Speak to a Parent
Get to know Kirby from insiders: current parents! These generous volunteers are ready to connect with you about their experiences. Whether you want to learn more, hear personal anecdotes, or gauge if Kirby is right for your family--these parents can help!
![Photo of Leigh Ann Lively]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1726696107/kirbyorg/l39ri3rahjvdmuuopo6q/LeighAnnLivelyphoto1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1726696107/kirbyorg/l39ri3rahjvdmuuopo6q/LeighAnnLivelyphoto1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1726696107/kirbyorg/l39ri3rahjvdmuuopo6q/LeighAnnLivelyphoto1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1726696107/kirbyorg/l39ri3rahjvdmuuopo6q/LeighAnnLivelyphoto1.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1726696107/kirbyorg/l39ri3rahjvdmuuopo6q/LeighAnnLivelyphoto1.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1726696107/kirbyorg/l39ri3rahjvdmuuopo6q/LeighAnnLivelyphoto1.jpg","width":2200}])
Leigh Ann Lively
Parent of a Grade 11 Student
Interests/Extracurricular of Child(ren): Basketball, lifting weights, running, history and science.
About Me
I worked in health care, most recently as a medical device salesperson. However, I have experience providing bedside care to patients of all ages, from premature infants to end-of-life care. My son's journey at Kirby began in the sixth grade, following his time at another local independent elementary school. His transition was seamless, and he has since been thriving at Kirby. He has made numerous friends, actively participated in Kirby's sports, and most importantly, he is happy. This positive experience is a testament to Kirby's excellent curriculum and outstanding teachers. I am happy to share our experience with you and answer any questions you may have. I especially love talking about Kirby's incredible faculty and sports programs.
![Photo of Kate Walker]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1726695738/kirbyorg/hoqqgxszllodejjdfvai/F268E801-1763-4A44-8ABD-7F8ACF4D3A14.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1726695738/kirbyorg/hoqqgxszllodejjdfvai/F268E801-1763-4A44-8ABD-7F8ACF4D3A14.jpg","width":400}])
Kate Walker
Parent of a Grade 9 and Grade 10 Student
Interests/Extracurricular of Child(ren): Our kids have very different interests, but between them we cover soccer, yearbook, art, photography, cooking, volleyball, tennis & surfing.
About Me
I work mostly remotely for a biotech company in SF. Our family of 4 moved back to CA from Ohio after 10+ years in 2023 and this is our second year at Kirby. We have 2 girls in high school (9th and 10th) and appreciate how Kirby has met them each with their different learning styles and needs. We love to cook and find new restaurants and spend as much free time as possible traveling.
![Mari and Datta with their daughter and international student]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1726693610/kirbyorg/sehkptd1v2ljpgs9mwez/IMG_0055.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1726693610/kirbyorg/sehkptd1v2ljpgs9mwez/IMG_0055.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1726693610/kirbyorg/sehkptd1v2ljpgs9mwez/IMG_0055.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1726693610/kirbyorg/sehkptd1v2ljpgs9mwez/IMG_0055.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1726693610/kirbyorg/sehkptd1v2ljpgs9mwez/IMG_0055.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1726693610/kirbyorg/sehkptd1v2ljpgs9mwez/IMG_0055.jpg","width":1614}])
Mari & Datta Khalsa
Parents of a Grade 7 Student, Host Parents of a Grade 10 International Student
Interests/Extracurricular of Child(ren): Musical theatre, art, tennis, cross country, traveling & pets!
About Us
Datta (pronounced "Dah-tah") is the broker/owner of a real estate agency and Mari (pronounced "Mary") has spent over 20 years in tech marketing. Finding a place like Kirby that is welcoming, inclusive, and caring for the whole student has created a wonderful environment for our tween as she grows and develops her intellect, sense of self, and connections with new friends. We recently welcomed a Kirby exchange high school student into our home for the year and are already enjoying new experiences as a bigger family and fielding a full doubles court!
