Karla Ruiz (she/her)
Community School Director

Karla is passionate about developing youth and communities and the staff that support them. Her role as the Community School Director focuses on establishing and maintaining partnerships between the school and community-based organizations that will promote the growth of the Burton community school model. Karla is motivated by seeing her students, staff, and community grow; she encourages them to dream big, take risks, and make mistake. She brings over 10 years of experience in youth and program development rooted in equity, social justice and leadership development. Karla prides herself in being born and bred in San Francisco and a first-generation college graduate. She is proud to lead a team of staff committed to fostering healthy and positive growth within each other, while encouraging participants to be their authentic selves and to have fun!

Ask Me About: Partnership opportunities, Family Resources, Student-Club funding, Summer Programs

Sarah Kong (she/her)
Pathways and Partnerships Director

Sarah was born and raised in the Bayview District of San Francisco. She is a product of SFUSD and attended community college before transferring to the University of San Francisco, where she earned her BS in Biochemistry and Math, as well as her MA in Teaching. As Pathways and Partnerships Director, Sarah is informed by her own experiences to ensure that learning at Burton is fun, engaging, and meaningful. To do so, Sarah works closely with Burton, SFUSD, industry partners, and community organizations to coordinate work-based learning experiences across all four of Burton’s academies. What Sarah loves most about being at Burton is the ability to reimagine learning for the young people in her community. She firmly believes that education is the foundation for liberation, and with the right people, support, and opportunities, another world is possible.

Ask Me About: Burton Academies, Internships, Volleyball, and Graphic Design

Erick Nguyen (he/him)
Student Supports Coordinator

Erick Nguyen was born and raised in San Francisco. He attended City College of San Francisco, where he earned an Associates Degree in Liberal Arts. He then transferred to San Francisco State University, where he earned a B.A. in Criminal Justice. As Student Supports Coordinator, Erick is responsible for connecting students with the support systems they need in order to be successful here at Burton. Additionally, Erick also coordinates the Junior Program Leader Summer Program, as well as Puma Success Team (also known as Food & Blog.) Both programs provided targeted support for students transitioning in and out of Burton High School. What he loves most about working at Burton is developing relationships with incoming freshmen and being able to watch them grow from teenagers to young adults. During his spare time, Erick likes going to the gym and spending time with his family.

Ask Me About: One-on-One Case Management, Incoming Freshmen Program, Food Resources, and Goal Setting

Jann Ramirez (he/him)
Expanded Learning Coordinator

Jann Ramirez is a Bay Area native, whose main focus is to bring something positive to the community. As the Expanded Learning Coordinator, he is looking to create a culture of growth, inclusivity and understanding of the self and others. Jann works with school staff and community partners to provide meaningful experiences to students, in hopes to strengthen their relationship with each other and Burton as a whole. Jann enjoys the opportunity to impact students' lives on an individual scale. believing in order to create change in the world you have to approach it one person at a time.

Ask Me About: Getting Involved with Creating Culture, Events/Clubs on Campus + Why it’s Important to do so

Zenaida Barr (she/her)
Senior Student Success Advocate

BIO COMING SOON!

Nikki Hatfield (she/her)
Pathways and Partnerships Specialist

Nikki Hatfield is a second generation San Franciscan and is passionate about creating connections across communities. As the Pathways & Partnership Specialist, she is working closely with students and community partners to ensure students are aware of their options and opportunities. Her aim is to shift the status quo and learn innovative ways to spark conversation and action, as well as always promoting the importance of emotional intelligence in efforts to help young people thrive and connect to their highest selves.

Ask Me About: Upcoming Programs, Internships, and Youth Opportunities.

Goyette Williams (she/her)
Program Leader

BIO COMING SOON!

Riko Mooring (he/him)
Safety & Support Leader