Annie Oppenheim is committed to exploring non-dominant narratives in U.S. history with her 8th grade students at Caliber Beta Academy. She originally grew up on the East Coast but moved to California after graduating from Dartmouth College in New Hampshire. She studied history and education policy which fueled her desire to teach history from diverse, non-traditional perspectives. After graduation, she began her teaching career at an all boys private school in San Francisco while simultaneously completing a two-year training program to earn her teaching credential. She joined Caliber this year because she was inspired by the innovative and creative approaches to meet the needs of students and families from all backgrounds. In her free time, she loves being active in the outdoors with friends and family, especially running, hiking or rock climbing! 

From her team:

"Annie puts student learning first. Walk into her class and you'll see students analyzing historical documents and discussing important ideas all while exploring their own. She believes in her students and her passion for history comes through in her storytelling. We're so excited to welcome her to team!"

"Annie is new to the team this year in 8th grade but has definitely hit the ground running. She is constantly working to hold her students to high expectations in Social Studies class through rigorous texts while also making sure they feel supported and engaged. Additionally, I have seen Annie push our team to make sure no kid falls through the cracks or has needs that go unnoticed. Lastly, I know I can trust Annie to be supportive and thoughtful as a team member when it comes to day to day logistics. She often volunteers to take on an extra task so that the team doesn't have to worry about it. We are lucky to have her with us this year!"

"Annie is dedicated, positive, and hard working. She brings such joy to our campus."

More about Annie!
What is your favorite thing about working at Caliber? 
One of my favorite things about working at Caliber is the supportive staff community. Be it administrators or teachers, I feel like I am constantly being heard, encouraged and offered a helping hand when needed. The combination of both autonomy and support that I have been given as a new teacher has made for a smooth transition this school year, and I am so appreciative of "the village" that has supported me thus far.

What was your favorite subject in school? 
Growing up I really loved math, but I never took a math class again after finishing calculus! When I was in college, I realized how history can help us make sense of the world we live in today... I find it fascinating! My goal as a history teacher here at Caliber is to help students realize not only how cool history is (nerd moment), but also the pivotal role students play in their own histories. 

What is your favorite memory associated with music? 
My first concert was the Spice Girls Reunion Tour when I was in 5th grade, which makes for a pretty special musical memory. More recently I had the opportunity to see a show at Red Rocks in Colorado. The beauty of the venue combined with the music I heard made it truly unforgettable! 

If you could go on a dream vacation, where would you go? 
If I could go on a dream vacation, I would spend time traveling throughout South America. From the mountains to the cities, I am eager to explore, not to mention the fact that it would give me an opportunity to finally become fluent in Spanish :)

What is your favorite part about living in the Bay Area? 
As an East Coast native, my favorite thing about the Bay Area is it's geographic diversity. The fact that I can wake up in a the middle of a city and 30 minutes later be on the Pacific Ocean or hiking on the trails of Marin or the East Bay still blows my mind!

What's something surprising that most people wouldn't know about you? 
One thing most people don't know about me is that I am the 4th out of 5 kids in my family. While that isn't that interesting, what is interesting is that 6 out of 7 of us (parents included) are left handed!  Though lefties make up only 10% of the world, we make up 87% of my immediate family! 

We deeply appreciate your perspective and contribution to the Caliber team, Annie! Keep it up! 

We are absolutely thrilled to have a rockstar, speech-language pathologist join our team this year... Deanna Mosher! Deanna works tremendously hard at ChangeMakers Academy AND Beta Academy to provide speech therapy services. Originally from Canada, Deanna moved to the U.S. nine years ago to study speech-language pathology. She graduated from St. Cloud State University, just outside of Minneapolis. After graduating, she moved to California to take a job providing speech therapy to preschool children at Cameron School in El Cerrito. Although Deanna has only been on our team since August, it's amazing to see the progress students have made with her guidance. We are so grateful for you, Deanna! 

Words about Deanna from Caliber Staff
"Coming on the the Caliber team this year, Deanna has dove into the culture, services, and dynamics with such finesse and perseverance. Her devotion to services and student really has shined through. Thank you Deanna."

All about Deanna!
1. What is your favorite thing about working at Caliber?
All of the amazing staff, teachers and children!! It's heart warming to see students' happy faces every day when it's speech time!
2. What was your favorite subject growing up?
English - I love creative writing
3. What is your favorite memory associated with music (maybe a memorable concert, or playing an instrument yourself!)?
Singing along to my favorite song in the car!
4. If you could go on a dream vacation, what would you do + where would you go?
I would like to travel all over the world.  But if I had to choose one place, I would go to Italy and Greece.  I would explore the cities, learn about the history and eat delicious food!
5. What is your favorite thing about the Bay Area (or specifically about Richmond and Vallejo!)?
I love the diversity of the Bay Area.  There are so many wonderful places to hike... Honestly, there is always something fun and exciting to do in the Bay!  
6. What is one fun fact that most people don't know about you?
I'm newly married. I just tied the knot two months ago :)  
Congratulations on the wedding, Deanna! 

Aydee Sanchez-Velez has worked for Caliber Beta Academy since the founding year. She is originally from Benicia and has lived in Richmond for almost 5 years. Aydee joined Caliber as a custodian, but quickly realized that she wanted a more student-facing role on the Meal Team. As the Meal Coordinator, she has worked tirelessly to serve 4 meals a day and over 1,000 meals across Caliber Schools since 2015!

Words about Aydee from the Beta staff:
"Aydee takes care of our Beta kids like her own! She makes sure all kiddos are well fed and works relentlessly to ensure everyone gets a full & nutritional meal. Her hard labor shows in the smiles of each child that she encounters on a daily basis!" 

"Aydee has been with Caliber since the beginning. She is such an important part of the Caliber family and does so much for our students behind the scenes. "

"Aydee is incredibly passionate about our students and this community. I really value her opinion, both as an employee and as a parent." 

All about Aydee!
What is your favorite thing about working for Caliber? 
My most favorite thing about working with Caliber is interacting with kids. I worked for the AAA insurance company for many years, until I figured out that working with kids is SO much more fun! I have a daughter and a nephew that go to school here and I want what's best for them. 

What was your favorite subject growing up? 
I had two favorite subjects: math and science! If you had asked my mom, she would have said it was RECESS! 

What is your favorite memory associated with music? 
I went to a Taylor Swift concert with my best friend. We had so much fun singing and dancing together... It was a blast! 

If you could go on a dream vacation, what would you do + where would you go? 
I would want to visit Maui. I would love relaxing on the beach with my family. 

What is your favorite thing about the Bay Area? 
The cool weather! Although not so much lately.... 

Anything else you want to share? 
Everyone should know that I am a kid at heart. I may look serious, but in reality I'm pretty silly!

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