1. ON THE HORIZON
MARIN HORIZON SCHOOL
2012–2013 ANNUAL REPORT

2. 1
02
16
07
20
12
26
What Have We Been Up To?
Letters from: Head of School,
Board Chair, and Parent
Association President, Board &
Parent Association Members
Cover photo: Joel Booth, P.E. and After School Athletics, 4th–8th grades
We Are Grateful
Notes from the Development
Office, Art Auction highlights,
operating budgets and ways
to give
200 Years!
A look at our deep roots
Donor Listings
Thank you to our many
generous supporters!
Learning to Present
Students learn valuable public
speaking and presentation skills
throughout the grades
Marin Horizon Alumni
Alumni updates, Mums of Alums,
Alumni Overnight, 8th Grade
and Beyond, Class of 2013
Marin Horizon School believes that every child can grow up to make
a difference in the world. Every day, our faculty enthusiastically
delivers a top-notch education to children from preschool through
middle school in joyful classrooms where academics and character
are of equal importance. We do this because we believe the world
doesn’t just need smart people. The world needs smart people with
the courage to be kind and to stand up for what’s right.

3. 32
Dear Marin Horizon Families,
On the minds of many Heads of School across the United States is
the topic of tuition pricing and the affordability of independent
schools. Last fall, in an article that appeared in Independent School
Magazine, entitled “The Independent School Financial Model is
Broken, Here’s How We Fix It,” John S. Farber, Head of Old Trail
School in Ohio, argued that under current economic conditions,
tuition-dependent schools cannot continue to use tuition and
fundraising to keep pace with rapidly rising fixed costs such as
healthcare. The model is unsustainable because even families who
love what these schools do for their children, are fatigued from
writing checks for tuition, philanthropic activities and school
events. Farber posits that it is imperative for schools to start generating alternative revenue
sources to ensure long-term viability and affordability for a wide range of families.
With the goal of generating increased revenue for the school, we completed one important
initiative during the 2012 – 2013 school year and began another. For the better part of the
year our Site Committee worked tirelessly to identify a property on Miller Avenue for our
Toddler Program. We then worked with The Department of Planning and Building in the City
of Mill Valley to secure the necessary permits to upgrade the site to make it suitable for our
youngest students. In what is now affectionately known as “The Toddler Cottage,” we can
offer a longer program and increased extended day options to our Toddler families. We
also gained valuable classroom space for older students on this campus, and increased the
number of students per grade in our upper school classes, growing our overall enrollment
and revenue.
At the end of last school year, the Board also gave me approval to convene an ad hoc com-
mittee to research non-tuition revenue sources for the school. The committee tapped into
a wealth of expertise in many areas — entrepreneurial, marketing, legal, green businesses,
technology, and human resources — and work began in earnest in the 2013-2014 school year.
As with everything we do, the success of these initiatives required the participation of many
in the community. I want to thank each and every parent volunteer and community member
for their unwavering support. Every contribution you make matters, whether it is as a Board
member, a parent on a Board Committee, or a Parent Association volunteer. Here’s to
providing another 36 years and more of the best education Marin County offers; here’s to
Marin Horizon School, a place where academics and character are truly classmates.
Warmly,
luis ottley, mba, ed.d.
Head of School
Dear Marin Horizon School Community,
Marin Horizon School has long been blessed by trustees who
typically serve the school with sleeves rolled up and for maximum
six-year terms and beyond. Their dedication and hard work have
helped transition the school through many growth periods during
its 36-year history.
What does our work look like? At a recent work day, trustees
participated in generative and strategic conversation around
independent school financial sustainability. Breakout groups
discussed price break point, our value proposition, and opportuni-
ties for alternative revenue. Our conclusions filter into discussions
throughout the year.
In addition to ongoing fiduciary and strategic work, the seven committees of the Board have
been actively working on: investing cash reserves wisely; long-range planning for facilities
improvements; a strategic plan for supporting diversity, in its broadest definition; and
increasing awareness of and interaction with our Homestead Valley neighbors.
Also, last year the Board set the stage to provide substantial additional financial resources
that will help Marin Horizon School stay Marin Horizon School for years to come. Specifically,
there are three foundations of a Marin Horizon student’s experience we want to fortify and
preserve. First, we want to ensure that Marin Horizon will stay attractive to the same caliber of
faculty that serve our students so well today. Second, we are committed to maintaining a strong
and distinct team teaching model. Finally, we will uphold our mission to stay accessible to a
wide socioeconomic range of students and families.
Curious how to become involved in our work? As positions become available, trustees with
specific skill sets that match our current strategic initiatives are nominated by our Commit-
tee on Trustees. Often nominees have served on one of the Board committees or been active
volunteers in other areas of the school community. Our Board leadership should also reflect
the diversity we value in our community. In July 2012, we welcomed four new trustees: Craig
Croteau, Marsha Dugan, Andrea Elkort and Liz Brown-Lewin.
Together, it is our privilege to work closely with Luis to ensure that Marin Horizon lives its
mission. After seven years of service on the Board, I bear witness to many examples of that
mission in action, leaving me deeply grateful for the support, commitment, and dedication of
parents, teachers, students and neighbors working together.
Gratefully yours,
trigg mcleod
Chair, Board of Trustees
Livie ’15 and William ’17

4. 4 5
Dear Marin Horizon Families and Friends,
What did the Parent Association achieve during the 2012-2103
school year?
Lots! Last year saw our biggest Wine Tasting & Boutique night
in ten years! As we sipped wines from Alan’s Wine Cellar, we
shopped from a variety of unique vendors, all there to support
Marin Horizon. Thanks to the party planning expertise of Amy
Fitzpatrick, it was a great night to mix, mingle and make some
purchases! Beyond fundraising, the Parent Association was busy
organizing potlucks, field trip chaperones, moms’ and dads’
nights out and, yes, checking for lice. We hosted several commu-
nity events: our annual Chili Cook-off & Bingo Night, chaired by
Samira Willson, the Downtown Lunch, Parent Education nights, Dine & Donate dinners,
and Grandparents and Special Friends Day, chaired by Nicole McWhorter. And to top it all
off, the final touches were put on the first ever school cookbook, What’s for Dinner Tonight?
by Rebecca Lien. What a treat!
Marin Horizon’s 35th Birthday celebration and Annual Art Auction a smashing success!
To celebrate Marin Horizon’s 35th year, the Parent Association set a lofty goal of throwing
a special birthday party and raising more funds than in previous years, as a birthday gift
to the school. We met both our goals because of the hard work, innovation and dedication
of our auction Dream Team: Regan McNeill-Ural, Dara Potter and Stacey Silver. Parents,
faculty, staff and friends of Marin Horizon donned their best nautical couture for a spec-
tacularly beautiful May night at the Corinthian Yacht Club in Tiburon. Even the cast of
“Gilligan’s Island” made it for the birthday party that was so special, two Gilligans washed
ashore! (See page 17 for pictures of the festivities!) Thanks to the efforts of the auction
co-chairs, the volunteers, and all of you, our generous school community, the auction raised
$165,000, and including their other activities throughout the year, the Parent Association
was able to contribute $178,000 to the school’s operating budget, up $43,000 over the
previous year. Now that’s a memorable birthday present!
It has been a pleasure and an honor to serve as President of the Parent Association. We truly
have a uniquely fabulous school community here at Marin Horizon and I am grateful for
the opportunity to give back.
Sincerely,
daniela manning
President, Parent Association 2011-2013
Vivien ’14 and Teddy ’17
2012–2013
Board of Trustees
PRESIDENT
Trigg McLeod
HEAD OF SCHOOL
Luis Ottley, Ed.D.
VICE PRESIDENTS
Gerry Hansen
Paul Levitan
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
Sally Van Ingen
TREASURER
Hunter Hancock
PARENT BOARD LIAISON
Daniela Manning
FACULTY MEMBERS
Annie Gordon
Catherine Hills
PARENT MEMBERS
Ted Bayer
Liz Brown-Lewin
Craig Croteau
Marsha Dugan
Rob Edington
Andrea Elkort
Doug Grant
Cindy Grijalva
Gina Hector
Kirk Hobbs
Desmond Pollock
COMMUNITY MEMBERS
Scott Duyan
Head of Presidio Hill School
Jesse Pearson
Chair, Alumni Council (’86)
Dana Swisher
Alumni Parent
2012–2013
Parent Association Board
PRESIDENT
Daniela Manning
DINING FOR DOLLARS
Teri Augustine
LOST AND FOUND
Janet Coughlin
CLASS PARENTS
Bari Cessna
HOSPITALITY
Katie Dyos
Lizelle Green
Nicole McWhorter
WINE TASTING & BOUTIQUE
Amy Fitzpatrick
FOOD TRUCK
Shari Hansen
COOKBOOK
Rebecca Lien
PARENT EDUCATION
Daniela Manning
GRANDPARENTS & SPECIAL FRIENDS DAY
Nicole McWhorter
ANNUAL ART AUCTION CO-CHAIRS
Dara Potter
Stacey Silver
Regan Ural
TREASURER
Kevin Smead
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Regan Ural
SPIRIT WEAR
Michelle Verloop
CHILI COOK OFF
Samira Willson
Of course, we at Marin Horizon couldn’t do what we do so well without
the incredible dedication of our Board and Parent Association volunteers.
These parents, alumni and community members devoted countless hours
and talents to our school and our students, and we are a better organization
for it. Thank you!

