Our Faculty & Staff

Mrs. Kimberly Orendorff

• Principal of St. Anselm School since 2013
• Master of Science in Education: Emphasis Special Education, Dominican University of California
• Bachelor of Arts English, Loyola Marymount University
• Bachelor of Arts Political Science, Loyola Marymount University
• Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
• Administrative Services Credential

St. Anselm School is much more than a school to me. It is a community that I feel fortunate to be a part of both as an educator and as a parent. It has been a place where I have loved working and, most importantly, where my own children and so many others have had the opportunity to grow up.

What makes St. Anselm so special is our community. Our teachers truly care about their students, our families support the school, and our students know they belong here. There is a genuine sense of connection that can be felt throughout the school.

One of the things I value most about St. Anselm is that children are able to simply be kids. In a world that seems to move faster every day, I love that our students can stay young a little longer. They have time to learn and grow while enjoying childhood and being themselves.

As both a principal and a parent, I am grateful that my own children have had the opportunity to grow up at St. Anselm. I feel just as grateful to help create that same experience for every child who walks through our doors.

Father Gabriel

Please give a warm St. Anselm welcome to Father Gabriel T. Wankar. We are blessed to have Father as our new Pastor. Father Gabriel was born to a large Nigerian family in 1978, and had a happy upbringing in Africa. He was ordained a priest on August 14, 2004. He served as Pastor and Director of Communication in the Diocese of Makurdi in Nigeria until 2011 when he came to Berkeley for graduate studies. He holds a doctorate in Systematic Theology and is completing another doctorate in Sustainable Development.

He was first assigned to the Archdiocese of San Francisco in 2015 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Daly City. Then he was moved to Our Lady of the Pillar in Half Moon Bay, Our Lady of Mercy in Daly City, and comes to Saint Anselm from Church of the Epiphany in San Francisco. Father is now an incardinated priest of the Archdiocese of San Francisco and is looking forward to serving the St. Anselm's parish community.

Mrs. Emily Greil

• Bachelor of Science - Human Development- University of California, Davis
• Teaching Credential- Sonoma State
• Master of Arts - Curriculum and Instruction with an added Reading Authorization, CSU Bakersfield

St. Anselm School is such a wonderful community. The families, teachers, administration and Parish provide a supportive environment that I am blessed to be a part of.

Mrs. Jill Jensen

• B.A. in Psychology from Santa Clara University
• M.A. in Teaching & Teaching Credential from Santa Clara University
• M.A. in Educational Leadership & Administrative Credential from San Diego State University

I love the strong community of students, parents, faculty, and staff. It's a joy to come to work every day and be part of such a welcoming community. I especially enjoy teaching the 8th Grade students and helping them prepare for high school.

Mrs. Amy Tarantino

• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - University of San Diego

Administrative Assistant

I love working in the office at St. Anselm because I enjoy interacting with our wonderful parents and staff as well as seeing our kiddos when they visit us in the office for bandaids and ice packs. My job is the best of both worlds!

Mrs. Molly Baker

• Bachelor of Science in Management, Tulane University
• Master of Professional Accountancy, Georgia State University
• Master of Childhood Education, Hunter College

Working in admissions allows me to welcome families into a nurturing, values-driven environment, build meaningful relationships and contribute to the holistic formation of students and their families. I am grateful to be part of the St. Anselm Family!

Mr. Felipe Dunn

• Bachelor of Arts - Visual Arts - Studio - University of California at San Diego
• IT Manager and Middle School Technology Teacher

I enjoy St. Anselm School for the generous support of the parent and teacher community as well as the amazing students we get to work with every day!

Mrs. Jessica Gonzalez

• Mt. Sierra College - Design & Practices; College of Marin; Former Board Member, International Association for Administrative Professionals (IAAP), Pasadena Chapter

Experience

With over a decade of experience teaching TK through 8th grade throughout California in both the public and private settings, I’ve also spent 5+ years teaching art privately in Marin County. In addition, I bring 7+ years of expertise in marketing and advertising, which allows me to craft compelling lessons that capture students’ attention and foster critical thinking.

Interests

When I'm not teaching, you can find me wandering through botanical gardens and museums. I also love spending quality time with my kids, exploring new places, and sharing fun experiences together.

Mrs. Maria Kimball

• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology: University of San Francisco
• K-8 Multiple Subject Teaching: Dominican University
• Teacher-Librarian & the Information Sciences Credential: San Jose State
• School Librarian and 1st & 2nd Grade Math

It is my honor to serve the community of St Anselm. Here in the Library, we strive to build an environment of compassionate thinkers, problem solvers, makers, and lifelong readers.

Mrs. Allison Holtshouser

• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Master of Arts in Education, & Teaching Credential- University of San Francisco
• Resource Specialist

I enjoy the strong community of students, educators, and families at St. Anselm. It is a joy to work with students with various learning needs and witness them grow in faith, knowledge, and compassion every day.

