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.

 

 

 

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.

Before coming to OSA, Dr. Ordaz 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. Ms. Ordaz received her bachelor’s degree in Child and Adolescent Development and her Master’s degree in Special Education. Dr. Orda 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.

He is originally from Sacramento, California. He attended UC Davis for his bachelors degree and Johns Hopkins for his masters degree in education. After beginning his career as a Spanish teacher for District of Columbia Public Schools, he moved to beautiful Oakland in 2017 to take a position as an assistant principal serving the Sobrante Park community, supporting their efforts to establish a strong, equity-centered community. Emerging from the pandemic, he served as principal of a small charter high school, working to re-open their doors, re-establish traditions, and ensure social emotional well-being after unprecedented times. In his free time he loves to travel, and has been to Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Costa Rica. He loves to learn and speaks 3 languages and also has a passion for cooking.

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.

Eric Wallner, SHRM has over twenty years experience in organizational development and team building, mentoring staff, artists and arts educators. He holds a B.A. from Brown University in Modern Culture and Media, a M.A. in Arts Policy and Administration from the Ohio State University and has taught in the Arts Management program at George Mason University. Past roles include CEO of the Torpedo Factory Art Center, Executive Director at Zaccho Dance Theatre and Deputy Director at the Oklahoma Contemporary.

Ms. Zaugg has been an integral part of OSA for many years, most recently as the Director of Enrollment and Student Services. She lives in Oakland with her husband and adorable dog, and always knows what students are up to. In her role as Director of Enrollment and Student Services, she will continue to her previous duties, including student services, and she will take on additional school wide management and leadership for arts and academic teachers. Before shifting into education, Katy began her career in the arts as a proud graduate of California College of Arts and Crafts. She worked for four years in public schools and alternative education programs before coming to OSA. In addition to working at OSA, Katy supervises student teachers in the field for the Mills College Educators for Liberation, Justice, and Joy credential program.