Leadership, Administration & Staff | BASIS Independent Fremont

Service-oriented and eager to help, our leadership, administration, and staff are champions of the school community. While their key focus is supporting the teachers in the classroom, they work hard to ensure every student and family has a positive experience. Whether they are the front-and-center, visible faces of our school or the unsung, behind-the-scenes heroes, our leadership, administration, and staff are invaluable in upholding our culture and values.

Looking to get to know our unmatched, expert teaching faculty? Explore our teaching philosophy and meet the educators that bring it to life every day.

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Ms. Alexander

Admissions Coordinator - Lower Campus

Ms. Alexander

Admissions Coordinator - Lower Campus

Ms. Alexander holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications. Her career focus is academic admissions, and she has been a member of the BASIS Independent Fremont admissions team since 2018. She is the Admissions Coordinator for our Lower Campus, serving the admissions needs of Transitional Kindergarten through Grade 5.

“I love how BASIS Independent Fremont approaches teaching. The teachers and staff here are dedicated to creating a fun, enjoyable learning environment, which makes the kids eager to learn!” she says. “Whether I am organizing admissions events or watching over the students during recess, I try to bring that sense of fun with me.”

When Ms. Alexander is not at work, she enjoys hanging out with her son, going to Disneyland, playing soccer with friends, or relaxing at home.

Coach Andy

Auxiliary Program Manager

Coach Andy

Auxiliary Program Manager

As an Auxiliary Program Coordinator and Physical Education Subject Expert Teacher, Coach Andy is looking forward to helping his students at BASIS Independent Fremont develop a love for fitness and physical activity that will carry through into adulthood.

Coach Andy received his Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from San Diego State University. While at San Diego State, Coach Andy was an active member of the school’s rugby team. After graduation, he went on to become a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

Coach Andy decided to join BASIS Independent Fremont “because of the school’s reputation for high standards and its numerous successes.” He believes that students learn best when they are challenged and engaged, and when they get to take part in a variety of activities in the classroom (or the gym!). Coach Andy is committed to ensuring that all students at BASIS Independent Fremont are active and moving throughout the week and are taking part in “fun, skill-based exercise.”

When he’s not at school, Coach Andy enjoys playing basketball and softball, and is an avid football fan. He also loves playing guitar and bass guitar whenever he has a free moment.

Ms. Christy

IT Coordinator

Ms. Christy

IT Coordinator

Ms. Christy earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from Madurai Kamaraj University, Tamilnadu, India in 1998. She went on to graduate at the top of her class with a Master’s degree in Physics from Madurai Kamaraj University in 2000. She also earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from the same university in 2002.

Ms. Christy has over six years of experience working in an office environment supporting the technology needs in different capacities. She has stepped into the Technology Coordinator role this year to assist and equip the teachers with the resources they need and troubleshoot any technical issues. She will also be helping with the technology needs of the school related to connectivity and other systems in the school.

Ms. Christy believes that technology built into the classroom is a great tool for learning, but it is not the end goal. Learning should happen in any kind of situation, and Ms. Christy strives to make technology an accessible and seamlessly integrated tool in the classroom!

When not in school she loves to relax, watch movies and do craft work. She also loves to spend time with friends.

Mr. Cunningham

Registrar

Mr. Cunningham

Registrar

Mr. Cunningham obtained his Bachelor’s degree from Boston University. Mr. Cunningham was a founding member of BASIS Independent Brooklyn, starting first in student admissions and then moving into a teaching role in the English department. He returns to his administrative roots here at BASIS Independent Fremont!

Mr. Cunningham grew up in the United Kingdom before journeying to America, with stops in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Florida, and New York. He now calls the Bay Area home. Experience gained in a wide variety of New York workplaces, from startups to bicoastal and international organizations, including the Stern School of Business at New York University, serves him well at BASIS Independent Schools.

