Jinkie Galvan

Director of Lower School (KG-2G)

“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.”

As an educator and leader with a decade of experience spanning the developmental stages from preschool through elementary school and a Master’s Degree in education, Jinkie Galvan is the Director of Lower School (Kindergarten through Second Grade). She believes that every child deserves a nurturing, inclusive, and supportive learning environment to thrive. Education is not merely about imparting knowledge, but about cultivating a love for learning, instilling essential life skills, and nurturing the overall well-being of each child. Central to her approach is the recognition that fostering positive partnerships with staff, students, and families is paramount in achieving academic success and holistic development in an ever-changing world.

Meher Irani

Director of ECE and TK

“Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.”- Albert Einstein
Bringing more than 18 years of teaching experience to her leadership position at Stratford Santa Clara Pomeroy, Meher Irani holds a Master’s degree in Psychology and a Diploma in Montessori, specializing in Early Childhood Education. With over a decade of experience at various Stratford school campuses, she is dedicated to cultivating a well-rounded and engaging learning environment for her students. Meher’s dedication lies in nurturing the individual strengths and talents of each student within a supportive and interactive educational setting. Emphasizing social-emotional learning and cultivating a growth mindset, she enriches the educational journey for her students.

Nina Paoloni

Assistant Director (PS-5th Grade)

Ashley Correia

Office Administrator

Natalie Manning

Office Administrator

Chitra Sundararaman

Director of Admissions

Malia Thach

Office Administrator

Gigi Tate

Head of School

“I strive to create a positive learning environment where students are motivated to succeed.”

Gigi Tate brings over 20 years of experience in the field of education to her role as the Head of School at Stratford’s Santa Clara Pomeroy campus. She strives to create a positive learning environment where students are motivated to succeed and realize their full potential. When students feel safe, supported, and included, there is no limit as to what they can achieve.

Namrata Bhalla

Director of Lower School (3-5th Grade)

“I believe in each child’s unique potential.”

Namrata Bhalla brings over a decade of experience in the field of education to her role as the Director of Lower School (3-5th Grade) at Stratford’s Santa Clara Pomeroy campus. Before assuming her current role, Namrata served in both teaching and leadership roles at Stratford.

Namrata believes in each child’s ability to succeed, but knows that children learn in a variety of ways. Stratford’s curriculum provides an excellent framework of learning opportunities to all students that allows educators to help students tap into their unique potential to learn, perform, and accomplish their educational goals. She knows that the teachers in students’ lives play a vital role in development by creating a nurturing and enriching environment to help each child shine.

More than anything, Namrata appreciates Stratford’s focus on the overall development of each student and the family partnerships that are core to a Stratford School education.