Rachel has been an integral part of Happy Hall Schools since her early days as a toddler, beginning her journey with us in 1985. From being a participant in our School-Age Programs and Teen Leader Program, Rachel has evolved within our organization, contributing her passion and expertise in various capacities including Project Coordinator, Director of Innovation, and Director of Operations, before accepting her current role as the Executive Director. Beyond her roles at Happy Hall, Rachel has been actively committed to community service. Post high school, she dedicated her time as a full-time AmeriCorps member with Habitat for Humanity, working hand-in-hand with families to build homes and foster community strength. Academically, Rachel is a distinguished alumna of Notre Dame de Namur University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies and Education, graduating summa cum laude. She is currently enriching her knowledge and skills, pursuing an MBA at San Francisco State University. Rachel's passion extends to nurturing staff development, fostering family relationships, and enhancing community engagement, reflecting her profound commitment to creating a harmonious and dynamic learning environment at Happy Hall Schools. When not immersed in her professional pursuits, Rachel cherishes spending quality time with her husband, two sons,and two dogs. Her journey from a curious toddler to the Executive Director epitomizes her deep connection and commitment to Happy Hall Schools, reflecting a life-long passion for education and community development.

Taylor earned her B.A. in Psychology from San Francisco State University. With 8 years of experience working with children under her belt, including a significant 5-year stint as the director of a sports team program, she possesses a deep understanding of children's development and behavior. This equips her to curate engaging and challenging activities tailored for our students in grades 6-8. In her current role as the Director of Operations, Taylor oversees all hiring, staffing, and general internal processes within the company. Her responsibilities include ensuring efficient and effective operations across all Happy Hall sites, developing and implementing organizational policies, and supporting staff development and training. Taylor's expertise in managing complex logistical tasks and her ability to foster a positive work environment make her an invaluable asset to our team. Outside of her professional duties, Taylor enjoys staying active, dancing, and spending time outdoors. She is passionate about building and participating in communities, continuously seeking opportunities to connect with others and contribute positively. Her dedication to the well-being and development of both staff and students underscores her commitment to the Happy Hall mission.

With a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from San Francisco State University and an Associate Degree from Skyline College, Justin brings a wide array of skills to his role. In addition to his educational background, Justin handles the important task of managing enrollment and attendance tracking across all five Happy Hall sites. Previously, he worked as a Front Desk Receptionist at an ophthalmologist's office, where he managed patient interactions, insurance verifications, and chart preparations. He also had a stint at Happy Hall Preschool as an Administrative Assistant, where he efficiently oversaw child attendance, ordered supplies, and addressed various inquiries. Justin's skill set includes data entry, email communication, customer service, and proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Office, and educational software. Outside of work, he enjoys Marvel movies, hitting the gym, and listening to Hip-Hop and R&B. He believes, "Your journey to success begins when you put your best foot forward, not in hesitation," and consistently brings his best to the Happy Hall community.

Anne has over 30 years of experience in the accounting field and has worked most of her career in corporate companies. This is her first experience in the education sector and she loves it. Anne is always willing to support the staff in any capacity and looks forward to participating in school events. Anne has a bachelor's degree in Accounting. Anne wakes up every morning with a grateful heart, and it shows in all of her actions. In her spare time, Anne loves spending time with her husband and two daughters. She is also active in Kali (Filipino martial arts).

Shelley has been working in Early Childhood Education for over 22 years and has been a director for the last 17. She joined Happy Hall in 2014 and is really enjoying being part of a neighborhood school that has such a strong community. She received her B.A. and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Santa Clara University. She has also taken some Early Childhood Education classes from different community colleges in the bay area. In her free time Shelley enjoys taking day trips with her husband and twins as well as watching movies, camping and playing with her dogs.

Kiley holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Santa Clara University. Her professional journey includes roles such as Marketing Analyst at Fizz Social, Junior Marketing Associate at Friends Of Friends, and Sales Associate with the San Francisco 49ers. Her involvement in extracurricular activities, including Women's Club Soccer, Intramural Soccer, and serving as a Guayaki Yerba Mate Ambassador for Santa Clara, reflects her dynamic and multifaceted approach to her work. Based out of our admin office, Kiley is dedicated to collaborating with our team to grow our community reach, enhance our marketing materials, and manage the admissions process effectively. In her free time, Kiley enjoys exploring new activities, socializing with friends, and staying active. Her dedication to fostering positive community relationships and her proactive approach make her a valuable addition to the Happy Hall family.

Ty Durekas brings a wealth of experience and a heart for community-focused education to his role at Happy Hall. With a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and a minor in German from San Jose State University, Ty's academic background laid the groundwork for a career characterized by leadership, innovation, and a deep commitment to fostering supportive educational environments. Before embarking on his journey in the education sector, Ty honed his skills as a global project manager for Applied Materials in Santa Clara, demonstrating his ability to lead complex projects with a keen eye for detail and strategic planning. However, it was his founding of Children’s Creative Learning Centers, Inc. (CCLC) in Sunnyvale, California, that marked a significant shift towards his passion for education. As CEO, he was instrumental in creating nurturing learning spaces that catered to the needs of children and their families, emphasizing the importance of quality early childhood education. Following the acquisition of CCLC by Knowledge Universe, Ty continued to advocate for excellence in educational services, leading the employer-sponsored child care business unit and contributing to the executive council with his insightful perspectives on educational leadership. In 2018, Ty's path led him to Happy Hall, attracted by its strong roots and the tight-knit community ethos that it embodies. His excitement about joining a school community known for its longstanding connections and commitment to the local area is palpable. Ty is deeply invested in contributing to Happy Hall's legacy, enhancing its community-focused initiatives, and supporting its mission to provide a nurturing and inclusive educational environment for all students. Outside of his professional life, Ty is an enthusiast of the great outdoors, enjoying activities like hiking and skiing that allow him to connect with nature. His love for music, spanning genres from rock to jazz, and his support for sports teams like the San Francisco Giants and the Pittsburgh Steelers, add depth to his dynamic personality. At Happy Hall, Ty Durekas looks forward to leveraging his vast experience in education and business to enrich the school’s community-oriented mission, ensuring it remains a beloved and integral part of the local fabric for years to come.

A proud Happy Hall alumnus, Colleen began her journey attending camp at age 5. From her initial role as a Teen Leader, she has evolved to become the Head of Education. Colleen oversees all curriculum development and execution across the five Happy Hall sites and has been instrumental in shaping the summer camp programs. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Childhood Development from San Francisco State and further enriched her expertise as a Recreation Leader at San Bruno Park and Rec. Apart from her academic accomplishments, Colleen is CPR and First Aid certified. Passionate about creating both educational and enjoyable environments, she's committed to guiding children towards their best selves. Away from her professional life, Colleen relishes hiking, exploring new places, and is an ardent Disney aficionado.

With a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Sonoma State University and currently pursuing a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Touro University Worldwide, Conner brings a rich blend of academic knowledge and practical experience. He began his journey with school-aged children in 2017 and further expanded his skills in a residential treatment center, addressing the needs of children facing emotional and behavioral challenges. Now, as Intervention Specialist, Conner assists across Happy Hall sites, offering his expertise in behavioral intervention, parent-teacher communication, and more. In his downtime, Conner enjoys disc golfing, hiking, rock climbing, and is an avid fan of hockey, particularly the SJ Sharks. He firmly believes, "Students don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." -John C. Maxwell.