School of Education

Preparing Community Leaders for Current Trends

The goal of the School of Education is to prepare competent teachers, specialists, administrators, and community leaders through professional programs that reflect current trends.

Personalized attention and individualized counseling for students, field orientation of programs, and successful placement of practicum students and graduates have characterized the program since its inception. All credentials are credited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).

The School of Education offers students the possibility of enrolling concurrently in some master’s and credential programs. The School has several integrated programs designed to support each student as they prepare to be a professional educator or a community leader. Integrated programs articulate some coursework between the credential and the graduate degree, significantly reducing the time and financial resources required to earn a degree. Faculty representing diverse academic and practical expertise teach the courses. Courses are available during both Summer sessions and the Fall and Spring semesters. We offer courses on afternoons/evenings and weekends to accommodate work commitments.

Welcome from the Interim Dean, Dr. Kelly Vaughn

Welcome to the School of Education at Notre Dame de Namur University!

As the Interim Dean, I am thrilled to welcome you to our vibrant community of educators and learners. Our mission is to prepare compassionate, competent, and culturally responsive educators who are committed to fostering equitable learning environments. At the School of Education, we are dedicated to four key initiatives that guide our programs and reflect our commitment to excellence in teacher education:

Social Emotional Learning and Cultural Competencies: We recognize the importance of nurturing the whole child. Our programs prioritize social emotional learning and cultural competencies, equipping future educators with the skills to support diverse student populations and create inclusive classrooms. This initiative is the foundation which predicates the other three.
International and Regional Outreach: We believe in the power of collaboration and engagement beyond our campus. Our outreach initiatives aim to build strong partnerships both internationally and regionally, enhancing our educational practices while fostering global perspectives.
Online Modalities: In response to the evolving landscape of education, we are committed to offering innovative online modalities. This flexibility allows us to reach a broader audience and provides our students with accessible, high-quality education that meets their diverse needs.
Effective Use of AI in Teacher Education: We are embracing the advancements in technology by integrating artificial intelligence into our teacher education programs. Our goal is to prepare educators who are not only tech-savvy but also capable of leveraging AI to enhance teaching and learning experiences.

In sum, we are a progressive and transformative learning community where our students are empowered to make a meaningful difference in their schools, communities, and in the world. As you embark on your academic journey at NDNU’s School of Education, I encourage you to embrace the experiences that await you. To all our new and returning students, welcome!

Kelly Vaughn, Ph.D.
Interim Dean
kvaughn@ndnu.edu
650-508-3474

Maria Patron
Executive Assistant
mpatron@ndnu.edu
650-508-3430

Multiple Subject Credential Program

Stephanie Demaree Ed.D.
Program Director
sdemaree@ndnu.edu
650-508-3738

Single Subject Credential Program

Kelly Delaney Ed.D.
Program Director
kdelaney@ndnu.edu
650-508-3765

MA Education

Susan Charles Ed.D.
Program Director
scharles@ndnu.edu
650-508-3473

MA School Administration/Administrative Services Credential Program

Susan Charles Ed.D.
Program Director
scharles@ndnu.edu
650-508-3473

Education Specialist Credential/MA Special Education
Sharon T. O’ Neil Ed.D.
Program Director
soneil@ndnu.edu

MA Educational Therapy (MA ED Therapy)

Polly Mayer M.A.
Program Director
pmayer@ndnu.edu
650 766-7415

MA Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Leadership (MA DEI Leadership)

Susan Charles Ed.D.
Program Director
scharles@ndnu.edu
650-508-3473

Notre Dame de Namur University is an equal opportunity employer firmly committed to non-discrimination in its hiring and other employment practices and personnel policies. In compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, except where a bona fide occupational qualification exists, NDNU will make employment decisions irrespective of the staff member’s race, color, religion, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age (except for minors), sex, marital status, citizenship status, military service status, sexual orientation, medical condition (a cancer-related or genetic condition), disability and/or any another status protected by law. When necessary, the NDNU will reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities if they are otherwise qualified to perform all essential functions safely and do it without undue hardship to the NDNU. Inquiries regarding the College’s equal opportunity policies should be directed to the Human Resources Department via email at hr@ndnu.edu. NDNU admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.

Mark Dee

Magellan Solutions USA launched under the visionary leadership of Mark A. K. Dee, Chief Executive Officer – a consultant and service provider for healthcare administrative support, IT development, energy, call center, and business process outsourcing. Mark has served in various multi-level management positions in his 21 years of service in the United States Air Force (USAF). He performed as Immunology and Microbiology department manager, Medical Laboratory Assistant Director, Facility and Security Manager, and finally retiring in the military in 2008 as Superintendent/Assistant Chief of Operations of 330 personnel Medical Group. Mark has experiences in the services industries since he retired, including running a restaurant chain as the CEO. He has also developed other businesses in the Martials Arts studio and 3d-printing industries. He has a BS in Health Sciences and Hospital Administration, Board Certified in Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Graduated in the Senior Executive Leadership School from the USAF, Master’s in Business Administration, and a Master’s of Science in Systems Management at Notre Dame De Namur University.

Chosen Cheng

Chosen Cheng is owner of CMC Group, a privately held engineering and marketing consultancy for small business startup ventures. He currently works with project teams developing patented award-winning solar roofing systems and patent pending drone-based augmented reality geological and thermal mapping solutions. He was formerly a Silicon Valley marketing and innovative corporate training manager. As an avocation and a way to “pay it forward” he enjoys teaching and career coaching college and graduate MBA students many of whom are pioneering first generation college students from underserved communities. He and his wife, a Notre Dame alum, celebrated their wedding reception at the Ralston Mansion in the 70’s and have two stupendously successful, married adult children who between them have four stupendously adorable grandchildren.