5. 76
“So many things have changed, but the important aspects
have remained intact and are thriving!”
From quirky mimeograph machines to high
speed internet, church basement to two
campuses, Marin Horizon School has grown
with the times in 36 years. But some things
have stayed the same and eight of our teach-
ers have been with us for 20 years or more.
Another nine have been here for 15 years or
more! There’s something to be said about
a core group of people who help keep us
rooted in our beginnings while leaning with
us into our future.
“So many things have changed, but the
important aspects have remained intact
and are thriving!” says Kathleen Hazelton-
Leech who clocks in at 36 years – yes, you
read that right! Kathleen is one of our
founding teachers, and to this day, says, “I
just love making children happy, so I try to
do this as often as possible just to see them
light up with smiles. That is my joy!”
The deep-seated value that academics and
character are of equal importance has been
a common thread from our beginnings in
1977, when a small group of parents and
teachers came together to open a Montessori
preschool. As we grew to ultimately include
Toddlers through 8th grade students, our
program evolved to incorporate other teach-
ing methodologies that fit with our mission.
On the following pages we’ve highlighted
the eight teachers who have been with us
for 20 years or more. The common thread
is that while each came to us for different
reasons, they all stayed for the community.
And we think that says a lot about who we are!
THE CUMULATIVE TENURE OF THE
EIGHT TEACHERS WHO HAVE BEEN WITH
MARIN HORIZON FOR 20+ YEARS!
STEVIE LEE
Director of Diversity & Inclusion
ANDREA LENZI
Primary Head Teacher
MAXINE DECOOK
Middle School Associate
Teacher
CHANDI HEMAPALA
Primary Asstistant Teacher
MARK SHERBURNE
Middle School Math Teacher
HARRIET HAYWARD
Music Teacher
MO POXON
Middle School Science Teacher
CHRIS ELBERS
Facilities Manager
ANNIE GORDON
4th/5th Head Teacher
AND THAT’S NOT ALL…THE FOLLOWING FACULTY AND STAFF HAVE
BEEN WITH MARIN HORIZON FOR 15+ YEARS!
200Y E A R S

6. 98
KATHLEEN
HAZELTON-LEECH
“It was an awesome beginning, with so much
hope, goodwill and energy…” says Kathleen
about our founding. A self-described idealist,
Kathleen was naturally drawn to the Montessori
pedagogy.
When she’s not creating joy in her classroom,
Kathleen can be found visiting and entertain-
ing friends and family, including her son Connor
(’03), a proud Marin Horizon alumnus. She’s also
an avid gardener and is especially fond of her
butterfly garden where she raises Monarchs and
Anise Swallowtails.
When asked what she would be if she wasn’t
a Marin Horizon teacher, her answer was:
mermaid! Well, we’re glad we’ve been able to
keep you on land all these years, Kathleen!
HILLERY JAFFE-URELL
“I love that we don’t stay static,” says Hillery,
who came to us in 1982 after moving to the area
from Oregon. Even though much has changed,
“our core philosophy” is still the same, which
would explain why her favorite tradition is the
Hunger Banquet, an event that helps teach stu-
dents empathy and thoughtfulness around the
complicated issue of worldwide food insecurity.
Hillery’s two daughters, Devon and Gina both
graduated from Marin Horizon in ’01 and ’03.
When she’s not at Marin Horizon, Hillery loves
to hike, and be outdoors whenever she can.
Yoga, reading and cooking also top her list of
favorite activities.
Favorite book(s)? Poisonwood Bible by Barbara
Kingsolver for adults and Winnie the Pooh
for kids.
BETH ANDERSON
Beth came to us when her daughter, Megan (’01),
started in Primary. Having recently relocated
from her native Southern California, she was
especially attracted to the emphasis on critical
thinking and emotional intelligence.
Though she started as a parent volunteer in
the “library” (which was then in a hallway!), she
had a background in teaching and was quickly
snatched up as a 4th/5th teacher, then as the
Middle School Lead teacher, and finally, as
Dean of the Middle School. She has artfully
guided hundreds of students through these
most essential years and through the high school
application process.
One of her favorite Marin Horizon traditions is
Moving On, which celebrates and honors each
student’s academic and social achievements for
the year. It’s no wonder then that she also loves
“watching kids grow up throughout the years,
watching them come towards the Middle School.”
Head Primary Teacher
LOUIE SHERIDAN
“I love it still,” says Louie who came to us first
as a Toddler co-teacher when her first daughter
was two years old. After a brief hiatus during
which she had her 2nd daughter, Louie came
back to us to teach Hawks, then became a
1st grade co-teacher, and finally landed in her
role as a 2nd/3rd grade head teacher.
“Though teaching about caring for our earth is
embedded in our curriculum all year, it always
feels wonderful to have a day to celebrate
our earth and learn even more from the other
classes,” she says about her favorite Marin
Horizon tradition, Earth Day. And she herself
is an avid gardener, knitter and hiker, though
lately, Louie admits, she’s spending more time
thinking about her next trip to Portland, OR,
to visit her grandson!
2nd/3rd Head Teacher
Y E A R S
Associate Head of School Middle School Dean
Y E A R S Y E A R S
Y E A R S

7. 10 11
LORELEI MORRIS
“I can’t imagine having spent my life in any
profession other than teaching — it suits me
so well. Teachers get to work hard, play hard
and learn something new every day. What more
could one want?” says Lorelei, who came to
Marin Horizon as a 3rd grade team teacher.
“I was so excited to join a community that felt
so friendly and warm — very much like my
own neighborhood.”
While Lorelei loves to read about the natural
world, “it’s a favorite way to rejuvenate and
renew my spirit,” she also loves to be out in it.
“I love to garden, tide-pool, bird watch, fish,
and just walk through the beautiful countryside
of our Northern California.”
Favorite tradition? The Hunger Banquets, which
she helped bring to life in her 3rd grade class
her first year.
ANNE PORTER-ROTH
“As soon as we walked in, I felt comfortable and
at home. I knew it was the right school for
Lizzie and our family,” Anne says about her first
experience at Marin Horizon. Lizzie, who started
as a Hawk, graduated in 2001.
Anne describes Marin Horizon as a place
where “I always feel a sense of being valued
as a knowledgeable professional, and have the
freedom to try out new programs and projects,”
like the Green Fashion Show that she helped
bring into being five years ago. Working closely
with Middle School Fashion Show Co-Chairs,
Anne helps guide students as they design and
show their original clothing made entirely from
recycled materials.
Favorite book(s)? “Too many to mention, but
some of my current kid favorites are: Wonder,
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library, and any-
thing by Mo Willems. Some of my own childhood
favorites were: Lion by William Pene du Bois,
Ferdinand, Harry the Dirty Dog, and Madeleine.”
CATHERINE HILLS
“The developing brain is awesome and wondrous
and each one is unique,” says Catherine who
is “really excited by recent research into the
brain” and spends her time wondering, “What
exactly is happening when we learn? What can
we do to support learning even more?”
Catherine came to us as a substitute teacher
for nine weeks in 1991 soon after having finished
her credential, and says she “learned more in
those nine weeks than the previous two years
of training!” Since then, she has gone on to
get a Masters in Early Childhood Education
Supervision and Leadership.
Her daughter, Josie started in Primary and is in
the Class of 2016. Outside of work, Catherine
enjoys cooking and riding around town on her
pink bike — keep your eyes peeled, you might
just see her in Mill Valley!
LYNDSAY YUSKA
“Many things have changed since 1985 when I
arrived, but what hasn’t changed is that we have
a dedicated faculty and staff who devote them-
selves to making our students the best that they
can be, both academically and emotionally,” says
Lyndsay whose own three children, Jolie (’93),
Scott (’96) and Bradley (’00), are Marin Horizon
alumni. Like so many of our teachers, she came
to us first as a parent, then a volunteer, and
has shared her talents in almost every corner
of our school!
“I feel that every student who leaves Marin
Horizon has a sense of themselves and will be
able to succeed and make a contribution to our
society wherever life leads them. I feel honored
to be a part of their lives.” She is especially proud
of how the Outdoor Education program has
grown over the years, and has fond memories of
helping organize and attending the 1st-5th grade
camping trips and also of the middle school trips.
Dean of the Lower School Librarian
Y E A R S Y E A R S
Head Teacher, Toddler 2nd/3rd Associate Teacher
Y E A R S Y E A R S

