Mr. James E. Cusack,  Executive Director
As the Executive Director, Mr. Cusack has been involved in every aspect of Sand Paths Academy since 1970. His vision and leadership have created a caring and nurturing environment to support families and students with disabilities. Mr. Cusack is a credentialed Special Education Teacher and a Therapist, who provides guidance and supervision to the Program Director, Special Education Teachers and Classroom Staff.

Cynthia Scott, Program Director

Ms. Scott has extensive training in Behavior Management Techniques and Intervention Strategies as well as over 20 years experience working with youth. Ms. Scott manages the day to day operations of the school.  She has served the students and staff at Sand Paths Academy since 1998, helping to maintain a peaceful and safe environment.

Ms. Anna Van Gelder, Business Manager

After teaching elementary school for several years, Mrs. Van Gelder joined the team at Sand Paths Academy in 1988.  Mrs. Van Gelder has worked closely with Mr. Cusack and the staff to organize and maintain all business related tasks.

Melinda Montgomery  

Ms. Montgomery has over twenty years of teaching experiences in a variety of subjects. She has worked with at-risk youth in public schools, non-public schools, county community schools, and residential facilities. Ms. Montgomery has an Education Specialist Credential from Holy Names University with an emphasis in teaching mathematics. In addition to her teaching credential she holds a Master of Fine Arts from the San Francisco Art Institute. Her early teaching career included teaching photography and art to both teenagers and adults. Ms. Montgomery was the Coordinator of a Civic Arts photography program and a Visiting Artist at the University of California Davis. She has given lectures about, and exhibited her creative work nationally. Some of her other interests include science, history, animals, traveling the world, and learning as much as possible about everything.

Jennifer Jones Horton

Ms. Jones Horton teaches High School History and Language Arts.  Ms. Jones Horton’s approach to teaching is active, multi-modal and capitalizes on students strengths. Her passion for art, cooking, and anything creative presents itself in her teaching style. Prior to joining our staff she taught at Landmark School which specializes in language-based learning disabilities. Ms. Jones Horton has taught History, Computer Arts, and Language Arts to students with a variety of Special Education needs. She holds a Bachelors degree in American Studies with a focus on education and a minor in art from Lesley University. Her master’s degree and teachers certification in Special Education is from Simmons College, in Massachusetts. She is also certified in Special Education by the state of California.

Chelsea Smith

Ms. Smith grew up in Lafayette California. She attended the University of Mississippi and completed her Bachelors and License in Special Education Mild/Moderate and Severe and Profound disabilities. Ms. Smith coaches the Special Olympics Swim and Soccer Team in the East Bay. In her spare time she enjoys adding to her travels which include London, Italy, and Greece. Ms. Smith is currently working on her Masters degree in Early Childhood Special Education.

Yahir Marta

Mr. Marta is the Physical Education instructor for Sand Paths Academy. He has been, teaching, motivating and inspiring students at Sand Paths for the past 6 years. He enjoys playing sports and played several sports in high school and ran both Track and Field and Cross Country in College. He also coaches soccer and basketball in Bay Area youth leagues.   Mr. Marta is committed to the physical education of the students here at Sand Path, helping them to set and accomplish their goals.

Sarah May Batmale

Ms. Batmale is our Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.. She was born and raised in San Francisco. She has years of experience working with children and adolescents in therapeutic schools, recreational and residential settings. Ms. Batmale loves to, run, read, dance, and eat homemade chocolate chip cookies.  Ms. Batmale received her Bachelors Degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Brigham Young University in 2007.

Robert Gardner

Mr. Robert Gardner received his Bachelor's degree in Latin American History from San Francisco State University. He has been working in the field for more than two years and has experience working with a wide range of students.  In his free time he enjoys the company of his family and friends.  He also enjoys playing soccer and riding his bicycle on the weekends.

Ian Michell,

Mr. Michell has more than three years of experience working with at-risk youth in San Francisco.  He obtained a bachelors degree in psychology and philosophy at the University of California at Santa Cruz, and a Master’s degree in psychology at Saubrook Graduate School and Research Center in San Francisco. Mr. Michell is an avid music fan who in his free time enjoys playing guitar and adding to his ever growing record collection.

Miles Escobedo

New Staff for the 2010 - 2011 school year.

Nathan Rhodes

New Staff for the 2010 - 2011 school year.