![Photo of Diane Elabidi]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1726676379/kirbyorg/gqffvck6wg4m5pdsrusq/IMG_20240917_173806.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1726676379/kirbyorg/gqffvck6wg4m5pdsrusq/IMG_20240917_173806.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1726676379/kirbyorg/gqffvck6wg4m5pdsrusq/IMG_20240917_173806.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1726676379/kirbyorg/gqffvck6wg4m5pdsrusq/IMG_20240917_173806.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1726676379/kirbyorg/gqffvck6wg4m5pdsrusq/IMG_20240917_173806.jpg","width":1280}])
Diane Elabidi
Parent of a Grade 8 Student
Interests/Extracurricular of Child(ren): Soccer, Track & Field, Fabrication Lab (FabLab), Latin, Café :)
About Me
Hi! I moved to Silicon Valley over 20 years ago to work in the tech industry. Nowadays I teach Design at SJSU. Our family joined Kirby in 7th grade. We've returned for a second year because of how positive our experience has been. I'd be happy to chat with prospect/ curious parents about how Kirby's middle school program supports right and left brain development, including creativity, humor, problem-solving and independence.
![Headshot of Lisa Sudek]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1726596908/kirbyorg/kmardjiwlwse1gc4hvry/290193369_10159970521839360_6642912847217608987_n.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1726596908/kirbyorg/kmardjiwlwse1gc4hvry/290193369_10159970521839360_6642912847217608987_n.jpg","width":481}])
Carrie Adler
Parent of a Grade 10 Student, Alum Parent '24
Interests/Extracurricular of Child(ren): Computer Science, History, Gender Sexuality Alliance, Game-Makers’ Club, Ultimate Frisbee, Theater (Tech), FabLab
About Me
I’m originally from Massachusetts, but I’ve happily lived in California for the last 35 years. I work as a Nurse in Neonatal Intensive Care, and also love singing, seeing live music, and my new kitten. Our family came from a public school background, but after our son started attending Kirby in 6th grade, we all loved it so much that his older sister ending up transferring in as a Junior. We have tremendous gratitude that we were able to find such a wonderful, nurturing environment for them both!
![Headshot of Lisa Sudek]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1726596509/kirbyorg/szhstrwdshnytqvayeaj/IMG_3777.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1726596509/kirbyorg/szhstrwdshnytqvayeaj/IMG_3777.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1726596509/kirbyorg/szhstrwdshnytqvayeaj/IMG_3777.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1726596509/kirbyorg/szhstrwdshnytqvayeaj/IMG_3777.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1726596509/kirbyorg/szhstrwdshnytqvayeaj/IMG_3777.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1726596509/kirbyorg/szhstrwdshnytqvayeaj/IMG_3777.jpg","width":2200}])
Jennifer Jaffe
Parent of a Grade 6 and Grade 9 Student
Interests/Extracurricular of Child(ren): Chorus, theater productions, cross country, track & field, tennis club, reading science fiction & history, Lego, video games, skiing, fencing, and spend time with family and friends.
About Me
Originally from Big Sur, I have lived in Oregon, Italy and New York where I earned my masters in Education. I am currently a K-5 intervention teacher working in Santa Cruz. I love to travel with my boys, go to Zumba, ski, hike and read.
Kirby has been a great place for both of my boys to land after their elementary years. They both have found their own path at Kirby and feel supported to grow and thrive in their individual ways. Kirby has been a great fit for my children and I would be happy to discuss why it might be a great fit for yours.
![Headshot of Lisa Sudek]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1726595785/kirbyorg/d3fder7i9c1ukifg0tuv/IMG_5669.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1726595785/kirbyorg/d3fder7i9c1ukifg0tuv/IMG_5669.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1726595785/kirbyorg/d3fder7i9c1ukifg0tuv/IMG_5669.jpg","width":608}])
Lisa Sudek
Parent of a Grade 9 and Grade 12 Student
Interests/Extracurricular of Child(ren): Jiu-Jitsu, Volleyball, Gymnastics
About Me
I’m a researcher in the Molecular Cell and Developmental Department at UCSC working in Immunology. I moved to San Diego for grad school from Germany in 2004 and our family of four moved to Santa Cruz in 2009.
Our two children started attending Kirby in 8th grade in 2020 and 2023. I love how Kirby reflects so many aspects of my own and my husband's European education. We particularly love that the math program is adaptive, the close communication students have with their teachers and that classroom management is designed to facilitate student participation and engagement and I'm happy to answer any questions related to that.