Crystal Parent/Guardian LiaisonsMEET YOUR PALS

Crystal PALs

Welcome to Crystal's Contact Me! page, which offers opportunities for connection between applicant families and current Crystal families. Our generous and enthusiastic Crystal PALs (Parent and Guardian Admission Liaisons) are ready and happy to connect with you about the Crystal student and family experience. Please click on the link to learn more about each PAL and feel free to reach out to any of them. As always, we encourage you to reach out to Crystal's Admission Office with any questions about the Admission process.

Thank you for your interest in Crystal!
Middle School Admission Office
10 Davis Drive, Belmont, CA 94002
Direct line:  (650) 645-1011

Upper School Admission Office
400 Uplands Drive, Hillsborough, CA 94010
Direct line:  (650) 375-5411

Email:  admission@crystal.org

Please note the Crystal PAL members are currently on summer break.
Check back in the fall to connect with the 2024-25 ambassadors.

List of 27 items.

  • Adriana

    Adriana Erickson, Redwood City

    Please contact me at aerickson@crystalpals.org to discuss Middle School, Admissions, Transportation, MS Performing Arts, Advisory, Robotics, MS PE/Athletics, Academics, Volunteering

    Originally from
    Redwood City

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    spending time with family and friends, board games, movies, and music.

    Length of time at Crystal
    Four years (7th grader and 9th grader)

    Parent experience at Crystal
    PAL, Arts Collective Lead (MS), Gryphon Greeter, and CFA volunteer for various events. I love being connected to the Crystal community! 
    Read More

  • Sharon

    Sharon Shen
     
    Please contact me at sshen@crystalpals.org to discuss Middle School, transition to Upper School, instrumentals, robotics and commuting from the Peninsula
     
    Originally from
    London, England
     
    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    hiking, reading, music and exploring new places!
     
    Length of time at Crystal
    Five years
     
    Parent experience at Crystal
    Crystal Fest Co-Chair, PAC Appreciation Lead, Arts Collective Volunteer and Gryphon Greeter.
    Read More

  • Anindita

    Anindita Mukherjee

    Please contact me at amukherjee@crystalpals.org to discuss Middle School, transitioning from public school to Crystal, transportation and dance fitness.
     
    Originally from
    Calcutta, India
     
    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    traveling to new places, cooking and experimenting with different cuisines, Warriors basketball and spending time at the local library
     
    Length of time at Crystal
    Second year - I have a daughter in 7th grade
     
    Parent experience at Crystal
    Gryphon Greeter, South Asian Affinity Group, and Volunteer at the Arts Collective
    Read More

  • Bien

    Bien Fernandez-Blancaflor, Pacifica, CA

    Please contact me at bfernandezblancaflor@crystalpals.org to discuss the Middle School and Upper School Experience, Crystal Parents Community, Transportation, Sports (Volleyball), Performing Arts, Transition from Upper School to College. Admissions and Academics experience in MS and US.

    Originally from
    Born in the Philippines - Grew up in San Francisco.

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    Walking at the beach, traveling, visiting family and friends in the Bay Area and the North East, watch various performing arts.

    Length of time at Crystal
    Eight years (MS and HS). Class of 2020 currently Senior in College; Current 11th at the Upper School and 7th grader at the Middle School.

    Parent experience at Crystal
    Parent Association Class Rep for 10th Grade. Gryphon Greater, Co-Chair Lunar New Year event, Gala and Admission Event Volunteer.
    Read More

  • Christina

    Christina Tang
     
    Please contact me at ctang@crystalpals.org to discuss Middle School, Athletics, Advisory, transportation, debates, musicals and performing arts.
     
    Originally from
    China
     
    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    Travel, biking, fishing/crabbing, board games.
     
    Length of time at Crystal
    Third year at Crystal
     
    Parent experience at Crystal
    CFA, Athletics Team Parent, Crystal Fest, Fine Arts Festival, East Asian Parent Affinity Group.
    Read More

  • Courtney

    Courtney Caccia
     
    Please contact me at ccaccia@crystalpals.org to discuss US Theatre Program, US Dance, Mock Trial and parent volunteering.
     
    Originally from
    New Jersey
     
    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    Travel, watching movies, reading, cooking, eating out
     
    Length of time at Crystal
    Six years
     
    Parent experience at Crystal
    CFA: President, Exec VP, Ops Chair, MS VP, Common Ground Rep, Grade Rep and Crystal Fest committee member.
    Read More

  • Craig

    Craig Michaels, Belmont

    Please contact me at cmichaels@crystalpals.org to discuss Admissions, Middle and Upper School, Community connections, Band and Arts, Athletics, School Clubs, Advisory, and Academics.

    Originally from
    New York, NY

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    hiking, traveling, relaxing at the beach or a lake, backyard BBQing, watching movies, and trying new things.