8. 12
ducators nationwide talk about
the skills children need to
succeed in the 21st century,
and often tout the significant
benefits of learning and mastering pre-
sentation skills, which have always been
a cornerstone of a Marin Horizon School
education. We hear over and over again that
our students are extremely well-prepared
and confident public speakers and present-
ers in high school and beyond!
Beginning in the Primary program, public
speaking is an integral part of the cur-
riculum as our preschool students engage
in weekly presentations to each other at
Sharing Circles. Additionally, each spring
during the class play, children learn to
memorize dialogue, project their voices and
make appropriate eye contact with audience
members. The play is often drawn from a
folk tale linked to the culture being studied
that year, which allows students to incorpo-
rate presentation skills into their academic
studies. This integration between disci-
plines helps keep children interested and
more deeply engaged with their learning.
In First Grade, presentation skills are
honed with periodic presentations, includ-
ing a Readers’ Theater and Authors’ Chair,
where each child reads a story they have
written and illustrated to an audience of
parents, teachers, and other students. This
program marks the culmination of language
arts studies for the year, during which chil-
dren have typically progressed from writing
a single sentence to multiple page stories.
Our 2nd and 3rd grades offer many op-
portunities for students to develop their
presentation skills as they rotate through
a 2-year cycle of studies. For example, for
Africa/South America Night (alternating by
year), students research and write reports
about the various needs of indigenous
peoples of East Africa and Peru, which they
then present to parents. Children have to
know their topic well enough to speak and
present their information, and then field
unrehearsed questions from parents.
During this event, they also present original
folk tales and poetry about the culture, act
in a short drama depicting a folk tale,
and present a project or song related to the
culture. This is the culmination of a long
study of these diverse cultures and present-
ing the material helps the children solidify
their knowledge and understanding of
the people and places they have explored.
Their poise and depth of understanding
never fail to impress their audience, who
often comment that they have never seen
such young children so comfortable with
public presentations.
“I had another “Thank you Marin Horizon” moment during a
presentation in English last week. We just finished a unit on education,
and one of our final projects was to create a school from the
ground up: characteristics, ideals, classrooms/campus, curriculum, etc.,
and present our final idea to a panel (consisting of the district
Superintendent, her assistant, one of our assistant principals, and our
teacher). As a fair portion of my classmates “ummm”ed and
“like”d their way through their presentations, I realized just how crisp
my speaking skills were in comparison, likely thanks to having to
practice for my culminating project and graduation speech.”
– GREER GUREWITZ, CLASS OF 2011
Another favorite project in 2nd and 3rd
grades is the Famous American Biographies
presentation, which occurs once in the
2-year cycle. Each student chooses as their
subject an influential American from a
diverse list of historically significant
people. Not only is this the students’ first
extensive research project, but they then
present their short biography to parents
and teachers, dressed as their characters.
They learn a great deal about American
history and how these people made a dif-
ference in American life, as well as another
level of presentation skills, increasing
their poise and comfort in delivery.
Computers are introduced in earnest in 4th
grade and students learn to use programs
like PowerPoint and iMovie to enhance
their presentation skills. The presentation
strand continues in 4th and 5th grades
with a variety of in-class presentations
in language arts, history, math and sci-
ence. For Book of the Month, for example,
students read a novel, create a project, and
present their findings to their peers every
4–6 weeks throughout the year.
Another favorite 4th–5th project, called
Kids Teach, asks students to create les-
sons of their own choosing to teach to their
classmates, which helps students gain a
deep understanding of their subject.
In alternating years, the 4th–5th grades also
put on Math and Science nights for parents.
While the format is different each year, this
is typically an opportunity for students to
teach their parents math games or science
experiments, demonstrating what they have
been working on in class. Having enough
familiarity with their subject matter to
present to parents in this way demonstrates
their ever growing ease with public speak-
ing and communications.
Middle School offers many opportunities to
strengthen and hone more advanced pre-
sentation skills. In each of the three years in
the Middle School cycle, there is at least one
major project that is turned into a presenta-
tion integrating humanities, science and the
arts. Typically these projects are considered
through the lens of Essential Questions such
as, “What is the American voice?” “What is
mightier, the pen or the sword?” or “What
does it mean to be the Other?”
One highlight of the Middle School cur-
riculum, Bloodlines, is an homage to Spoon
River Anthology by Edgar Lee Masters, that
portrays American life in a New England
town. In Bloodlines, students are again
assigned an influential character in Ameri-
can history, extending the thread from
the 2nd & 3rd grade American Biographies
project. Each student researches and
HILLERY JAFFE-URELL, ASSOCIATE HEAD OF SCHOOL AND BETH ANDERSON, MIDDLE SCHOOL DEAN
13

9. 1514
creates a scrapbook about the life and times
of their character, and writes five different
forms of poetry in the voice of their character
including ode, rant, free verse, sonnet
and pantoumn.
Students then collaborate to transform their
individual writing into a group performance,
putting their characters in order by theme
rather than historical chronology. They are
asked to imagine, for example, what Thomas
Jefferson might say to Malcolm X and decide
how to organize their individual characters
based on those conversations. Pairs of charac-
ters then write another poem together, linking
their unique perspectives on the theme.
Finally, students write an introductory and a
concluding poem (see poem at left), and Blood-
lines culminates with a performance in front
of an audience of parents, teachers, peers and
friends — a thrilling combination of drama and
poetry that highlights their ever-increasing
ease and skill at public presenting and their
developing critical thinking skills.
The crowning presentation for each Marin
Horizon 8th grade student is their gradua-
tion speech, which they write using one of the
essential questions from their Middle School
years as a springboard. Students begin drafting
their speeches about three weeks before the
big day and work on them with Beth and their
faculty mentors. They spend time observing in
classrooms, on the playground, and interview-
ing staff and faculty to help round out their
speeches, which are sometimes serious, some-
times funny, always earnest and heartfelt. And
in about two minutes, each student tells his or
her own Marin Horizon story, an amazing feat.
These speeches never fail to bring down the
house, and impress adults with the quality of
the students’ words as well as their incredible
poise and delivery (and definitely never leave
a dry eye!). It is actually no wonder, given how
much emphasis has been put on presentation
skills and critical thinking throughout their
Marin Horizon education.
AN AMERICAN SYMPHONY
DNA tells us we are alike
yet deep inside our constricted cells
floating in a sea of succulent gel
our centers command us to live
each in our own era
each in our own rhyme.
Our lips vibrate
against the mouthpiece
of the instruments we choose
or are destined to play
and history plays out
it’s glorious, goriest movements,
an American symphony.
We take what we have inherited
to make our own sound.
We realize there are requirements and techniques.
We alter the air stream,
extend or shorten the path,
learn to make our signals
dark and deep, vibrant and sharp.
We polish the brass.
See who we are,
how our lyrics build and break down a country,
shape and reshape what is askew.
Fortissimo -
We are abrasive before battle,
we cry out and clash.
Pianisimo -
We are mellow roundness,
we whisper and mesmerize.
We command spaceships,
stay true to our passions,
push boundaries,
create new deals,
live our own lives,
stalk the corridors of power,
break old molds,
move beyond what is expected,
confront dangers,
share observations,
define truth,
defy injustice,
muster legendary courage,
preserve sacred ground,
take bullets,
harness rivers,
build the biggest dams,
dig deeply,
spray pesticides,
pivot and persuade,
drop bombs,
save beauty,
herald progress,
honor the old ways.
Who will write the score?
Who will stand above us with genius and grace?
Who will direct us to be one harmonious land?
The bugle boy blasts
a pre-dawn call.
Many wake in unison, respond to regulations
and a prescribed routine.
Others pull heart and soul from the porch boards
of a humid bayou night.
A single riff
spins off an alligator’s back
lamenting injustice
longing for a better life.
We are the settlers and the unsettled.
We are the points of departure
heading into the chaos of possibilities
We are the bloodline that connects the dots.
Bloodlines 2013 Introductory Poem, written by
sixth to eighth grade students