Arthur Chait

Entrepreneur, Executive, Engineer, Investor, Professor, Mentor. Founder & CEO EoPlex Inc. ($31 million VC funded startup acquired by ASTI Singapore). President Stanford Research Institute (SRI) Consulting Division (800 staff worldwide). SVP Flextronics (responsible for $8 Billion in global accounts). President Zitel Software. Principal Booz Allen. R&D Director Halliburton. Adjunct Professor Menlo College, Visiting Professor Universidad Francisco Marroquin (Guatemala), Mentor Draper University, Judge Startup Chile. BS Engineering Rutgers, MBA Strategy University Pittsburgh.

Kelly Cansler

Kelly completed both her BS (Finance/Economics) and MBA from NDNU. She utilized her business education to launch an insurance agency in 2008 with Farmers Insurance. It’s grown into multi-million-dollar agency, organically and through acquisition. She has been recognized by Farmers Insurance being ranked within the top 10% of agents nationwide, but also as a speaker, trainer, and mentor within the Farmers Insurance Community. Kelly is extremely connected with local businessowners through several networking channels.

Cliff Burnette

Cliff is the senior vice president and chief human resources officer at Rambus, a global chip and IP provider that advances data center connectivity and solves the bottleneck between memory and processing. Cliff has over 20 years of experience leading global human resources operations for publicly traded companies with expertise in employee relations, organizational development, and compensation strategy. Prior to Rambus, Cliff worked for several other high-tech companies in the semiconductor and medical device space and holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Marketing from Texas State University and a master’s degree in Human Resources Management and Organization Development from the University of Texas at Austin.

Memo Morantes

Memo Morantes has been a San Mateo County resident for more than 45 years. He has been a three-term San Mateo County Board of Education incumbent, a Redwood City/San Mateo County Chamber of Commerce board member, a Sequoia Hospital Foundation member, a co-chair of the Latino Leadership Council of San Mateo, and a civic/community activist.

Sheryl Young

Sheryl serves as a director for Philanthropic Ventures Foundation, which provides $10M each year for innovative teachers and social entrepreneurs throughout the Bay Area. Prior Sheryl served as CEO of Community Gatepath and AbilityPath.org. She has over 30 years of managerial experience in operations, finance, and marketing. Young is a graduate of the Stanford University Graduate School of Business Executive Program for Non-Profit Leaders, earned an M.A. of Public Health from UC Berkeley, an M.A. in Special Education from Ball State University and a B.A. in Political Science from Purdue University.

Brian Schumacker

Brian manages South San Francisco-San Bruno’s wastewater treatment plant and with a dedicated staff of over 40 professionals who safeguard community health and protect the fragile San Francisco Bay ecosystem. Brian holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration, both from Notre Dame de Namur University. Brian has also earned the highest levels of professional certifications in wastewater treatment.

Mario Rendon

Mario Rendon serves as District Director for State Assemblymember Kevin Mullin. He develops the communications, public relations and constituent service strategy for the office and supervises a small team that represents Mr. Mullin in the 22nd Assembly District within San Mateo County. He has over twenty year’s experience working with elected officials at the local, state and federal level developing public policy.

Jerry Hill

Jerry’s public service started with his local neighborhood association that progressed to the California State Assembly and Senate where he authored legislation resulting in laws on issues related to consumer protection, utility safety, coastal protection, public health, education and the environment. Jerry was born and raised in San Francisco, receiving his BA from the University of California, Berkeley and a Teaching Credential from San Francisco State University.

Magda Gonzalez

Magda was most recently the City Manager for the City of Half Moon Bay, California. Prior she was the City Manager of East Palo Alto, California and Assistant City Manager, Redwood City. Magda was President of Cal-ICMA, representing the Local Government Hispanic Network and serves on the Board of Directors for the San Mateo Credit Union and the Latino Leadership Council of San Mateo County. Magda is also a member of ICMA and the State Bar of California and received several awards and recognitions, including Career Excellence Award (WLG) and the Ethical Hero Award from Cal-ICMA.

Jeremy Dennis

Jeremy currently serves as Portola Valley Town Manager. Previously, he’s worked for elected officials at all governance levels, including twice as District Director for local assemblymembers. He worked as the Palo Alto Long Range Planning Director, and for San Mateo County in management roles. Jeremy has a Masters in Urban Planning from the London School of Economics, and graduated from UC Davis studying US History/Political Science.

Kate Comfort-Harr

Kate is Executive Director of HIP Housing, a nonprofit specializing in creative affordable housing solutions throughout San Mateo County. Kate is a frequent speaker on a wide array of affordable housing topics and is passionate about the cultivation of collaborations between the private, public and social sectors. She serves on the Board of Directors for the San Mateo Credit Union and was awarded the Chamber San Mateo County’s 2020 Business Woman of the Year Award.

Jeff Cox

Program Director for Master of Public Administration

Jerome Nadel

Jerome Nadel is Internationally experienced design-led marketing executive (CMO and GM) with a track record of improved market position, revenue growth, and M&A. He is an advance degreed psychologist and user experience product/service design expert, board member and advisor. Jerome recently retired from Rambus as where he was CMO and GM of the security software division that he led the sale to Visa. He has had a variety of chief marketing officer and chief user experience officer roles at companies including Human Factors International, SLP InfoWare, Gemplus, and Sagem. He started his career in the IBM Human Factors Labs. He is also an avid cyclist with National and multiple California State Champion titles.