Board of Trustees

List of 27 members.

• 

  Nancy Anderson 

  Bio

  Nancy is the parent of Athenian alumni Marie and Henry. Her daughter Kate attended the Middle School from 2009-11.

   

  Nancy is an auditor in the insurance industry.  She enjoys anything to do with the outdoors. She serves on the board in part because she recognizes Athenian’s extraordinary dedication to educating students as well as parents. Nancy believes experiential education opportunities, such as the Athenian Wilderness Experience (AWE), are critical to an Athenian education.
• 

  Colette Ankenman 11

  Bio

  Colette Ankenman '11 is a youth development and community engagement specialist. She has partnered with Athenian on various service projects primarily through her non-profit, Baragwanath Blessings Inc., which she started as an Athenian middle school student. 

   

  Currently Colette is a Program Officer at the Junior State of America (JSA), a high school civic engagement non-profit. She has a Master’s of Science Degree in Child Development from UC Davis and a Bachelor’s of Science Degree from the University of Utah. Colette is also pursuing a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Saint Mary’s College of California.

   

  Colette values Athenian's dedication to building and bettering community (locally and internationally), and Athenian's intentional focus on experiential learning and real-world application. 
• 

  Simone Batiste 15

  Bio

  Alumni Advisory Trustee
  
  Simone graduated with a B.S. in Behavioral Neuroscience from the University of San Diego in 2019 and currently serves as Assistant Director of Core Programs with the Jackie Robinson Foundation. A staunch advocate for public policy and public health improvements, she has focused her career on creating healthy pathways for underserved youth and communities. 

   

  Prior to her current role, Simone served as a liaison between local government and community partners on COVID-19 prevention as a Program Coordinator for Bay PLS. Through her work in healthcare and community engagement, she observed that a valued education is essential for sustainable impact. 

   

  "My time at Athenian truly taught me about global citizenship and examining life beyond one's familiar surroundings."
• 

  Musadiq Bidar 10

  Bio

  Musadiq Bidar '10 is a Senior PR Strategist for the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. Prior to this role he spent 8 years as a politics and tech reporter at CBS News. 

  
  A native of Kabul, Afghanistan Musadiq and his family immigrated to the United States as refugees in 2003 and settled in the Bay Area. After graduating from Athenian in 2010, Musadiq continued his education at The George Washington University where he earned a bachelor's degree in Journalism and Mass Communications.
• 

  Alex Bly 

  Bio

  Alex is the parent of Athenian students Abbie '22 and Lucy '26, and Middle School alumna Natalie.

   

  Alex works in customer experience consulting where he has experience co-founding a firm, working at large global firms, and driving innovations such as crowdsourcing to help evolve the traditional consulting services industry.

   

  Alex believes Athenian is a place where students can learn how to find and explore their passions, a key part of preparing them for their futures. He first saw this happen while mentoring students for the robotics team and has seen it since with his own children’s Athenian experience.
• 

  Dana Brown 

  Bio

  Dana is Director of the Office of Admission at The Lawrenceville School. Dana has had a long career in secondary school education and college admission, including Smith College, Cornell University, Brown University, Gordon School, Peddie School, Hotchkiss School, and Choate Rosemary Hall. She has served as a Co-Chair of the Diversity Roundtable Group for the Ten Schools Admission Organization (TSAO)and was a recipient of the Enrollment Management Association’s 2022 Everett E. Gourley Award, given each year to the educator whose interest in students and concern for colleagues is an inspiration to those who serve in admission. In addition to her admissions work, Brown has served in a variety of capacities, as director of residence life, basketball coach, and dorm head. She has also served as lead presenter for Foundation Global Education, an education consultancy for students interested in applying to U.S. boarding schools and universities. 

  
  Dana is excited to be a member of the Athenian Board of Trustees and learn more about the private school landscape in the West. She values Athenian’s commitment to building a diverse community and its emphasis on developing the inner strengths of its students, with equal attention being paid to academic rigor and creating compassionate, responsible adults. 
• 

  Priya Canzius 16

  Bio

  Priya Canzius '16 is an Alumni Advisory Trustee. Priya teaches English at YES Prep Northwest, a public charter in Houston, Texas, where she began as a Teach for America fellow. In 2022-2023, she taught English in Morocco as a Fulbright Scholar.
  