    Length of time at Crystal
    Four years (we now have an 8th and 10th grader).

    Parent experience at Crystal
    Co-chair of CFA engagement committee, along with PAL and event volunteer. We love being part of an amazing community and making new connections! 
    Read More

  • Cristal

    Cristal Waldrop, San Mateo

    Please contact me at cwaldrop@crystalpals.org to discuss Middle Schoo//Upper School admissions, academics, transition to the US, parent volunteering, DEI.

    Originally from
    Philadelphia, PA

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    traveling, football, reading, movies, good food, relaxing together

    Length of time at Crystal
    Nine years - we have one 2022 alum and one 11th grader. Both started in MS.

    Parent experience at Crystal
    Gryphon Gala volunteer, Gryphon Greeter, Trustee, DEI Taskforce member, Crystal Fund volunteer
    Read More

  • Danielle

    Danielle deBrier, San Carlos

    Please contact me at ddebrier@crystalpals.org to discuss Middle School and Upper School sports, the admissions process, school clubs, the college process, transportation to and from school, life as a student-athlete, life as a Crystal family, starting at Crystal as a 9th grader, transitioning from public school, and student government.

    Originally from: Moved around as a child. Went to High School in London

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    Family meals, playing games, and watching our girls play soccer.

    Length of time at Crystal
    Four years. I have twins in college, a junior and an 8th grader.

    Parent experience at Crystal
    Class rep, Gala volunteer and Team Parent
    Read More

  • Elaine

    Elaine Jun
     
    Please contact me at ejun@crystalpals.org to discuss Middle School, athletics, instrumentals, Cru, speech and debate and twins in the same grade.
     
    Originally from
    Sunnyvale, CA
     
    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    Traveling, cooking and eating, hosting swim parties, supporting each other at events
     
    Length of time at Crystal
    1.5 years
     
    Parent experience at Crystal
    Gryphon Greeter, PAC Appreciation Committee, East Asian affinity group
    Read More

  • Eloiza

    Eloiza Meier, Belmont

    Please contact me at emeier@crystalpals.org to discuss MS parent/student experience including athletics (girls soccer, lacrosse and volleyball) dance and student leadership; transitioning from public elementary school to MS;  Parent volunteer experiences and opportunities; Admissions (open house & PALS) /Gryphon Greeters; second year US experience (athletics: varsity soccer and volleyball).

    Originally from
    San Francisco, CA

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    traveling, dining out, hiking, camping and skiing, attending sporting and performing arts events

    Length of time at Crystal
    Six years; 11th grader in US and 8th grader in MS

    Parent experience at Crystal
    CFA DEI liaison, Gryphon Gala Co-Chair, PAC Appreciation Committee Co-Chair; 8th Grade Parent Rep; Volunteer for Open Houses, Gryphon Greeter, Lunar New Year event. 
    Read More

  • Fiona

    Fiona Huang, Palo Alto, CA

    Please contact me at fhuang@crystalpals.org to discuss Middle School admissions and experience, the transition from Middle School to Upper School, commute by Caltrain and logistics, being a student-athlete at Crystal, participating in the Parent Association, parent events, starting a club at Middle School and generally about the amazing inclusiveness, diversity, kindness of Crystal community, parents, teachers, administrators and students alike.

    Originally from
    Toronto, Canada

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    snowboarding, running 5K charity races, tennis and bouncing on my mini trampoline with music blaring from my Beats headphones. Avid international travelor. Hardcore soccer mom.  

    Length of time at Crystal
    Five years at the Middle School and three years at the Upper School, parent of current 7th grader, 9th grader and 11th grader.

    Parent experience at Crystal
    Parent Association Class Rep for 6th grade, I am co-leading the Gryphon Club initiative in the Middle School, Co-Chair Gryphon Greeters in past years, hosted Count-Me-Ins for Gala, PAL 
    Read More

  • Helen

    Helen Lee Carris
     
    Please contact me at hleecarris@crystalpals.org to discuss Athletics, Theatre, US/MS Performing Arts, Student Government, Dance or Mock Trial
     
    Originally from
    Seoul, South Korea
     
    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    cooking, walking, reading, spending time with friends and family
     
    Length of time at Crystal
    Nine years
     
    Parent experience at Crystal
    PEERS co-chair, Gryphon Greeter, Class Parent Rep and PALs
    Read More

  • Hyun-Joo

    Hyun-Joo Laws, Hillsborough, CA

    Please contact me at hlaws@crystalpals.org to discuss overall middle and upper school experience, academics/advisory, MS sports (soccer and cross country), theater (plays, musical), instrumental music, dance, transportation, clubs, and parent/guardian engagement and events.

    Originally from
    South Korea (I spent my first 11 years there before immigrating to the US.)