Passionate about innovation in education, food, and sport, if Mr. Cunningham is not in the office, he’s likely found cycling in local parks.

Ms. Han

School Counselor

Ms. Han

School Counselor

Ms. Han is the first School Counselor at BASIS Independent Fremont. Every time Ms. Han talks about it, her eyes are filled with excitement.

Ms. Han was raised by her mother and grandparents- one educator, one accountant, and one journalist. They taught her to love unconditionally, pay attention to others’ needs, and think critically. With a dream to be a movie director and a Chinese script writer, Ms. Han spent most of her childhood playing, watching movies, daydreaming, acting on stages and writing- she loved to write about people in her life, and to get every chance to act. She brought entertainment to her school and home, but she was disappointed as a student.

“I failed academically. I thought I would never be admitted to a good college, until I met my math teacher in junior high,” says Ms. Han, “Mr. Hu, the math teacher, told me that I was capable of anything. He believed in me, and he was sure I would make a big achievement if I could focus, practice, rest, and repeat.” Ms. Han was grateful for her math teacher because of his encouragement and empowerment. “His word was my light.”

In 2009, Ms. Han graduated from the University of Science and Technology, Beijing, with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and traveled from China to the U.S. to study for a Master of Arts in Education, which she earned from Michigan State University in 2011. She wanted to be someone else’s light.

Ms. Han spent 10 years in classrooms in the U.S. and the subjects she taught include Mandarin language and culture, math, science, humanities and her favorite, Social Emotional Learning. In January 2019, Ms. Han joined BASIS Independent Fremont as a Mandarin teacher, though she admits, “I was curious! Very curious to see if I would want to send my own kids to school here.” To her surprise, she not just approved of BASIS Independent Fremont, but she also fell in love with this school, and she decided to walk an extra mile.

“While teaching, I saw the many needs our students have outside of academics, and I wanted to improve our support of those needs. Knowing the importance of social emotional well-being for children, I’ve decided to step up and respond to this calling.” Ms. Han is now studying for her second Master’s degree in Counseling and license for Family and Marriage Therapy at Western Seminary.

As a school counselor, Ms. Han will be working with students, teachers, the administrative team, and parents who are vested in educational success. As an educator, a parent, and a school counselor, Ms. Han aims to cultivate joy and confidence, and encourage all students to strive to achieve their goals. Ms. Han’s vision and mission is to mindfully build a wellness program at BASIS Independent Fremont, where students’ emotional, physical, and social health and well-being are a top priority.

“When our students graduate”, says Ms. Han with a big smile, “They are fully ready for this world!”

Outside of work and school, Ms. Han is a playful mother, a dedicated community server, and an on-going learner. She is learning to grow a balcony vegetable garden, and she loves to water the plants every morning with her daughter.

Ms. Huang

Operations Manager

Ms. Huang

Operations Manager

Ms. Huang graduated from the University of California, Davis in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, with an emphasis on economic policies in South East Asia. Between classes and internships, Ms. Huang also volunteered at the local elementary school as a reading and writing tutor.

After spending several years working with students in enrichment centers, Ms. Huang joined BASIS Independent Fremont because she believes in the school’s approach to education, and wants to be part of a community that strives to set the bar for quality education.

“I love having the opportunity to support BASIS Independent Fremont’s mission,” says Ms. Huang. “And getting to see the kids grow and excel is an amazing experience.”

When not at work, Ms. Huang spends her time catching up with friends, experimenting with new recipes, and catching up with her reading.

Mr. Huneycutt

Dean of Students, Grades 3-5

Mr. Huneycutt

Dean of Students, Grades 3-5

Mr. Huneycutt earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering from North Carolina State University. He has been with BASIS Independent Fremont since the school opened, and was a Subject Expert Teacher in Engineering from 2015-2019.

When he’s not at work, Mr. Huneycutt enjoys playing and designing board games, throwing a frisbee, and jogging.

