Dr. Partha Mamidipudi
Lead Program Designer
Partha is the architect of our program at KidzJet Adventures. He is a visiting professor at UC Berkeley,
where he obtained his Ph.D. in Naval Architecture and Offshore Engineering. Partha, an avid explorer,
spent two months hiking in the mountains of Bhutan, the outdoors serving as his inspiration. A regular
volunteer who works with speech-impaired children, Partha also has an entrenched passion for
children and education, making him the perfect person for this job.
Juan Afanador
Co-Program Designer
Juan is a science and nature enthusiast with a B.S. in Biology from UC Santa Barbara. The oldest
cousin in his extended family, Juan has grown up around children and loves to interact with them. In
past summers, he has worked with kids ages 6 to 18 as a camp counselor at an orphanage in
Colombia. During his free time, Juan simply enjoys being outside, whether it be exploring his
surroundings or rejuvenating himself with a brisk hike.
Kathy Allen
Lead Counselor
Kathy has a B.S. in Education and a minor in Counseling from Texas State University. As a licensed
teacher, she has plenty of experience creating curricula, preparing lesson plans, and teaching classes.
Kathy, a firm advocate of environmental sustainability, is constantly on the lookout to recycle
whatever she can, often reusing materials for her art projects or around her home. In addition to
education and the environment, Kathy loves dogs and has interests in baking, painting, and interior
design.
Saif Shaikh
Program Coordinator and Counselor (Creative Writing Specialist)
Saif has a B.A. in Integrative Biology from UC Berkeley. As an instructor, he has taught human
anatomy courses to undergraduate students at UC Berkeley and science lessons to third graders in
Berkeley’s elementary schools. Aside from his scientific background, Saif maintains a personal journal
and holds an interest in creative writing, especially poems and short stories. His personal favorites
include “A Noiseless Patient Spider” by Walt Whitman and “The Most Dangerous Game” by Richard
Connell.
Ernesto Calvillo
Counselor (Athletic Specialist)
Ernesto is currently a student at both Canada College and College of San Mateo. He is fluent in English
and Spanish and serves as a referee for the United States Soccer Federation (USSF). As a former
coach of U-10 and U-15 youth soccer teams, Ernesto is well-versed in facilitating athletic activities for
children and brings a level of team building to our group at KidzJet.
Natasha Haney
Counselor
Natasha Haney is a third-year student at Stanford Law School. She enjoys spending time with kids
and has taught flute and piano lessons to children in the past. In her free time, she loves exploring
the outdoors!
Linda Medrano
Co-Counselor
Linda has over 35 years of working with children and adults. She has taught classes at Onetta Harris
Community Center in Menlo Park and has also worked in the department of Parks and Recreation.
When not at KidzJet, Linda can be found kayaking in the lagoons of Foster City and Redwood Shores.
Mastoneh Medi
Counselor (Arts and Crafts Specialist)
Mastoneh has an Associate’s degree in Fine Arts from De Anza College. She has been an instructional
aide in the Cupertino Union School District, assisting teachers in instruction and behavioral
management. She has also tutored individuals and groups and has supervised the education plans of
individual students. As a counselor, Mastoneh’s forte lies in creative activities, as she is heavily
invested in arts and crafts, particularly painting and designing.