Candice Arth

I am very excited about teaching at Coyote Creek. I have heard wonderful things about this school and I have found them all to be true!  I have been teaching for seven years and I have taught kindergarten, a kindergarten/first grade split, and first grade. I am thrilled to be teaching kindergarten again because at this grade level everyday is a new and exciting experience for my young students and me!  I raised my two sons in the Pleasant Hill area and I still reside in this area. My boys are grown young men now, and they both are attending Chico State. I did not pursue my teaching career until my children were much older, but it was being a helping parent in their kindergarten class that motivated me to teach. I look forward to being a part of the Coyote Creek family, meeting new children, families, colleagues, and friends.

Lori Holbrook Banks

I have been teaching for over 19 years. Before Coyote Creek, I spent 15 at the Mt. Diablo School District. I worked in Pleasant Hill and taught first and second grade. I got my Bachelor's Degree at Sacramento State college in Child Development. I got my credential at Saint Mary's in Moraga. I have grown up in the area and taught at the school I attended as a child.

I have three children from the ages of 21 to 8 years old. I like to spend my free time reading, shopping and staging houses. My favorite place is downtown Walnut Creek where I now live.

I knew as a child that I always wanted to be a teacher and a mom. I love what I do and I am very happy to be a part of such a nice community and warm staff. It has been an honor to be a part of this community for the last 5 years.

Tiffany Cintas

Hello Families and Friends!  I am thrilled to be returning to Coyote Creek as a member of the First Grade Team! I have previously had the privilege of being a part of the First Grade team at Coyote Creek as a Student Teacher. During my time here, I have been impressed and have identified with the core values that Coyote Creek exemplifies!

I began my schooling to become a teacher at Azusa Pacific University. I then graduated as Valedictorian and Credential Program Honor Student from Patten University. Along with my experience at Coyote Creek, I have also taught in a K-2 class, 4th grade and have been working with children of varying ages since I can remember! I have always had a passion for working with children and an enthusiasm for instilling them with a desire to learn, accompanied by a strong sense of self. I look forward to a year of learning, fun, and getting to know all of the amazing people that make Coyote Creek such a uniquely remarkable place to be!

Tracy Crawford

I have been teaching for 13 years. I taught 3rd grade for 8 years and this is my 5th year teaching first grade. I feel lucky to have been a part of the Coyote Creek family since its doors opened in 2000. I received my BA from Fresno State and my credential from Chapman University.

My husband and I are the proud parents of our 3 year old daughter Addison. She will be a big sister soon as we are expecting a bouncing boy in October. Spending time with family takes up most of my free time and we love to travel when we can, go to the park and spend time with friends. If I do get a chance I love to read and scrapbook.

Kathleen McGrath

I have been a teacher at Coyote Creek for the last 8 years. I have taught 2^nd, Kindergarten and have now landed in 1st grade. In my spare time, I teach yoga in San Ramon. I live in Oakland and have been in the bay area for ten years. I am originally from Southern California; I graduated from UCSB and moved up here to get my credential from San Francisco State. 

Chara Rodrigues

I began my teaching experience in southern California in the city of Upland. I taught second, third and sixth grade at Valencia Elementary. I returned to Danville, my hometown four years ago and was excited when I was hired by my junior high principal, Wendy Sparks.

Sarah Ross

Welcome Families! I've been teaching first grade at Coyote Creek for 7 years.  First graders are some of my favorite people.  It is exciting to teach them and watch them grow year after year.  I love working with the staff, students, and parents at this great school. I moved to San Ramon from my hometown of Sacramento.  I received my B.A. degree and teaching credential from California State University, Sacramento.

When I'm not spending time with my friends in Room 5, my husband and I enjoy being outside soaking up the sun and traveling. We spend many weekends at bike races and triathlons. This past year we welcomed our baby girl, Lauren, into our lives. Now most of our time is spent playing with her and watching her change and grow daily.

I also love watching sports! My favorite teams to cheer for are the 49ers, Giants, and Sacramento Kings!

I hope you and your family have a wonderful year!

Kathy Sanders

I love being a part of the Coyote Creek School community. This is my fifth year at CK after teaching in Oklahoma, West Virginia and Florida. Teaching is a very important part of my life and I have found much satisfaction in teaching at Coyote Creek. The parents and students are the best ever! I feel as if the staff is a part of my extended family. 

I grew up in Oklahoma and received my teaching credential when I graduated from Oklahoma State University. After teaching in Oklahoma for twelve years, my family moved to Florida. We lived in Tampa and Fort Myers. We were there for the “Year of the Hurricanes” and lived through Hurricane Charlie and the three other hurricanes, which followed that year. It was quite an experience.

My mother lives in Oklahoma and I often make trips there to visit her and my son.   My son lives in Stillwater: home of the OSU Cowboys!   I have one sister, Joyce, who lives in Florida.

My husband and I moved to California five years ago. We have two dogs which are a very important part of our family. Jake is our six-year-old Brittany spaniel and Cody is the four-year-old Golden Retriever we were so excited to get from Homeward Bound Rescue Association. If you ask, I will show you pictures!

Mariann Stephens

Hello! I am a first grade teacher here at Coyote Creek. Ever since I was in elementary school, one of my goals in life was to become a teacher. I had some amazing teachers growing up and I felt the longing to follow in their footsteps. To achieve my goal, I received my teaching credential and Masters Degree in the Art of Teaching from the University of San Francisco back in 1999. This is my eighth year teaching at Coyote Creek. Previously I taught Kindergarten in the San Mateo/Foster City School District. I truly love what I do and I feel so fortunate to be teaching in such a great community.

My husband, Bill, and I have two sons, Michael, 4 years old, and Nicholas, 1 year old. Both of our boys continue to amaze us each and every day. It's an extraordinary experience seeing how quickly children change and how grown up they become. You just don't want to blink!

When I am not in the classroom, I enjoy being with my family, exploring new places, taking walks with our Labrador, Mollie, reading, swimming, and spending time at our family cabin up in Lake Tahoe.

Looking forward to a fun and fabulous year learning!

Karen Young

I am so thrilled to be a member of the Coyote Creek pack and feel very fortunate to be working in this wonderful community.

My family and I have lived in Danville for over 16 years. I have 2 terrific sons, an 9th grader and a 6th grader, who keep me very busy. I have been involved in the San Ramon Unified School District for many years as a parent, a volunteer, and a teacher. I have also been involved with the San Ramon Valley Education Foundation responsible for fundraising at my children's elementary and middle schools. In addition, I am involved in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts with my sons.

I received my B.S. degree at Arizona State University and my teaching credential from Chapman University. Several years ago, I decided that I wanted to teach kindergarten. Over the years, I volunteered and substituted in kindergarten classes in this district, learning from the best in preparation to teach my own kindergarten class. This is my second year teaching kindergarten at Coyote Creek and every day is exciting and full of new concepts or skills to learn. What I hope to pass on to my students is the love of learning and caring for others that will help them throughout their school career.

I am looking forward to a fabulous year at Coyote Creek full of adventure and learning.