Ms. Huson

Director of Student Affairs

Ms. Huson

Director of Student Affairs

Ms. Huson has more than twenty years of teaching experience in both public and independent schools. She holds a California Teaching Credential as well as a Master of Science in Education with an emphasis on curriculum and text accessibility for children and English Language Learners. In 2012, she received a Fulbright Distinguished Teacher Award, which allowed her to work in Northern England where she researched and developed a series of lessons to help students examine their feelings and adjust empathetically to a rapid migrant influx. Upon returning to the United States, Ms. Huson revised a curriculum for American educators, and since then “No One is From Here” has been tested and launched in select schools.

Ms. Huson has a particular interest in American history and has written a number of plays for children which explore historical events. As a Lifeguard Teaching Fellow in 2015 at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, she created a read-aloud play which is available on the site’s educational resources.

Her most recent career experience was with Super Stars Literacy of Oakland, where she facilitated programming supporting early literacy intervention. She has settled in the Fremont-Newark area and is excited to be working directly with students as the BASIS Independent Fremont community expands.

Mr. Klein

College Admissions Coordinator

Mr. Klein

College Admissions Coordinator

Mr. Klein earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from California State University Monterey Bay in 2015, and a Master of Arts degree in Counselor Education from San Jose State University in 2020. He plans to pursue a doctoral degree in educational leadership.

Mr. Klein is the College Admissions Coordinator at BASIS Independent Fremont and focuses on preparing our Upper School students for the admissions process.

“I look forward to guiding and assisting our students toward both academic and career success. I want to help students gain admission into the world’s best colleges while working with them to develop their life skills. After working in Higher Education as a college adviser, it was clear to me that BASIS Independent of Fremont provides a nurturing environment that prepares them to excel at the next level. I’m excited to be part of the BASIS Independent family!” Mr. Klein says.

Mr. Klein spends much of his free time with friends and family. He also enjoys playing basketball, bowling, hiking, and taking advantage of the Bay Area’s food scene.

Mr. Le

Operations Manager - Lower School

Mr. Le

Operations Manager - Lower School

Mr. Le earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics at the University of California, Santa Cruz in 2008. Over the next ten years, he worked in the Stanford University library department in a variety of roles, cumulating in an operations manager position. He spent his free time traveling the world and enjoying local camping and backpacking trips. Mr. Le joined the staff of BASIS Independent Fremont in 2019.

“I love working at BASIS Independent Fremont!” says Mr. Le. “The kids are so much fun, and I want them all to be in an environment that helps them to succeed.”

When he is not at work, Mr. Le enjoys weightlifting, playing flag football, and exploring the latest video games.

Mr. Lee

Head of Operations

Mr. Lee

Head of Operations

With classroom experience from Grades 3-12 teaching Algebra, Physics, Biology, English, and Physical Education, Mr. Lee brings a broad portfolio of expertise to BASIS Independent Fremont. Mr. Lee was a founding faculty member at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, drawn by the level of excellence exemplified by the students and staff and by the immersion in a highly rigorous academic environment. Mr. Lee earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of California at Davis in Business Management in 2001 and his Bachelor of Science degree from San Jose State University in Management Information Systems in 2005.

Mr. Lee was an administrator at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley until 2018, when he stepped into the Associate Head of School role in the fall. In 2020, he joined BASIS Independent Fremont as the Head of Operations. “I wish to support all the students, families, and staff in having a wonderful experience with BASIS Independent Fremont. I am here to help deliver our mission of educating students to the highest international levels. I chose BASIS Independent Fremont because I love the energy and excitement of a growing and thriving community. It is rewarding to see our passionate teachers working so diligently with our talented students,” says Mr. Lee.

An avid golfer, Mr. Lee also has a love of cooking and eating, combined with a desire for international culture. He wants to travel the world eating as many different cuisines as possible! He has also experimented with smoking foods.

