An Independent Day School for Grades 6-12
Admission

Meet Our Parent/Guardian Liaisons

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@csus.org

List of 32 items.

  • Adriana

    Adriana Erickson, Redwood City

    Please contact me at adriana.crystalpals@gmail.com to discuss Middle School, Admissions, Transportation, MS Performing Arts, Advisory, Robotics, MS PE/Athletics, Academics, Volunteering

    Originally from
    Redwood City

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    spending time with family and friends, board games, movies, and music.

    Length of time at Crystal
    Three years in the MS (8th grader and 6th grader)

    Parent experience at Crystal
    PAL, Arts Collective Lead (MS), Gryphon Greeter, and CFA volunteer for various events. I love being connected to the Crystal community! 

  • Andrew

    Andrew Wolf, Burlingame

    Please contact me at awolf@csus.org to discuss Anything parent/guardian related, Crystal Athletics, junior year off campus

    Originally from Palo Alto

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    Beach tacos, cheering from the sidelines at soccer games

    Length of time at Crystal
    Since 2017 when my daughter entered Crystal MS in 6th grade and my son entered Crystal US in 9th grade.

    Parent experience at Crystal
    Crystal Family Association (CFA) volunteer, Admissions PAL, and as of November 2021 Crystal's Associate Director of Family Engagement. I believe so strongly in Crystal that I left my former career and joined the staff!

  • Arvind

    Arvind Gupta, San Carlos

    Please contact me at arvind.crystalpals@gmail.com to discuss Upper School Mentorship, Academics, Robotics, Mock Trial, Girls Soccer, College Counseling, 

    Originally from
    New Delhi, India

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    sports, traveling, movies & shows, and hanging out with friends and family. 

    Length of time at Crystal
    Two years (Junior in school)

    Parent experience at Crystal
    Have experienced the Admissions events seven years in a row as we applied for first our daughter who is at Crystal and then our son who is currently at a different school. Participated in supporting the Upper School Girls Soccer Team. 
  • Bien

    Bien

    Bien Fernandez-Blancaflor, Pacifica, CA

    Please contact me at bien.pals2020@gmail.com to discuss the Middle School and Upper School Experience, Crystal Parents Community, Transportation, Sports (Volleyball), Performing Arts, Transition from Upper School to College. Admissions and Academics experience in MS and US.

    Originally from
    Born in the Philippines - Grew up in San Francisco.

    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
    Seven years (MS and HS). Class of 2020 currently Junior in College; Current 10th at the Upper School and 6th grader at the Middle School.

    Parent experience at Crystal
    Parent Association Class Rep for 10th Grade. Gryphon Greater, Co-Chair Lunar New Year event. Gala and Admission Event Volunteer

  • Craig

    Craig Michaels, Belmont

    Please contact me at craig.PALS2020@gmail.com 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
    Three years (we now have a 7th and 9th grader).

    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! 

  • Cristal

    Cristal Waldrop, San Mateo

    Please contact me at cristal.crystalpals@gmail.com to discuss Middle Schoo//Upper School admissions, academics, transition to the US, parent volunteering, DEI.

    Originally from
    Philadelphia, PA

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    traveling, football, reading, movies, good food, relaxing together

    Length of time at Crystal
    Eight years - we have one 2022 alum and one 10th grader. Both started in MS.

    Parent experience at Crystal
    Gryphon Gala volunteer, Gryphon Greeter, Trustee, DEI Taskforce member, Crystal Fund volunteer

  • Danielle

    Danielle Conkling, San Carlos, CA

    Please contact me at danielle.crystalpals@gmail.com to discuss Middle School admissions, academics, extracurricular activities and fine arts, commute and transportation, parent and community volunteering.

    Originally from
    San Francisco, CA

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    traveling, outdoor activities, spending time with friends and family, eating good food and trying new things

    Length of time at Crystal
    Third year in the middle school

    Parent experience at Crystal
    Gryphon Gala Co-Chair, Gryphon Greeter, CFA Class Rep, PAL Rep

  • Danielle

    Danielle deBrier, San Carlos

    Please contact me to discuss Middle School and Upper School sports, the admissions process, school clubs, the college process, transportation to and from school, life as a student-athlete, life as a Crystal family, starting at Crystal as a 9th grader, transitioning from public school, and student government.

    Originally from: Moved around as a child. Went to High School in London

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    Family meals, playing games, and watching our girls play soccer.

    Length of time at Crystal
    3 years. I have twin seniors, a freshman and a daughter in 6th grade.

