MHMS MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM  (grades 6-8)

MATHEMATICS & SCIENCE

Nirmala Yuvaraj

Neetika Nigam

This is Ms. Neetika's 3rd year teacher mathematics at MHMS. 

HISTORY & ENGLISH

Christine Hansen- Head of English Department

In her 5th year at MHMS, Ms. Hansen is the Head of Middle School. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development from Cal State East Bay and has been teaching grades 4-8 in a private school setting for 18 years. She believes that the better students can communicate with each other through solid English skills, the better they can communicate with the rest of the world. Ms. Hansen has two adult sons, enjoys hiking with her dog, Toby, and visiting the beach at her “happy place,” in Morro Bay along the Central Coast. 

Kyra Boisseree

MHMS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PROGRAM

Kathy Miedema 

Ms. Kathy Miedema is a First Grade teacher at Mission Hills. She has been with the school for more than eight years, first as a parent and volunteer, and now as a teacher. She has a bachelor's degree in communications and has worked in journalism, technology and higher education before coming to Mission Hills to teach. Her two daughters attend James Logan High School in Union City, and her husband writes about sports for the Mercury News. You may see her walking to school in the morning. Please roll down your window and say hello! 

Suma Joshi

This is Ms. Joshi's 4th year at MHMS. She enjoys teaching 3 rd graders with the countless excitement year after year. She has B.A. in Human Development from California State East Bay University in Hayward with an emphasis on Child Development. She brings with her over 10 years of experience, nurturing, and creativity. She is an amazing team player. She loves to empower her students and make them excited about learning. She likes to incorporate classroom discussion and hands on activities as well as flexible about incorporating effective methods to provide the best learning experience her students. In her free time, she loves to spend time with her family and get creative with Lego
blocks.

Deepthi Damera

Tina Do

With her passion for teaching, unconditional love for children, and perpetual enthusiasm, Ms. Do is ecstatic to continue teaching fourth grade at MHMS. Ms. Do possesses a Bachelor’s in Psychology from San Jose State University, a Master’s in Elementary Education from University of Phoenix, and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from California.  It is her ultimate goal to provide a safe, interactive, and productive learning environment, in which all students are able to excel, no matter what their learning styles or abilities. Ms. Do has been married for nearly 13 years and has a twelve-year-old son and a seven year-old daughter also attending MHMS. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, running, reading, and practicing piano.

Mitch Lin

In his 11th year at MHMS, Mr. Mitch Lin continues to teach one of the 5th grade classes. Mr.Lin has a B.S. from California State East Bay University Hayward and  a Masters in Education from the University of Phoenix. He also holds a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential in the State of California. Mitch has over five years of experience working with students in a variety of settings. He strives to create an environment where students feel safe, challenged, and motivated to learn. His students always look forward to going to the Science Camp with him. When not teaching, Mitch enjoys spending time with his wife and 2 little ones. 

Bonnie Bonar

This is Ms.Bonar's 7th year teaching 5th graders at MHMS. Ms.Bonar has a B.A. in English with a Minor in Elementary Education, with an emphasis on Developmental Reading. She brings with her many years of teaching experience, a great passion for education, and an amazing sense of humor. She loves STEM activities and Harry Potter. 

MHMS  JUNIOR-KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM:

Mayette Losloso

For the 10th year in a row, the MHMS Junior Kindergarten program is led by Ms.Mayette who has taught children ages 4-5 for over 25 years. With her educational background and extensive experience, Ms.Mayette meets the individual needs of the children in her classroom and ensures that they are well-prepared for  kindergarten. Parents welcome her expertise and willingness to always take the time to talk to them. She provides such a warm, nurturing environment that the children are happy to tackle any new,challenging concept that she introduces to them. Her creative projects decorate the walls outside her classroom. She never runs out of energy! In her free time, Ms.Mayette loves to spend time with her two sons.

Irene Arcaina (Jr.K Aide)

MHMS KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM:

Ann Marisela Torres

In her 8th year with MHMS, Ms.Mary, as the students call her, continues to teach the Kindergarten students at Mission Hills School in Castro Valley. She brings her passion, her laughter, and her creativity to the students, engaging them every step of the way. She has experience teaching Spanish,  supervising the school library, and working with different age levels. She has two children, a son and a daughter.

