administration
Nicole Cerra
Co-Founder & Director of Innovation
Nicole began her career in education serving in the AmeriCorps program and using creative writing to mentor at-risk teens in Seattle. She then taught English and AVID at Sweetwater High School, just one mile from the U.S. - Mexico border, and later moved to the Bay Area to work as an English and reading teacher, and coordinator of the ninth and tenth grade interdisciplinary teams at Capuchino High School. She is committed to helping all kids excel in a rigorous learning environment by personalizing the learning experience and emphasizing creativity. Nicole also conducts a summer institute for teachers.
I provide support in the following areas:
Design Lab
Innovation Diploma
External Innovation Programs
Canvas & PowerSchool Access
Drama Club
Contact: ncerra@dtechhs.org
Ken Montgomery
CO-FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Ken completed his PhD in administration and policy analysis at Stanford University. As a high school teacher, Ken has held a variety of positions including: founding coach of a speech and debate team that grew from 15 students to 250 and was number one in Southern California. He has also served as a technology coordinator, conference champion football coach, a member of the USA Today All-teacher team, and he is a National Board Certified teacher. While at Stanford, Ken developed a school leadership course and published several articles on school improvement, including: Developing Common Instructional Practice, Watching the Game and Keeping the Promise?
Contact: kmontgomery@dtechhs.org
Hanan Holloway
DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS SERVICES
Hanan Holloway graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Business Administration, Marketing, and embarked on a twelve-year career in retail as a Northern California buyer for Nordstrom. After a sabbatical to focus on raising her children, she began a part-time stint at Mills High School where d.tech was located during its founding year. She became intrigued by the program, kindness and energy of the students and staff and related strongly as the mother of highschoolers herself. As a result, she joined d.tech and is the very full-time Director of Business Services, managing development, human resources, billing, and facilities.
Contact: hholloway@dtechhs.org
Ashley Wong
Director of Student Services
Ashley Wong's passion for inclusive learning and self-direction led her to a career in Special Education. With a Master's degree from Notre Dame de Namur University, she gained diverse experience teaching students with various needs in middle and high schools. Her expertise spans Resource Support, Co-taught English, and Special Day Classes for math and reading intervention.
Now serving as the Director of Student Services, Ashley holds an Administrative Credential and oversees D.tech's Special Education and Counseling department. She is committed to ensuring all students, regardless of ability, can access the general education curriculum. Beyond her administrative role, Ashley dedicates herself to providing leadership and training to teachers, fostering inclusive and diverse learning experiences for every student.
I provide support in the following areas:
Special Education Department
Counseling Department
Mental Health Program
Credit Recovery, Independent Study, and Other Special Programs
Liaison to San Mateo County Office of Education SELPA and Other Community Agencies
Contact: awong@dtechhs.org
Margarita Contreras
SCHOOL DIRECTOR
Margarita is a Bay Area native who has worked in local schools and districts for 27 years. She began her career at Woodside High School, teaching history at all levels, specializing in teaching English learners. She also taught AVID before transitioning into coordinating the program for several years. Margarita is committed to building systems that support educational equity and social justice in schools. She has carried this vision in her leadership roles at the site and central office level for the past 19 years. Margarita is pursuing a Doctorate of Education at the University of Southern California. She is a first-generation, bilingual/bicultural Latin/x educator whose mission is to support ALL students in reaching their highest potential.
Contact: mcontreras@dtechhs.org
Christina Deberry
Associate Director of Student Learning
Christina began her career in education as a special education assistant. Serving in schools, Christina saw the need for high quality Special Education teachers. Christina was inspired by the call to close the educational equity gap and joined Teach for America Corp as an Education Specialist. After three years in the classroom Christina joined Teach for America’s staff as a Manager of Teacher Leadership Development (MTLD). As an MTLD, Christina coached and provided professional development to teachers across Los Angeles. Christina relocated to the Bay area to serve at Voices as a TK-8 Dual Language Immersion Principal. Christina is an advocate for sparking change and growth in communities through learning. Christina lives by “ I can't guarantee that I’ll change the world but I guarantee that I will spark the mind that will”.
I provide support in the following areas:
9th and 11th grade Support
Makerspace Dept Liaison
Intersession
DEIB Lead
Contact: cdeberry@dtechhs.org
Liz Ramirez
Associate Director of School Culture
As an experienced educator and curriculum consultant dedicated to social justice and equitable opportunities, Liz brings a strong educational background and a deep commitment to fostering academic excellence and socio-emotional growth in students. She holds a Masters in Educational Leadership with an Administrative Credential from Santa Clara University, in addition to a math teaching credential and B.S from Occidental College. Liz has honed her skills in fostering a positive learning environment and implementing differentiated instruction to enhance educational experiences. Throughout her career, she has prioritized student success and built positive relationships with families and communities, creating partnerships to support students' holistic development. Liz is eager to contribute her skills, enthusiasm, and commitment to the continued growth and success of Design Tech High School.