Mrs. Krista Tarantino

BACHELOR OF ARTS:

• Liberal Studies Sonoma State University Santa Rosa, CA

STATE OF CALIFORNIA CREDENTIAL: 

• Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, Dominican University, San Rafael, CA
• Reading Intervention Certificate - Dominican University, San Rafael, CA

MASTER OF ARTS:

• Curriculum and Instruction, Dominican University, San Rafael, CA

After many years as a public school teacher, I had the opportunity to join the wonderful St.Anselm’s community. The parents, teachers and staff are passionate about working together so that all students are successful learners in the classroom and life. I am so blessed to be a part of this wonderful school.

Mr. Mario Moran

• Bachelor of Arts Sociology, UC Santa Barbara

I began working with children in the school setting during my first year of college. I discovered my passion for teaching that same year. My children were lucky enough to learn and grow with the St. Anselm school and parish community, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to do the same.

Mr. Liam Robertson

Bio Coming Soon!

Mrs. Theresa Lafranchi

I am excited to be teaching K–5 science at St. Anselm School. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree from Cal Poly Pomona and have loved spending years volunteering in my children’s classrooms and substitute teaching throughout the county.

Mr. Kris Nahkunst

Born and raised in Colorado, I moved to California in 2022 with my dog, who continues to be my constant companion. Outside of school, I enjoy playing and coaching basketball, cooking, and spending as much time as possible with my dog.

My journey in education began at St. Hilary School, where I started as a member of the Extended Care team. I quickly transitioned into the classroom, first serving as a fifth-grade aide and then as a third-grade aide, a role I held for three years. During that time, I had the opportunity to teach third-grade science and resource, as well as physical education for junior high students. I also coached multiple sports and continued supporting the Extended Care program each year.

I am very excited to begin this next chapter at St. Anselm. I look forward to becoming part of this wonderful community and building meaningful relationships with the students, families, and staff. I am grateful for the opportunity to support students both in and outside the classroom and am excited for all that this year will bring!

Mrs. Catherine Pereira​

• Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, Elementary Education K-8, & Teaching Credential- Gettysburg College
• 7th & 8th Grade ELA Teacher

I enjoy teaching faith-based education at Saint Anselm School. Working with such dedicated staff and faculty inspires me everyday! I am thrilled to be in the classroom bringing the joy of learning to our young adults in Middle School.

Mrs. Machiko Maricich

I love being a kindergarten aide because every day is full of curiosity, laughter, and growth. Watching children discover new skills, gain confidence, and find joy in learning is so rewarding. I enjoy supporting both teacher and the students - whether it’s helping with lessons, encouraging friendships, or celebrating small victories. Being part of these important early years, where students are building the foundation for their future, makes my role meaningful and inspiring.

Ms. Gessica Sand

While studying to become an elementary school teacher, I have worked with kids for over 5 years.

Enjoys being outdoors, hunting, spending quality time with friends and family, and exploring the North Bay.

I am excited to be at St. Anselm! The small community mixed with faith creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and I feel blessed to be part of it.

Mrs. Jennifer Karr

• Bachelor of Arts in American Studies from Roger Williams University; Teaching Credential from San Francisco State University

Working at St. Anselm is a blessing. I am grateful to work with first graders—their curiosity about the world is inspiring. Our community of families and faculty is strong and supportive of the students and each other.

Ms. Karel Daniels

I value working with such committed and caring teachers and staff. The positive and nurturing climate they provide makes St. Anselm a truly exceptional educational environment for the kids that walk through its doors.

Mrs. Jill Lester

• B. A. from Dominican University of California

Multi-subject Teaching Credential from Loyola Marymount University

Interests: Traveling, gardening, and Pilates

I love the small, kind, caring community at St Anselm. The faculty, staff, and students are the best! I am excited to come to school each and every day.

Mrs. Cally Cooper

• Central Piedmont College, Degree in Applied Science in Social Services
• Attended Dominican University
• Second Grade Instructional Assistant

I enjoy being part of an environment where the teachers' enthusiasm for their students' learning translates into enthusiastically engaged children. As my children graduated from St. Anselm, I know they greatly benefited from this, as well as knowing they were in a safe and nurturing environment.

Mrs. MM Tornga

• Bachelor of Arts- Fine Arts- St. Lawrence University
• Teaching Credential - University of San Francisco
• 3rd Grade Teacher

I love the community of families and teachers at St. Anselm.

Mr. Andrew Simpson

Coming Soon!

Mrs. Stephanie Mohun

• Stephanie Mohun
• College Educated
• Teachers Aide

I love the small student body at St. Anselm. It allows you to get to know the kids as individuals.

Mrs. Christine Heilmann

• Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from UC Berkeley; 
• Teaching Credential from Sonoma State University

Enjoys nature, running, swimming, gravel bike riding, surfing, reading novels, and traveling, especially to Italy.