Dr. Leyba

Head of School

Dr. Leyba

Head of School

Founding Head of School Dr. Leyba’s deep subject matter expertise, rich educational background, and strong belief in the importance of fostering community, makes her an ideal BASIS Independent Schools administrator.

Initially following a traditional track into a career in academia, Dr. Leyba received her Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Furman University (Greenville, SC) in 2005, and a Master of Arts degree in history from North Carolina State University (Raleigh, NC) in 2007. Her research in North Carolina focused primarily on Eighteenth-century intellectual history and culminated in a thesis that analyzed the connection between university teaching and the Scottish Enlightenment. In May, 2014, Dr. Leyba received a Doctor of Philosophy degree in history from the University of California, Berkeley. Her dissertation, entitled “Theatre, Calvinism, and Civil Society in Eighteenth-Century Edinburgh and Geneva,” used the morality of the theatre to explore the changing nature of Calvinist theology and religious practice in Edinburgh and Geneva.

It was during her graduate work she realized how much she loved teaching—and how much students loved having her at the helm in the classroom. Teaching undergraduate courses throughout her graduate school career, Dr. Leyba was recognized as an outstanding Graduate Student Instructor at UC, Berkeley, in 2012. She also received the university’s Teaching Effectiveness Award in 2012. As one of the founding faculty members of BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, Dr. Leyba embraced her role as a history teacher and more recently as Director of Academic Programs. Since coming to BASIS Independent Schools, she has always had her sights set on how she can positively impact the most people, which meant a natural transition to administration. As an administrator, Dr. Leyba’s strength is fostering collaboration between all members of the school environment. “Everything works better as a team. I value an all hands on deck mentality within our faculty and strive to give everyone a voice—both teachers, students, and other administrators. I value open dialogue as it truly enhances the learning experience of an accelerated academic environment such as ours.”

As a long time Fremont resident and mother of a BASIS Independent Fremont student, Dr. Leyba shares, “coming to work for me is not just about leading a school; it is about creating and being part of a community. Success for us in our first year, and in future years, is building a community, it is walking into classrooms, seeing happy students, and hearing from parents and families that they are happy to be here. We are absolutely a BASIS Independent school, but we are going to have such a unique character and I am really excited to see that unfold.”

Outside of school, Dr. Leyba enjoys spending time with her family, reading (though nearly everything she reads is related to history in some way- she can’t get away from it!), and cooking. She also loves being able to travel with her family and is very fortunate to have a young child who is an excellent little traveler!

Ms. Locke

Director of Auxiliary Programs

Ms. Locke

Director of Auxiliary Programs

Ms. Locke is joining us from BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, where she has worked in the Auxiliary Programs department for 4 years.

Ms. Locke received her Bachelors of Science degree in Biology from University of California Riverside in 2013. She has come to BASIS Independent Fremont from BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, and with experience coordinating youth outdoor recreation and the love for working with students of all ages in extracurricular activities.

As the Auxiliary Program Manager, Ms. Locke has the opportunity to provide students with enriching activities such as a variety of clubs and sports. “I enjoy watching students explore creativity, group dynamics, trust and team work as well as build confidence, communication, decision-making, and leadership skills,” Ms. Locke says cheerfully. “I choose BASIS Independent Fremont because ‘BASIS Independent was founded on the belief that every child deserved an opportunity to excel academically, and that every child can.’ I believe that every student can, with the support of our expert teachers and our incredible staff.”

In her free time, you will find her outdoors. Ms. Locke enjoys rock climbing, hiking, camping, ice-skating, and going to the beach.

Mr. Lucas

Facilities Manager

Mr. Lucas

Facilities Manager

Immediately following graduation from Leland High School in 1982, Mr. Lucas went directly into the United States Navy, where he served for four years. He obtained flight crew status while tracking submarines and as a water rescue swimmer. Mr. Lucas soon switched over to Flight Deck Director aboard the first nuclear carrier, USS Enterprise. It was there that he took off as a leader, always looking to advance. He received several awards and letters of Commendation for saving lives of fellow crewman, as well as going above and beyond with implementing new systems of launch and recovery of aircraft, which are still in use today.