Christine Reyes

This is Ms. Christine's 9th year at MHMS, and once again, she will be working as a Kindergarten teacher's assistant to help the students reach their full potential.  Ms.Christine graduated from San Francisco State University with a BA in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in Child Development. She has been working with kids for over 8 years and loves every minute of it. Her passions include working with kids, arts and crafts, and the Golden State Warriors (NBA Champs!). You can always catch her playing with the kids, laughing, and running around.

Priscilla Elias 

Ms.Priscilla, also known as the 'school daughter,' has been at MHMS for over 9 years. Whether she is assigned to the older students or the younger ones, outside or inside, classtime or playtime, Ms.Priscilla always knows how to manage the students. She is taking Early Childhood Education classes and loves being Ms.Sara's assistant. 

Terry Remien -- Teacher at CV

MHMS COUNSELING

Trish Boisseree

In her 12th year as the counselor at Mission Hills Middle School,  Mrs.Boisseree is excited about helping to build an environment that supports each child’s learning style, strengths, and talents.  She adheres to a proactive and prevention model that empowers students to become active and responsible participants in their academic learning and social interactions.  She loves learning, exploring ideas, and making connections.  Her degrees in counseling, psychology, social welfare, and education are a testament to her belief in lifelong learning (B.A. in psychology and social welfare from the University of California, Berkeley; M.S. in counseling and child clinical psychology from California State University, East Bay; California license as an Educational Psychologist; California Pupil Personnel Services Credential in Counseling and School Psychology).  For over twenty years, she has worked with students of various grade levels (from preschool through college), their teachers, and parents.

MHS CASTRO VALLEY ADMINISTRATION

LIBRARY

Alejandra Rosales in Union City

MHMS ELECTIVES

ART 

Jay Hsu (art, grades 5-8)

In his 5th year at MHMS, Mr.Hsu is excited to continue his art program for 4th-8th graders at MHMS. Mr.Hsu holds a Bachelor’s degree for Applied Science in Motion Graphic Design from the Ex'pression College for Digital Arts Emeryville, CA. With a special love for teaching, Mr.Hsu is currently working on his Masters in Education.  He has over 8 years of experience instructing children of ages four to fifteen. Mr.Hsu loves sharing his knowledge and creativity with the students at MHMS. 

FRENCH

Gaelle Goutain 

Although this is Ms. Gaëlle Goutain’s 5th year at MHMS, you would think she has been with the staff since 2009! She teaches French to grades 5-8 students and happily takes on many other responsibilities related to the school. Students, staff, and parents love her positive attitude. A native of the French Alps, Gaëlle has a journalism diploma from the University of Grenoble, and a teaching diploma from the Alliance Française of Paris. She has been teaching French to students from 4 to 85 years old since 2005. She has lived in France, the UK, and the USA, and has enjoyed sharing her culture with students from various backgrounds. When she is not teaching, she likes to read mystery novels, run in the Coyote Hills, and spend time with her family and her two dogs. 

Stuart Pace 

Mr.Pace has over 18 years of teaching experience. He has a BA in Classical Greek from BYU, and an MA in Classical Philology from UCLA. He loves languages (fluent in multiple languages), poetry, literature, art, music, science, drama, and films with subtitles. As an aspiring author himself, Ms.Pace tries to help students unlock their inner author. He also loves to incorporate music into his classroom. In his 6th year at MHMS, Mr.Pace is very excited to teach French to all of the elementary grades. When he is not teaching, Mr.Pace loves to spend time with his wife and two children. 

SPANISH   

Frida Larson in Union City

Ms. Larson teaches Spanish to the middle school students. Born and raised in Mexico, Ms. Larson received her B.A. in Tourism and Spanish from Universidad de Guadalajara. She later attended Culinary School in Mexico to further her passion of cooking. Prior to moving to the USA, Ms.Larson tsught in Gremany and Spain. In her free time, she enjoys attedning cultural events, arts, and tutoring students of all ages in Spanish. She is excited about teaching the Spanish language and culture at MHMS. 

Stuart Pace in Castro Valley

PHYSICAL EDUCATION, MUSIC, and DRAMA

MHMS Supporting Staff

Ms. Namrita Nigam  takes care of our front desk, various administrative duties, study hall, and serves as a substitute teacher as needed. Her positive attitude and smile are contagious! 

Ms.Emma, Ms.Juana, Ms.Luisa, Ms. Irene, Ms.Maria, and Ms.Mytzi  are the teachers' aides that are on duty during all recesses, lunchtime, and during the before & after school daycare. They supervise & guide the children, play with them, listen to them, and take care of them. They share many laughs, wipe many hands, and magically make many injuries disappear! We totally appreciate their hard work and dedication!