Faculty & Staff
Brittany Botta
Director of Teaching and Learning
Brittany has been an elementary educator for over ten years, with previous experience teaching both general and special education in New York and Tennessee.
At UP Academy, Brittany creates joyful classroom communities where every child feels loved and celebrated. She believes that all students should have access to an engaging curriculum with authentic learning experiences that foster curiosity. She is the creator of REBEL Projects, a curriculum of trimester-long projects that promotes deep learning of concepts through authentic experiences.
Brittany holds a Masters Degree in Childhood and Special Education from Touro College. When she is not helping build UP Academy, she can typically be found with her daughter Eilee exploring nature or travelling.
Alexandra Kelly
Director of Math and Innovation
Alexandra is a dedicated educator and curriculum specialist with a deep passion for making math and technology accessible, joyful, and engaging for all learners. As the Director of Math and Innovation at Up Academy in San Mateo, she designs and implements dynamic, interdisciplinary curricula that integrate hands-on problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking. She also coaches educators and works closely with students in all grade levels, fostering a love of learning through individualized, inquiry-based instruction.
A Bay Area native, Alexandra began her career as a developmental psychology researcher at Harvard University and Boston Children’s Hospital, which ignited her interest in child development and social-emotional learning. She holds a California teaching credential and a master’s degree in elementary education from the University of San Francisco. Her experience spans general and special education classrooms, as well as enrichment programs in mathematics, robotics, and coding.
When she isn’t teaching, Alexandra enjoys board games and spending time with her dog and kitten.
Grace Moen
Elementary Educator
Hello! I'm Grace Moen, a recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin Platteville. At my time at UWP, I studied Elementary Education with minors in Early Childhood Development and German Language. Outside of school, I was also able to teach German, English, and Junior Achievement courses to students of many ages. As my parents would say from the many times I made them play my "students" as a kid, I have always had a love for teaching. However, it wasn't until my first year of College when I found my passion for helping students grow academically and personally. Another one of my favorite things in life is traveling, so I was able to combine my two passions during my two student teaching placements at the International School of Como in Italy and the Berlin British School in Germany. There I was able to open my mind to completely foreign curriculums and solidify my stance as an educator. Outside of school, I also love hiking, being at the beach, spending time with family, and cooking. I am so excited to be a part of the UP Academy® team and hope I can learn just as much as I teach.
Irene Yeh
Elementary Educator
Irene is an elementary educator from Taiwan. She received her B.S. in elementary education and Illinois teaching credential from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Irene also holds a master’s degree in Social Sciences and Comparative Education from the University of California, Los Angeles. As an international student and third-cultural kid, Irene has spent the past year researching about the identity of third-cultural kids and how schools can better accommodate them.
Irene aims to create a warm and welcoming classroom community where every child gets to learn and be curious. She is enthusiastic about bringing in what she has learned about third-cultural kids into the classroom, so that students can learn about themselves and about others. Irene is excited to learn about the amazing students at UP Academy®, and for the students to learn from her.
Outside of the classroom, Irene loves spending time with friends and enjoys traveling. She loves visiting and learning about new countries and their cultures. Irene has also started playing golf in the past few years, so she likes to visit the golfing range or play a round of golf occasionally.
Harold
Canine Ambassador
Harold was a rescue dog who is now a therapy dog! The kids love reading to him and taking “Harold Breaks” to pet the dog and think through a problem. His disability offers the perfect conversation starter to discuss differences and similarities among, people, dogs and everyone! He proves everyday that life is about attitude and doing your best.
Follow Harold on Instagram @haroldonwheels