As the Facilities Manager, Mr. Lucas takes great pride in ensuring that buildings, grounds, and equipment meet the highest standards of safety, appearance, and functionality for our students, staff, and parents. “I also work hard to create an effective team that will help BASIS Independent succeed and grow for the future,” says Mr. Lucas.

“I enjoy the facilities aspect of the education field,” he says. “Being able to join a growing school organization is a welcomed and exciting challenge that I am proud to be a part of.”

Mr. Lucas and his wife are avid fans of physical activity. “I love to play hockey, softball, and golf,” he says. When the weather is nice, he enjoys skiing and wakeboarding.

Ms. Manii

Front Office Assistant

Ms. Manii

Front Office Assistant

Ms. Manii has over fourteen years of experience in customer service, including work in the challenging 911 dispatching field. She is delighted to bring her skills to BASIS Independent Fremont!

“I enjoy working at BASIS Independent Fremont because everyone has been so welcoming including the staff, parents, and children. It’s wonderful to come to work in such a positive environment!”

In her spare time, Ms. Manii enjoys going on walks and being outdoors. She loves nature and animals of all kinds.

Mr. Manii

Technology Coordinator

Mr. Manii

Technology Coordinator

Mr. Manii earned his associate degree from Mount San Antonio College.

As the Technology Coordinator for BASIS Independent Fremont, his goal is to ensure that all of the school’s Information Technology-related functions operate efficiently and securely.

In his free time, Mr. Manii enjoys outdoors camping, nature, and wildlife. He also loves spending time with his horse and colt.

Mr. McNeice

Associate Head of School, Upper

Mr. McNeice

Associate Head of School, Upper

Mr. Mcneice earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Bishop’s University in 2010, and a Master of Science degree in Management and Leadership from Western Governor’s University in 2019. He is currently working toward a Ph.D in Educational Leadership, with a concentration in Student Personnel Services, from the University of the Cumberlands.

Mr. Mcneice is the Director of Admissions at BASIS Independent Fremont, overseeing the management of enrollment at both the Lower and Upper Schools.

“My goal is to bring together Fremont’s most capable and eager learners to create a student body dedicated to a community of growth. Having worked previously in Higher Education admissions, I was blown away by the student outcomes I consistently saw BASIS Independent Fremont achieving. I wanted to be part of an educational institution striving for, and attaining, some of the best outcomes in the world,” Mr. Mcneice says.

Mr. Mcneice spends much of his free time working on his own school work! He also does a lot of reading for pleasure and can play multiple instruments, including the guitar, piano, and mandolin.

Mr. Muir

Facilities Coordinator

Mr. Muir

Facilities Coordinator

Mr. Muir has close to 20 years of experience in the field of maintenance. He has earned several certificates pertaining to his profession, including the operation and upkeep of various light and heavy duty equipment. As maintenance coordinator at the Upper School, his goal is to maintain a functional, clean and safe environment for students, staff and parents.

“I believe in the value of teamwork and surrounding yourself with good, positive and friendly people, and that is what you get at BASIS Independent Fremont!” says Mr. Muir.

When he is not at work, Mr. Muir enjoys pursuing his hobbies. He has been a lifelong fan of sprint car racing, and has been to many tracks in several different states in the US. He really enjoys watching the ASCS sprint cars. When he is not fulfilling his need for speed, Mr. Muir can be found playing with his beagle, Shelby.

Mr. Nguyen

Academic Program Manager

Mr. Nguyen

Academic Program Manager

In 2012, Mr. Nguyen received his Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics with emphasis in Education from the University of California, Santa Cruz. He has gained a strong mathematics and education background over 7 years of working in various learning environment from private tutoring to middle & high school settings. Mr. Nguyen is excited to be part of the BASIS Independent Fremont Community!