  Priya spends her summers as a program director for the National Student Leadership Conference, where she creates week-long academic and leadership-focused curriculum for middle school students whose interests include Health/Medicine, Engineering, Animal Science and Government.
• 

  Steve Davenport 

  Bio

  Steve Davenport was Athenian's Head of School from 1977-87.  He is also the parent of alumni Jim '83 and Chase '97. His spouse Joanna, was an Athenian Art teacher from 1977-97.

   

  Steve has had a successful and varied career as a banker, teacher, coach and school administrator.  But, his passion is writing. He is the author of several fiction novels based on his experience in private schools.  Steve also spends time as a board member of Aim High, and as he puts it, “warding off decrepitude via tennis, lots of reading, and I'm heavy into the grandfathering biz.” 

   

  Steve cites many examples of Athenian’s uniqueness -- the integrated philosophy; the informal culture. The closeness of teachers to students. AWE. Academic rigor. An expectation that being a good person is even more important than being a good student. The passion and vivid personalities of the teachers as models of how to be in the world. The desire to be a truly diverse community. A commitment to the environment, not to mention the beauty of its place on the shoulder of Mt. Diablo. Steve says that the best of all of this is watching the development of the students.
   

  These days, Steve is an active lifetime honorary trustee, often attending and participating in board meetings. 
• 

  Chaz Giles 

  Bio

  Chaz is parent of Julian '27 and Xavier '24.
  
  Through startups, investments, and operating roles, Chaz's career has focused on solving problems and driving innovation. He has translated ideas into profitable brands and built global innovation organizations in 
  multiple industries. Chaz is currently the Founder and CEO of Revea, a skincare biotech company using advanced imaging diagnostics and AI to bring precision medicine to skincare.
  
  He as a passion for reading and was, in a past life, a competitive MMA fighter and sparring partner for several UFC champions. He currently feeds his competitive appetite with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and coaching Athenian's Middle School Girls Basketball.
• 

  Pavan Gill 92

  Bio

  For Pavan Gill ‘92, Athenian sparked a love of learning that he had not experienced until attending the school. Multiculturalism, civic engagement, service to a cause greater than self, and adventure were all foundations laid out for him to build upon from his time at Athenian.

   

  Pavan is currently in the U.S. federal government at the intersection of technology and global affairs. Previously, Pavan was a partner in a penetration testing company, worked at a high-tech firm in Silicon Valley, and served in local law enforcement. 

   

  It is Pavan's hope that he can help inspire Athenians to pursue opportunities in public service.
• 

  Ginna Girzadas 

  Bio

  Ginna is the parent of current four Athenian alumni, Allie ‘23, Eve '21, Luke '20 and Grace ‘18.

  
  

  Ginna Girzadas has been an active member of the Athenian community for a decade, and  served as head of the Athenian Parents Association until the spring of 2020. A Danville native, Ginna worked in product marketing for a technology company before starting her family, and later immersed herself in volunteer work. 

  
  

  Ginna loves Athenian’s combination of academic rigor and focus on the education of the whole child. She feels that the school’s approach allows students to develop different aspects of themselves and prepares them for a meaningful life in which they can and want to make a difference in the world. She values the school’s wonderful faculty and the authentic relationships they create with students. Ginna now hopes to help further Athenian’s impact as a member of the Board of Trustees. 
• 

  Guy Henshaw 

  Bio

  Guy is the grandparent of Athenian alumna Sophie Lewis ‘20.

   

  Guy is a former banker and is currently a management consultant to private family companies. He has experience serving on private, public and nonprofit boards and currently sits on four investment committees managing endowment and retirement funds.

   

  Guy believes education is the most important gift you can give a child. As a trustee, he enjoys gathering resources to create a positive influence on future citizens. In addition to his active participation as an Athenian trustees, Guy serves as an advisor to the Student Investment Club.
• 

  Hansol Hong 06

  Bio

  Hansol '06 is the founder and CEO of a Robotics Education Company based in San Diego. As an international student, Athenian was Hansol’s first gateway to the US and served as a second home for him. 

