Meet the Team

I am elated to be a part of Campbell Union School District’s new preschool-eighth-grade school teaching second grade. I have been a passionate educator for 30 years—originally at Campbell Middle School—striving to ignite students’ passions for learning and curiosity about the world in which they live. This is my fourth year in second grade.

The challenge of working with younger students as they begin their educational journeys excites me. This is an opportunity to change the way we educate our future leaders. It is a chance to prepare our students to be critical and creative thinkers who will be prepared to compete in a quickly changing environment.

I have a Bachelor of Arts degree from Humboldt State University, a multiple subjects teaching credential from San Jose State University, and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Santa Clara University. I was Campbell Middle School’s Teacher of the Year in 2016, a finalist for District 5, California League of Middle School Educator of the Year, Google Certified Educator, Leading Edge Digital Educator, and part of the MERIT cohort with the Krause Center of Innovation in 2018.

When I'm not working in the classroom designing lessons for my students, I enjoy spending time hiking all over the Bay Area’s trails with my husband. Since our own children are grown and gone, we have a lot of time to explore especially on the weekends. We also love to attend concerts and spend time near water. We just adopted a rescue dog named Fiona who has two speeds: full throttle and dead stop.

I am so excited to be a part of the CSI community! I am especially excited to be a part of the second grade team, as I LOVE teaching second grade. I think second graders are the best; I find their endless curiosity, creativity, and ability to stay true to themselves, while also demonstrating impressive empathy towards others, to be incredibly admirable. Daily, I am inspired by my students to continue to stay curious, laugh often, and never stop learning. I strive to create a safe space at school where students genuinely feel part of a larger community, creating an environment in which they know they’ll always be both supported and challenged. I encourage my students to make mistakes, learn from others, think big, and lead with heart, always.

This is my third year in Campbell USD, and my fifth year teaching. I spent my first two years teaching at a private school in Santa Cruz. Before teaching, I worked with kids of all ages in many capacities: as a preschool teacher, after-school leader, nanny, au pair, coach, tutor, and one-on-one classroom aide. I received my Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Hawaii at Hilo, where I studied psychology and educational studies. I received my multiple-subject teaching credential and Masters degree from University of San Francisco. Additionally, I studied holistic nutrition at Bauman College to become a certificated Holistic Nutrition Consultant. I especially love bringing my passion for healthy, colorful foods and cooking into the classroom!

When I’m not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my dog Koa, hiking in the Santa Cruz mountains and romping on the beach, tending to my plants, practicing yoga, reading a good book in the sunshine, traveling to see friends and family, and baking healthy treats in my kitchen.

I am passionate about student-driven, hands-on discovery. I am especially excited to bring my 11 years of teaching experience to the CSI community and collaborate with families on our journey through design thinking.

I enjoy the challenge of creating a nurturing environment that excites, engages, and supports diverse learners to take risks and learn.

I'm a risk-taker myself. I'm here to model a learning process that leads to deep understanding; a process where we take chances, make mistakes, and get messy!

I worked for 6 years in East Palo Alto teaching and coaching other teachers in NGSS science, technology, project-based learning, and Makers Spaces in the classroom. I transferred to Rosemary Elementary in Campbell 5 years ago. While there, we transformed the school into an Expeditionary Learning school; a project-based learning model built on the values of Outward Bound.

I am a certified PBL Core project-based learning facilitator and certified as both a Leading Edge Digital Educator and Professional Learning Leader.

I obtained my Bachelor of Arts degree in Community Studies while working at a non-profit school for homeless children in Santa Cruz. I also hold a Masters degree in Education and multiple subject teaching credential from UC Santa Cruz.

When not teaching, I love cooking, hiking, and playing with my daughters at the beach or redwoods in Santa Cruz.

Hello Everyone! My name is Helena Silva (Ms. Silva), and I am excited to join the CSI 2nd grade team! I am overjoyed to be a part of such a wonderful team and community! I have worked in the education field for about 11 years now. I love working with children and providing them a space to be who they are, realize their potential, and find their inner passions and talents that they never knew existed. I have a lot of energy, a loud voice, and a passion for teaching.

I grew up in South San Francisco, California. I have always loved sports and was lucky to participate in Track and Field throughout college. I graduated from Humboldt State University with a Bachelor's in Kinesiology and earned my Master's in Early Childhood Education from California Baptist University. I then made a choice to become a Multiple Subjects Teacher and worked to earn my Credential through California State East Bay.

I first began my journey as an educator at Robert Louis Stevenson Elementary School in San Francisco as a Physical Education teacher and have worked as a Camp Director and After School Coordinator at different locations such as the Sunset Neighborhood Beacon Center, the Bay Club, and KE Camps. I love working with kids and am blessed to be a part of a profession that brings me joy and happiness.

This year, I hope your child will discover just how fun learning can be through the various lessons and activities we will engage in throughout our time together. My goal is for every student to have a year filled with outrageous fun while continuing to build themselves! I am here to listen to any concerns and suggestions you have, as we are a team that communicates and works together to build a safe and engaging atmosphere for all students and the school community! I hope to inspire each student and instill a passion for lifelong learning. I can not wait to meet all of you and look forward to a fun-filled summer!

Reading Intervention

Inclusion Aide

Inclusion Specialist