    Parent experience at Crystal
    Class rep, Gala volunteer and Team Parent

  • Eloiza

    Eloiza Meier, Belmont

    Please contact me at eloiza.crystalpals@gmail.com to discuss MS parent/student experience including athletics (girls soccer, lacrosse and volleyball) dance and student leadership; transitioning from public elementary school to MS;  Parent volunteer experiences and opportunities; Admissions (open house & PALS) /Gryphon Greeters; second year US experience (athletics: varsity soccer and volleyball).

    Originally from
    San Francisco, CA

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    traveling, dining out, hiking, camping and skiing, attending sporting and performing arts events

    Length of time at Crystal
    Five years; 10th grader in US and 7th grader in MS

    Parent experience at Crystal
    CFA DEI liaison, Gryphon Gala Co-Chair, PAC Appreciation Committee Co-Chair; 8th Grade Parent Rep; Volunteer for Open Houses, Gryphon Greeter, Lunar New Year event. 

  • Fiona

    Fiona Huang, Palo Alto, CA

    Please contact me at fiona.crystalpals@gmail.com to discuss Middle School admissions and experience, the transition from Middle School to Upper School, commute by Caltrain and logistics, being a student-athlete at Crystal, participating in the Parent Association, parent events, starting a club at Middle School and generally about the amazing inclusiveness, diversity, kindness of Crystal community, parents, teachers, administrators and students alike.

    Originally from
    Toronto, Canada

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    snowboarding, running 5K charity races, tennis and bouncing on my mini trampoline with music blaring from my Beats headphones. Avid international travelor. Hardcore soccer mom.  

    Length of time at Crystal
    Five Years (MS and HS):  3 years at Middle School and second year at Upper School, parent of current 6th grader, 8th grader, and 10th grader.

    Parent experience at Crystal
    Parent Association Class Rep for 6th grade, I am co-leading the Gryphon Club initiative in the Middle School, Co-Chair Gryphon Greeters in past years, hosted Count-Me-Ins for Gala, PAL 

  • Emily

    Emily Kenner, Hillsborough, CA

    Please contact me at emily.crystalPALs@gmail.com to discuss Middle and HS experiences, middle and high school admissions, transition to college/college preparedness, sports teams.(tennis, soccer, badminton), transition from public to private, breadth of CSUS 6-12 experience (starting in 6th grade), academic support, school resources, teacher/student relationships.

    Originally from
    Hillsborough, CA

    In my free time my family and I enjoy…
    traveling, hiking, camping, backpacking, playing pranks on family members, tons of ping pong, and more. 

    Length of time at Crystal
    I attended MS at Crystal. My sister graduated from Crystal when it was an all-girls school. My son attended 9-12th and now is a Sophomore in college, and my daughter is a current CSUS Junior.

    Parent experience at Crystal
    Gryphon Greeter, sports team parent, CFA board, various committee work, Admission Open House helper, co-chair of parent luncheon, etc.

  • Hyun-Joo

    Hyun-Joo Laws, Hillsborough, CA

    Please contact me at HyunJoo.pals2020@gmail.com to discuss overall middle and upper school experience, academics/advisory, MS sports (soccer and cross country), theater (plays, musical), instrumental music, dance, transportation, clubs, and parent/guardian engagement and events.

    Originally from
    South Korea (I spent my first 11 years there before immigrating to the US.)

    In my free time my family and I enjoy…
    Traveling, playing board games, and watching a show/movie.

    Length of time at Crystal
    This is my 6th year at Crystal. I have the full MS experience with two kids who are now in the US as 9th and 11th graders.

    Parent experience at Crystal
    Serving as President for the Crystal Family Association (CFA) this year and was in various roles for the CFA over the last 5 years, PAL for the last 2 years, Gryphon Greeter for the last 5 years.

  • Isabelle

    Isabelle Bibbler Parker, Redwood City

    Please contact me at isabellep.crystalpals@gmail.com 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). My older daughter, Hanna, is a Junior '24 (started as a Freshman in 2020) and my younger daughter, Lena, is a new Freshman '26)

    Parent experience at Crystal
    Gryphon Greeter, 10th grade parent rep. Looking forward to being a PAL and connecting with the Crystal community!

  • Jessica

    Jessica Heffron, Burlingame

    Please contact me at jessica.cystalpals@gmail.com  to discuss the Admissions process, transitioning to Crystal, the transition from Montessori, transportation, food at Crystal with special dietary concerns

    Originally from
    Ardsley, NY

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    golf, hiking, traveling, playing games, and finding the best vegan food in the bay area!

    Length of time at Crystal
    My son just started 6th grade this year.

    Parent experience at Crystal
    As a new member of the Crystal community, I have enjoyed attending the CFA hosted events like Gryphon Greeter meet-ups and Sips and Tips. I look forward to being a PAL, volunteering for Gryphon Club and MS Parent Child night. 

