Leadership Team
Steven Borg, Director of Advancement and Marketing.
Mr. Borg’s work at OSA focuses on communications, strategy, marketing, community partnerships, and fundraising.
Mr. Borg spent his career in financial services leading marketing, communications, strategy, program management, and customer experience. He also spent his career as a servant-leader in the Oakland community for multiple non-profit and educational organizations in governance, strategy, communications, and fundraising. This led to his transition to consulting and independent work for non-profit organizations. Mr. Borg’s passion in his community work is social change and social mobility with education serving as a fundamental pathway.
Mr. Borg is no stranger to OSA and has been a part of the school community for 11 years; 3 years as a parent of a student, and then almost 8 years following as a member of the OSA Board of Directors. This provides him with a good context for the mission as he joined the school’s leadership team.
Mr. Borg is also chairman of the board at Holy Names University and an executive advisor to Oakland Elizabeth House.
Beth Brenner-Josef, Finance Director
Beth Brenner-Josef joined OSA in 2023 and brings many years of nonprofit finance experience. Beth has
spent many years working in various finance and administrative capacities for a variety of nonprofit
organizations. She has led and managed all aspects of finance, accounting, audit, human resource,
facilities/IT, and board reporting and has coordinated all aspects of financial planning and management
for educational and charitable entities. Beth holds an MBA from Northeastern University and a MPA
from The American University. She lives in Marin with her husband and two dogs.
spent many years working in various finance and administrative capacities for a variety of nonprofit
organizations. She has led and managed all aspects of finance, accounting, audit, human resource,
facilities/IT, and board reporting and has coordinated all aspects of financial planning and management
for educational and charitable entities. Beth holds an MBA from Northeastern University and a MPA
from The American University. She lives in Marin with her husband and two dogs.
Rachel Dalton, Assistant Principal
Rachel Dalton joined OSA in 2022 and brings 20 years of experience in education. She was formerly a Montessori teacher, a high school Social Studies/English teacher, a curriculum designer, and a district-wide teacher coach. After earning a Master's in Educational Administration in 2016, Rachel moved into school leadership and has been serving charter schools in administrative roles since then. She is committed to innovative educational programs that are flexible and responsive to students' academic and social-emotional needs. She brings a restorative approach to problem-solving, a collaborative and servant-based approach to leadership, and a joy-based approach to relationships with students and families.
Walter Harris, Director of Facilities and Safety
Mr. Harris has been with OSA for a number of years, and believes in supporting our students through providing a safe and attractive campus to enhance their educational experience.
Dr. Sara Ordaz, Director of Special Education.
Before coming to OSA, Dr. Ordaz has been working as a Special Education Specialist at Seneca Family of Agencies teaching middle school. After her first year of teaching, she realized that she had a special bond with students who had experienced severe trauma and marginalization, which is where her passion for special education began. For nine years she worked with a diverse range of emotional, physical and cultural backgrounds in one of the most highly restrictive educational settings that exist. It shaped who she is today and the lens she brings into this work. In addition to teaching, she is also a lifelong learner. Ms. Ordaz received her bachelor’s degree in Child and Adolescent Development and her Master’s degree in Special Education. Dr. Orda received her Special Education and Disability Studies Doctoral program at USF where her research focused on the overrepresentation of African American males in special education diagnosed with emotional disturbance.
She has dedicated her life to serving and supporting students with disabilities and looks forward to continuing that work at OSA.
Mike Oz, Executive Director
With his multi-generational family history in the Oakland arts community, Mr. Oz has a strong sense of pride in being a long standing member of OSA. Mr. Oz earned both his master's degree in education and his multiple subject teaching credential from UC Santa Cruz in 2004 and spent time in the classroom teaching Special Education, Mathematics, and Science. Soon after joining OSA in 2006, Mr. Oz's commitment to creating an inviting school culture and equitable educational experience for all students led him to be part of the leadership team in 2009. At OSA, Mr. Oz has held the roles of Dean of Students, Assistant Principal, High School Principal, and School Principal. In this Executive DIrector role he will be maintaining some responsibilities previously held as Principal while transitioning much of his focus to the advancement and long term sustainability of the school. Mr. Oz is humbled and activated in taking on this challenge.