    In my free time my family and I enjoy…
    Traveling, playing board games, and watching a show/movie.

    Length of time at Crystal
    This is my 7th year at Crystal. I have the full MS experience with two kids who are now in the US as 10th and 12th graders.

    Parent experience at Crystal
    Serving as President for the Crystal Family Association (CFA) this year and was in various roles for the CFA over the last 5 years, PAL for the last 2 years, Gryphon Greeter for the last 5 years.
    Read More

  • Isabelle

    Isabelle Bibbler Parker, Redwood City

    Please contact me at ibibblerparker@crystalpals.org to discuss starting Crystal in 9th grade, transitioning from a Progressive Education (nontraditional) school, Crystal theater and dance, Advisory/Office Hours and teacher/student relationships, math and science at Crystal, transportation (bus), financial aid and navigating Crystal as a single parent.

    Originally from
    Woodside, CA

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    traveling, camping, kayaking, hiking, dancing, going to the theater, playing with our dog, and all things Harry Potter

    Length of time at Crystal
    I am an alum ('92). My older daugher, Hanna, is a Senior '24 (started as a Freshman in 2020) and my younger daughter, Lena is a Sophomore "26).

    Parent experience at Crystal
    Gryphon Greeter, 10th grade parent rep. Looking forward to being a PAL and connecting with the Crystal community!
    Read More

  • Judith

    Judith Kashyap
     
    Please contact me at jkashyap@crystalpals.org to discuss Middle School, Upper School, Dance, transportation and Athletics.
     
    Originally from
    San Mateo, CA
     
    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    traveling, hiking, cooking, going to concerts, going to the theater, playing pickleball.
     
    Length of time at Crystal
    Six years
     
    Parent experience at Crystal
    PAL, Parent rep, Community Engagement Chair, Decorations Chair for Crystal Fest and Affinity Group Co-lead.
    Read More

  • Kaushik

    Kaushik Gopalan Rangachary, Fremont, CA

    Please contact me at kgopalanrangachary@crystalpals.org to discuss Admissions, parent/guardian events, volunteering, Middle School, academics, MS Girls Basketball, advisory, athletics/PE, Robotics, Debate, clubs, diversity, transitioning from a private non-traditional school (Montessori), and commuting from the East Bay.

    Originally from
    Born in India and grew up in Singapore.

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    International travel, all things aviation, cooking, and playing board games, basketball and cricket

    Length of time at Crystal
    Four years (MS and US)

    Parent experience at Crystal
    Equity & Inclusion Co-Chair, Parent Enrichment Co-Chair, PAL, Arts Collective Volunteer, CFA Volunteer for various events


    Read More

  • Kris

    Kris Mihalic
     
    Please contact me at kmihalic@crystalpals.org to discuss Middle School, admission process and commuting from the South Bay
     
    Originally from
    Croatia, though, lived in Austria before moving to the US.
     
    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    traveling the world, sports, outdoor activities, music, and spending time with friends.
     
    Length of time at Crystal
    This is our first year at Crystal.
     
    Parent experience at Crystal
    We are signed up for many volunteer opportunities, including. Crystal Fund, Gryphon Greeter and more this year, and are looking forward to them.
    Read More

  • Kristen

    Kristen Sherman
     
    Please contact me at ksherman@crystalpals.org to discuss Middle School, Upper School, MS Athletics, US Soccer, US Baseball, US Photography, transportation and student leadership.
     
    Originally from
    Albuquerque, NM
     
    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    walking our dog, cooking vegetarian food, gardening, yoga, watching soccer, playing card games and exploring Spotify.
     
    Length of time at Crystal
    Six years
     
    Parent experience at Crystal
    PALs, Gryphon Greeter, Class Parent Rep and Team Parent
    Read More

  • Meena

    Meena Satyavolu Rangachary, Fremont, CA

    Please contact me at msatyavolurangachary@crystalpals.org to discuss Middle School admissions, parent/guardian events and volunteering, academics, advisory, athletics/PE, Robotics, MS Play/Musical, Debate, clubs, diversity, transitioning from a Montessori school, and commuting from the East Bay.

    Originally from
    India, but also lived in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Kuala Lumpur

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    Painting, Drawing, Music, Crafts/DIY, Biking, Hiking, Cooking, Board games, Movies/Documentaries, Yoga, Travel

    Length of time at Crystal
    Four years (MS and US)

    Parent experience at Crystal
    Trustee, Gryphon Greeter, 2022 Crystal Fest Co-Chair, PAL, 2021 Gala Production Chair, Arts Collective Volunteer, CFA Volunteer for various events
    Read More

  • Nicole

    Nicole Alston, Burlingame

    Please contact me at nalston@crystalpals.org to discuss Diversity/DEI, MS Girls athletics (lacrosse, soccer, basketball, track & field), academics/curriculum and advisory.

