Ms. Covert holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from UC Davis and a master’s degree in bioanalytical and physical chemistry from the University of the Pacific. She spent nearly a decade in the industry as a leader in her field, serving as a senior scientist and laboratory manager in Global Agriculture, before returning to academia.

As an educator with experience teaching at the university level, Ms. Covert has seen many bright students struggle with college-level materials, unprepared for the rigors of undergraduate education, and strive to live up to their full potential. This experience set her on the path to improve the education of our younger generations, to help better prepare them for college. According to Ms. Covert, the best way to minimize this gap is to intercede our learners during their pivotal years. Combining her experiences in both universities and as an industry leader allows Ms. Covert to drive these students to succeed in their future goals as the “movers and shakers of their generation.” Ms. Covert first joined BASIS Independent Schools as a Subject Expert Chemistry Teacher at Fremont Upper School.

“Paul Brandt once said, ‘don’t tell me the sky’s the limit when there are footprints on the moon.’ Our students are incredibly bright and curious. They deserve the opportunity to excel, but they cannot do it alone.” Says Ms. Covert on her teaching philosophy. “It is on us, as educators, to help propel those young minds on a course of knowledge, curiosity, and success. If we can provide the tools and help them connect their real-life experiences to what they are learning, there is no stopping them.” Ms. Covert is proud to be a founding member of BASIS Independent Dublin.

Ms. Covert loves to read, play video games, and spend quality time with her husband and daughter.

Dr. Covert received a dual Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Chemistry from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA, and continued his education to receive a PhD in Bioanalytical and Physical Chemistry. He has worked in two national laboratories during his academic career: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in the United States and the Swiss Light Source in Switzerland. During his seven years of research, he spent his time teaching a variety of Chemistry labs and developing the Instrumental Chemistry course curriculum. Taking a break from teaching, Dr. Covert worked for five years in the industry at Agilent Technologies as an LC/MS Applications Scientist and Lead Trainer on Single Quadrupole instruments and software.

Dr. Covert first joined BASIS Independent Schools as a Subject Expert Chemistry Teacher at Silicon Valley Upper School. He thrives on motivating students to learn by connecting theory to real-world experiences and is determined to bring this expertise to the classroom to expose students to what a scientist’s life is really like. His goal as a teacher is to pass knowledge on to his students so that they can pass their knowledge forward to others. His passion for teaching stems from a constant curiosity to learn something new. He can be frequently found browsing articles and researching random topics just for the sake of learning something new, from the history of submarine warfare to how light particles interact with metal. Dr. Covert is proud to be a founding member of BASIS Independent Dublin.

His favorite thing to do outside the classroom is play video games with his wife and daughter, and practice new recipes in the kitchen.

Teacher Danae earned an Honors B.A. in English from the University of South Florida, where some of their favorite courses included Early Childhood Literature, Comics, and Short Fiction. Their passion for education grew while working as an Instructional Aide supporting students with autism who communicate using AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication). This experience deepened their understanding of the diverse ways students learn and how to meet individual needs to support student success.

Teacher Danae first joined BASIS Independent Schools as a Subject Expert Art Teacher at the Fremont campus. During the COVID-19 distance learning period, they successfully navigated the challenges of remote instruction while maintaining student engagement, creativity, and meaningful artistic expression without traditional in-person interaction.

Teacher Danae later transitioned into the role of Dean of Students for TK through grade 5, where they supported students’ social-emotional development, test anxiety, and executive functioning skills. In this role, Teacher Danae provided individualized tools, accommodations, and a nurturing environment to help students grow both academically and personally. They eventually returned to the classroom as the Middle and High School Subject Expert Art Teacher.

Through these diverse experiences, Teacher Danae has developed a deep understanding that while self-expression and communication take many forms, the desire to be seen, heard, and understood is a universal and powerful driver of learning.

