Beth Brenner-Josef joined OSA in 2023 and brings many years of nonprofit finance experience. Beth has spent many years working in various finance and administrative capacities for a variety of nonprofit organizations. She has led and managed all aspects of finance, accounting, audit, human resource, facilities/IT, and board reporting and has coordinated all aspects of financial planning and management for educational and charitable entities. Beth holds an MBA from Northeastern University and a MPA from The American University. She lives in Marin with her husband and two dogs.

Rachel Dalton joined OSA in 2022 and brings 20 years of experience in education. She was formerly a Montessori teacher, a high school Social Studies/English teacher, a curriculum designer, and a district-wide teacher coach. After earning a Master's in Educational Administration in 2016, Rachel moved into school leadership and has been serving charter schools in administrative roles since then. She is committed to innovative educational programs that are flexible and responsive to students' academic and social-emotional needs. She brings a restorative approach to problem-solving, a collaborative and servant-based approach to leadership, and a joy-based approach to relationships with students and families.

Before coming to OSA, Dr. Dixon has been working as a Special Education Specialist at Seneca Family of Agencies teaching  middle school. After her first year of teaching, she realized that she had a special bond with students who had experienced severe trauma and marginalization, which is where her passion for special education began. For nine years she worked with a diverse range of emotional, physical and cultural backgrounds in one of the most highly restrictive educational settings that exist. It shaped who she is today and the lens she brings into this work. In addition to teaching, she is also a lifelong learner. Dr. Dixon received her bachelor’s degree in Child and Adolescent Development and her Master’s degree in Special Education. Dr. Dixon received her Special Education and Disability Studies Doctoral program at USF where her research focused on the   overrepresentation of African American males in special education diagnosed with emotional disturbance. She has dedicated her life to serving and supporting students with disabilities and looks forward to continuing that work at OSA.

 

 

 

Mr. Harris has been with OSA for a number of years, and believes in supporting our students through providing a safe and attractive campus to enhance their educational experience.

 Amanda Lacro joins our team with over a decade of experience in the field of education, having held pivotal roles in Admissions at UC Berkeley and Head-Royce School. Her journey in the education sector is deeply rooted in a rich background in the arts. Amanda started dancing at the age of 5 and attended the Las Vegas Academy of Arts, a high school very similar to OSA. She then went on to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from San Jose State University, where she was honored with the esteemed Carol Ann Haww's Award for Excellence in Performance. Amanda further honed her craft through a dynamic professional dance career, performing nationally and internationally with renowned modern contemporary companies including Printz Dance Project, Binki Danz, and KTDavis Dance, to name a few. Amanda's extensive experience in enrollment management, combined with her artistic insight, profoundly shapes her approach to her role. Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her family, friends, and two cats, Kahlo and Aiko.

 

Tom Li's journey in education and Human Resources began at UC Irvine, where he worked as a Peer Educator supporting first-generation and low-income students, helping them navigate the challenges of higher education. He also contributed to the Writing Center as a Writing and Library Research Specialist, advising students on cover letters, resumes, and application materials. Afterwards, Tom's HR career blossomed at a leading biotechnology company, where he successfully led their HR team for several years. Now back in his hometown of Oakland, Tom remains dedicated to his community and passionate about education. In his free time, he enjoys reading, volunteering, cooking, and engaging in career talks with students.

With his multi-generational family history in the Oakland arts community, Mr. Oz has a strong sense of pride in being a long standing member of OSA. Mr. Oz earned both his master's degree in education and his multiple subject teaching credential from  UC Santa Cruz in 2004 and spent time in the classroom teaching Special Education, Mathematics, and Science. Soon after joining OSA in 2006, Mr. Oz's commitment to creating an inviting school culture and equitable educational experience for all students led him to be part of the leadership team in 2009. At  OSA, Mr. Oz has held the roles of Dean of Students, Assistant Principal, High School Principal, and   School Principal. In this Executive DIrector role he will be maintaining some responsibilities previously held as Principal while transitioning much of his focus to the advancement and long term sustainability of the school. Mr. Oz is humbled and activated in taking on this challenge.

 

 

Arlyle Schultz is happy to be starting her 17th year at OSA. She started with the Middle School in 2006 as a humanities teacher and has since moved into the Head Counselor position. She is responsible for overseeing scheduling and advising the 6th -9th grade. She's excited for the new semester and looks forward to working with students, families, and faculty in the 23-24 school year. 

 

 

 

Mr. Smith has been working in Information Technology since 1987. David joined OSA in its first year. He is excited to be working with the OSA community to design an effective, reliable, and innovative technology infrastructure that supports OSA in all areas. He holds a B.A. from Earlham College.

Dr. Delores Thompson joined OSA in 2014, creating www.kosaradio.org, a student-operated 24 hour online radio station. Shortly afterward, Dr. Thompson developed a broadcast course and curriculum for OSA students.  A 25-year broadcast veteran, Dr.  Thompson started her career at KSBT TV 'SoulBeat,' a 24hr Black-owned video network where she served as the Program Director for stations New York & Sonoma County outlets. Los Angeles radio stations 1230 KGFJ on-air talent/Assistant Program Director/Music Director. After 7 years she moved over to 102.3 KJLH owned by Stevie Wonder where she earned the title of  Southern California's #1 Lady in the Mid-days. Currently, Dr. Thompson can be heard over the air-waves weekends on 102.9 KBLX and she can be seen on TV One's "Unsung" music docuseries.