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.

Allison Leslie

Ms. Leslie came to EPACS in 2001 as a middle school language arts teacher after a year teaching 6th grade through Teach for America. From day one, her role and influence grew as she started the middle school student council and led the first 8th grade student trip to Washington, DC. In 2004, Ms. Leslie became the school's principal and an ongoing force behind EPACS' success. Originally from the East Bay, Ms. Leslie completed a BA in Spanish Literature and Writing at UC San Diego and a Masters in Administration and California Administration Credential from UC Berkeley. For Ms. Leslie, the best aspects of EPACS are the people, the community events and the pride that the students exhibit when they talk about their future.
Photo source: Adrian Fehr

» Read more about Ms. Leslie's vision for EPACS

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.


Angelica Sanchez



Monika Nagy

Monika Nagy is the Director of Development at EPACS. Originally from Palo Alto, she completed undergraduate work at Stanford University in English and Comparative Studies in Race & Ethnicity and has Masters degrees in the Humanities from the University of Chicago and in Political Science from SUNY Buffalo. She has worked in several different high school settings, where she has focused on teaching, coordinating school-wide civic engagement and diversity initiatives, and curriculum development geared towards integrating social justice issues. Ms. Nagy joined EPACS in 2006, and has been tremendously impressed with the commitment and collaboration among the staff and families.

» Meet our teachers and staff