At GAIS, all teachers are credentialed and qualified to teach the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme.

Our Middle School Teachers

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Julia Mumme - Teacher of Grade 7 and Math/Science/Art

I was born and raised in Rinteln, Germany, and studied at the Heinrich-Heine University in Duesseldorf. I spent some time in New Zealand and Australia before finishing my studies as a Gymnasium level teacher for mathematics and biology. I am very much looking forward to working at GAIS.

Andre Biesel - Teacher of Grade 8 and Social Studies

I was born in the beautiful Lausitz area in Germany and studied German, mathematics and education of children with special needs. Later, I directed a center focused on helping students with reading and writing challenges and dyslexia in Magdeburg. I am looking forward to the new challenge of teaching at GAIS in an international environment.

Mareike Hoelzel - Teacher of Grade 6 and Science/IT/Social Studies

I was born and raised at Ludwigshafen in Germany and studied Biologie, Geographie and German at the Ruprecht-Karls Univerity and at the teacher training college in Heidelberg. Before I came here, I taught for six years at a junior Highschool in Baden-Wuerttemberg, which was a school with a whole day profile. Besides that, I worked part-time at the Center of Environmental Education of Baden-Wuerttemberg. My job there was teaching and supporting other teachers from all types of schools (from Elementary up to High School) in practicing projects in science and environmental education.
For me it is a great opportunity to work at GAIS and to be a part of this IB-School. I am looking forward to have personal contact to the students and the parents.

Bridey Baring - Teacher of English

I was born and raised in the wine region of country Victoria in Australia. In 2000 I graduated from Charles Sturt University with a Bachelor of Education (Primary). I then worked full time for seven years in three Elementary Schools, teaching all subjects from 3rd through to 6th grade. During this time I was heavily involved in student sporting programs and coaching. Before moving to the Bay Area in January of 2008, I taught English, Computer Technology and Social Studies at a girls’ school in Brisbane, Queensland. I am looking forward to becoming a member of and contributing to the GAIS community.

Kylie Whalen - Support Teacher of English

Hi GAIS families. My name is Kylie Whalen and I am working as the English Support Teacher this year. I recently moved to the Bay Area from Washington, D.C. where I taught first grade for the past three years. Prior to that I taught English as a Fulbright Scholar in Berlin to German middle school and high school students. I am enjoying the warm weather in Northern CA and spending my weekends hiking, biking, trying new restaurants, and watching my favorite football teams. I look forward to meeting you.

Anneliese Messner - Music Teacher

I grew up in Minnesota and Austria and studied in Innsbruck, Austria, and Amherst, Massachusetts. I earned Master’s degrees in Music Education and Vocal Performance. I have taught grades K-12 at private and public schools in Austria, Germany, Massachusetts, and California.

Elena Pacheco - Teacher of Spanish

I was born and raised in Santiago, Chile, and received a B.A. from Escuela Americana de Traductores e Interpretes in Chile. I am a translator for English, Spanish and French. I taught Spanish in Chile in The Experiment in International Living for four years. My previous experience includes teaching at Foothill College in Los Altos Hills for twelve years, at San Mateo Adult Education for six years and at The Carey School for 21 years. My hobbies include a weekly visit to the recreation room at Lucile's Packard's Children Hospital at Stanford, where I have been a volunteer for 19 years. Currently, I am taking classes at Stanford University, School of Education, and with Bay Area Foreign Language Programs (BAFLOP).

Celine Wahl - Teacher of French

Bonjour! My name is Celine. I am the new French teacher and very pleased to work for an IB school. I was born in Lille, in the northern part of France, where I later studied German at the University of Lille, to become a teacher. In 1995 I moved to Munich/Germany, where I taught French to children and adults. In 2000 we moved to California and we really enjoy the Californian way of life! My passion is teaching my mother tongue and conveying the original French culture. I also work for PAFEA, teaching French to French children who live here. My goal is to make your children speak French without the fear of making mistakes - as this is part of the process of learning a foreign language. A bientot!

After-School Teachers

Simone Bally - After-School (Hort) Teacher

My name is Simone Bally. I am 29 years old and I grew up in Berlin, Germany, where I received my M.A. in American and British Studies. In 2003, I spent a few months in New York City to improve my English and widen my horizons. After finishing my studies I worked in different after-school tutoring centers and loved working with children coming from different backgrounds. My husband and I have been living in San Mateo since May 2008, and I am very much looking forward to working in after-school care with your children.

Eva Ollenschlaeger - After-School (Hort) Teacher

I grew up near Cologne and went to the University of Münster, where I earned the '1st Staatsexamen' for the teaching profession at elementary schools in 2007. When I first came to California in 2005 as a visitor, I immediately fell in love with the Bay Area and decided - after graduating from the University of Münster - to continue my education at the University of San Francisco, where I recently received a Master's Degree in Teaching English as a Second Language. I look forward to working with a community of international students, parents, and staff.