    Originally from
    Indianapolis, IN, but then grew up in Los Angeles

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    exploring new places, running, hiking, working out, reading, watching kids & pro soccer and food (enjoying, as my husband's the cook in the family).

    Length of time at Crystal
    Third-year parent of MS daughter, class of 2028 (8th grader).

    Parent experience at Crystal
    Crystal Board of Trustees, Gryphon Greeter
    Read More

  • Norm

    Norman Liang, San Mateo, CA

    Please contact me at nliang@crystalpals.org to discuss coming from a bilingual school, Language Arts at Crystal, Public School to Private School transition(as a student and a parent), Middle School activities in Arts, Athletics, and Student Government.

    Originally from
    New Jersey

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    exploring new cities, discovering good food, and supporting our community on issues around race and identity. I also serve as our family's barista.

    Length of time at Crystal
    Our son started in the Middle School as a 6th grader.    

    Parent experience at Crystal
    Began volunteering at events during our first year and served on the 7th grade team as our DEI lead and planned events for families and parents.    
    Read More

  • Parul

    Parul Somani
     
    Please contact me at psomani@crystalpals.org to discuss Middle School, moving from public to private, cross-country, transportation, extra-curricular activities, and parent involvement.
     
    Originally from
    Northern India, but grew up in the Pacific Northwest.
     
    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    Traveling, playing games, watching movies, enjoying nature, hosting friends, and more.
     
    Length of time at Crystal
    This is our first year (6th grade!)
     
    Parent experience at Crystal
    PALs
    Read More

  • Randy & Regina

    Randy & Regina Dela Cruz, Daly City

    Please contact Randy at radelacruz@crystalpals.org or Regina at redelacruz@crystalpals.org to discuss Middle/Upper School Admissions, Clubs, Sports (Volleyball, Basketball, Lacrosse, Softball) Academics, Transportation, Volunteering, College Counseling, DEI, Transition from public to private school

    Originally from
    Daly City, CA

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    football,basketball, baseball, movies, watching our girls play basketball

    Length of time at Crystal
    Seven years. We have one 2020 alum, and an 11th grader who started from the MS

    Parent experience at Crystal
    Gryphon Greeter, Gryphon Gear Co-Leads, Crystal First, Basketball Team Parent, Gala Volunteer, Admissions Event Volunteer
    Read More

  • Ravi

    Ravi Inukonda
     
    Please contact me at rinukonda@crystalpals.org to discuss Middle School, Athletics and the Advisory Program.
     
    Originally from
    India
     
    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    Traveling, cooking and spending time with family and friends.
     
    Length of time at Crystal
    First year at Crystal
     
    Parent experience at Crystal
    Crystal PAL, Crystal Fest Auction and Crystal Fund
    Read More

  • Stacey

    Stacey Rabkin, San Carlos

    Please contact me at srabkin@crystalpals.org to discuss parent events, transportation, Middle School, Upper School, admission, academics, advisory, athletics/PE, Clubs, Dance, and performance art.

    Originally from the Mississippi Gulf Coast, right outside New Orleans

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    We enjoy traveling and exploring new places, playing games, watching movies, and reading.

    Length of time at Crystal
    This is our 6th year (so both MS & US).

    Parent experience at Crystal
    I have been actively involved in the CFA, Gryphon Club, Gryphon Greeters, and have helped admissions with Open Houses
    Read More

  • Susan

    Susan Jang, Los Altos, CA

    Please contact me at sjang@crystalpals.org to discuss US admissions, parent events/volunteering, academics, advisory, athletics, Mock Trial, transitioning from a Montessori school, and commuting from the South Bay via bus or train

    Originally from
    Taiwan and grew up in San Marino, CA

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    running, hosting holiday gatherings, and traveling with family and friends

    Length of time at Crystal
    Five years (Upper School only)

    Parent experience at Crystal
    Gryphon Greeter, PA grade rep, sports team parent, volunteer for Gala and Doc Ingersoll Golf Tournament/ PAL for the last 2 years, Senior Luncheon Committee, CFA Volunteer
    Read More

This is the start of Your Journey

Contact

Admission Questions:  admission@crystal.org

Middle School

10 Davis Drive, Belmont, CA 94002
650-645-1000

Upper School

400 Uplands Drive, Hillsborough, CA 94010
650-342-4175
Nondiscriminatory Policy: Crystal Springs Uplands School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

Website Accessibility Statement: Crystal Springs Uplands School is committed to making this website accessible to visitors with disabilities and is continually working to increase its accessibility and usability. We are on a regular basis seeking opportunities to bring all areas of the site up to the same level of overall web accessibility. If for any reason, you cannot access any of the material on our website, please email webadmin@csus.org and we will work to resolve the problem as soon as possible.