What I Love About St. Anselm School: I enjoy working with a close-knit community centered on faith, knowledge, and service. The friendly vibe here makes it a joy to be part of such a passionate community.

Mrs. Nicole McConneloug

• Bachelor of Science in Human Development - UC Davis
• K-8 multiple subject teaching credential - Dominican University
• 5th Grade Teacher

I enjoy the strong sense of community among parents, faculty, staff, and students while learning, having fun, growing in Faith, and following in the footsteps of Jesus.

Mrs. Sharon Fahy

• Bachelor of Science in Human Development- UC San Diego
• Teaching Credential
• 5th Grade Teacher

I’ve loved the education, religion, and community for my children as students at St. Anselm. I am thrilled to now be a part of this great teaching staff, and I hope to bring a positive fifth-grade experience to our students.

Ms. Dina Fowler

I love working as a 5th grade teacher’s aide at St. Anselm School. I love seeing the smiles on the kid’s faces and watching the kids grown spiritually and academically during the school year. I appreciate their eagerness to learn and look forward to coming to school every morning.

Mrs. Jennifer Bautista

• Bachelor's of Arts in Liberal Studies, Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, & CLAD Authorization School
• 6th Grade Literature & 6th-8th Grade Social Studies Teacher

I enjoy working alongside the faculty, parents, and students of St. Anselm School, and promoting a love for learning in our community.

Mrs. Anita Pisciotta

• Master of Arts in Education & Teaching Credential- SF State
• 6th-8th Grade Science Teacher

I enjoy our amazing faculty and parent community. I have been at St. Anselm School for close to 30 years and I truly love every day I spend with my students.

Mrs. Heather Green

Heather has been an educator for many years, teaching English to a diverse range of students across the globe. Her teaching journey began in Barcelona, Spain, where she earned her TEFL certificate and launched her career in education. She went on to teach in both Barcelona and La Coruña—the final stop of El Camino de Santiago, which she later returned to walk herself, completing the 500-mile pilgrimage. While abroad, she also taught in Milan, Italy, before returning to the United States to continue her teaching journey.

Back home, Heather joined the New York City Teaching Fellows program, which offers educators a fully funded master’s degree in exchange for teaching in one of the city’s most underserved schools. She spent the next two years living in New York City—teaching English in the Bronx, attending graduate school, writing her thesis, and training for an Ironman triathlon.

After her time in New York, Heather moved to San Francisco, where she spent much of her career teaching at Lowell High School, one of the city’s most distinguished public schools. While there, she not only inspired her students in the classroom but also led community initiatives—most notably organizing and raising funds to take twenty-four students to Nicaragua for a three-week service-learning trip focused on education and cultural exchange.

Heather holds a B.A. in English from Boston College and an M.Ed. from CUNY Lehman College, one of the host universities for the Teaching Fellows program. She has continued to deepen her practice as an educator through additional coursework at Stanford University and the University of California, Berkeley.

One of Heather’s proudest achievements was earning a teaching fellowship that allowed her to return to Spain, walk El Camino de Santiago de Compostela once again, and travel into Africa. That transformative journey inspired her to create a curriculum centered on goal setting and perseverance for inner-city youth, using Joseph Campbell’s “Hero’s Journey” as a framework. Drawing on literature such as The Alchemist, which she continues to teach at St. Anselm, Heather encourages students to reflect on their own paths, explore the metaphorical road of life, and embrace the importance of “keeping the faith and putting one foot in front of the other,” even through life’s most challenging moments.

Mrs. Judy Storms

• Been involved with St. Anselm for over 40 years
• Started as a parent volunteer
• School librarian for 25+ years
• Extended Day Teachers for 30+ years
• Aided in second grade, 4th, 5th and now Middle school

St. Anselm is special because for me it is an extended family. It is heart-warming to see our little people grow up to be outstanding adults. Some have come back and say thank you for not just the education that they received here, but for the community. For me, having had two of my grandson with me has been very special. Our community spirit is a special part of what makes St. Anselm School what it is.

Ms. Isabella Lombardo

Bachelor of Science in Molecular Environmental Biology 

Minor in CalTeach Science and Math Education from the University of California, Berkeley

I’m excited to join the St. Anselm School community and empower students to be mathematical and critical thinkers. I feel so grateful to have such kind, creative, and determined students. 

Mrs. Agnieszka Jankowski

• Master’s in Environmental Science, University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
• 7th & 8th grade Math Teacher

Agnieszka P. Jankowski (Mrs. J)

As a parent of a St. Anselm alum, and now as a teacher, I appreciate that excellence is found in all aspects of our school, including our passionate students, faculty, and administration, top-notch curricula, professionally equipped classrooms for both teachers and students, fabulous grounds and surroundings -- all under the umbrella of Catholic teaching.