San Francisco Flex Academy's academic team comprises of some of California's leading experts in school management, who are dedicated to making our school an ideal learning experience for all students.

Sean St. Denny, academic coach, was born and raised in San Francisco, where he enrolled in 1997 as a freshman in the inaugural class of Leadership High School. He was drawn to the school by its fresh approach to education, its beautiful downtown location, and its pioneering spirit. Sean was an active member of the Leadership community as a co-founder of multiple clubs, student teacher, tutor, and captain of the soccer team. After graduating from Leadership, Sean went on to attend Johns Hopkins University, where he studied Biomedical Engineering.

Meghan L. Jacquot, English teacher, was born in Indianapolis, IN and received her undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. After graduating with honors with a degree in secondary education, she became a high school teacher. A lover of books, Meghan looks forward to starting a book club at Flex. She firmly believes in giving back to the community and thinks that a primary way to do this is to teach, and she is particularly interested in Flex's melding of technology and classroom instruction. Meghan looks forward to working with this method to further the educational goals of her students.

Charles Hieger, science teacher, completed his undergraduate degree at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. His graduate studies at California State University, Los Angeles, and California State University, Fresno earned him a teaching credential in secondary science education and multiple subjects. His interests and experiences are diverse—he has worked in nuclear medicine, mixed audio for music studios in Hollywood, published original music for commercial use, and taught science in grades K–12. Charles believes in a holistic approach to science education that is exciting, hands-on, and filled with authentic discovery.

Charleston Hasson Brown, academic coach, was born in Los Angeles, California. He attended Alcorn State University located in Lorman, Mississippi where he earned his undergraduate degree in general studies while participating in collegiate sports. After graduation, Charleston decided to further his education and received his master's degree in secondary education with an emphasis in guidance counseling in 2010 from Alcorn State University. While earning his master's degree he was employed with America Reads Mississippi, a national service program, and was voted team leader in his second year with the organization. Charleston worked as a second grade teacher's assistant at Jefferson County Lower Elementary for two years. He also worked with The Boys and Girls Club and was one of two advisors and mentors of Omega Pre, an after-school program at Jefferson County High School.

Benjamin Kaupp, history teacher, received his bachelor's degree in architectural history from The University of California, Santa Cruz, and his master's degree in secondary education from the University of Southern California. A third-generation California teacher, Ben is excited to bring his passion for history and education to SF Flex. Additionally, coming from a completely online master's program, Ben is uniquely suited to help students take advantage of an online education that also offers the academic spirit and support found at SF Flex.

Marion A. Shine, counselor, was born in Oakland, but spent her adult life in Los Angeles. She received her undergraduate degree in recreation with an option in recreation therapy from California State University, Long Beach. For 10 years she worked for nonprofit social service organizations (Parks and Recreation, YWCA, mental and rehabilitation hospitals, and pregnant and parenting teen case management). Marion's job as an educational school consultant in the Student Study Team Process for Compton and Los Angeles School Districts led her to attain her master's degree and Pupil Personnel Services credential in school counseling from the University of LaVerne. She has 15 years experience in the educational arena as a college and guidance counselor, and feels that her passion for the field of counseling carries over to the clients she serves, regardless of their level of achievement or ethnicity. Marion believes that a good counselor should be "assertive but compassionate, detail-oriented but flexible, authoritarian but good-natured, and a leader but also willing to follow." She strives to keep all of these qualities in her daily life.

Christine Tejuco, academic coach, was born and raised in the Bay Area. After receiving her bachelor's degree in psychology from San Francisco State University, Christine served a year with AmeriCorps supporting students and professors in the Early College Program at East Palo Alto Academy High School. This program allowed high school students to take college courses, thus giving them a head start and preparing them for college. Christine's experience with AmeriCorps led her to attain her master's degree in counseling from California State University, East Bay. During her first year of study, she interned at Visitacion Valley Middle School, supporting students in the academic, personal/social, and career domains. In her last year of study, she interned at Thurgood Marshall High School's Wellness Center, working with the Student Intervention Team, a team of mental health professionals that provide counseling and support to students.

As the academic coach at SF Flex Academy, Christine's mission is to increase the academic achievement of all students. When working with students, she uses a strength-based approach, focusing on helping students find the strengths and resources they have instead of on "what's wrong," She is passionate about helping students use these strengths to be motivated for success and overcome academic barriers.

Linlin Zhang, math teacher, earned her bachelor's degree in math from the University of California, Berkeley. In 2007, she finished her graduate studies in math at San Francisco State University, and two years later completed her single-subject teaching credential at the same school. Linlin has been teaching high school math for the past four years. She enjoys working with students, and she believes in learning through doing, and that a student's success lies on his/her own effort. Linlin is excited to join Flex Academy where students can have a more individualized learning experience.

Lisa McVeigh, special education teacher, earned a Bachelor of Science in print journalism and a minor in English from Boston University. During college, Lisa worked in the GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) program at Brighton High School, acting as a tutor and support teacher to help disadvantaged students prepare for the rigorous academics of college. She also ran BU's chapter of Best Buddies, where college students acted as mentors to young adults with developmental disabilities. Lisa earned her master's degree in special education (mild–moderate) at San Francisco State University's credential program, during which she student-taught ninth grade resource at Gateway High School in San Francisco. Lisa also worked at The Arc San Francisco for three years, where she acted as a job coach and independent living skills instructor for adults with developmental disabilities. Lisa is continuing her passion for providing equal access and helping students reach mastery by supporting Flex students who have learning challenges as they prepare for college, celebrating their strengths and accomplishments along the way.

Daniela DiGiacomo, academic coach, received her master's degree in development studies from Cambridge University in the United Kingdom. Prior to accepting a position at SF Flex, Daniela worked in several interesting roles, including as a social worker, immigration law paralegal, and refugee biographer. Her passion and appreciation of other cultures has guided her many travels abroad. She studied Latin American Studies at the University of California, Berkeley. Daniela loves working at SF Flex because she believes that a school independent of zip code placement is the school of the future. She hopes to instill enthusiasm for world language learning and diversity appreciation in her students this and every year.