10. 17marinhorizon.org/waystogive16
In this issue, we are taking a look back at
our 36 years, celebrating those teachers
who have been with us for 20 plus years
(there are so many!), and taking a good look
at what our alumni are up to (lots of great
stuff!). Of course, all of the work we do in
the Development Office is in support of
our students and teachers, so this is an es-
pecially poignant issue of On the Horizon.
Also in this issue, you’ll find updates
about our strong financial position which
we owe to our community support and
the diligence and careful stewardship we
practice as an institution. You will also find
listings of the people who have generously
supported us in so many ways.
Of note, we once again set a new bench-
mark in annual giving, raising $378,000.
I would like to extend my huge thanks and
gratitude to Rob Edington and Andrea
Elkort for co-chairing the Horizon Fund
and for being so dogged in their desire to
reach our goal, and so supportive of the
Development Office as we did it!
Further thanks go to Daniela Manning,
who as Parent Association President set
the bar for community engagement, and
always managed to keep us all on our toes!
And of course, no year would be complete
without our annual art auction, deftly co-
chaired by Dara Potter, Stacey Silver and
Regal Ural. Together they raised $165,000
and made our Fund-a-Need dreams of an
Adventure Bus a reality.
Over the next few pages, you’ll find in-
formation about our finances, as well as
the names of the many generous donors
who choose to support our students
and programs.
Please join me in thanking them — we
couldn’t do what we do without you!
Thank you!
lyla max
Director of Development
WE ARE grateful!
17
AUCTION highlights
The 2013 Annual Art Auction also cel-
ebrated Marin Horizon’s 35th birthday and
was a nautically-themed night to remember
at the Corinthian Club in Tiburon! Our
three Auction Chairs, Dara Potter, Stacey
Silver and Regan Ural, deftly sailed us
into the sunset, raising over $165,000 in
support of teacher salaries, professional
development, and tuition assistance.
Dara, Stacey and Regan (see photo,
top left) pulled together a beautifully-
designed event, from the blue and white
striped logo and fun photo booth, to the
signature cocktails (the Dark & Stormy
and the Seabreeze of course!) and a deli-
cious dinner. Guests got to look out over
the sparkling Bay as they bid on the silent
auction. Later, the Live Auction and Fund-
a-Need spurred some healthy competition
and in the end, helped make the evening
a rousing success. Our new Adventure Bus
is taking students to exciting places and
making school outings so much easier for
the staff and children alike.
In 2013, we introduced a Corporate and
Family Sponsorship opportunity and
thanks to the many friends and families
who participated, we raised $17,500!
Of course, we have to thank the 50+
volunteers who supported the chairs. We
had every skill set represented — overall
management, design, branding, business
development, finance, event planning,
video production, you name it. We couldn’t
be any more grateful!

11. 18 19
The Horizon Fund is the foundation of
Marin Horizon School’s yearly fundraising
efforts. It supports the things that make
our school exceptional — deeply dedicated
master teachers who continue to hone
their craft each year through professional
development; rigorous academics taught in
a nurturing, joyful atmosphere; personal-
ized learning that allows teachers to meet
each child at their level; Outdoor Educa-
tion opportunities, and an emphasis on the
environment, social values, and commu-
nity. Every child benefits from the Horizon
Fund, and we are deeply grateful to the
many members of our community who
choose to support it and our commitment
to top-notch academics and character-
building.
How Can I Make My Gift?
Gifts of Cash/Check/
Credit Cards
Contributions made by cash, check or
credit card are tax deductible in the year
the donation is given. Please make checks
payable to Marin Horizon School. To make
a safe, secure online donation with your
credit card, please visit www.marinhorizon.
org and click on the Donate Now link, or
contact Lyla Max at 415.388.8408, ext. 230
or lmax@marinhorizon.org.
In-Kind Gifts
Donating a tangible asset that can be used
by the school will also garner you a chari-
table deduction equal to the value of the
asset’s fair market value
Gifts of Securities
Gifts of appreciated securities offer donors
several benefits. First, you pay no capital
gains on the increased value of the securi-
ties. Second, you are entitled to a tax deduc-
tion based on the fair market value of the
securities on the date the gift is made.
Matching Gifts
Many employers sponsor matching gift pro-
grams and will match charitable contribu-
tions made by their employees. If you work
for a company that matches gifts, you can
double or triple the value of your contribu-
tion! Your company’s name will be listed in
On The Horizon, and you will be recognized
for the value of your gift, plus the match.
Planned Giving
The Marin Horizon School Development
Office can be a resource for your planned
giving by providing information on estate
planning and tax and income benefits for a
variety of planned gifts. Please inform us if
you have included us in your will.
SUPPORTING MARIN HORIZON
ways to give
MARIN HORIZON
STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES
School Year 2012-2013
“We give out of gratitude and
commitment: gratitude for what
our children get every day they
walk through the doors of Marin
Horizon and commitment to the
continued success and future of
our school community.”
ANDREA AND DANIEL ELKORT
This issue of On the Horizon was produced by Marin Horizon School’s Development Office and includes all gifts received between
July 1, 2012 and June 30, 2013. In preparing this report, every effort was made to ensure that all information is accurate and complete.
If there is an omission or an error in spelling, please accept our apology and notify Lyla Max, lmax@marinhorizon.org.
REVENUE Amount Percent
Tuition & Fees $6,894,180 97%
Daycare, Enrichment, LSP 385,915 5%
Investment Income 92,034 1%
Summer Camp 127,836 2%
Fund Raising 599,198 8%
Other Income 25,309 0%
Less Tuition Assistance -1,049,398 -15%
Total Revenue, Support & Transfers 7,075,074 100%
EXPENSES Amount Percent
Personnel $4,548,723 66%
Plant & Transportation 588,532 9%
Program 346,257 5%
Operations & Overhead 505,577 7%
Loan/Mortgage Costs 396,219 6%
Depreciation 489,508 7%
Total Operating Expenses 6,874,816 100%
Daycare, Enrichment, LSP Fund Raising
Investment Income Other Income
Summer Camp Tuition & Fees
Plant & Transport Operations & Overhead
Program Loan/Mortgage Costs
Personnel

