EPACS benefits from a small but dedicated staff, who are passionate about the mission of preparing traditionally under-served children for excellent high schools, colleges and the world beyond.

Laura Ramirez

Laura Ramirez is the principal at EPACS. She is from Capistrano Beach, in Orange County, California. Ms. Ramirez received her undergraduate degree in Economics and History from UCLA, earned her teaching credential at San Francisco State University, and her masters in School Leadership and Administration from San Jose State University. She joined EPACS as a second grade teacher in January of 2001, and continued to teach second and third grade, until becoming the school's K-5 math instructional coach in July 2006. This is now her first year as Principal of East Palo Alto Charter School! What Ms. Ramirez loves most about EPACS is the strong sense of community among the staff, students, and families. She can't imagine being anywhere else!


Saree Mading

Ms. Mading joined the staff at East Palo Alto Charter School in 2001 as a 6th through 8th grade science and social studies teacher. In 2005, Ms. Mading left EPACS to become an administrator in the Ravenswood City School District, but returned in 2006 to become the school's site coordinator. Ms. Mading oversees the Student Success Team Meetings, school discipline, Positive Behavior Support and High School registration. Ms. Mading earned her bachelor's degree from Sacramento State and her Masters degree in Educational Leadership from Notre Dame. Before EPACS, Ms. Mading was a middle school teacher at the 49ers Academy in East Palo Alto. Born and raised in East Palo Alto, Ms. Mading continues to reside in the community with her family. Ms. Mading loves the spirit and energy of the school, and is impressed by EPACS' parents' commitment to their students' education.


Susie Estrada

Ms. Estrada is the Office Manager at EPACS. She was born and raised in East Palo Alto and attended and completed Office Administration school in Cañada College. Ms. Estrada is one of the parent founders of EPACS and has worked for EPACS since the school opened in 1997. She has three sons, two have attended EPACS and the youngest will attend next year. She is impressed with the commitment and passion that EPACS has for our children's educational success.


Mike Berman

Mike Berman joined the EPACS staff in the spring of 2003. Mr. Berman worked as a middle school Humanities teacher until July 2008, when he joined the staff of East Palo Alto Phoenix Academy as a college counselor/academic advisor, part-time dean of students, after school program director, and "utility infielder." In spring of 2009, he settled in to his two-part role: college counselor at the high school and director of development for K-12. While earning his BA and MA in US History from Stanford University, Mr. Berman tutored at several different schools in East Palo Alto. The experience inspired him to learn more about this fascinating and vibrant community, and he wrote his master's thesis about the history of East Palo Alto. Originally from Silver Spring, MD, a suburb of Washington, DC, Mr. Berman has remained at EPACS and EPAPA because this school is his family away from his family, and he is dedicated to seeing every student graduate from a four-year college or university.


Angelica Sanchez

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