Principal's Welcome and Admin Team
Kirstin Snyder, Principal
"Be the change you want to see in the world." Mahatma Gandhi
My name is Kirstin Snyder, and I am your new Principal. My career began in Oakland as a College and Career Counselor. After becoming very curious about the acquisition of reading, I spent five years in Hayward working in the elementary world as a teacher and trained reading coach. My transition to Berkeley resulted in a very long stop, and I have spent the last twenty years there teaching, coaching, and coordinating intervention at the district level. I have my Master’s in Urban teacher Leadership and administrative credential that is focused around equity. I am deeply committed to disrupting education’s systemic inequities and rebuilding our instructional practices so that all students thrive. In my short time, it has become evident Encinal is an amazing place, and wonderful people surround me. You will find I am solutions based and lead with clear communication and kindness. I believe in human connection and relationships, and I look forward to being a part of the Encinal Community.
Go JETS!!!!
Alifea Davis, Assistant Principal
My name is Alifea Davis, and I am honored to serve as the Assistant Principal of Encinal. A proud native of North Carolina, I bring over 20 years of experience in education, having taught across all grade levels and in various subject areas.
My leadership, whether as Dean of Students, Dir. of Activities, or Teacher on Special Assignment for Restorative Practices, is always rooted in social justice and equity, with a focus on building relational trust within the school community. I am deeply committed to challenging and dismantling misconceptions about student potential, and to fostering an environment where every learner is seen, valued, and empowered to succeed.
I am truly grateful for the warm welcome I’ve received from the Encinal community, and I look forward to building strong relationships with students, families, and staff. Please know that I am always available to support, listen, and work alongside you in service of our students' success.
Tim Zolezzi, Assistant Principal
My name is Tim Zolezzi and I am honored to serve as the Encinal Vice Principal. I am a Bay Area native who has called the East Bay home for over a decade. My journey in education began as a teacher in South Texas, before returning to California to work as a Behavior Therapist with preschool & elementary-aged children navigating developmental differences. I’ve spent the last 15 years teaching sociology and history. My leadership experience includes serving as a new teacher coach, department chair, and most recently as the school-wide Professional Development Coordinator at Berkeley High. I believe schools have the potential to play a powerful role in moving us towards a more just and equitable society. My core values are centered around confronting and dismantling racial injustice while promoting an education system that serves to inspire and empower young people.
Thank you for welcoming me into your community. I look forward to learning and growing with you!
Holly Ellison, Dean of Students
My name is Holly Ellison and I am the Dean of Student Support Services. I am excited to be a part of Encinal Junior Senior High and its focus on equity, inclusivity, and leading students to achieve their full potential. I am a Southern California native, but have lived in the Bay Area for over 20 years. I have a long history of educating Bay Area students, having worked as a teacher, intervention specialist, teacher coach, and assistant principal. While I am new to the community of Alameda, I am quickly learning what a special place this is and feel fortunate to be a part of supporting the success of our students. Building relationships and a positive culture is something I value so always feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns or just to say hello.