   

  Viewing Athenian as the springboard that launched his life in America, Hansol sees an opportunity to give back to the Athenian community from unique perspectives -- as a young(er) alumnus, as a former international student and boarder, and through his company’s connections in technology that benefit Athenian students.
• 

  Jeffrey Iwasaki 

  Bio

  Jeff is the parent of Payton ‘27. He has nearly 30 years of experience in Finance and Consulting and previously served on the board of an international adoption agency nonprofit. He earned his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford. 

   

  After experiencing the Athenian Community’s impact on students and families, Jeff wanted to give back and is honored to now serve as a Trustee. Jeff believes education is a special lifetime gift. Athenian develops students to be engaged global citizens, healthy individuals, and lifelong learners with grit. 
• 

  Angel Lewis 92

  Bio

  Angel '92 was a member of the Athenian Alumni Council before joining the Board of Trustees. She served on the Faculty Compensation Task Force and serves on the Committee on Trustees.
• 

  Christopher McGarry 

  Bio

  Chris is the parent of Aislin '27 and Owen '29. A self-described "recovering lawyer," Chris has built a career in leading companies through transformation and growth, with particular emphasis on the grocery/retail and supply chain sections. Chris was most recently CEO of Save Mart Supermarkets based in Modesto, CA. 

   

  Chris has been inspired by Athenian's attention to the individual student, to a love of learning, and to connectivity with nature and the larger world around us.
• 

  Jill Miller 

  Bio

  Jill is the parent of current students Tess '22 and Audrey '25. She is a communications professional currently employed by a digital marketing agency. She holds a BA in Business/Economics and English from Lafayette College. A seasoned volunteer, Jill is drawn to organizations that promote education, combat illiteracy and support voting rights. Jill is honored to serve the school and support its efforts to create civic-minded, lifelong learners destined to make meaningful contributions to their communities and professions.
• 

  Tina Vatanka Murphy 

  Bio

  Tina is parent of Tess ’23 and Oliver ’27.

   

  Tina is President & CEO of Global Healthcare Exchange (GHX), a global software company, where she is responsible for leading the organization to support health care provider and suppliers to succeed in the era of value-based care. 

   

  Tina joined the Athenian Board of Trustees because she believes Athenian’s mission of cultivating each student to become an integrated human with integrity, strong moral character, aesthetic sensitivity, and physical well being are the critical building blocks to a meaningful life. From her first visit to Athenian she understood that the mission extends well beyond academic rigor into creating resilient students ready to thrive in a complex world.  
• 

  Susan Nebesar 

  Bio

  Susan is the parent of alumni Darren Nebesar Gross '91 and Alex Nebesar '96, and the daughter of Athenian’s founder, Dyke Brown.

   

  Susan pursues many interests including traveling, reading, visiting grandchildren, and enjoying life. Susan knows that Athenian’s mission and philosophy are fabulous and relevant today, and she values its people and diversity. As the daughter of the School’s founder, Susan’s role as a lifetime honorary trustee is critical to sustaining the School’s continuity and understanding of its history.
• 

  Jonathan Nickens 

  Bio

  Jon is the parent of students Ryan '22 and Natalie '25 and is current Board Chair.

  
  

  After almost 20 years, Jon left the financial services industry to find more meaningful ways to give back to his community. He currently serves on his local school board and transportation agency.

  
  

  Jon decided to join the Athenian Board of Trustees as a way to give back to a community that has positively impacted his family. Both of his children began their journey here in sixth grade. Athenian has become a second home for them. While drawn to the educational opportunities and experiences Athenian offers, what ultimately convinced Jon and his wife that this was the right place was the school's commitment to nurturing all aspects of its students. At Athenian, Ryan and Natalie have developed a true sense of who they are, and how they can make the world a better place. He finds this truly inspirational, and wants to help Athenian continue on its mission.
• 

  Russell Patton 07

  Bio

  Alumnus

   

  Russell currently works on product strategy on the Spectacles team of Snap Inc.

