Summit Denali

Dr. Bowman is a national presenter, teacher, and advocate. She has earned a Doctorate in Education with a focus in Organizational Leadership K-12 Education. In addition to her doctorate journey, she has earned a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Equity and Inclusion, Master’s degrees in Administration and Supervision and Special Education, and a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education with a concentration in Social Studies. She has worked as an educator for over 20 years, beginning her career as an educator in Baltimore, Maryland, and more recently have been serving students in the Bay Area. She comes to Denali as a seasoned school administrator, district office administrator, general education teacher, and special education teacher. She is a past National Board-Certified Teacher in special education.

Chloe Robinette Sargeant is entering her third year at Summit Denali Middle School. Prior to Summit, Chloe worked as a classroom teacher, a PE teacher, and a nonprofit director at a local organization that offers PE programs to school districts throughout the Bay Area. At Summit, Chloe began her journey at Denali as a Dean of Operations — a role she held for two years — before beginning her new role as Denali’s Dean of Expeditions! Chloe is a firm believer in the power of play, and the imperative of incorporating play into classrooms. She loves Summit, the students, and coaching the Girls’ & Boys’ Basketball Teams — both of which won the League Championships this year! Chloe holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from Brigham Young University, and a double M.A. from Stanford University in Education and Public Policy.

Sandrine McConney is entering her sixth year at Summit Public Schools and her fourth year in her role as the Dean of Culture & Instruction at Denali Middle School. Prior to Summit Denali Middle School, Sandrine worked as a Special Education Program Specialist serving multiple Summit schools. Prior to joining Summit Public Schools, she was an early French immersion elementary teacher for 8 years in Ottawa, Canada. Sandrine holds a B.S.Sc in International Relations and a B.Ed in Primary education from the University of Ottawa as well as a M.Ed in Educational Neuroscience from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She is passionate about effectively including diverse learners in the classroom and implementing researched based interventions to support all learners reach their goals.

Barbara Vella has been involved in education for over 18 years. Prior to joining Summit Denali, Barbara was Director of Integrated Marketing at Stanford University, creating and managing development programs supporting the Graduate School of Education, and the Graduate School of Engineering. She is a charter school founder, and has served as a member of a school board for many years. Prior to discovering her passion for education, Ms. Vella worked in hi-tech as a marketing and sales director. In regards to education and charter schools, Barbara feels that it is all about choice and finding the right fit and school for each child and family.

Laura Zado joined Summit Public Schools in 2012 as an English teacher at Summit Shasta. Prior to joining Summit Denali as a Dean of Culture and Instruction four years ago, Laura supported schools across the country in implementing Summit Learning. Ms. Zado is a graduate of Dartmouth College with a degree in English and has a Master’s degree from the Stanford University Graduate School of Education. She is excited to continue to build on the relationships she has with the Denali community!

Born and raised in Salinas, California by immigrant parents, Laura Ochoa became one of the first in her family to attend college. Her passion in education emerged from the challenges the process of migration posed to her family. Laura obtained a B.A degree in International Relations and Spanish from San Francisco State University and pursued her master’s degree at the University of San Francisco in International and Multicultural Education with an emphasis in Human Rights. For the past years, Laura has taught Spanish and ESL classes in different parts of the world. She is passionate about humanizing education grounded in love, solidarity, and justice. She has spent the last 5 years at Summit as a teacher, mentor, coach and is currently the Dean of Expeditions, inspiring students to explore their passions and empowering them to achieve their fullest potential no matter their background, nationality, or income bracket.