Ms. Abodouma began her educational career after earning a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. She initially taught elementary Mathematics at an international school in Cairo, Egypt. After a few years, blending her passion for travel with her professional ambitions, she then moved to Frankfurt, Germany, where she continued teaching Mathematics to higher grades while exploring Europe. In 2007, Ms. Abodouma returned to Egypt to work with students with special educational needs while joining a non-profit initiative to teach basic English and computer skills to underprivileged children in Cairo.

Committed to community service while advancing her career, Ms. Abodouma rejoined her former school as Director of Student Life. There, she developed a student-led, peer-to-peer program aimed at eradicating illiteracy among houseless children in Cairo.

In 2015, Ms. Abodouma and her family moved to the United States. She joined BASIS Independent Silicon Valley as a Subject Expert Teacher in Business, Economics, and Mathematics and was selected as a teacher mentor on the program’s inaugural team.

When BASIS Independent Fremont expanded into a Middle School Program and acquired a new campus, Ms. Abodouma joined as a founding member of the upper school, continuing her role as a Subject Expert Teacher and mentor. In 2022, she became the Associate Head of School, supporting students, families, and staff across both campuses with her extensive knowledge of the BASIS Curriculum, experience as a teacher trainer, and passion for enriching student experiences.

Recently appointed Head of School of the Upper School, Ms. Abodouma’s vision remains centered on academic excellence and student life.

“BASIS Independent Schools are the perfect fit for me,” shared Ms. Abodouma, “With a rigorous and highly academic structure, a focus on student well-being, and a system that supports teacher autonomy and encourages innovative teaching methodologies.”

Outside of school, you can find Ms. Abodouma hiking with her family, traveling to new countries, swimming in the Mediterranean, advocating for social justice, enjoying a movie, or reading a book. Interestingly, in the early years of her career, Ms. Abodouma almost pursued a professional career in acting in film and theater alongside education. However, when faced with choosing between the two, she said, “That was a simple choice for me; I chose education.”

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Dean Danae received their Honors B.A. in English from the University of South Florida in 2017. Since then, Dean Danae taught art to fifth to eighth-grade students, and before that, they worked as an instructional aid with non-verbal students with Autism. During these times, Dean Danae saw how communication may look different from person to person, but the need to express oneself is the same in everyone.

“I teach art to give students the confidence to use all the tools in their toolboxes to share themselves with the world. Learning new ways to express your thoughts and feelings are catalysts for creativity that motivate students as they hone lifelong skills like taking risks, problem-solving, accountability, dedication, and self-confidence. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to teach students these skills here at Basis Independent Fremont and look forward to collaborating with my colleagues to build strong foundations for this next generation.”

In their spare time, Dean Danae enjoys drawing, painting, DIY projects, trying new foods, surfing, playing with their cats, and laughing with friends.

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Ms. Haranahalli joined BASIS Independent Fremont following her role as the Academics Lead of a local language school, overseeing their operations while leading a team of more than 20 teachers and student assistants. Within this role, Ms. Haranahalli successfully steered their institution’s transition from in-person programming to a virtual distance learning-based system. In addition to her experience overseeing academic programming, Ms. Haranahalli has also guided curriculum personally as the author of six educational texts currently being utilized by educational institutions internationally. In addition to her accomplishments in education, Ms. Haranahalli has experience in the non-profit sphere working within marketing and communications, as well as technical writing and software quality assurance engineering.

Mr. Hinkel-Lipsker has been with BASIS Independent Fremont since the school first opened in 2016, and is affectionately known around campus as “Coach Andy.” Coach Andy graduated from San Diego State University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology, where he was an active member of the school’s rugby team. After graduation, he went on to follow this passion and become a certified “Master Trainer” through the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

Throughout his time at BASIS Independent Fremont, Coach Andy has been instrumental in establishing and guiding many of our programs and services, first as an instructor of Physical Education and Health, then as a Subject Advisor for the BINS network, and assisting in after-school clubs and sports as our Auxiliary Programs Manager. Currently, Coach Andy offers leadership and support as our Associate Head of Schools.

Coach Andy decided to join BASIS Independent Fremont because of the school’s reputation for high standards and its numerous successes. He believes, “students learn best when they are challenged and engaged, and when they have the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities in the classroom (or the sports field!)”. Coach Andy is committed to ensuring BASIS Independent Fremont cares for the “whole student,” seeing to not only our school’s academic successes, but also our social, emotional, and athletic needs as well.

Coach Andy has a young son named Wesley, and when he’s not at school, Coach enjoys running and inline skating and is an avid football fan (Go Raiders!). He also loves playing guitar and bass guitar whenever he has a free moment.

Mr. Horan, Health Coordinator at BASIS Independent Fremont, brings a warm and previous experience working one-on-one with children and is excited to return to a role where he can make a positive impact in young lives. He considers it an honor to support and care for your children, recognizing the importance of creating safe and comfortable spaces for them. In his capacity as Health Coordinator, he is committed to ensuring that his office is always a sanctuary where students can find the care and assistance they need.

Having recently relocated to the Bay Area from the East Coast, Mr. Horan views this new chapter in his life with great enthusiasm and looks forward to making BASIS Independent Fremont an integral part of his journey. With a longstanding background in caretaking and professional experience in childcare, he finds joy in working with children and providing them with the support they require to thrive.

For Mr. Horan, a school should be a sanctuary for children to learn and grow. He is dedicated to contributing to the creation of such a nurturing and secure environment at BASIS Independent Fremont.

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Ms. Kong is a dedicated educator with a passion for promoting students’ academic and social-emotional development. She holds a master’s degree in Intercultural Communication from the University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor’s degree in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language from East China Normal University. She also completed a study abroad program at the University of Oregon in Applied Second Language Studies.

Ms. Kong has over nine years of experience teaching in a diverse range of educational environments, including as a Lecturer of Chinese in universities and colleges, an immersion Chinese afterschool teacher, and an educational administrator and coordinator. As a mother of a preschooler and a baby, she also has a keen interest in child development.

Ms. Kong aims to create a safe, loving, and supportive environment where students enjoy learning and feel comfortable taking risks. She believes that every child has enormous potential, and she strives to nurture self-driven, independent learners with positive discipline.

Ms. Kong enjoys spending time outside with her family. She also loves reading books, watching movies, painting, and playing jigsaw puzzles. She considers herself a lifelong learner and is always excited to explore new interests!

Ms. Mangal has channeled her innate curiosity of human behavior and emotional intelligence into a lifelong passion. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from California State University, East Bay in 2018. She holds a Montessori Teaching Credential from the San Francisco Bay Area Montessori Teaching Education Center and holds all the requirements needed by a preschool director, as per the California Department of Social Services, Child Care Licensing.

Ms. Mangal is currently pursuing a Master of Science degree in Psychology with a concentration of Life and Executive Coaching from Grand Canyon State University, with a projected graduation date of December 2020. She has also written a book about developing emotional intelligence in children.

“I am ecstatic to join the team of BASIS Independent Fremont as an Early Learning Educator,” says Ms. Mangal. “My teaching philosophy is to provide a platform of which learning, autonomy, compassion and empathy abounds through academic and experiential lessons for every student.”

When she is not in the classroom, Ms. Mangal enjoys experimenting and creating vegan recipes, writing children songs and short stories, being a photographer, interior decorating, and creating exciting memories with her family! Fun fact: Ms. Mangal also plays acoustic guitar!