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Administration and Staff Biographies

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Reynaldo Almeida, Head of School

Reynaldo Almeida is a native-born Cuban, raised in South Florida. Rey attended Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, for his undergraduate degree and received a Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction from National-Louis University in Chicago, IL. Currently he is pursuing a post-graduate degree from Cambridge College in Massachusetts. Rey has taught in the elementary, junior high and high school level. He served as Principal of two Elementary Schools and as Vice Principal of a High School in Southern California. As an educator, he brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in curriculum design, instructional pedagogy, and school administration. On most weekends, you can find him enjoying the company of friends, family or heading to his favorite coffee shop. As an avid lover of soccer, theatre and travel, you can find him enjoying his vacations combining the three.

Darlene Richard, Office Manager

Darlene came to Aurora with 18 years of telecommunications experience in various department areas. This is the beginning of her sixth year at Aurora. Darlene has lived in the Bay Area for over 25 years, is married and has two sons. Her major interest is singing and songwriting and she has recorded a gospel CD. She is also intimately involved in the "Women of Vision and Virtue Network", an organization that provides empowerment training and support for women and girls of all ages, which she founded in February of 2000. Darlene also loves cooking and reading.

Heidi Brevet, Director of School Operations & Extended Care Programs

Heidi graduated from Skyline High School here in Oakland and completed her B.S. Degree from Willamette University in Salem, Oregon. Prior to coming to Aurora School, Heidi worked at the Oakland YMCA for over 18 years. At the YMCA Heidi was involved in aquatics, fitness programs, camps and youth sport leagues. Her hobbies include traveling (visiting all of the seven continents) and watching sports (Go A's!). In addition to managing the operation of the school's facility, Heidi runs the "Hot Lunch" program, summer and vacation camps and Aurora's after school enrichment classes.

Abbie Koss, Curriculum Coordinator

Abbie earned her Masters Degree in Education from the Bank Street College, NY, NY. She grew up just outside Philadelphia, PA. At seventeen she went to the University of MA in Amherst, MA. She spent her junior year abroad in the Middle East and Europe. She lived in many places since then and Northern California is her absolute favorite! Currently she lives in El Cerrito with her husband and two children, ages two and five. She loves to dance, hike, read, swim, paint, write, take photographs, learn and be silly!

Lisa Piccione, Admissions Director

Lisa is responsible for managing the school's admissions process, financial aid, re-enrollment, school events and fifth grade outplacement. Lisa went to Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts and studied Midwifery. She is originally from New York, but has lived in Oakland for the last 25 years. She has been an active member of the Aurora parent body for 16 years, where her 3 attended school. This is Lisa's seventh year as the Admissions Director at Aurora. Lisa and enjoys gardening, cooking, the beach and taking long walks with her partner Kate and little dog, Bella.

Elizabeth Reaney, Accounting Manager

Elizabeth is a native Oregonian and has over 15 years of accounting and administration experience with a focus in non-profit work. She is a working mother with the generous support of her multi-generational, multi-cultural family. Her outside interests are focused on continued learning and growing with a love for other cultures and history, particularly Egyptian and Asian art and culture. Most of the time that means reading National Geographic magazines and watching Jeopardy, but also dreaming of being a female Indiana Jones.

Terry E. Meyers, Ph. D, Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Terry is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in private practice in the East Bay. She teaches and supervises graduate students in clinical psychology and has a private practice in Oakland and Castro Valley where she works with children, adolescents, families and adults. Dr. Meyers also has a background in arts education, the performing arts, and arts administration. Her work at Aurora School includes providing support services to children and their families. Terry works with parents, the child and his/her teacher to improve school functioning, boost self-esteem and confidence, and help with social concerns. A child can be seen in individual and/or group counseling sessions during the school day.