could NOT live without love, laughter, music, sunrises and sunsets.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL DAY OFF:
My ideal day off would be a stroll along the beach, pausing for a morning treat. Later, I would sit under a shady tree to read a book while enjoying a picnic lunch. Finally, I would relax on my deck under the night sky with a big bowl of ice cream. Perhaps I would make time for a round of Scrabble!
NICOLE WONG
FREYA BERNARDO
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TEACHING, AND HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AT GARFIELD?
I’ve been teaching since 2012 and have been at Garfield since 2012.
WHAT STRENGTHS DO YOU BRING TO YOUR PROFESSION?
I bring passion and love to the profession. I bring genuine care to my students. I put a lot of attention not only on academics, but also on facilitating a process where kids become self-disciplined leaders who are respectful of themselves and their community.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT GARFIELD?
I love the community. I think the Garfield students are amazing and work hard to do their best. The parents and families are very supportive. The teachers and staff are a joy to work with and have taught me so much. I count my lucky stars every day that I get to work at such a wonderful school!
WHAT ARE 5 THINGS YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?
Family; cute things; delicious and healthy foods; furry animals; and joyful moments
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL DAY OFF:
I would eat at an all-you-can-eat sushi buffet, then I would relax at the spa. Last, I would relax at home by having a K-Drama marathon while munching on yummy snacks.
KEITH HOOD
Coming soon
DOROTHY PHILLIPS
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TEACHING, AND HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AT GARFIELD?
I have been teaching since 2019 and have been at Garfield since 2023.
WHAT STRENGTHS DO YOU BRING TO YOUR PROFESSION?
I bring joy of learning into the classroom. I deeply emphasize social emotional learning so that each student leaves my classroom knowing they are loved and that their voice matters.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT GARFIELD?
I love the amazing community and the neighborhood! Students are excited to come to school everyday and staff are happy to be here!
WHAT ARE 5 THINGS YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?
I could NOT live without my family, coffee, time outdoors, my cat Moo and books!
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL DAY OFF:
On my ideal day off the weather would be slightly overcast and a little chilly. I would sleep in, then go on a run followed by brunch afterwards. Next, I would enjoy a midday nap. Lastly, I would have Thai food for dinner.