  • Jill

    Jill Orhun, San Mateo

    Please contact me to discuss Middle School, Admissions, Transportation, transitioning from a Montessori, and deciding between Crystal and all-girls school options. My daughter is interested in basketball, dance, and nature / environmental clubs.  

    Originally from
    San Francisco, CA

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    hiking in the redwoods, hanging out at the beach, riding our bikes, traveling to new places, and trying new things.

    Length of time at Crystal
    My daughter just started 6th grade.

    Parent experience at Crystal
    PAL helped us make our decision last year and was a helpful admissions resource; we're working to get engaged with the Crystal community through a variety of CFA events.

  • Kaushik

    Kaushik Gopalan Rangachary, Fremont, CA

    Please contact me at kaushik.crystalPALs@gmail.com to discuss Admissions, parent/guardian events, volunteering, Middle School, academics, MS Girls Basketball, advisory, athletics/PE, Robotics, Debate, clubs, diversity, 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

    Length of time at Crystal
    Three years (MS)

    Parent experience at Crystal
    Equity & Inclusion Co-Chair, Parent Enrichment Co-Chair, PAL, Arts Collective Volunteer, CFA Volunteer for various events


  • Margarita

    Margarita Golod, Los Altos 

    Please contact me at margarita.crystalpals@gmail.com to discuss Middle School Admissions, Dance Program at Crystal, Transportation, Transition from Public to Private, Academics, Crystal Community for new families

    Originally from
    Wilmington, DE

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    playing tennis, traveling, swimming, playing board games, cooking, and spending time with friends.

    Length of time at Crystal
    My daughter just started in the 6th grade! 

    Parent experience at Crystal
    PAL and also I volunteered for the Count Me In Parties.

  • Mary

    Mary DeLong, San Mateo

    Please contact me at Mary DeLong mary.crystalPALs@gmail.com to discuss new parent events, what it is like to be a new student at Crystal, Middle School, and getting to know others coming in.

    Originally from
    San Mateo

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    Spending time at the pool, traveling, having BBQs and watching movies together. 

    Length of time at Crystal
    My son is in 6th grade now, and I attended Crystal Middle School many years ago. 

    Parent experience at Crystal
    We are just getting started and have really enjoyed attending all of the fun events to get to know new parents. 

  • Meena

    Meena Satyavolu Rangachary, Fremont, CA

    Please contact me at meenakshi.crystalpals@gmail.com to discuss Middle School admissions, parent/guardian events and volunteering, academics, advisory, athletics/PE, Robotics, MS Play/Musical, Debate, 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
    Three years (MS)

    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
  • Mehran

    Mehran

    Mehran Farid, Hillsborough

    Please contact us to discuss Middle School experience: transportation, Arts, Athletics, After School Clubs, Advisory, and Academics.

    Originally from
    Iran, Tehran

    In our free time our family enjoys…
    traveling, music and spirituality.

    Length of time at Crystal
    IMS parent of class of 2029 (6th grader)

    Parent experience at Crystal
    Crystal Fund team. We have signed up for many other volunteer positions such as PALS, Arts Collective, Gala, Gryphon greeter and more this year and are looking forward to them

  • Michele

    Michele Colucci, Portola Valley

    Please contact me to discuss creating a friend group at Crystal, participation in sports, being a single parent, college applications, advocacy for your child, and just about anything else. I'm a parent of four!!

    Originally from
    Westlake Village

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    Sports, traveling, hanging out at local restaurants, Topgolf and spending time together!

    Length of time at Crystal
    I currently have one senior, and his brother graduated three years ago, so I'm a two-time Crystal mom

    Parent experience at Crystal
    I have been a class mom, a team parent for track and field, soccer and football, a volunteer at the golf tournament, a panel speaker, and a new family mentor. Loved all of it!

  • Mina

    Mina Fisher, Hillsborough
    mina.crystalpals@gmail.com

    Originally from
    Foster City, CA

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    all things water related, travel adventures, RV camping, and relaxing with friends and family.

    Length of time at Crystal
    I am a CSU alum, and my oldest child just started 6th grade this year. 

    Parent experience at Crystal
    As a proud alumna, I have enjoyed my long ties with the school and the many close friends I still have from decades ago. This year, as a first time CSU parent, I have enjoyed attending the CFA hosted events and look forward to being a PAL and engaging deeper with the Crystal community.

  • Nicole

    Nicole Alston, Burlingame

    Please contact me at nicole.crystalpals@gmail.com 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
    Second-year parent of MS daughter, class of 2028 (7th grader).