12. 20 21
2012–2013
Horizon Fund
Participation
PARENT GIVING
Parents give to Marin Hori-
zon School in important and
diverse ways. They contrib-
ute their time and expertise,
and generously support the
Horizon Fund. All contribu-
tions directly benefit our
students, and we are deeply
grateful to our families for
their hours of commitment
to our school. Thank you
for making Marin Horizon
a philanthropic priority.
Below is the list of donors
to the 2012–2013 Horizon
Fund campaign.
FOUNDER
$10K+
Anonymous (3)
Nina and Christopher Buchbinder
Lee Kranefuss
The Schow Foundation
BENEFACTOR
$5K–$9,999
Beth and Neil Cherry
Andrea and Daniel Elkort
Nina Frank
Reed E. Maltzman and
Jennifer Gosselin
Lizelle and Martin Green
Dyer Grote and Rob Edington
Colleen and Hunter Hancock
Gerry Hansen
Kristine Jaeger
Rebecca and Christopher Lien
Trigg and Bill McLeod
Dara and Scott Potter
Susan Sakmar and Kirk Hobbs
Catherine and Greg Stern
Marina and Alan Terpins
Kathryn Van Dyke and Doug Grant
Sally and Bill Van Ingen
Susan and Christopher Yates
DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE
$2,500–$4,999
Sarah Chao and Chris Downing
Jennifer and Craig Croteau
Cate Elsten and Art Beeman
Nancy and Jarom Fawson
Mr. and Mrs. John Gambs
Allison and David Geisler
Louisa and Andrew Gloger
Diana and Scott Greenstone
Stephen Jaeger
Lauren and Paul Levitan
Natalie and Richard Loggins
Jennifer and Daniel Mello
Suzanne Passalacqua and
Peter Gobos
Teresa and Desmond Pollock
Tatem and Morgan Read
Catherine and Stephen Simon
Sarah Slaymaker and Ryan Stever
Mona and Mark Steinberg
Regan and Timothy Ural
Annie Williams and Harry Shulman
Samira and Nicholas Willson
LEADERSHIP CIRCLE
$1K–$2,499
Abby Adlerman and Brian Platter
Anonymous
John Baker
Susan Baker
Hannelore Barnes and Bruce Pflaum
Alletta and Ted Bayer
Barbara Brown
Janet Brown-Lewin and
Elizabeth Brown-Lewin
Joanne Chan and James Kramer
Mary and Todd Clyde
Ann Cummings and Bill Kissinger
Suzanne DiBianca-Lieser and
Ted Lieser
Fiona Dulbecco and David Zeltser
Katrina and Jamie Dyos
Alisa and William Egan
Megan and John Esrey
Lynne Frame and Richard Hoskins
Wendy and Alexander Fraser
Brad Frazee
Gianna Frazee
Livia and Mutahar Glasgow
Amy Hershman and
Richard Patterson
Paige and Dave Hirschkop
Shelly and Brett Horton
Keith Kallweit
Erica and Jeremy Kelly
Amy Keroes and Jeffrey Fisher
Katherine and Aron Knickerbocker
Sue Kreusch and Kevin Smead
Snezana and Thomas Larsen
Shelly and David Longinotti
Jacqui Lopez-Wyman and
Matt Wyman
Marrie and Tom Lyons
Ashley and Elvin MacDonald
Claudia Mahecha Allen and
Robert Allen
Christine Makuch-Simpson and
John Simpson
Yukako and Atsushi Matsuo
Nicole and Andrew McWhorter
Stephen Minus
Elizabeth and Michael Mooney
Andrea Newell and Paul Howe
Anne and Dean Ornish, M.D.
Hanna and Greg Ostroff
Luis Ottley and Carrie Eagles
Michiko Otani and Stanley Miller
Sharon Portnoy and Mark Danzig
Mary Russell and Nicholas Oust
The Scherr Family
Jade and Charles Schoenhoeft
Stacey Silver and Jonathan Yolles
Todd Speece
Robin and Geoffrey Strawbridge
Molly West and Charles Slaughter
Anthony Zanze
Denise Zanze
CONTRIBUTOR
$500–$999
Anonymous (2)
Helena Chaye and Key Shin
Darby and Tim Douglas
Holly Downes
Diana Farrell and Scott Pearson
Kim Gallelli and David Brown
Johanna and Michael Gridley
Cindy Grijalva and Sandra Stone
Bonnie and Bill Hoppin
Marlis and Kjartan Jansen
Suji Kong and Matthew Bennett
Sonia Lee and Alan M. Grumet
SoYoung Mack and Michael Nash
Susannah Malek
Daniela and Michael Manning
William and Kathryn Massara
Rich Mauterer
Jesse Pearson
Beth and Jonathan Rutchik
Susannah and Pete Searson
Joannie Stern
Dana and Jeff Swisher
Gloria and Mark Thomas
Michelle Verloop and Robert Ahearn
Ravee Vorachard and Steven Pugh
Talley and Paul Webb
Tiana Wimmer and Warren Leiden
Sally Xu-Plants and J. Daniel Plants
FRIEND
UP TO $499
Beth and Dain Anderson
Anonymous
Christine Armstrong and Lou Dangles
Teri Augustine and
Edward Nattenberg
Malcom and Jane Baker
Chris Baker
Cara and Christopher Barde
Jennifer and Guy Bar-Nahum
Minh and Joshua Barrow
Soraya Betterton and Brian Urey
Karen Boezi and Jack Corsello
Sharman Bonus
The Boorman Family
Joel Booth
Ashleigh Brody
Susanne and Paul Carek
Joanie Cayton and Tony Vidal
Bari and Sean Cessna
Kristen and Louis Commesso
Alecia Cotton-Davies and
Andrew Davies
Rachel Courtney and Sean Reilly
Angelique Craney
Lauren Cuthbert and David Robinson
Heyward and Dana Hare
Maxine De Cook
Renee DeCurtis
Charlie Denby
Kitty Desmond
Faybeth Diamond
Marcello Diaz
Debbie Dicker
Kyle Donohoe
Laura Duggan
Michael Duncan and Thomas Richard
Brenda and Scott Duyan
Meg and Steve Edelson
Christopher Elbers
Anjuli Elias
Angie Evans
Karen Fournier
Kerrilyn Garma
Constance, Paul and
Ashley Goldsmith
Annie Gordon
Robert and Frances Grant
Junnitta Green
Nancy Greenfield
Milton and Alejandrina Grijalva
Susan Guadagno and Al Tommei
Pamela and Mark Hadfield
Harriet Hayward
Kathleen Hazelton-Leech
Gina and Byron Hector
Chandi Hemapala
Catherine Hills and Audrey Borden
Kim Hoppin
Ms. Rosemarie Hoskins
Lori Howard and Gregory Wolff
Kay and Bob Howe
Victoria and Jeremy Huerta-Miller
Hillery Jaffe-Urell
Sarah Janoff
Danielle and David Jarvie
Neil Jones
Rachel Kelley
Julie King and Don Abramson
Asher King Abramson
Mr. Dennis Knickerbocker
Angella and Erik Kriens
Amy Kronberg
Toshiko and Eijun Kujo
Cori Ladd and Michael Beerman
Emily and Jamie Land
Jennifer LeCoq
Natalie and Ted Lee
Andrea Lenzi
Suzanne Leon and Dan Smiley
Hilary Levey
Meg and Jeremy Levie
Kristin and Todd Lorenz
Christina Mace Turner and
Alex Turner
Veronica March-Lee and Stevie Lee
Lyla Max and Thomas Paffel
Sharon and Stephen Mayo
Adele Maze
Michelle and Michael McCulloch
David Melnick
Emily Porter Merriman
Elizabeth Burke Merriman
Victor Morales and Sharon Halpern
Lorelei Morris
Kiren Niederberger and Jim Hanretty
Patti and George Oliver
Stacy Pasko
Celimene and Alvaro Pastor
Jacqui Pearson Long
Maria and Joe Penny
Rick Pimentel
Lys and Robert Plotkin
Anne Porter-Roth
Maureen Poxon
Jade Prospero
Diane and James Reed
Lucy and Delane Roberts
Laura Roche
Claudia Rodriguez and
David Johnson
Amy and Stephen Rosenthal
Mimi Rowe and Chris Rodzewicz
Cheng Saechao
Mary Sample-Mattos
Lisa and John Scarsella
Alison and Yair Schers
Catherine Schoen
Mark Sherburne
Lois Sheridan
Anna Shubeau
Kathryn Sill
Mariko Smiley and Sarn Oliver
Colleen Smith
Jennifer Spielberg
Kathryn and Steve Starke
Jessica Steinberg
Tenisha Tate
Karin Taylor and Steve Hermanos
Michael Thompson
Aimee and Robert Westbrook
Carla Wilkins
Karen Woodall
Rachel Wynn and Van Wilshire
Lyndsay Yuska
Liam and Tom Zito
ALUMNI AND ALUMNI
FAMILY GIVING
We are grateful to the many
alumni families whose
continued support of our
programs is especially
meaningful to Marin Horizon
and underscores a lasting
connection to the commu-
nity. We are proud to have
an active community of
former families whose deep
bonds to each other and
our school remain important
long after they have moved
on from Marin Horizon.
Many heartfelt thanks to the
alumni families listed below
who participated in the
Horizon Fund.
ALUMNI FAMILIES
Beth and Dain Anderson
Malcom and Jane Baker
Kristen and Louis Commesso
Alecia Cotton-Davies and
Andrew Davies
Faybeth Diamond
Meg and Steve Edelson
Christopher Elbers
Diana Farrell and Scott Pearson
Paul and Constance Goldsmith
Annie Gordon
Kathleen Hazelton-Leech
Lori Howard and Gregory Wolff
Hillery Jaffe-Urell
Sarah Janoff
Julie King and Don Abramson
Asher King Abramson

