Prior to Freestyle Academy, Elizabeth Pedinotti has been an Art Educator since 2000. While at Los Altos, she taught photography and 3D design and crafts classes that focus on teaching visual art skills as well as elements and principles of art and design. In addition to teaching, Elizabeth is a freelance photographer and graphic designer. In 1999, she received the Excellence in Photography Award at the State University of New York at Albany.

Elizabeth.Pedinotti@mvla.net   650-940-7479

Prior to Freestyle Academy, Sue Kefauver worked at Los Altos High School from 1987 to 2006 teaching freshmen through senior English classes. In 2002, she obtained her Master of Arts in Cinema Studies from San Francisco State. Her popular Film Analysis class at LAHS combined UC approved English curriculum with digital film pre-production and post-production skills. In addition to this work, she organized the annual community film festival, showcasing the best of her student work.

Sue.Kefauver@mvla.net   650-940-7478

Freestyle Academy Instructor of
Society, Politics, and Literature (Juniors)
Philosophy in LIterature (Seniors)

Freestyle Academy Instructor of
Web Design and Audio Engineering

Prior to Freestyle Academy, Gordon Jack taught English and Journalism at Los Altos High School from 1994-2001. After teaching abroad in Santiago, Chile for a year, he returned and became the district's BTSA (Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment) coach. From 2000 to 2005, he worked with new teachers in every discipline, observing classes, analyzing student work, and researching best teaching practices. In 2005, Gordon took on the role of Lead Teacher for the Academy, coordinating efforts to establish the program and classes at this Academy.

Gordon.Jack@mvla.net    650-940-4680

Prior to Freestyle Academy, Leo Florendo worked at Los Altos High School from 1997-2006 teaching Physics, AP Physics, Algebra II and Pre-Engineering. In addition to these classes, Leo has been the Robotics Team Faculty Advisor, Marching Band Head Visual Instructor/Drill Designer, Site Technology Coordinator, Webmaster and team teacher in our Pre-Engineering program. While not teaching at Los Altos, Leo served as the Program Manager in the Collaborative of Higher Education Summer Internship Program at NASA Ames Research Center. Leo is a UCSC Banana Slug alumni with a BA in Physics and Math and also an SJSU alumni with a MA in Instructional Technology. Leo is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer where he served for 4 years in the Kingdom of Tonga from 1989-1992. He taught English Conversation in Kure, Japan from 1993-1996. He and his Japanese wife are enjoying life with their new baby born June, 2006.

Leo.Florendo@mvla.net   650-940-7477