Meet Our School Leadership
Erin Kekos | Principal
Ms. Kekos brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the North Star community. Born and raised in Redwood City, Ms. Kekos is not only a dedicated educational leader with California teaching and administrative credentials, but also a product of Redwood City School District (RCSD).
As a familiar face within the North Star community, Ms. Kekos previously served as the school’s assistant principal, contributing significantly to its overall success. Her return as Principal underscores her deep-rooted history within the district and a genuine passion for fostering student success.
With a career devoted entirely to RCSD, Ms. Kekos has served in various capacities, including as a teacher at Garfield and Taft schools, where she gained valuable experience in both elementary and middle school settings. Her journey within the district has uniquely positioned her to understand the nuanced needs of our students and community.
Prior to her role as Principal, Ms. Kekos held significant leadership positions at the District Office, including Director of Human Resources and Director of Induction. In these roles, she showcased her commitment to RCSD talent, supporting and mentoring teachers and staff district-wide. Her dedication to the success of students, coupled with her hands-on experience in curriculum development and enrichment programs, has been evident throughout her career.
Her personal connection to RCSD, coupled with her comprehensive educational background and leadership experience, makes her a well-qualified and capable leader. As Principal, she is committed to creating a nurturing and enriching educational environment for all North Star Academy students.
Mary Dournaee | Assistant Principal
With more than two decades of diverse experience in education spanning both public and private settings, Mary Dournaee brings a strong background in STEAM education, differentiation programming, and design of innovative, inclusive learning environments.
She is passionate about cultivating joy in learning by nurturing curiosity and creativity in both students and staff. Ms. Dournaee believes that when wonder and exploration are embedded into the school culture, learners of all ages are empowered to thrive. Her collaborative approach and dedication to fostering inclusive, engaging classrooms reflect her belief that joyful learning is both a right and a catalyst for lifelong growth.
Ms. Dournaee holds a California teaching credential as well as a newly earned administrative credential. She also holds degrees in math education, computer science, and mechanical engineering.
As Assistant Principal, Ms. Dournaee is excited to be part of the North Star community and work in partnership with staff, students, and families to foster an innovative and inclusive environment where every learner thrives.