I provide support in the following areas:
Advisory
10th and 12th grade Support
Math & Science Dept Liaison
Student Life (Athletics, Clubs, dances, field trips, movie nights, festivals, and Graduation)
School Safety.
Contact: lramirez@dtechhs.org
board of trustees
Betsy Corcoran
BOARD PRESIDENT
Betsy believes that great learning and creativity are two threads that help us create a joyful and vibrant life. Professionally, she’s been an award-winning journalist with organizations including The Washington Post, Scientific American and Forbes. And she’s been an entrepreneur, founding and running EdSurge, the go-to publication on education technology. Betsy also believes that the most fundamental innovation happens when you tap the power of community. As a long-time resident of the Bay Area and parent, she’s been a fan of DTech since its inception. In her spare time, she writes, swims and yes, is raising giant Sequoias from seed.
Contact: bcorcoran@dtechhs.org
Alan Crystal
BOARD MEMBER
Alan Crystal is a finance leader with experience scaling operations in organizations ranging from startup to Fortune 500, and industries including fintech, Internet, and enterprise software. Most recently, he was CFO of SmartBiz, a venture-backed fintech company that created an online platform to help under-served entrepreneurs get access to low-cost financing. He has an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business and a BA in Political Science from Stanford University. He started his career as a community development volunteer with the Peace Corps in Senegal. His wife is an elementary school educator, and they have three children -- two in college and one in high school. He's enthusiastic about the role that design principles can play in education. In his free time, he enjoys exploring the Bay Area hills -- on foot or on road bike.
Contact: acrystal@dtechhs.org
Dan Carroll
BOARD MEMBER
Dan Carroll is the Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer at Clever, a single sign-on solution used by more than 95,000 K-12 U.S. schools. Before co-founding Clever, Dan was a Teach for America science teacher and then Director of Data & Technology at STRIVE Prep in Denver. He received his bachelor’s degree in human evolutionary biology from Harvard. He spends his free time ebiking with his wife and 4 year old daughter in search of the best playground.
Contact: dcarroll@dtechhs.org
Lauren Sneed
BOARD MEMBER
Lauren is a researcher – practitioner with plans of completing her doctoral degree in educational leadership (emphasis: social justice & equity) in 2025. She is committed to educational equity and access for every student with an expertise in serving system-impacted populations. Her research focuses on disrupting the school to prison pipeline. Her positionality and expertise combined with decades of experience in the K-16 and beyond educational systems embodies cultural humility infused with innovation and advocacy. Lauren contributes to career education policy in California and has worked with the American Civil Liberties Union to investigate, report and ensure system effectiveness in alternative school settings. Originally from a Southern California family who led by example, Lauren is an alumni Faculty Lecturer who enjoys teaching a social justice and career exploration course in the Department of Counseling at San Francisco State University.
Contact: lsneed@dtechhs.org
Amy Jenkins
BOARD MEMBER
Amy leads sales, success, marketing, and operations for Meadow. She has spent most of her career in education, focused on opening up opportunities and access for students. Most recently, Amy was the Head of Schools and Businesses for Outschool during a time of tremendous growth. Prior to that, Amy was the COO of Education Elements, an investor with NewSchools Venture Fund, a consultant, a middle school teacher, and an afterschool program provider. Amy has an AB from Dartmouth College and an MBA from Harvard Business School. She lives in California with two daughters who inspire her to make the world a better place.
Contact: ajenkins@dtechhs.org
Shamar Edwards
BOARD MEMBER
Shamar Edwards has over 20 years experience leading and transforming schools as an educator, administrator, principal, and coach. She currently serves as a Senior Director of Equity for Alameda Unified School District. She holds 3 masters degrees in the following areas: Masters in Curriculum and Instruction, USC, Masters in Education Administration with an emphasis in Social Justice, UC Berkeley, Masters in Negotiation Conflict Resolution and Peace building, CSU Dominguez Hills. Shamar Edwards has extensive training in Restorative Justice Practices, Trauma Informed Pedagogy, Culturally Responsive and Anti-Racist Pedagogy. Her consultancy work focuses on Restorative School Leadership and she specializes in training school leaders to build their core competencies in emotional intelligence, communication, and conflict management skills.
Contact: sedwards@dtechhs.org
parent group (coming soon!)
Learn how parents can get involved and take leadership roles here.
Banner Photo credit: Jeremy Bitterman