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 28 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
    5 years (8th grader and 10th 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

  • Ann

    Ann Van

    Please contact me at avan@crystalpals.org to discuss middle school, transportation, plays and musicals.

    Originally from
    I was born in Vietnam and grew up in Los Angeles

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    Traveling, playing board games and watching basketball

    Length of time at Crystal
    This is my 3rd year as a Crystal parent

    Parent experience at Crystal
    8th Grade Parent Rep Lead, Gryphon Greeter
    Read More

  • Bien

    Bien Fernandez-Blancaflor

    Please contact me bfernandezblancaflor@crystalpals.org to discuss Middle School & Upper School, US performing arts, 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 North East, watch various performing arts.

    Length of time at Crystal
    8 years

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

    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
    Five 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
    Five 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
    Four years

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

  • Elaine

    Elaine Jun
     
    Please contact me at ejun@crystalpals.org to discuss Middle School, admissions, athletics, instrumentals, Cru, speech and debate, transportation, transitioning from public to private school, 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, playing board games, supporting each other at events    
     
    Length of time at Crystal
    2.5 years
     
    Parent experience at Crystal
    PAL, Spring Breakfast Co-Chair, Gryphon Greeter, PAC Appreciation Committee, East Asian affinity group
    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
    10 years
     
    Parent experience at Crystal
    PEERS co-chair, Gryphon Greeter, Class Parent Rep and PALs
    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 8th year at Crystal. Both kids started at Middle School: daughter graduated in 2024 and son is in 11th 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 7 years in various roles including, President, Treasurer, Operations Chair, and Grade Lead and Rep. PAL for the last 3 years. Gryphon Greeter for the last 6 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

  • Jake

    Jake Bauer
     
    Please contact me at jbauer@crystalpals.org to discuss the transition to middle school, transportation, and athletics.
     
    Originally from
    Pennsylvania
     
    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    skiing, hiking, sailing, visiting national parks, and spending time with family and friends.
     
    Length of time at Crystal
    This is our first year at Crystal.
     
    Parent experience at Crystal
    Gryphon Club, PAL and CFA Volunteer for various 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

  • Joann

    Joann Shie-Chen

    Please contact me at jshiechen@crystalpals.org to discuss athletics (cross country, soccer), madrigal, transition from public school

    Originally from
    Taiwan and Vancouver, BC Canada

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    family game nights, musicals/movies/shows and hikes/walks. 

    Length of time at Crystal
    2nd year of Upper School

    Parent experience at Crystal
    Volunteer at Crystal Fest, CFA,  Arts Collective and Campfires with Kelly
    Read More

  • Joann

    Joann Suen

    Please contact me at jsuen@crystalpals.org to discuss middle school, transportation, CFA, instrumentals, debate, 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
    Three 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
    Seven 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
    Five 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, playing pickleball
     
    Length of time at Crystal
    Seven years
     
    Parent experience at Crystal
    PALs, grade rep, team parent, Gryphon Greeter
    Read More

  • Mary

    Mary DeLong

    Please contact me at mdelong@crystalpals.org to discuss Middle school, transportation, stage crew, robotics and makers space.

    Originally from
    San Mateo

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    we love to play pickleball, travel, do legos together and spend time together as a family.     

    Length of time at Crystal
    Three years

    Parent experience at Crystal
    PAL and Gryphon Greeter
    Read More

  • Meena

     mrangachary@crystal.org
    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, Travel

    Length of time at Crystal
    Five 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

  • Michael

    Michael Scott

    Please contact me at mscott@crystalpals.org to discuss why to move to Crystal from your current school. Transitioning to Crystal from another independent school. Being new to Crystal.

    Originally from
    Minneapolis

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    traveling, cooking, tennis, golf, swimming and concerts.    

    Length of time at Crystal
    First year. (Sixth grade)

    Parent experience at Crystal
    Crystal PALs, Crystal Fund Team and Gryphon Greeter    
    Read More

  • Nicole

    Nicole Alston

    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
    Fourth-year parent of MS daughter, class of 2028 (9th grade).

    Parent experience at Crystal
    Crystal Board of Trustees, Gryphon Greeter
    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
    4 years

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

  • Payal

    Payal Shah

    Please contact me a pshah@crystalpals.org to discuss Transition to Middle School, Performing Arts, Cross Country, Tennis, and Transportation.

    Originally from
    Mumbai, India    

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    hiking, trying out new restaurants spanning different cuisines and working on jigsaw puzzles.

    Length of time at Crystal
    Two years - I have a daughter in 7th grade

    Parent experience at Crystal
    PAL, South Asian Affinity group, Gryphon Greeter
    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

  • 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

  • Susan

    Susan Jang

    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.