Staff & Leadership

Miki Walker, Kriewall-Haehl Family Director Sand Hill School

Ms. Walker has been a long time advocate for creating learning environments that support the whole child from a strengths-based lens. Having been in education for over 15 years, both as a teacher and an administrator across the Bay Area, Ms. Walker believes that the educational partnership between teachers and families, including the students themselves, is an integral part of supporting a journey of lifelong learning. She earned her BA in Liberal Studies at Santa Clara University and obtained her Elementary Multiple Subject Credential from San Francisco State University. She continued on to earn her CA Administrative Credential as well her Special Education Credential to further her passion in both educational leadership and working with students with learning differences. In the past, Miki served for six years as the Director for Discovery Charter School Falcon Campus in South San Jose.

Heather Whitlock, Assistant Director of Sand Hill School & Admission Director

Heather has been passionate about Special Education ever since a close family member was diagnosed with dyslexia at a young age. She witnessed how specially trained teachers with a background in multi-sensory instruction and a drive to connect with their students changed the lives of children who struggled in a traditional learning environment. Inspired by these educators, Heather began her career in Special Education, teaching at a school for children with language-based learning differences. She spent seven years teaching struggling readers using the Slingerland Method and obtained Certification from Wilson Language.

When Sand Hill School opened in 2011, Heather knew she wanted to be part of a warm and energetic school community where youngsters who have struggled gain the tools they need to thrive and learn to love school again.

Julia Rodriguez-Garcia, Office Manager & Admission Coordinator

Julia graduated from San Jose State University in 2013 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Julia enjoys assisting students overcome their learning obstacles and achieve their academic goals. On her free time she also enjoys dancing, traveling and spending time with her family.
 
 

Liz De Peralta, Dean of Students

Liz has been working in the special education field for seven years with children from ages 2 to 12. Before coming to Sand Hill School, she worked with children diagnosed primarily with Autism Spectrum Disorder at a learning center in San Mateo. This was where she realized her passion for special education as a Behavior Therapist and later a Case Supervisor. Liz truly enjoys helping children succeed and overcome their educational and behavioral struggles. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, reading a good book, and spending time with family.

Liz earned her BA in Psychology from San Francisco State University and an MA in Psychology with a concentration in Child and Adolescent Development.

Kendra Fraka, LSCW, School Counselor

Kendra has 20 years’ experience working with children and their families in outpatient, residential, school and home settings developing strategies with parents and teachers and using social cognitive and behavioral interventions with children who have difficulties with peers, impulse regulation or anxiety.
 
 

Ramsey Khasho, PsyD, Chief Clinical Officer

Ramsey Khasho, PsyD, is CHC’s Chief Clinical Officer and Director of Clinical Services for Sand Hill School. Dr. Khasho has over 20 years experience evaluating and treating children, teens and families. He explains, “Our specialists work together to bring all their knowledge and points of view to the table to discover what’s really going on with each child. Our highly-trained expert staff includes licensed psychologists, neuropsychologists, psychiatrists, educational specialists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists–all right here and ready to help.”

Chris Harris, Chief Education Officer

Mr. Harris has developed and refined specialized interdisciplinary programming for children with learning, social-emotional and attention challenges at Children’s Health Council for over 15 years. He is also an adjunct lecturer in the Graduate School Special Education Department at San Jose State University. In the past, Chris has also served as Executive Director at The Janus School, Pennsylvania, The Chartwell School, Monterey, California, and Children’s Health Council.