Faculty

Aisha Ortega brings over twelve years of experience working with students in various capacities. Participating in the New York City Teaching Fellows program, she became a special education teacher; teaching for four years in the South Bronx. Additionally, she has worked as a middle school study skills and critical reading instructor at the University of California, Berkeley and as a program site coordinator for a non-profit and public school grant collaboration. In March 2012, Aisha joined USF's...

Nicola McClung was a teacher in San Francisco public schools for eight years prior to receiving her doctorate at the University of California, Berkeley. Her research focuses on critical literacy and multiliteracies during early childhood, and she examines children’s literature and identity development for students who are often marginalized in print.  She is also interested in critical quantitative research and the use of statistics to promote equity and social change. She is cofounder of Xóchit...

Emma Elizalde is an Adjunct Professor in Learning and Instruction (L&I) Program at the University of San Francisco. Her research focuses on teacher knowledge of dyslexia and structured literacy. Being dyslexic herself has motivated Dr. Elizalde to learn how to teach student with dyslexia. This has then lead to her interest in understanding what teachers today know about dyslexia and structured literacy. Dr. Elizalde has made it one of her goals to teach teachers how to support students with...

Cheryl Hendrickson has been an educator in public schools for over 20 years. She currently works as an inclusion specialist, ensuring that all students have access to the education they deserve. Teaching opportunities have included providing special education services to students in California and Nebraska public schools, teaching middle school in England, and teaching literacy to adults in San Francisco County Jails.

Shomonique Johnson is an educator, board certified behavior analyst, associate psychologist, and doctoral candidate in clinical psychology. Her professional lens includes building and sustaining inclusive classrooms, utilizing ABA and PBIS to build positive school culture, and supporting community school practices. Current research includes examining the mental health of teachers who support students with extensive mental and behavioral health support needs. 

Professor Ben Lee continues to serve in the East Bay public education sector. Since 2015, he has held diverse roles in both general and special education, including positions as an administrator, teacher on special assignment, assistant athletic director, coach, and classroom teacher. His experience reflects a commitment to fostering student success and enhancing educational outcomes for all learners. 

Professor Lund’s passion is education, and her career has led her to serve in a number of roles in public school districts around the Bay Area. She feels honored to serve in this role and support the development of future teachers.

Born and raised in San Francisco, Professor Helen Tam has always been drawn to urban public schools. After studying education at UC Davis and going on to become an elementary school teacher, she felt called to work with students with special needs. This led her to USF, where she earned a credential in special education. The field of special ed has been her passion ever since, and she plans to spend most, if not the rest, of her teaching career working with differently-abled students in public...