With his multi-generational family history in the Oakland arts community, Mr. Oz has a strong sense of pride in being a long standing member of OSA. Mr. Oz earned both his master's degree in education and his multiple subject teaching credential from UC Santa Cruz in 2004 and spent time in the classroom teaching Special Education, Mathematics, and Science. Soon after joining OSA in 2006, Mr. Oz's commitment to creating an inviting school culture and equitable educational experience for all students led him to be part of the leadership team in 2009. At OSA, Mr. Oz has held the roles of Dean of Students, Assistant Principal, High School Principal, and School Principal. In this Executive DIrector role he will be maintaining some responsibilities previously held as Principal while transitioning much of his focus to the advancement and long term sustainability of the school. Mr. Oz is humbled and activated in taking on this challenge.
Arlyle Schultz, Head Counselor
Arlyle Schultz is happy to be starting her 17th year at OSA. She started with the Middle School in 2006 as a humanities teacher and has since moved into the Head Counselor position. She is responsible for overseeing scheduling and advising the 6th -9th grade. She's excited for the new semester and looks forward to working with students, families, and faculty in the 22-23 school year.
David Smith, Director of Technology
Mr. Smith has been working in Information Technology since 1987. David joined OSA in its first year. He is excited to be working with the OSA community to design an effective, reliable, and innovative technology infrastructure that supports OSA in all areas. He holds a B.A. from Earlham College.
Mr. Smith has been working in Information Technology since 1987. David joined OSA in its first year. He is excited to be working with the OSA community to design an effective, reliable, and innovative technology infrastructure that supports OSA in all areas. He holds a B.A. from Earlham College.
Kala Stepter, Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Coordinator
Kala is joining OSA after having taught math at the elementary and middle school level in Washington DC and the Bay Area. As a learner and educator, she enjoys working with students and families to explore our global community, inspire curiosity and innovation through project based learning, and dream of what could be. Both in and outside of the classroom, Kala has deconstructed and redesigned schoolwide systems to create more equitable and accessible spaces. While simultaneously teaching, she has partnered with families to uplift their voices and begin a PTO, developed a social justice centered math curriculum utilizing the liberatory design model, and led professional development around equity and justice. By taking deliberate steps, she believes that we can build transformative school systems uplifting collaboration, creativity, and community.Kala holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Stanford University and a dual Master’s in Education from Lesley University.
Dr. Delores Thompson, Pathway Coordinator
Dr. Delores Thompson joined OSA in 2014, creating www.kosaradio.org, a student-operated 24 hour online radio station. Shortly afterward, Dr. Thompson developed a broadcast course and curriculum for OSA students. A 25-year broadcast veteran, Dr. Thompson started her career at KSBT TV 'SoulBeat,' a 24hr Black-owned video network where she served as the Program Director for stations New York & Sonoma County outlets. Los Angeles radio stations 1230 KGFJ on-air talent/Assistant Program Director/Music Director. After 7 years she moved over to 102.3 KJLH owned by Stevie Wonder where she earned the title of Southern California's #1 Lady in the Mid-days. Currently, Dr. Thompson can be heard over the air-waves weekends on 102.9 KBLX and she can be seen on TV One's "Unsung" music docuseries.
Katy Zaugg, Principal
Ms. Zaugg has been an integral part of OSA for many years, most recently as the Assistant Principal. She lives in Oakland with her husband and adorable dog, and always knows what students are up to. In her role as Interim Principal, she will continue to her previous duties, including student services, and she will take on additional school wide management and leadership for arts and academic teachers as Principal. Before shifting into education, Katy began her career in the arts as a proud graduate of California College of Arts and Crafts. She worked for four years in public schools and alternative education programs before coming to OSA. In addition to working at OSA, Katy supervises student teachers in the field for the Mills College Educators for Liberation, Justice, and Joy credential program.