   

  Athenian had a huge positive impact on Russell as a student. He excelled in Robotics and athletics while a student at Athenian, and he found AWE to be transformative. Russell is excited to leverage his experience and help ensure that we are giving Athenian students the best 21st-century education.
• 

  Philomel Pena 

  Bio

  Philomel “Phil” is the parent of Evan '19, Dylan '22,  Alexa '23, and Jordan '24. 
  
  Phil received her BA in Economics from UC Berkeley and MBA from SDSU.  She currently serves as Director of Treasury at The University of California, Office of President, supporting all 10 campuses and five health systems. She served 10 years as a local Boy Scout troop committee chair, and she continues to coach/mentor scouts on their path to Eagle. She also sits on the Board of University Credit Union.

   

  Honored to be on Athenian’s Board of Trustees, Phil is dedicated to education and supporting her community. She believes in the power of educating the whole student through experiential learning and giving students a variety of options for learning. For Phil, witnessing this type of education through the eyes of her children has been the greatest gift as a parent. Phil is also passionate about bringing quality education to the underserved. She looks forward to serving Athenian families through the continued support of the students, faculty, and staff that make Athenian so special. 
• 

  Leny Riebli 

  Bio

  Leny is the parent of Ella '24 and Analise '26. She is a Human Resources executive for a Fortune 200 retailer. She holds BA and MA degrees in Psychology and Education from Stanford, and a J.D. from UC Hastings College of Law.
  
  Leny is honored to serve as a Trustee and is passionate about the learning process for everyone in the Athenian community. She has loved seeing firsthand how Athenian teachers engage and challenge students through experiential learning, and how Athenian cares about the whole student, encourages them to try new things, and fosters responsible global citizenship.
• 

  Monica Streifer 05

  Bio

  Alumna

   

  A professor of Italian language and literature, Monica currently teaches at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington. 

   

  Monica enjoys contributing to a school and community that gave her so much when she was a student. She values the teachers who helped her learn and grow. Even today, as she conducts research, she appreciates how their insight and creativity fostered a lifelong love of learning. While a student at Athenian, she consistently felt welcome in all pursuits—choir, soccer, dance, and applied science are just some examples.  One of Monica’s favorite aspects of Athenian is the school's unique and challenging curriculum. As a trustee, she wants to ensure that the board facilitates Athenian's curricular goals and addresses the needs of faculty and students.
• 

  Kathy Torru 

  Bio

  Honorary Trustee
  
  Parent of Athenian alumni;  Mikhail ‘10, Allie ‘12 and Christian ‘16

   

  Kathy is retired from corporate life in the financial sector.  She continues to share her finance expertise to the benefit of local non-profit organizations.  

   

  For Kathy, Athenian is special because of its holistic approach, which prepares students for college and a life of purpose and personal fulfillment. She is excited to use her finance knowledge in her role as an Athenian trustee and provide support to the administration so that Eric Niles and his team can continue its valuable mission. 
• 

  Jeannine Whittaker 98

  Bio

  Athenian alumnae, Class of 1998. 

   

  Jeannine is a Regional Vice President of Sales at Special Counsel, a leading consulting and solutions firm with a domestic and international footprint. 

   

  Jeannine is a firm believer in the mission of the school and all of the various ways Athenian strives to educate the whole student, both inside and outside the classroom. She is an avid traveler, having explored over 50 countries; several trips included visiting Athenian alumni and former faculty as well as Round Square schools. After 10 years in New York, Jeannine returned to the Bay Area with her husband and young children in tow. She looks forward to supporting Athenian as it continues its journey as a leader in education.
• 

  Catherine Yewell 

  Bio

  Parent of alumna, Sophie ‘18 and current Athenian students Nina ‘20 and Gigi ‘24

   

  Catherine owns her own health and fitness coaching business. Her background is deeply seated in marketing, advertising, sales and PR.

   

  Catherine says "It’s the students that make Athenian." She admires their ability to discover what’s possible when a combination of traditional and non-traditional teaching methods are employed.