Bay Area Technology School 2021-22 Board of Directors

Kairat Sabyrov has a PhD degree in Chemistry from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. After the doctorate program, he worked as a research scientist at the University of California, Berkeley and Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. After finishing his tenure in the Lab, he founded a high-tech startup based on his research at UC Berkeley. Currently, he works as a data scientist in a late-stage startup company. He is also involved in volunteering activities in education, equal opportunity, and clean energy and environment such as school boards, student clubs and associations, and non-profit organizations in clean energy. He values the role of charter schools in early education because charter schools have a potential to deliver the most effective and unprecedented education because of flexible and customizable curriculum, ability to adapt in changing environments, and the degree of independence from unnecessary restrictions.   

Volkan Ulukoylu is a software engineer with extensive experience and management skills. As a senior software engineer he is responsible for the development of software products produced by the company. He is passionate about not only learning but also sharing his knowledge and experience with those interested in technology. After spending nearly a decade working in software development and management for a range of companies and startups, He believes that education plays the most important role in the success of every technology professional.

He enjoys playing sports and attending community events. He holds a Master of Science Degree in Computer Science from California State University, EastBay.

Fatih Dagdelen has lived in Alameda County since 2012. He and his family found more than a place to live, they found a community where they were welcomed and could grow through their involvement in a variety of activities and opportunities, giving back to the community they call home. In his free time, Fatih enjoys spending time with his family. Fatih was elected to Bay Tech’s Board of Directors in 2016. He has enjoyed his service especially meeting and working with so many great people.

Amy Holt is the Project Lead for the Vision Restoration Team at UC Berkeley's Isacoff Lab.  Such projects include, restoring vision for people with retinosis pigmentosa, which will begin clinical trials in the next year.  Holt has been a foster parent in Alameda County for over 7 years and is now raising two children in her home town of Oakland.  Her passions include providing access to science for all kids and creating better schools in Oakland.

Brandi V. Johnson is the mother of three students attending the Bay Area Technology School students in grades 7, 8, and 11. All of her children started at BayTech in the 6th grade. She has worked in education for seven years. The desire to advocate for her own children, as well as all Oakland students, has led her to join the BayTech board, so the voices of Oakland students and parents can be heard, and their needs can be met. Johnson notes, “under the leadership of Dr. Feldman, BayTech has come a long way in meeting student's academic needs.” Johnson has found it a pleasure to serve on the Bay Area Technology School Board, and looks forward to serving for many more years to come!

Brandi Johnson

Sewellyn Kaplan

Sewellyn Kaplan is a former Special Education teacher and administrator in West Contra Costa. She is currently working as a literacy consultant across the U.S   as well as a supervisor of Special Education interns at Cal State East Bay. She is passionate about all educational opportunities for all.