Our Leadership Team

Dr Doron Markus joined the team bringing three decades of experience in education, most recently serving as a district-level administrator in the San Ramon Valley USD. He has also served as a science teacher, assistant principal, adjunct professor, and county-level administrator. 

Dr Markus is passionate about preparing learners for college, career, and community. He believe's that all learners should come to school with intention and leave with a sense of accomplishment—and that joy, curiosity, and purposeful learning should be at the heart of every day at ACLC.

His leadership style is rooted in collaboration and building ownership among stakeholders and strives to empower facilitators and learners alike to take initiative, while offering steady guidance and support.

Outside of school, you’ll find Doron creating art, solving New York Times crossword puzzles, playing pickleball, and spending time with his two children.

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.

Mariel Nodado graduated from Saint Mary's College with a Masters in Marriage in Family Therapy and School Counseling in 2025. She was born and raised in Vallejo, and is excited to be returning to ACLC as the School Counselor (having completed her internship here last year).

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.

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.