“I teach art to give students the skills and confidence to use all the tools in their toolbelts to share their thoughts and feelings with the world. Learning new techniques and mediums of self-expression is a catalyst that guides students as they hone lifelong skills like risk-taking, problem-solving, accountability, dedication, and self-confidence. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to teach students these skills at BASIS Independent Dublin, and I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues to build strong foundations for these students to become well-rounded, thoughtful, and compassionate life-long learners in our dynamic and ever-changing world.” Teacher Danae is proud to be a founding member of BASIS Independent Dublin.

Mr. Dievendorf earned his BA in English Literature with a Creative Writing Emphasis from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and an MFA in Fiction Writing from Columbia University. He spent the majority of his career at the college level, where he taught composition, literature, and creative writing. Beyond the classroom, he served as the Fiction Editor of Apogee Journal and helped run the Hudson Valley Writers’ Center in Sleepy Hollow, NY.

Mr. Dievendorf first joined BASIS Independent Schools as a Subject Expert English Teacher at Fremont Upper School. His teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that writing and literature have the power to transform the way students see themselves and the world. Literary studies encourage students to engage with nuance, abstraction, complexity, and imagination. Through the work of analysis, they learn to uncover layers of meaning and, as writers, develop the ability to organize their thoughts, hone their voice, and create meaning of their own. They gain critical and creative thinking skills to more deeply explore the world around them and discover their place in it. His goal is to inspire students to appreciate what Language Arts has to offer and to use it as a tool to better themselves. Mr. Dievendorf is proud to be a founding member of BASIS Independent Dublin.

In addition to teaching, Mr. Dievendorf loves reading and writing fiction and is a compulsive book collector. He enjoys running around with his dog, testing out recipes, and trying to learn a new language.

Ms. Jayapal brings a rich blend of academic excellence, professional dedication, and personal passion to her role at BASIS Independent Dublin. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Engineering with Distinction from Madras University, graduating in the top three percent of her class, and later completed a Master of Science in Applied Data Science from the University of San Diego. She has also pursued extensive continuing education, earning certificates in Programming and Python Data Structures from the University of Michigan and completing advanced coursework in Applied Data Science, including Applied Data Mining, Applied Predictive Modeling, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning. In addition, she has completed 13 core units in Early Childhood Education at Ohlone College in Fremont.

Having experienced the value of a BASIS Independent Schools education firsthand as a parent, Ms. Jayapal is deeply aligned with the school’s mission and rigorous academic environment. She appreciates the challenging curriculum and believes strongly that each student brings unique strengths to the classroom. She is committed to creating a warm, engaging learning environment where students feel empowered to participate, ask questions, and develop confidence.

Ms. Jayapal approaches teaching with a clear sense of purpose. She is dedicated to understanding concepts deeply so she can present material to students in a clear, structured way that supports genuine comprehension. Her primary goals include guiding students in building strong conceptual foundations and cultivating productive learning habits. She finds it especially rewarding to witness students grow academically and achieve excellence. Ms. Jayapal is proud to be a founding member of BASIS Independent Dublin.

Outside the classroom, Ms. Jayapal enjoys spending time outdoors—hiking, camping, and taking long walks. She is also a licensed Zumba instructor, bringing her enthusiasm for movement and wellness to all she does.

Ms. Jones earned her Bachelor’s degree in Multiple Subject Teaching (K–8) with an emphasis in English as a Second Language from Interamerican University of Puerto Rico. She brings extensive experience teaching Spanish and has previously taught courses ranging from middle school Spanish to AP Spanish Language and Culture at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley. For the past six years, she has served as an AP Spanish Language and Culture Reader for the College Board, evaluating student exams from across the United States. She also holds the State of California Certification as a Bilingual Services Provider.

As a proud Hispanic educator, Ms. Jones is passionate about sharing her language and culture with students and helping them develop strong communication skills in Spanish. She believes that learning another language opens the door to understanding diverse perspectives and building meaningful connections across cultures. Her goal is to inspire students to develop confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong appreciation for language learning.

Ms. Jones is proud to return to the BASIS Independent Schools community and is excited to continue supporting students in their academic and personal growth.

