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

List of 25 items.

  • Adriana

    Adriana Erickson

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

    Originally from
    Redwood City, CA

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

    Length of time at Crystal
    Six years (9th grader and 11th grader)    

    Parent experience at Crystal
    PAL, Arts Collective Chair/Co-Chair, Gryphon Greeter, MS Athletics Team Parent and CFA volunteer for various events. I love being connected to the Crystal community!
    Read More

  • Anindita

    Anindita Mukherjee

    Please contact me at amukherjee@crystal.org to discuss transportation, transition from public to private school, parent/guardian affinity groups, and volunteering.

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

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    traveling together, cooking and trying out new restaurants, board games, and lots of reading!

    Length of time at Crystal
    Four years

    Parent experience at Crystal
    Gryphon Greeter, PAL and South Asian Affinity Group
    Read More

  • Bien

    Bien Fernandez-Blancaflor

    Please contact me bfernandezblancaflor@crystalpals.org to discuss Middle School & Upper School, US performing arts, or sports.

    Originally from
    Philippines

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    walking at the beach, traveling, visiting family and friends in the Bay Area and the Northeast, and watching various performing arts.

    Length of time at Crystal
    Nine years

    Parent experience at Crystal
    PALs, Arts Collective volunteer, Class Rep, Lunar New Year Filipino Booth Lead
    Read More

  • Craig

    Craig Michaels

    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
    Seven years

    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

  • Crystal

    Crystal Kwok
     
    Please contact me at ckwok@crystalpals.org to discuss transition to 9th grade from a public school, debate, soccer, robotics, math and science, theater, advisory or parent involvement.
     
    Originally from
    I spent my childhood in southern China and have been in the Bay Area ever since.
     
    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    hiking, traveling, cooking, reading, going to performing arts, and spending time with friends and family.
     
    Length of time at Crystal
    Six years
     
    Parent experience at Crystal
    Gryphon Greeter, Senior Luncheon co-chair and active CFA volunteer.
    Read More

  • Danielle

    Danielle Conkling

    Please contact me at dconkling@crystalpals.org to discuss middle school, high school, transportation, athletics, community and parent volunteering.

    Originally from
    San Francisco, CA

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    skiing, hiking, traveling, cooking, and just general outdoorsy fun activities and especially with our pets and friends!

    Length of time at Crystal
    Six years

    Parent experience at Crystal
    PALs, CFA, Gryphon Greeter Chair, Nominations Chair, Gala Chair and Grade Rep.
    Read More

  • Dulini

    Dulini Welihinda

    Please contact me at dwelihinda@crystalpals.org to discuss admissions, transitioning to middle school, and moving from public to private school.

    Originally from
    Sri Lanka

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    traveling,  volunteering for causes we care about, watching kids and pro basketball, and just spending time together at home!

    Length of time at Crystal
    First year at Crystal

    Parent experience at Crystal
    Crystal PALs and CFA
    Read More

  • Elaine

    Elaine Jun
     
    Please contact me at ejun@crystalpals.org to discuss Middle School, admissions, athletics, instrumentals, Crü, speech and debate, transportation, transitioning from public to private school, twins in the same grade, and Student Council.
     
    Originally from
    Sunnyvale, CA
     
    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    Traveling, cooking and eating, hosting swim parties, playing board games, and supporting each other at events.
     
    Length of time at Crystal
    3.5 years
     
    Parent experience at Crystal
    PAL, Spring Breakfast Co-Chair, Gryphon Greeter, PAC Appreciation Committee, East Asian affinity group, CFA Secretary
    Read More

  • Emily

    Emily Lopez

    Please contact me at elopez@crystalpals.org to discuss Middle School, athletics, music/instrumentals, transportation, Upper School, and CFA/Volunteer opportunities.

    Originally from
    Mountain View, CA

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    traveling, Skiing, Playing Pickleball and Tennis, Live Music, Food!

    Length of time at Crystal
    Four years

    Parent experience at Crystal
    CFA, Parent Rep and Gala Chair
    Read More

  • Hyun-Joo

    Hyun-Joo Laws

    Please contact me at hlaws@crystalpals.org to discuss overall middle and upper school experience, academics/advisory, US boys sports, theater program, mock trial, instrumental music, clubs, and parent/guardian engagement and events.    

    Originally from
    Born in South Korea and grew up in NJ.

    In my free time my family and I enjoy…
    Traveling, playing board games, and watching movies/musicals.  

    Length of time at Crystal
    This is my ninth year at Crystal. Both kids started at Middle School: daughter graduated in 2024 and son is in 12th grade.

    Parent experience at Crystal
    Currently serving as Co-Chair of the Thrive Together Capital Campaign. Actively involved with the Crystal Family Association (CFA) over the last 8 years in various roles including, President, Treasurer, Operations Chair, and Grade Lead and Rep. PAL for the last 4 years. Gryphon Greeter for the last 7 years.    
    Read More

  • Isabelle

    Isabelle Parker

    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). Hanna ‘24 and Lena ‘26 started as freshmen.