    Parent experience at Crystal
    Crystal Board of Trustees, Gryphon Greeter

  • Norm

    Norman Liang, San Mateo, CA

    Please contact me at norman.crystalpals@gmail.com to discuss coming from a bilingual school, Language Arts at Crystal, Public School to Private School transition(as a student and a parent), Middle School activities in Arts, Athletics, and Student Government.

    Originally from
    New Jersey

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    exploring new cities, discovering good food, and supporting our community on issues around race and identity. I also serve as our family's barista.

    Length of time at Crystal
    Our son started in the Middle School as a 6th grader.    

    Parent experience at Crystal
    Began volunteering at events during our first year and served on the 7th grade team as our DEI lead and planned events for families and parents.    

  • Ping

    Ping Chen Moscovici, San Francisco

    Please contact me to discuss commuting to Crystal from SF. It's not as bad as you think. After school sports - soccer, swimming, cross country. Fine arts. Diversity and the collaborative culture among the students. Amazing teachers that challenge and support the students.

    Originally from Taiwan - immigrated to southern California at age 9.

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    Taking vacations, visiting relatives in southern California, trying out new restaurants, cooking and working out.

    Length of time at Crystal
    Noah went to Crystal HS 2018 to 2022.  Simon is a Jr. in the class of 2024

    Parent experience at Crystal
    Being a PAL and attending all the sporting events for my sons and cheering on the sideline!

  • Stacey

    Stacey Rabkin, San Carlos

    Please contact me at stacey.crystalPALs@gmail.com to discuss parent events, transportation, Middle School, Upper School, admission, academics, advisory, athletics/PE, Clubs, Dance, and performance art.

    Originally from the Mississippi Gulf Coast, right outside New Orleans

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    We enjoy traveling and exploring new places, playing games, watching movies, and reading.

    Length of time at Crystal
    This is our 5th year (so both MS & US)

    Parent experience at Crystal
    I have been actively involved in the CFA, Gryphon Club, Gryphon Greeters, and have helped admissions with Open Houses

  • Stephanie

    Stephanie Bisgaard, Woodside

    Please contact me at stephanie.crystalpals@gmail.com to discuss navigating the admissions process, transitioning from public and private schools and from MS and US. Being from a different country (eg Scandinavia) / cultural diversity at Crystal. Balancing and thriving with Crystal academics and sports. Commuting from Portola Valley / Woodside.  

    Originally from
    Denmark

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    art, sports, traveling, the mountains, the ocean, music, animals, and being with family and friends.   

    Length of time at Crystal
    Five years. We have kids in 11th, 10th, and 8th grade at Crystal, hence experience with both MS and US. 

    Parent experience at Crystal
    Admissions greeter, sports fan, and via the long time tie to different grade parent/student groups.
  • Stacia

    Stacia

    Stacia Wells, Atherton

    Please contact me at stacia.crystalPALs@gmail.com to discuss Parent events, transportation, twins, robotics, fine arts, atheltics, academics, advisory

    Originally from:
    North Carolina

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy...
    biking, movies, water sports/fun, cooking, reading & art projects

    Length of time at Crystal
    Started in 6th grade and they are now 8th graders (only MS experience)

    Parent experience at Crystal
    Being a PAL, cheering from the sidelines at sports games, volunteering for Crystal Olympics

  • Susan

    Susan Jang, Los Altos, CA

    Please contact me at susan.crystalpals@gmail.com 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
    4 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

  • Suzanne

    Suzanne Liu, San Mateo, CA

    Please contact me at suzanne.crystalpals@gmail.com to discuss Applying to Crystal, transitioning to Crystal for middle school, meeting new families

    Originally from
    Michigan

    In my free time, my family and I enjoy…
    eating pastries, burgers and SomiSomi, playing volleyball, relaxing in Hawaii and chilling at the Village Hub 

    Length of time at Crystal
    My daughter is currently in 6th grade.

    Parent experience at Crystal
    Gryphon Club, Crystal Annual Fund, PAC (Professional Adult Community) Appreciation and Community Engagement
  • Tara

    Tara

    Tara Farid, Hillsborough

    Please contact us to discuss Middle School experience: transportation, Arts, Athletics, After School Clubs, Advisory, and Academics.

    Originally from
    Iran, Tehran

    In our free time our family enjoys…
    traveling, music and spirituality.

    Length of time at Crystal
    IMS parent of class of 2029 (6th grader)

    Parent experience at Crystal
    Crystal Fund team. We have signed up for many other volunteer positions such as PALS, Arts Collective, Gala, Gryphon greeter and more this year and are looking forward to them.
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    Randy & Regina

    Randy & Regina Dela Cruz, Daly City

    Please contact me 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
GENERAL: (650) 342-4175 | info@csus.org    ADMISSION QUESTIONS: admission@csus.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.