In her free time, Ms. Jones enjoys spending time with her family, especially with her husband and her grandchildren.

Ms. Laquidara was raised in Florida. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in French Language & Culture with two minors in both Spanish and Translation, and a Certificate in Translation and Interpretation from Florida International University. She took part in an immersion program in Angers, France, in 2015 and briefly lived in Paris. She loved being a part of clubs and honor societies and graduated with ties to Pi Delta Phi, Sigma Delta Pi, National Residence Hall Honorary, and her personal favorite, Le Cercle Français. In 2017, she began her graduate studies at Florida Atlantic University. She was awarded a teaching fellowship and taught first and second year French to undergraduate students at the University. She graduated with a master’s degree in Language, Linguistics & Comparative Literature with a focus on Teaching French in 2019.

Ms. Laquidara first joined BASIS Independent Schools as a Subject Expert French Teacher at Fremont Upper School. She has taught and tutored students of various ages in French and English. She is passionate about teaching students and making an impact on their lives. Her ultimate objective is to help children find their passion and joy in learning a new language. She believes that learning how to communicate and understand different cultures is the key to making meaningful connections with others. Ms. Laquidara is proud to be a founding member of BASIS Independent Dublin.

In her free time, Ms. Laquidara likes to explore the various areas of the Bay Area. She loves hiking, going on long walks with her dog, composing music, and volunteering as a Teacher’s Aide for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).

Mr. Li earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Los Angeles, where he double majored in Chinese and Linguistics & Asian Languages and Cultures. He later completed a Master of Arts in East Asian Studies at UCLA with dual concentrations in Chinese Applied Linguistics and Modern Chinese Literature and Culture. His master’s thesis explored Mandarin pop music and its role in contemporary Chinese society.

Mr. Li has taught Chinese language and culture at Pasadena City College before joining BASIS Independent Dublin as the founding Mandarin faculty. He supported the dual enrollment program with South Pasadena Middle School and La Cañada High School. In addition to language instruction, he has also taught Chinese Cinema at Pasadena City College, helping students examine modern Chinese society, history, and culture through film.

Mr. Li is passionate about helping students develop both linguistic ability and cultural understanding. His academic interests include sociocultural and linguistic anthropology, as well as musicology, and he enjoys incorporating authentic cultural materials such as music, film, and popular media into language learning.

Outside the classroom, Mr. Li is a fashion and automobile enthusiast and a dedicated classical music listener. He is also a classically trained pianist and composer. In addition to his classroom teaching, he tutored students in AP Chinese and AP Music Theory and taught piano privately.

Originally from the South, Ms. Lucy received her BFA in Musical Theatre from Samford University in Birmingham, AL. She had the unique honor of performing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2017, as well as on the floor of Parliament in London. In 2018, she joined a professional Touring Theatre Troupe based in Seattle that incorporated aerial arts. Before teaching, Ms. Lucy went the route of a professional performer, continuing to build her career in Musical Theatre through several professional theatre contracts. She now enjoys taking that real-world performing experience to the classroom, passing her tools and skills onto the next generation of students and performers.

Moving from the role of professional performer to the role of a performing arts teacher has been a joy for Ms. Lucy, especially with her background being deeply rooted in youth development; it has been a seamless transition. She grew up year-round at her parents’ business: a summer camp in North Carolina, where she was immersed in an intention-rich world focused on youth development, emphasizing the value of being well-rounded. Ms. Lucy’s base philosophy is this same idea of building a well-rounded self, extending not just to STEM and Arts, but beyond to building character. What an opportunity to teach at a school that values the well-rounded student! Theatre is a great creative outlet using art to communicate, but it also allows us to learn how to come together with mutual respect in a creative space, teaching self confidence and the courage to try new things.