Mr. Nguyen chose to be part of the BASIS Independent Fremont community because he believe that a rigorous learning structure will help students to understand mathematics and build a strong foundation for their advanced courses.

When not at work, Mr. Nguyen loves to conduct different food experiments with different ingredients and seek various opportunities to learn different arts and crafts. He also enjoys exploring zoos and museums, and watch musical performances and concerts.

Dr. Owyang

Auxiliary Programs Manager

Dr. Owyang

Auxiliary Programs Manager

Dr. Owyang received her Bachelors and Masters of Music degrees at San Francisco State University and her Doctor of Musical Arts degree in piano performance at the University of Arizona. From 2014 to 2017, she was a Teaching Artist for a program known as “Opening Minds through the Arts” in the Tucson Unified School District. After returning to the Bay Area, Dr. Owyang began her career in administration at the San Francisco Unified School District before coming to BASIS Independent Fremont.

“As someone who has been deeply devoted to the betterment of extracurricular education, I am proud to the Auxiliary Programs Manager,” says Dr. Owyang. “In this role, I have the opportunity to develop and introduce a wide range of subject areas to our students through clubs and after school programs.”

When she is not at work, Dr. Owyang enjoys creating music and art as well as sewing. She also spends a significant amount of time discovering new video games.

Ms. Qian

Dean of Students

Ms. Qian

Dean of Students

Ms. Qian is a Dean of Students at BASIS Independent Fremont. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Second Language Acquisition from Shanghai University in 2008 and a Masters of Education in Teaching and Curriculum from DePaul University in 2011. She holds a clear California Elementary Multiple Subjects credential and Secondary Single Subject credential with Bilingual Authorization and received an Instructional Coach credential from the Reach Institute for School Leadership. Since 2011, she has been in the elementary classroom as a teacher, an instructional coach, and a dean. As a Dean of Students and Instruction Coach in a charter school, she successfully guided teachers and lead staff through incorporating a Multitiered System of Support to carry out the school’s academic and behavior programs.

“I have a strong belief in the power of community, and prioritize building quality relationships with students and their families to provide a safe and engaged learning environment for every student,” says Ms. Qian. “The mission and the philosophy at BASIS Independent Fremont are congruent with my teaching philosophy and ideas. I believe learning should be a joyful journey for the students while efforts and perseverance should always be appreciated.”

When Ms. Qian is not on campus, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading stories, and hiking and skiing with her husband, her son, and a yellow Labrador named Stella.

Ms. Redington

Director of Academic Programs

Ms. Redington

Director of Academic Programs

Ms. Redington earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wells College in 1991 and a Master of Arts degree in Liberal Studies from Wesleyan University in 2004. Prior to joining BASIS Independent Fremont, Ms. Redington spent several years managing an elementary school library, where she enjoyed helping students discover great books.

She was drawn to BASIS Independent Fremont because of its challenging and engaging classroom experiences and its commitment to liberal arts education.

“With my job, I get to see the BASIS Curriculum at work at a detailed level,” says Ms. Redington. “Seeing the metrics for success evolve in real time is fascinating, and I love getting to see how the kids are improving.”

When she is not working, Ms. Redington enjoys spending time with her family and relaxing with a cup of tea and a good book.

Ms. Ruelas

Front Office Coordinator - Lower School

Ms. Ruelas

Front Office Coordinator - Lower School

Ms. Mimi Ruelas graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management Economics. She joined BASIS Independent Fremont in 2019.

“I am excited to work at BASIS Independent Fremont because I enjoy working with children!” says Ms. Mimi. “Getting to know everyone and the different personalities of all the kids is a fun adventure. Everyone has been so welcoming and caring.”

When Ms. Mimi is not at work, she spends time with her family, especially her new niece! She also takes care of her two dog babies, Oreo and Penny. She loves hiking, camping, and traveling any chance she gets.