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

  • James

    James Huang

    Please contact me at jhuang@crystalpals.org to discuss Middle School, athletics, and moving from another country.

    Originally from
    Shanghai

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    sports (volleyball, basketball, swimming), cooking and traveling.

    Length of time at Crystal
    One year 

    Parent experience at Crystal
    PALS, volunteering at sports events, and at various student events
    Read More

  • Janice

    Janice Law

    As the Alumni Board President and the Crystal Family Association's Kindness and Inclusion Chair, please contact me at jlaw@crystalpals.org should you have any questions about the alumni community and the many ways alumni connect with each other and with current students, or how Crystal families support each other and our students with meaningful connections.


     
    Read More

  • Jessica

    Jessica Wu

    Please contact me at jwu@crystalpals.org to discuss Middle school, athletics, transportation, and theatre.

    Originally from
    Frederick, MD

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    watching college and NFL football.

    Length of time at Crystal
    Three years

    Parent experience at Crystal
    PALs and Gryphon Greeter
    Read More

  • Joann

    Joann Suen

    Please contact me at jsuen@crystalpals.org to discuss middle school, transportation, CFA, instrumentals, debate and volunteering.

    Originally from
    San Francisco, CA

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    spending time with family and friends, traveling, playing games, hanging out in the city, discovering new places to eat, reading, and trying out new recipes.   

    Length of time at Crystal
    Four years

    Parent experience at Crystal
    Class Rep, Gryphon Greeter, Crystal Fest Co-Chair, and Ops Chair
    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
    Nine 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

    Please contact me at kgopalanrangachary@crystalpals.org to discuss Admissions, parent/guardian events, volunteering, CFA, academics, Girls Basketball, advisory, athletics/PE, clubs, diversity, parent/guardian affinity groups, 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, biking, hiking, cooking, board games, movies/documentaries.

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

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


    Read More

  • Kristen

    Kristen Sherman
     
    Please contact me at ksherman@crystalpals.org to discuss Girls' and Boys' Athletics (soccer, baseball), Middle School, Upper School, clubs, or Visual Arts.
     
    Originally from
    Albuquerque, NM
     
    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    cooking, walking our dog, watching soccer, and playing pickleball.
     
    Length of time at Crystal
    Eight years
     
    Parent experience at Crystal
    PALs, grade rep, team parent and Gryphon Greeter
    Read More

  • Laura

    Laura Messerschmitt

    Please contact me at lmesserschmitt@crystalpals.org to discuss Middle and Upper School, starting Crystal in 9th grade, soccer/athletics, transportation, health/wellness programs, and US performing arts.

    Originally from
    Walnut Creek, California

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    traveling, watching movies, and walking our new dog.

    Length of time at Crystal
    One year

    Parent experience at Crystal
    Parent Admissions Liaison
    Read More

  • Meena

    Meena Satyavolu Rangachary

    Please contact me at mrangachary@crystal.org to discuss Admissions, parent/guardian events and volunteering, CFA, academics, advisory, athletics/PE, Girls Basketball, visual arts, 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, and Travel

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

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

  • Norm

    Norman Liang

    Please contact me at nliang@crystalpals.org to discuss Middle School, Athletics, Transportation, Arts, Middle to Upper School, or Parent Involvement.

    Originally from
    New Jersey

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    Traveling, local restaurants, dance

    Length of time at Crystal
    Five years

    Parent experience at Crystal
    PALs, CFA, Gryphon Club Chair, Class Parent team 
    Read More

  • Randy & Regina

    Randy & Regina Dela Cruz

    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

  • Ria

    Ria Tabucao

    Please contact me at rtabucao@crystalpals.org to discuss middle school admission, athletics, transportation, and volunteering.

    Originally from
    Philippines

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    spending time together, watching sports, game nights, discovering new places to eat, and traveling.

    Length of time at Crystal
    Five years

    Parent experience at Crystal
    Sports Team Parent, Gala Volunteer, and Gryphon Gear Volunteer.
    Read More

  • Sun Ok

    Sun Ok Hwang

    Please contact me at shwang@crystalpals.org to discuss Upper School, athletics, girls' tennis/soccer, and music.

    Originally from
    Seoul, Korea

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    hiking, travel, board games, and cooking.

    Length of time at Crystal
    This is our 3rd year at Crystal

    Parent experience at Crystal
    Gryphon Greeter, Athletic Team Parent and P/G Group Co-Lead
    Read More

  • Yvonne

    Yvonne Chen

    Please contact me at ychen@crystalpals.org to discuss Middle school, International relocation, volleyball, cross-country, basketball, commuting from Menlo Park, and yearbook.

    Originally from
    Taiwan

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    spend time in nature, watch sports and travel.

    Length of time at Crystal
    One year

    Parent experience at Crystal
    Arts collective 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@crystal.org and we will work to resolve the problem as soon as possible.