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!!!!
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, Assistant Principal
My name is Holly Ellison and 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.
Chiharu Kitchens, Assistant Principal
My name is Chiharu Kitchens and I am so excited to join the Encinal community as your Assistant Principal. With over 20 years in education, I have had the opportunity to work with students in a variety of settings and roles, including special education, behavior support, and school leadership. Most recently, I served as an Assistant Principal before joining Encinal.
I am passionate about creating a positive school culture where every student feels a strong sense of belonging, connection, and support. I believe that when we build strong relationships and work together as a community, we create an environment where students can thrive and reach their full potential. I look forward to getting to know our students, families, and staff and being part of the Encinal community.