Our Leadership Team
Lead Facilitator
Julie Norris brings over two decades of rich experience in educational leadership and data analytics. She most recently served as a Data Strategist in the West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) in Richmond, CA. Julie takes pride in progress monitoring student achievement and district/school goals, and utilizing data to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
One of Julie's key contributions in her most recent role has been providing professional development sessions to schools and department teams, empowering them with the skills to navigate diverse data platforms and utilize data effectively in their respective roles.
Prior to working in WCCUSD, she worked in the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) in a variety of positions. During her tenure as Principal, Julie fostered a cooperative environment for students, staff, and families to thrive. Additionally she ensured that appropriate educational settings and instruction was being provided to students receiving special education services, implemented behavioral and academic intervention programs, and spearheaded initiatives promoting equity and inclusion.
When Julie is not at school you can find her spending family time with her amazing and mostly grown children (17 & 26), reading a good book, gardening, trying a new recipe, or hiking in the East Bay Regional Parks.
Asst Lead Facilitator
Stephanie Bean joined the ACLC community in 2023 as Assistant Lead Facilitator. She holds a B.A. in Psychology, a Mild/Moderate Teaching Credential, and Master's degree in Education. Stephanie has been an educator serving the greater Oakland education community since 2012. She has worked as a mental health counselor, a special education teacher, an education specialist, a grade level lead, a behavioral lead, and most recently as a Dean of Students at Lionel Wilson College Preparatory Academy in Oakland.
Stephanie strongly believes that education is a tool for liberation and is committed to serving the ACLC community through an equitable lens. She has experience with restorative justice practices and has done lots of work supporting learners with behaviors that many adults find challenging. Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys playing soccer, cooking, working out, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
Dean of Students
Amina Galadima (Ms. G) joined the ACLC team in 2024 as a High School English Facilitator and has accepted the role as Dean of Students for 6-12th grade starting in the 2024-2025 school year.
Ms. G was born in Greenville, SC and moved to the Bay Area in 2018 from Washington, DC. She holds a BA in Mass Communications from Lander University. Before coming to the ACLC family, she worked as a Public Relations and Marketing Manager. In her spare time, she enjoys reading (37 books in 2024 so far) and traveling (35 countries and counting). She is thrilled to continue building on the current relationships she has with our learners, and looks forward to forging new ones and working closely with our team and families!
School Counselor
Amanda Stoner joined ACLC as School Counselor in 2018. She holds a B.S. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, and received a dual Master's degree in School Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy from Saint Mary's College. She finds the role of School Counselor very rewarding and is excited to be working with learners, parents, facilitators and administrators in a school community that is committed to educational success. Before coming to ACLC, Amanda spent two years as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist in the San Ramon Unified School District. Before that, she spent one year as a School Counseling intern at a high school in the San Ramon Unified School District. Amanda grew up in Overland Park, Kansas and now lives in San Ramon with her husband and son.
School Operations Manager
Lai Llanda joined ACLC as a School Manager in 2018 and is honored to be part of a team whose mission supports learners’ individual needs. Her career in education started in 2009 after she left her profession in journalism and started working at a Montessori school. It was there that she realized working with children and families was her purpose and that the approach to “not one size fits all” was integral to catering to each child’s educational path. She has over 13 years of experience in education, both inside and outside the classroom and in both private and public schools. She is an advocate of choice schools such as ACLC, where families can find growth in a smaller community and where children can feel recognized.
Lai is passionate about inclusion, equity and restorative justice in schools. Lai was born and raised in Oakland, CA and is a product of Oakland public schools. She is a first-generation college graduate and received a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from San Francisco State University. She loves family time and grew up with six siblings and has 19 nieces and nephews! When she finds free time, she likes to enjoy the outdoors, cook, go on foodie adventures and travel with her son and husband.
Office Manager
Heather Mahaffey is ACLC's Office Manager and has been part of the ACLC Office team since 2016. Heather has also served three years on the ACLC Board. She is the proud mom of an ACLC alum from the class of 2021.
Heather says, "I love our school, our learners, and staff members. The ACLC community is a strong special group that I am proud to be part of."
Heather is an East Bay native and resides in San Leandro. In her spare time she loves to read, swim, bike, travel, go to the beach and concerts, and spend time with friends and family.