Ms. Singh

Director of Admissions

Ms. Singh

Director of Admissions

Ms. Singh earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Sociology from St Xavier’s University, Mumbai, India in 2010. She earned her Master of Science degree in Human Resource Management and Organizational Analysis in 2012 from Kings College in London.

She has always enjoyed working with children, and began working at a special needs high school in the United Kingdom in 2015. This experience inspired her to continue to work in the field of education. For the majority of the 2010s, Ms. Singh was a social worker in the United States and the United Kingdom, helping various non-profits and government agencies achieve their goals.

In 2020, Ms. Singh joined the admissions team at BASIS Independent Fremont.

“Not only is BASIS Independent Fremont an excellent school that fosters smart, innovative, kids, it is also a wonderful place to work and has some of the most passionate and intelligent people I have had the pleasure to work with,” she says.

When Ms. Singh is not at work, she absolutely loves to travel and hopes to be able to do more of it each year. She is also quite interested in home décor and home improvement. But mostly she spends her free time with friends trying out new restaurants or watching movies!

Ms. Szamborski

Director of Communications

Ms. Szamborski

Director of Communications

Ms. Szamborski graduated from the State University of New York at Geneseo with a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations and French. During college, she studied abroad in Paris and Kraków, as well as aboard the transoceanic Semester at Sea program.

She has been honing her writing and narrative skills throughout her career in the tech and media industries, and she is delighted to be using these skills as the BASIS Independent Fremont Director of Communications.

“I’m thrilled to be part of the BASIS Independent Fremont community,” Ms. Szamborski says. “I love the learning-positive environment the teachers and administration have fostered here. The students are interested and curious and are having fun learning their advanced curriculum!”

In her free time, Ms. Szamborski enjoys traveling, trying the weirdest food on the menu, and podcasting about comic books.

Mr. Thorp

Facilities Coordinator

Mr. Thorp

Facilities Coordinator

Mr. Thorp graduated from Livermore High School in California. For over fifteen years, he worked in the construction industry, where he had the opportunity to operate a variety of heavy machinery and help bring complex designs to life. He enjoys his current role at BASIS Independent Fremont. “I have three boys; I’m a family man, so I like getting to be around the kids and know I’m maintaining a safe environment for them to learn in,” he says.

In his free time, Mr. Thorp enjoys spending time with his family, whether that’s on a trip, at one of his sons’ sports games, or cheering on the Oakland Raiders!

Mr. Wagoner

Associate Head of School, Lower

Mr. Wagoner

Associate Head of School, Lower

Mr. Wagoner earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Sociology from Cornell College, and a Master of Arts in Reading Literacy from Ashford University. Mr. Wagoner spent several years abroad teaching young scholars across all grade levels in Korea, Japan, and Thailand.

Mr. Wagoner is a well-practiced educational content creator as the co-author of Powerful Presentations: 6 Steps to Success and co-author of Foundations of Education for Mokwon University. He is also a contributing author and editor for multiple language arts textbooks for young learners.

Throughout his education and career as an educator, Mr. Wagoner has always focused on early childhood learning and development. As a Learning Expert Teacher at BASIS Independent Fremont, he displayed exemplary qualities of working with young students to engage and connect students to their learning in meaningful ways. As a Dean of Students and Director of Primary Program, Mr. Wagoner earned a reputation as an empathetic administrator who could guide our youngest Bumblebees toward good decision-making.

“My strength is in helping students to reflect on how they can and should make good choices to become good members of our community and good citizens of the wider world,” says Mr. Wagoner. “That is what we’re doing here, after all: helping kids grow into responsible adults.”

When he’s not on campus, Mr. Wagoner loves spending time playing board games, reading a good book, or improving his physical and mental health with yoga. His favorite books are science fiction and fantasy because, “books have the power to take us to amazing places that can exist only in our minds.”