Teachers & Staff
Meet our teachers and staff and see what makes Wilkinson special.
Our Teachers
Jessica Giovannoni Core Teacher
Jessica has been a Teacher at Wilkinson School since 2015, she has a creative style of teaching academics, helping students express themselves, build self-esteem, and develop a respect for themselves, others, and the environment.
She has a genuine love of young children and knew from an early age that she would most likely become a teacher. She enjoys introducing students to plant and animal life through various activities and encourages children to lead a healthy and well-balanced lifestyle. Jessica also has a passion for music and performing arts and greatly contributes to the schools musical arts programs.
Jessica started as volunteer at Children’s School in Park Pacifica already as a 6th grader and ultimately began her career there in early education at the age of 22. She graduated from St. Ignatius College Preparatory in San Francisco and later the University of San Francisco. Jessica taught young children in both Pacifica and Millbrae for nine years before becoming the kindergarten teacher at St. Cornelius School in Richmond, California. She left the St. Cornelius community after five years to have her baby girl and then joined the Wilkinson staff as an appreciated team member.
Jessica lives in Moss Beach with her daughter, whom she adores. You will often see them out and about on bike or scooter rides down to the marine reserve nearby. In her free time, she loves visiting her extended family in Hawaii and enjoying outdoor activities, especially water skiing and snow skiing.
Joshua Hui CoreTeacher
Josh joined the Wilkinson team in August 2025 and brings a strong background in middle school education to our school, holding a B.A. with Honors in Sociology and Asian American Studies from Pitzer College. He's fluent in Mandarin, conversational in Cantonese, and has served in student-focused roles through AmeriCorps and the Fulbright Program in Taiwan. Most recently, Josh taught 8th grade English Language Arts at KIPP Excelencia in Redwood City.
Josh is passionate in creating a classroom environment focusing not only on the academics but also on life-skills and social and personal growth. His experience, values, community investment and warm presence make him a great match for Wilkinson and for our students.
Lerin Murphy Core Teacher
Lerin is a longtime coastside resident who has contributed to many children’s growth for more than twenty years. She loves being in the classroom and to create inspiring and fun learning possibilities for our youngest students. Before joining Wilkinson, she worked in many roles with children at the age of 6 weeks and up to middle school. Most recently as an assistant director and curriculum coordinator, helping to successfully run a large school for preschoolers. At Wilkinson she has worked both in more administrative roles, with community relations and as a passionate Kindergarten teacher.
Lerin studied sound engineering and music production before getting qualified in early childhood education and development and is currently in school to obtain her SLP license when she is not in the classroom. She is a dedicated teacher who believes children learn best in environments that are thoughtfully designed to meet their developmental needs, creating spaces that inspire exploration, curiosity, joy and independence. Her goal is always to nurture the growth, confidence, and excitement that come with discovering new things.
Kristin Simons Core Teacher and Learning Specialist
Kristin is originally from the Bay Area and received her Bachelor’s in Special Education and Psychology from Gonzaga University in Spokane. After college, she lived in Alaska as a Jesuit volunteer. She received her Masters in Education from SNHU in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on the LD Learner.
Kristin has enjoyed working with students with learning differences since 2004 and created a blog called Demystify Dyslexia to support families with understanding LD. She has taught at Charles Armstrong School and eventually started a private practice working one on one with students with dyslexia. She is passionate about education, teaching different learning styles and creating a warm, nurturing and inclusive school environment where students grow. After 6 years as the Head of Wilkinson school she is now loving being back in the classroom as a core teacher.
While in Juneau, AK, she met her husband, and they moved to San Francisco in 2004 and have two children. When she is not teaching you might find her on a spin bike at the Y or hiking in the woods. Her family loves to camp, mountain bike, ski, and travel in the summer. She loves working at Wilkinson and is happy to be part of this special community!
Peggy OLeary Art Teacher
Peggy recently retired from over 25 years of teaching art to grades 9-12 at Sacred Heart Prep in Atherton. She has taught painting and drawing, printmaking, photography, and ceramics. She is very much enjoying not driving 'over the hill' and is giving back to her local community in many ways including teaching art at Wilkinson School and Main Street Scholars, as well as testing and assessment work at our local public schools and tutoring ESL at the HMB Library.
When not thinking about teaching art, Peggy enjoys running with her dog Romo, jumping in at Seal Cove, biking, reading and gardening. She is really enjoying seeing the young artists at Wilkinson develop their creative and artistic skills!
Norma Acosta After School Teacher and Specialty teacher
Norma has built a wonderful life in Half Moon Bay which started with an in-home daycare. Norma joined Wilkinson School in 2006 as a preschool teacher. Over the decades Norma has evolved with the school that brings her so much joy. She brings love, warmth, and compassion to each student she teaches in her specialty enrichment classes. Norma is also a key member of our enriching afterschool program. Norma creates a nurturing environment with her calm and reassuring presence and feels it is important to teach little ones basic life skills so they can thrive in school and in life.
Norma is happily married and has two children. She refers to them as her sun and moon. Her favorite pastimes are listening to instrumental music, gardening and cooking with her kids.
Connie Johnson After School Teacher
Connie joined our after care team in August 2025. He has previously worked with many of our students through the Spindrift School of Performing Arts, supporting productions like Finding Nemo Kids and Lion King Kids. He is a talented drama and music instructor with a gift for inspiring confidence and creativity in students.
In his spare time, he pours his energy into music and the performing arts—singing, playing guitar, creating new pieces, and enjoying quality time with family and friends.
Tim Phelps Music Teacher
Tim has spent many years making music and sharing it with others—whether performing in bands, guiding learners, or bringing energy to the room as a DJ.
Here at Wilkinson, he shares that same love of music with our students, nurturing their confidence and creativity while helping them grow in a positive, encouraging, and inspiring classroom.
Our Staff
Mei Clark Executive Director
Mei began her career in Early Childhood Education in 2016, and since then she has worked as a teacher and administrator. She comes to Wilkinson with a background in executive leadership, business operations and a passion for children, families, and experiential learning meeting children where they are. Her priority is to create a nurturing and supportive space where students feel safe, valued, and ready to succeed in every aspect of their lives.
Mei grew up in Half Moon Bay and enjoys being part of the coastal community, creating experiences and building opportunity for children and youth. Outside of Wilkinson Mei enjoys spending time with her family. Her hobbies include cooking, arts & crafting, and fishing.
Maria Hallberg Office and Program Coordinator
Maria loves working with students of all ages and their families. She brings a genuine passion for education and is dedicated to supporting each student’s personal and academic growth.
Before joining us, Maria spent five years as the Head of an independent High school and has previously taught students from grades 3–6 through high school. She also brings valuable corporate experience—primarily in finance—in roles such as team leader, manager, key account manager, and project leader.
She holds two Bachelor’s degrees, one in Education and Teaching and another in Business Administration–Marketing, and has recently completed advanced studies in Educational Leadership. At the heart of her work is a commitment to creating a warm, and welcoming environment where every student feels encouraged and able to thrive.
Maria loves living near the ocean and being part of our beautiful community. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, long ocean walks, reading, downhill skiing, practicing yoga, and horseback riding.