13. 22 23
RESTRICTED GIVING
Marin Horizon occasionally
receives gifts that reflect
a special interest of the
donor and are restricted to
a specific purpose. These
gifts enrich the school’s
programs by providing
items over and above those
funded through the operat-
ing budget. However, as
these gifts are not available
to support annual opera-
tions, they are not consid-
ered contributions to the
Horizon Fund and thus are
listed separately.
CAPITAL DEPOSITS
At the end of every school
year, families of graduat-
ing students and families
leaving the school are
given the option of donat-
ing their Capital Deposit
back to Marin Horizon.
In 2013, these gifts were
once again designated to
the Endowment, which is a
permanently restricted fund
that supports the school in
perpetuity, and allows us
to ensure the future of our
programs. We are grate-
ful to the following parents
who generously participated
in this program.
Barb French
Alletta and Ted Bayer
Nina and Chris Buchbinder
Steve Minus
Meme and Peter Scherr
Molly West and Charles Slaughter
Susan Kreusch and Kevin Smead
8TH GRADE CLASS GIFT
The families of the Class of
2013 made a legacy gift of
playground equipment for
the new Toddler Cottage.
Thank you!
Anonymous
Alletta and Ted Bayer
Melissa and Dennis Crowe
Beatrice and Kevin Dufficy
Karen Fournier
Lynne Frame and Richard Hoskins
Nasimiyu Green
Erica and Jeremy Kelly
Sharon Lange-Kallweit
Catherine and Greg Stern
FUND-A-NEED
The 2013 Fund-a-Need
supported the purchase
of an Adventure Bus that
allows our students to get
places they never could
before! This smaller, 25
passenger bus, can take
an entire class, or a more
intimate group, and helps us
take the burden off of par-
ent volunteer drivers. Plus,
it’s just fun to ride!
Abby Adlerman and Brian Platter
Jennifer and Guy Bar-Nahum
Hanne Barnes and Bruce Pflaum
Minh and Joshua Barrow
Ted and Alletta Bayer
Sharman Bonus
Elizabeth and Janet Brown-Lewin
Megan Bryan and Peter Lisska
Nina and Christopher Buchbinder
Bari and Sean Cessna
Beth and Neil Cherry
Suzanne DiBianca Lieser and
Ted Lieser
Marsha and Tom Dugan
Katie and Jamie Dyos
Andrea and Daniel Elkort
Wendy and Alexander Fraser
Allison and David Geisler
Livia and Mutahar Glasgow
Jennifer Gosselin and
Reed Maltzman
Lizelle and Martin Green
Cindy Grijalva and Sandra Stone
Dyer Grote and Rob Edington
Colleen and Hunter Hanccock
Shari and Bjarne Hansen
Kristine Jaeger
Elizabeth and Kirt Jorgenson
Mira Kim and Darren Malvin
Johanna Kleppe and
Stephen Schneiderman
Suji Kong and Matthew Bennett
Kim Kouri and Mark Sherburne
Lauren and Andrew Kowal
Susan Kreusch and Kevin Smead
Emily and Jamie Land
Sonia Lee and Al Grumet
Lauren and Paul Levitan
Rebecca and Christopher Lien
Natalie and Dick Loggins
Jacqui Lopez-Wyman and
Matt Wyman
Christine Makuch-Simpson and
John Simpson
Daniela and Mike Manning
Trigg and Bill McLeod
Nicole and Andrew McWhorter
Elizabeth and Michael Mooney
Andrea Newell and Paul Howe
Luis Ottley and Carrie Eagles
Stacy Pasko
Suzanne Passalacqua
Jesse and Amy Pearson
Dara and Scott Potter
Tatem and Morgan Read
Sarnia and Derek Robson
Mimi Rowe and Chris Rodzewicz
Mary Russell and Nicholas Oust
Beth and Jon Rutchik
Susan Sakmar and Kirk Hobbs
Stacey Silver and Jon Yolles
Mona and Mark Steinberg
Catherine and Greg Stern
Robin and Geoff Strawbridge
Tenisha Tate
Marina and Alan Terpins
Regan and Tim Ural
Kathryn Van Dyke and Doug Grant
Molly West and Chuck Slaughter
Annie Williams and Harry Shulman
Samira and Nick Willson
Tiana Wimmer and Warren Leiden
Kristin and Todd Lorenz
Yukako and Atsushi Matsuo
Michelle and Michael McCulloch
Jesse Pearson
Jacqui Pearson Long
Anne Porter-Roth
Maureen Poxon and Alex Kline
Diane and James Reed
The Schow Foundation
Mark Sherburne
Anna Shubeau
Kathryn and Steve Starke
Jessica Steinberg
Dana and Jeff Swisher
Carla Wilkins
CURRENT AND FORMER
GRANDPARENT GIVING
We are grateful to the many
grandparents, who live near
and far, who generously
support the Horizon Fund!
GRANDPARENTS & FRIENDS
Anonymous
Barbara Brown
Walker Brown-Lewin ’16
Noah Brown-Lewin ’22
Alden Brown-Lewin ’22
Angelique Craney
Alex Pasko ’15,
Benjamin Pasko ’17
Mr. and Mrs. John Gambs
Charlie Knickerbocker ’22
Sara Knickerbocker ’24
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Grant
Liam Grant ’15
Emily ’19
Nancy Greenfield
Alonzo Hare ’20
Adriano Hare ’23
Mr. and Mrs. Milton Grijalva
Aidan Stone-Grijalva ’16
Liam Stone-Grijalva ’19
Bonnie and Bill Hoppin
Will Hoppin ’14
Griffin Hoppin ’18
Ms. Rosemarie Hoskins
Alex Hoskins-Frame ’13
Kay and Bob Howe
Taylor Howe ’20
Neil Jones
Livie McLeod ’15
William McLeod ’17
Mr. Dennis Knickerbocker
Charlie Knickerbocker ’22
Sara Knickerbocker ’24
Toshiko and Eijun Kujo
Kaia Land ’21
Max Land ’19
William and Kathryn Massara
Katherine Elkort ’14
Chloe Elkort ’17
David Melnick
Elianna Bar-Nahum ’20
Mrs. Elizabeth Merriman
Elsa Merriman ’22
Victor Morales and Sharon Halpern
Alexandra Stone ’11
Natasha Stone ’17
Maria and Joe Penny
Andrew Penny ’24
Noah Penny ’21
Rick Pimentel
Daniel Jaeger ’18
Audrey Jaeger ’21
Todd Speece
Joannie Stern
Lily Stern ’13
Eva Stern ’17
Michael Thompson
FACULTY & STAFF
Beth and Dain Anderson
Chris Baker
Sharman Bonus
Joel Booth
Ashleigh Brody
Kristen and Louis Commesso
Heyward Hare and Dana Dacus-Hare
Maxine De Cook
Renee DeCurtis
Charlie Denby
Ms. Kitty Desmond
Marcello Diaz
Debbie Dicker
Kyle Donohoe
Laura Duggan
Carrie Eagles and Luis Ottley
Christopher Elbers
Anjuli Elias
Angie Evans
Annie Gordon
Susan Guadagno and Al Tommei
Harriet Hayward
Kathleen Hazelton-Leech
Chandi Hemapala
Catherine Hills and Audrey Borden
Victoria Huerta-Miller and
Jeremy Miller
Hillery Jaffe-Urell
Rachel Kelley
Amy Kronberg
Andrea Lenzi
Hilary Levey
Kristin and Todd Lorenz
Veronica March-Lee and Stevie Lee
Lyla Max and Thomas Paffel
Adele Maze
Michelle and Michael McCulloch
Lorelei Morris
Anne Porter-Roth
Maureen Poxon
Lucy Roberts
Cheng Saechao
Mary Sample-Mattos
Lisa and John Scarsella
Alison and Yair Schers
Mark Sherburne
Lois Sheridan
Anna Shubeau
Kathryn Sill
Colleen Smith
Jennifer Spielberg
Kathryn and Steve Starke
Carla Wilkins
Karen Woodall
Lyndsay Yuska
CORPORATE, FOUNDATION,
DONOR ADVISED FUNDS &
MATCHING GIFTS
American Endowment Foundation
Autodesk Matching Gifts
Program - USA
Blackrock Matching Gift Program
Capital Group Companies
Electronic Arts OutrEAch Program
Fidelity Foundation Matching Gifts
to Education Program
Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund
Gap Foundation Matching
Gift Program
Goldman, Sachs & Co Matching
Gift Program
Hanley Foundation
Hawthorn PNC Family Wealth
The Herbert Simon Family
Foundation
Jewish Community Endowment Fund
Marin Community Foundation
Marsh & McLennan Companies
Matching Gifts Program
MCM Foundation
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Global
Impact Funding Trust, Inc
R.S. Evans Foundation, Inc.
Salesforce Foundation
San Francisco Foundation
The Schow Foundation
Schwab Charitable Fund
Springcreek Foundation
United Way of the Bay Area
Woodbury Foundation

14. 24
“We give so that Marin Horizon can continue to give. Over the
last 12 years, we have seen Marin Horizon’s faculty and staff
contribute so much to so many children and families. We want
this cycle to continue so that we all benefit from kids who are
taught to be smart, courageous and kind.”
ABBY ADLERMAN & BRIAN PLATTER
25
“We give as an expression of our gratitude for the amazing
teachers, students, and parents in our Marin Horizon community.
In return we have received the gift of well educated, eloquent,
and thoughtful children who, we are confident, will utilize their
Marin Horizon education to make an impactful contribution
to society.”
DIANA AND SCOTT GREENSTONE