She and her husband most recently relocated from eastern Pennsylvania, where she taught and choreographed theatre productions and intensive training programs in drama to students at a variety of youth theatres and learning centers. Fresh to the Bay Area, she and her husband are loving setting down their anchor in their new home. In her free time, Ms. Lucy enjoys hiking with her dogs, marathon running, instructing dance fitness classes, and writing and producing music, currently working on the release of her second original album! She could not be more eager to not only join the BASIS Independent Dublin Team, but also to embark on this monumental new chapter for the school. Ms. Lucy is proud and excited to step into the role of Subject Expert Drama Teacher to help students discover the beauty and power of theatre, and through this discovery find their own voice, zest for life, and individuality in what they uniquely bring to the table (and stage!).

Ms. Shahin holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Osmania University, India, and a master’s degree in Computer Science from San José State University. She began her career as a software engineer, where she discovered that her true passion lay not in writing code alone, but in teaching others how to think. This realization led her to the classroom, where she has dedicated herself to empowering students to become confident, critical thinkers and creative problem solvers. With over 14 years of teaching experience, Ms. Shahin has taught computer science, logic, mathematics, and economics at leading private schools across the Bay Area.

Ms. Shahin first joined BASIS Independent Schools as a Subject Expert Computer Science Teacher at Fremont Upper School in 2020. Her classrooms are known for intellectual rigor, thoughtful questioning, and an atmosphere that encourages curiosity and bold thinking. Ms. Shahin believes that computer science and mathematics are fundamentally about logic and problem-solving. She challenges students to engage deeply with complex ideas, approach problems from multiple angles, and grow comfortable thinking beyond conventional boundaries. “I hold myself and my students to a high standard,” she says. “My goal is to spark curiosity and keep it running at full throttle.” Her teaching philosophy is grounded in a genuine love of learning and the belief that curiosity is the foundation of a meaningful education.

Ms. Shahin has taught a range of advanced mathematics and computer science courses, including AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science Principles, and Introduction to Programming. She also designed and launched a capstone course, Data Structures & Algorithms, which exposes students to college-level computational thinking and problem-solving. The course serves as a critical foundation for fields such as operating systems, compiler design, graphics, computer networks, robotics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cybersecurity. By engaging with these advanced concepts early, her students enter college exceptionally well prepared.

Ms. Shahin finds great joy in guiding students through challenging material and witnessing their intellectual growth. “What I value most is being around young minds. My students constantly challenge me, inspire me, and remind me why teaching is such a privilege,” she reflects. Her former students have gone on to study computer science at top institutions, including MIT, Carnegie Mellon University, Caltech, UC Berkeley, and UC San Diego, among others. Ms. Shahin is proud to be a founding member of BASIS Independent Dublin.

Outside the classroom, Ms. Shahin enjoys hiking, road trips, and spending time with family and friends, and she never turns down a good TV show.

Ms. Taylor first joined BASIS Independent Schools as a Subject Expert Biology Teacher at Fremont Upper School. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science and a Master of Science in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of New Haven, providing her with a strong foundation in both scientific theory and applied research. Her academic background allows her to bring real-world relevance and depth to the study of biology, helping students connect classroom learning to practical applications.

As an educator, Ms. Taylor is dedicated to fostering a genuine love of learning while guiding students toward a strong and lasting understanding of biological concepts. She recognizes that every student is unique and approaches learning in different ways. With this in mind, she is committed to creating an inclusive, engaging, and supportive classroom environment where students feel confident asking questions, taking intellectual risks, and exploring new ideas. Through hands-on activities, thoughtful discussions, and individualized guidance, she encourages students to become active participants in their own learning.

Ms. Taylor strongly believes in the value of active learning and personalized instruction. She works closely with each student to identify strengths, address challenges, and develop effective learning strategies that support academic growth. Her goal is not only to help students succeed in biology but also to equip them with critical thinking skills, curiosity, and confidence that will serve them well across all areas of study. Ms. Taylor is proud to be a founding member of BASIS Independent Dublin.

Outside of the classroom, Ms. Taylor enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring the outdoors through hiking, and traveling. These interests allow her to recharge and bring fresh perspectives and enthusiasm back to her work with students.