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Christopher Keck-Director
Chris founded Palo Alto Prep in 1987. His goal was to create a school where learning would
be fun for kids. The philosophy is that great teachers and a
positive environment hook kids on learning for life. This philosophy, combined with a focus on outdoor experiential learning has created a productive and enjoyable environment conducive to learning. There is
nothing more critical than the link between student and teacher;
it is the teacher's relationship with the student rather than
the subject matter that gets a student to stretch out of his
comfort zone and take the risk to learn new concepts, ideas
and skills. 
Andrew Fryer-History
Andrew's teaching philosophy is summed up simply: "If
the students can teach the day's lesson back to me, then
I've done my job successfully." Andrew's satisfaction
in teaching is derived from bringing the subject matter
to life in such a way that students are excited by it,
understand it and retain it. His leisure activities include
bowling, guitar playing, and motorcycles, but his highest
priority is his family and spending time with his two
daughters. Andrew received an AA degree from Foothill
College and a BA degree in economics from San Francisco
State University.
Jim
Town-Math
Jim's
teaching philosophy reflects his belief that every student
has the ability to learn. He goes out of his way to challenge
his students and gets satisfaction when the students realize
what they can really accomplish. Jim believes that the
ability to think critically is an essential part of every
day life. His goal is to teach the students how to think
critically in a way that is both practical and fun. Outside
of school Jim enjoys ultimate frisbee and riding his bike.
Jim received his MEd in Curriculum and Instruction at
the University of Vermont and his BS in Electrical Engineering
at the University of Southern California .
Will Paisley-English
Wil's satisfaction in teaching is to see the spark of
recognition, excitement or discovery that is ignited when
a teenager finds a new world opening up in a story, play
or poem. He believes that students who develop the skill
of writing well greatly increase their chances for success
in life. Outside of school Wil enjoys writing fiction,
reading, playing guitar and trumpet, and surfing. Wil
is a graduate of Palo Alto Prep and received a BA in English
and Southern Literature from the University of California
at Santa Barbara.
Dylan Rich-Science
Dylan believes every student has the desire to be successful,
and he helps students find the inner resources they need
in order to master their own learning. As a graduate of
Palo Alto Prep, Dylan is particularly attuned to the mindset
and concerns of the students, and he embodies the spirit
and pride of the school. Students identify with his youthful
perspective. Dylan's hobbies are open source programming
and restoring vintage cars and motorcycles. He will receive
his BS degree in computer science from San Jose State
University in 2003.
Lisa O'Hearn-Development Director
As Development Director at Palo Alto Prep Lisa works with parents and students on special events and coordination of outdoor activities, as well as with alumni and the community, raising funds to grow and enhance the school. Lisa has over 20 years in sales, marketing, and nonprofit management and fundraising. Lisa co-founded The Windemere Group in 2001 (windemeregroup.com) and continues to organize outdoor adventures for public and private school students as well as the Palo Alto Prep student body. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, and as often as possible, traveling wherever she can, to water-ski, snow ski and scuba dive.
Laura
Marcus-Bricca-English/Spanish
Laura teaches because she loves to learn. She believes
that by earning the trust and respect of each of her students,
they, in turn, will open their minds to learning. To inspire
her students to enjoy learning as much as she does, she
structures her classes so that students are continuously
engaged in student-centered learning. Once she presents
a lesson, she turns it over to the students to ask, and
answer, each others questions; read and edit each others
papers; and engage in open dialogue to stimulate a deeper
understanding of the material. She hones in on each student’s
particular learning style and consciously supports each
student in a way that most effectively leads them to achieve
their personal best.
Laura is not only a teacher at Palo Alto Prep, she is
also a graduate. After high school, she attended Santa
Clara University and graduated in 2002 with a B.A. in
Spanish, while simultaneously achieving a black belt in
Tae Kwon Do. Following graduation, she managed a martial
arts school in Mountain View for three years before returning
to Palo Alto Prep as a teacher in 2005. She owns DAMAS,
a performing arts camp for girls that she runs during
the summers. Currently, she is pursuing a Special Education
Credential at San Jose State University.
Laura’s hobbies include playing the piano, singing,
writing music, reading, training in martial arts, riding
horses, playing with her niece and nephew, and traveling.
Dr. Robert Badame, Ph.D.
Dr. Badame has been a practicing psychologist for over
30 years. He is a frequent lecturer and keynote speaker
on a wide variety of topics at schools, universities,
medical centers, churches, conferences, etc. Dr. Badame
has been integrating material on kindredness, parenting,
mediation, childhood and adolescence, men in midlife,
fatherhood, sexuality, and adoption. In 1997, he was elected
to serve on the National Board of Directors of Resolve.
He has also been a consultant to business and corporations
on issues ranging from leadership skills to anger management,
and sexual harassment. In addition to a doctorate in psychology
he holds an MBA in marketing. We at Paly Prep had the
privilege of not only working with his daughter, Sacha,
as a former PAP student in the mid 90's, but also in utilizing
Bob's talents as a resource to the school on a variety
of subjects.
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