15. 26
ALUMNISANDHYA
KRIPALANI (’96)
When asked to
name one thing
she learned at
Marin Horizon
that really stuck
with her, Sandhya
says, “Idioms. It sounds funny, but when
learning about politics, in fifth grade with
Beth, we held an election and learned all
about various idioms through acting them
out literally. For example, “throwing your
hat in the ring,” or “don’t put all your eggs
in one basket” or “putting your foot in your
mouth.” I find when I use these phrases
now, I still remember those lessons, and the
meaning is so much more vibrant for me.
Sandhya went on to Tamalpais High School,
got a BA in Political Science at UC Berkeley
and then a JD, with a Specialization with
Distinction in Intellectual Property Law at
Golden Gate University School of Law. While
she is currently working in litigation, she
hopes to focus more on intellectual property
law in the coming years. She is also the lead
contributor to www.caviarblog.com where
she is able to combine her love of fine food
and cooking, and use her writing and pho-
tography skills.
Her favorite memories from Marin Horizon
are going to camp or on other educational
and outdoor trips. Outdoor education in
the form of hiking, naturalist instruction,
ropes courses, river rafting, and exposure
to wild animals was an incredibly unique
experience. “While at camp, tall tales about
Coyote the Trickster from our beloved Clare
Lennon are among my all-time favorite
memories.” Sandhya’s favorite tradition
was Earth Day, “a celebration not only of the
earth, recycling and green ideas, but also a
celebration of culture and an opportunity for
kids to share their ethnic and cultural heri-
tage through wearing traditional clothing.”
AUSTIN BROWN (’98)
“There are so many
meaningful memo-
ries that stayed with
me from Marin
Horizon. My favorites
were from the field
trips we took. I took
it for granted then, but those trips were
amazing opportunities. One was in 8th
grade, on an old sailboat in North Beach
where we did an overnight simulation of
a sailing trip, in which we were the boat’s
crew. It was here that I learned where
starboard, port, the stern and the bow are
on a boat. We took three or four hour shifts
in three groups, watching the ship through
the night. I loved the idea of being awake at
4 a.m. with my classmates because we were
supposed to be. It was cold and windy and
tough to stay alert, but the vibe of travelling
back in time on the boat and the memory of
staring out at the neon Ghirardelli sign is
etched in my memory.”
After Marin Horizon, Austin went to Marin
Catholic for 3 years before transferring
to Tam High so he could finish his senior
year with the friends he grew up with in
Sausalito. A few years later, he moved to
Vancouver where he got his AA, but decided
the weather wasn’t for him so moved back
to the Bay Area where he continued to study
journalism.
For the past four years, Austin has been
involved in the Buddhist scene here in
the Bay Area. “It’s a lifelong journey that’s
transformed my life,” he says of the experi-
ence. For the last year, he has been working
with his mother, who is a novelist, on social
media and digital book publishing.
26
ALEX SCHMITZ (’98)
“I remember learning conflict resolu-
tion, problem solving techniques and the
importance of being a good listener...which
I still use to this day, especially in my line of
work,” says Alex, who is a Financial Planner
and partner of a five-person team at JPMor-
gan Securities in San Francisco.
After graduating, Alex went to The Branson
School, on to The University of Colorado
at Boulder where he majored in Finance,
and finally to New York University where he
pursued advanced course work in Financial
Planning at the School of Continuing and
Professional Studies. Soon after, he passed
the exam and requirements to become a
Certified Financial Planner.
Alex remembers that he “had a special bond
with then teacher Claire Lennon who I re-
member was always there for me when I had
a question, would put me in my place if I
acted up and always brightened up the room
with her presence and outlook on life. I was
very sad to learn a few years ago that she
passed away, but I am grateful for the time
I was able to spend with her. I also remem-
ber being a staple on the black top playing
basketball for hours on end with some of my
classmates.”
“I always loved the school’s unique gather-
ings and celebrations like Earth Day, MLK
Day, and the Walkathon charity event.
These types of gatherings instilled in me
an appreciation for the value of community
service and embracing diversity.”
GILLIAN KINNEAR
(’99)
Gillian is currently
living and work-
ing just north of
Santa Barbara in
cattle country. For
the last 6 years,
she has been teaching English as a Second
Language,coaching girls’ soccer, and running
the equestrian program at Midland School.
“Outside of that I work training horses and
teaching therapeutic riding lessons. My
favorite place to work with both horses and
riders is out on the 3,000 acres of trails the
school owns. There is something to be said
for the learning that goes on outside of the
classroom. Outside of work, I devote my life
to my two dogs (a jack russell Queensland/
and an Australian Shepard), two cats and
one horse (an arabian), and my boyfriend of
three years.”
CAREY SMITH-
MARCHI (’01)
After Marin Hori-
zon, Carey attended
The Urban School
and Emory Univer-
sity in Atlanta. She
now lives in Deca-
tur, GA where she gets to occasionally hike
the Blue Ridge Mountains, and is currently
pursuing an MBA with a concentration
in organizations and management at the
Goizueta Business School at Emory. In her
free time, Carey coaches softball at Emory
as well as in the local community. “Marin
Horizon taught me the importance of wor-
thy intent in all actions and relationships,”
says Carey, whose favorite memories are
Camp Gualala and her morning commute
with Lorelei!
SABINE BERGMANN (’02)
“Looking back, I see how dynamic and inter-
active learning was at Marin Horizon. I have
memories of wearing giant papier-mâché
masks and marching on stilts in Earth Day
parades, of writing fictional accounts of life
in ancient Rome, of sewing a Kimono. I felt
like I was using all of my senses in class
and that learning was a group activity. That
kind of learning laid a strong foundation of
creativity, curiosity and compassion that
proved very useful for my studies and work
later on.
27

16. 29
ALUMNIAfter Marin Horizon, I went on to The
Branson School and then Stanford Uni-
versity. In 2008, I moved to Cochabamba,
Bolivia and spent a summer interviewing
indigenous subsistence farmers. It was an
experience that changed my life and led
me to join the Peace Corps, where I lived in
a coastal migrant-worker shanty-town in
the Dominican Republic. After two years in
the shanty-town I stayed in the country to
work for Peace Corps developing sites for
incoming volunteers in the North, spending
most of my time traveling by motorcycle to
remote farming communities or the forgot-
ten neighborhoods of giant cities. I left
in January 2014, and now I’m back in CA,
looking for the next adventure!
BAILEY DOUGLASS (’02)
Bailey went on to Convent of the Sacred
Heart High School and then University of
Puget Sound. “I realized the benefit of small
classes at Marin Horizon and stuck with it,”
she says.
“There were only six girls in my class and
I am fortunate to have stayed in touch with
most of them. It was often a struggle, but as
a result, these women and I have this shared
experience that very few other people can
relate to. Of course I have great memories
of the trips that we took and the special
projects we did, but looking back, I think
my memories and continued experience
with these very special relationships are the
most important.”
Bailey is currently an Operations Generalist
at Airware, a startup based in San Francisco
that makes platforms for unmanned aerial
systems (UAS). “Beth Anderson taught me
how to form a thoughtful and concise writ-
ten argument, which is a skill that helped me
immeasurably in high school and college,
and which I use all the time at work today.”
In her free time, Bailey is the Membership
Director of Spinsters of San Francisco, a
local social and professional group for
young professional women. “I encourage
Marin Horizon alumnae to reach out to me
if they are interested in joining.” She is also
president of the San Francisco Alpha Phi
alumnae chapter.
CAMILLE ROSE
SCHMIDT (’02)
Camille graduated
from Marin Horizon
School and attended
Marin Catholic
where she was on
Dean’s List and
in Honors and AP Classes. She then went
to the University of San Diego, where she
majored in Communications and Political
Science. Upon graduation, she moved to
New York City and pursued internships in
fashion and public relations. While there,
she began writing her Vogue- and Harper’s
Bazaar-sponsored blog, Dressed and Edu-
cated. (It’s currently under construction
and will re-release this Spring.)
Upon returning to San Francisco, she
continued to intern in public relations and
began volunteering with many organiza-
tions including Spinsters of San Francisco
and Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Last
year, Camille started her own public rela-
tions firm Camille Schmidt Public Relations
(CamilleSchmidtPR.com) that specializes
in Fashion and Lifestyle media coverage
and social media. Camille also freelances
for Marin Horizon Parent, Amy Cunha’s PR
firm Big Picture PR.
Like many alumni, one of Camille’s favorite
memories of Marin Horizon is “Camp
Gualala and all of the leadership opportuni-
ties we had as children. I think it helped to
form me as responsible adult, leader and
business owner.” She goes on to say, “while
I was not a fan of magic circles during my
nine years at Marin Horizon, I think con-
flict resolution and open communication
helps me in everyday life. I decided to study
28
Communications and Political Science in
college, and I know that a lot of problems
and miscommunications between people
and world powers could be avoided if people
spent a little more time in magic circles.”
PAIGE KENDALL (’04)
Paige attended Tam-
alpais High School
where she rowed for
four years, and went on
to row on the Women’s
Rowing Team at
University of California at Davis, where
she got her degree in Nutrition Science
with an emphasis in biochemistry. She
currently works at University of California
San Francisco as a research assistant and
phlebotomist for a breast cancer clinical
care and research project called the Athena
Breast Health Network, and will be starting
medical school in the fall of 2014.
Her favorite Marin Horizon tradition is Earth
Day, and when asked what she learned at
Marin Horizon that she still uses, she said,
“the importance and necessity for compas-
SPOTLIGHT ON: NICK DIETZ (’04)
“One of my favorite traditions at Marin Horizon is the Oxfam
Hunger Banquet, when the school comes together for a
simulation to learn about the issue of world hunger. On this
day, students are asked not to bring a lunch and are divided
at random to represent different countries of the world — and
eat a meal proportional to the country’s standard of living. I
remember my first Oxfam experience as a 3rd grader sitting
on the floor with most of my peers to represent the country of
India. We were all given a piece of toast and water for lunch
that day while we watched the select and lucky few who represented the United States sit
comfortably at a table eating Stefano’s pizza with a large soda. Of course, there are few things
more enviable for a 3rd grader than watching someone else eat pizza in front of you, and thus
a brilliant way to depict the meaning of injustice and inequality. The annual Oxfam tradition is a
great illustration of Marin Horizon’s multi-modal learning environment, which highlights global
issues in a way that caters to a child’s understanding and appreciation for mature perspectives.”
After Marin Horizon, Nick attended Stuart Hall High School where he was co-editor of the
school newspaper as a sophomore and started early in student government, ultimately being
elected Student Body President his senior year. He then attended UCLA where he majored in
Psychobiology to follow his passions of human psychology and science. Currently, he is working
as a clinical project coordinator at the UCLA Department of Psychoneuroimmunology conduct-
ing psychiatric interviews in the hospital, while applying to medical schools.
Another interest has been exploring the intersection of business and science. In 2012, Nick
worked for a start-up called the Business of Science Center, which aims to transition intellectual
property from universities to private industry. “I learned about the commercialization process of
medical devices, diagnostics, and therapeutics, worked alongside faculty inventors, and filed
my own provisional patent on a neurofeedback device I conceptualized. I am also working on
two research papers at the moment that 1) investigate the effects of meditation on the brain
and 2) review a deep brain stimulation device in partnership with USC’s Alfred Mann Institute of
biomedical engineering . Both papers will be submitted for publication this spring.”
Nick is hoping to attend medical school this fall, to fulfill his dream of “maximizing my service
and impact to society through healing and innovation.”

