The Russell Bede School classroom teachers are fully credentialed, with extensive backgrounds in general and special education. They are supported by PE, drama, music, yoga and computer instructors who add enriching experiences to round out the education for Russell Bede students. In addition, the school offers on-site occupational therapy, speech and language therapy and social pragmatics training for those who want it.

Bonnie Yamane, Principal

Bonnie Yamane came to Russell Bede in 2010 after more than 35 years with the San Mateo County Office of Education and the Hillsborough City School District (HCSD). Under Yamane’s eight-year guidance as Director of Student Services for HCSD, Hillsborough gained a reputation for having one of the best and most child-centered special education services in the area. During her years with the county office of education, Yamane taught children with several language disorders and then managed programs for a wide variety of disabilities. She has a master’s degree in speech and language pathology.

Dotty Gradwohl, Teacher

With 23 years of teaching, Dotty Gradwohl brings a wealth of experience to the classroom. Her Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, Science and Chemistry from Indiana University combined with her secondary education credential have helped her to integrate all subjects in the classroom in a way that instills a love of learning, excitement and curiosity in her students. In addition, she produces the school yearbook and helps organize the annual science fair.

Stella Hearn, Teacher

Stella Hearn brings a Master’s degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from Stanford University, as well as several decades of clinical and educational experience. In addition, she has special training in technology in the classroom and intensive arts programs. Before joining the staff of Russell Bede, Hearn spent 30 years in the Palo Alto Unified School District as a speech therapist and special day class teacher, and worked in clinical settings before that.

Gina Williams, Teacher

During more than two decades teaching in Russell Bede classrooms, Gina Williams has taught all subjects in grades 2, 3 and 4 with a special focus on reading and language arts. She has a teaching credential, Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in speech communication from Holy Names College and Cal State Stanislaus, as well as credentials in clinical rehabilitative services for language, speech and hearing. In addition, Williams is licensed as a speech pathologist by the state of California and certified by the American speech language and hearing association.

Catherine Foxhoven, Theater Arts

Catherine Foxhoven is an actress, singer and drama instructor with 32 years of experience in television, stage and radio, a Bachelor’s degree in theater, and a Master’s degree in Liberal Arts with an emphasis on theater. In addition to her position at Russell Bede School, she also teaches at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, where she has taught or developed courses on directing, character development, acting for commercials, auditioning, the psychology of drama and more. She has directed many children’s theater productions for summer camps.

Lori Moitié, Music

Lori Moitié is an award-winning professional singer, songwriter, guitarist, keyboardist and percussionist. Moitié writes music, stories and plays for kids and has developed CDs, DVDs and other musical products with an Occupational Therapist. Along with husband RJ, Moitié owns ‘Cotton Candy Express Music’ and has been entertaining children and families for more than 23 years. She and her husband were the Bay Area Cartoon Hosts on KTVU Fox Kids and WB Kids in the early 90s. Moitié has a BA from San Francisco State in Broadcast Communication Arts and an AA from Foothill College in Music.

Lisette Lugo, Art Instructor

Lisette Lugo has taught art to students of all ages and abilities for many years and maintains an art studio in Redwood City. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Art from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, and is a Certified NMEME Therapist with the Art Without Boundaries Foundation. In addition to her position at Russell Bede, Lugo teaches students who are challenged with Autism, Alzheimers or Stroke Disabilities, both individually and in group settings.

Don Hibson, Physical Education

During more than 33 years in the classroom, Don Hibson has taught algebra, science, and physical education, and coached basketball, volleyball, tennis and boxing teams. His training includes Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from San Jose State University and he holds a general secondary education credential. He administers portions of the President’s Physical Fitness Challenge to Russell Bede students each year.

Other

Dr. John Piper, Executive Director

John Piper, PhD was principal at Russell Bede School from 2003 to 2010 and remains with the school as Executive Director to oversee formation of a second campus to be located in San Francisco. During his tenure as principal, he created new academic and extracurricular programs, formed an active parent teacher organization and improved the premises and its technology services. Dr. Piper joined Russell Bede after more than 25 years with the San Mateo County Office of Education, where he had directed special education programs. Prior to that, he served as a teacher, counselor and school psychologist and taught college, including supervising student teachers in Special Education.

Gayle Piper, Speech Therapist

Gayle Piper has 38 years of experience as a speech and language therapist. During those years, she has worked with the Los Angeles public school system, the County of San Mateo and the Hillsborough City School District, and seen students with a long list of severe to moderate language disorders. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Whittier College and a master’s degree in speech pathology from Texas Tech University.

Annge Carroll, Yoga

Annge Carroll has taught yoga to children for many years, including four years at Lincoln School in Burlingame. She completed “Integral Yoga” teacher training in June, 1999 at the Sri Gurudev Integral Yoga Institute in San Francisco.