17. 30
ALUMNIsion and empathy. And the utility of papier-
mâché, from our wonderful art teacher, Jay.”
MORGAN BYCE (’05)
An MBA is on the horizon for Morgan, who
went to Marin Academy and Johns Hopkins
in Baltimore, MD where she majored in
Applied Mathematics and Statistics and
minored in Economics, Psychology, and
Business.
“I have a lot of great memories from
Gualala, including river walks, the Andy
Goldsworthy art projects, and Claire Len-
non leading the campfire. I was a total math
geek, so Mark Sherburne’s classes were al-
ways fun. I came back to do my high school
capstone experience with Mark, as an
assistant math teacher. I also loved getting
Beth points in social studies for my work — I
still cash those in and have her take me to
lunch or ice cream.
My favorite tradition is the Rube Goldberg
project. The fights, the failures, and the
triumphs cannot be matched.
I still use a lot of the things I learned at
Marin Horizon. We learned about the Egyp-
tian gods in 4th grade, and when I took an
Egyptian Mythology class in college, I was
surprised how much I remembered.”
JULIA PICKEL (’11)
“One of my favorite
memories from
Marin Horizon is
the Rube Goldberg
project. One of my
favorite Marin Hori-
zon traditions is
the Earth day celebration, and particularly
the green fashion show,” says Julia who is
currently a junior at Marin Academy. She is
doubling in foreign language, studying both
Spanish and Mandarin Chinese, pursues
flute and musical theater, and is a Girl
Scout. Additionally, this year in the Marin
County Mock Trial competition, she won the
award for best defense witness.
HAYLEY MARCH
(’12)
Hayley is a sopho-
more at San Marin
High School and is
the goalie for the
Varsity water polo
team. She made
honorable mention for Marin County
Athletic League and plays all year long
through Marin Aquatics. She was on the 16U
A team that played in the Junior Olympics
in Southern California last summer. Here’s
the clincher — she had never played water
polo in her life when she entered 9th grade,
but was willing to give it a try! Thanks to
Joel, Stevie and Charlie!
If you’ve got an adventure to share,
an updated address, news about college,
career, family, or anything you think
we’d like to hear, or if you’re interested
in becoming a class captain or joining
the Alumni Council, please contact Bev
Boorman at bboorman@marinhorizon.org
or 415.388.8408 ext. 234. See page 19
for more information about giving.
Alumni Council
Jesse Pearson (‘86), Chair
Bev Boorman
Ashley Goldsmith
Susan Schow
Robin Strawbridge
Dana Swisher
30
Students from the class of 2012 gather for an overnight reunion.
31
ALUMNI OVERNIGHT
On Saturday, April 20th, 2013, Annie
Gordon, Joel Booth and I joined 17 alumni
from the Class of 2012 for an alumni over-
night reunion at a private camping spot in
Tomales Bay, generously donated by the
Swisher Family (Henry ‘07, Peter ‘10, and
Kate ‘12). After a fun ride on the Adventure
Bus, we spent the day hiking, paddle board-
ing, making dinner and reminiscing.
The entire trip was a wonderful reminder
of how strong our Marin Horizon bonds
are, but there was one subtle, yet moving,
moment that stands out in my memory. It
took place at the campfire after Nick fin-
ished telling a classic joke that the class had
requested, after Leo and Nick finished rap-
ping and after Aidan and Preston finished
strumming the guitar.
The s’mores had been consumed and Joel,
Annie and I made eye contact as if to say, “I
think it’s time to lead them in the direction
of their sleeping bags.” But before could
make our move, a few of the girls said, “It’s
time for a circle.” Everyone fell in and
proceeded to participate in a classic Marin
Horizon acknowledgement circle: each
student offering someone an acknowledge-
ment and then sharing a favorite moment of
the day. We simply stood back and listened.
An acknowledgement circle is an integral
part of our Middle School trip experience,
but this one was special, as it was initiated
by the kids themselves. It was a very au-
thentic and warm moment, student-driven
and meaningful. When the last words were
shared, the campfire embers died down,
and everyone headed towards their sleeping
bags. A night to remember.
MUMS OF ALUMS
On Sunday March 23, 2013, a group of about
30 Mums of Alums gathered for a lovely
brunch at Piatti to reminisce and catch up.
We had mums of alums from as far back as
1986 and as recent as last year – what a great
tribute to Marin Horizon’s 36-year history!
Clockwise from top: 1) Catherine Cox, Christine Armstrong,
Mona Steinberg, Kathy Williams 2) Kay MacNamara, Kathleen
Hazelton-Leech, Jacqui Pearson Long 3) Annie Gordon, Mona
Steinberg 4) Laura Merlo, Dana Swisher 5) Michaela Abrams,
Mona Steinberg 6) Devi Brown, Lyndsay Yuska
CHRIS BAKER, ENVIRONMENTAL & OUTDOOR EDUCATION

18. 32
Eighth grade is a
transitional and
transformative
year. For many of
our students who
are getting ready
to move from their
day-to-day life at
Marin Horizon,
this is the last in a
12 year experience!
Even for those who
have not been here since their Toddler
year, it can be a bittersweet time – our
students form strong bonds with each
other and though they’re certainly ready to
spread their wings and fly away, they will
always be Marin Horizon students.
This year, we asked Lily Stern (pictured
above) to give some insights about what
it was like to be an 8th grader at Marin
Horizon, and what new experiences 9th
grade at Drew School has brought. We’re
pretty proud and amazed by her answers!
What was your favorite part of 8th grade?
My favorite part of the 8th grade was the
camping trip to Lake Tahoe in the first two
weeks of school. We were gone for a week,
relying on only ourselves and our guides
for meals, water, map-reading, tent as-
sembly, campfire setup and entertainment
and anything in-between. The trip forced
us to be responsible and watch out for
ourselves and others around us.
Fondest memory of Marin Horizon School?
The campfires! On the Outdoor Ed trips
and also at Redwood Glen every year.
Most challenging part of 8th grade?
Avoiding senioritis. My whole grade expe-
rienced it and it was always a challenge to
remind ourselves to be engaged and
appreciate our last year at Marin Horizon.
Describe your experience of the high school
application process. Was it hard? Scary?
Stressful? Fun? Did you like the process?
I enjoyed the application process! I visited
five schools and applied to three. Visiting
and learning about all of the other schools
near and far was eye opening. I loved see-
ing all of the different options I had. All
of the schools I visited were very different
from each other and from Marin Horizon.
What were you most concerned about in
going into 9th grade?
I was worried about the new environ-
ment. Drew School is in San Francisco and
although I had spent time in the city before
school started I wasn’t familiar with the
city itself or the people.
In what ways did Marin Horizon prepare you
for 9th grade?
Marin Horizon taught me to be indepen-
dent, responsible, and reliable. Those
three traits are all incredibly important for
a successful 9th grade and also a successful
high school career.
How was your transition into 9th grade? And
how is 9th grade now that you’ve been there
for more than half a year?
The transition was much easier than
expected. I love my new school and even
in the first week of school I felt very
EIGHTH GRADE and beyond
Branson School
Drew School
Marin Catholic
Marin Academy
Redwood High School
San Francisco University
High School
San Rafael High School
Tamalpais High School
The Bay School
The Marin School
The Urban School
EIGHTH GRADE CLASS OF 2013
comfortable and included at it. Being
confident in the school itself and your de-
cision to spend the next four years of your
life there makes all the difference when
it comes to transitioning from middle
to high school. Seven months into high
school I am still loving it!
Anything else you want us to know about
being a Marin Horizon 8th grader and getting
into high school?
It’s very cliché, but be yourself. The
schools can tell when you are trying to
impress them with things you are not
genuinely interested in. Don’t fake any-
thing! And also do not get too hung up on
one school. Drew was not my first choice
during the application process and now I
could not imagine myself anywhere else.
We are proud of our graduates and the choices they and their families
made for their high school education. We wish you all the best of luck
and hope that you stay in touch!

19. 305 Montford Avenue Mill Valley California 94941
415 388 8408 www.marinhorizon.org