Welcome Dr. Sabrina Silverman- Fernandez, NEW EPAA Principal

May 2025

We are excited to share the news that Dr. Sabrina Silverman-Fernandez has been selected by the Sequoia Union High School District’s Superintendent Crystal Leach to serve as the new principal of East Palo Alto Academy, effective July 1, 2025. We are thrilled to partner with Dr. Silverman-Fernandez and invite everyone in our community to get to know her in the coming year.

We are also thrilled to welcome Principal Silverman-Fernandez home, as she is a graduate of the Sequoia Union High School District, having attended Carlmont High School before earning her B.A. from the University of Southern California, her M.A. degrees from Stanford University and the University of California, Berkeley, and her Ed.D. from the USC.  

Dr. Silverman-Fernandez brings more than 12 years of experience in education, serving most recently as principal of Leadership Public Schools, a charter high school in Hayward, CA. She has dedicated her career to supporting richly diverse communities, including those with multilingual learners. Dr. Silverman-Fernandez’s educational leadership has focused on building inclusive systems that elevate all students, with a particular emphasis on expanding access and opportunity for those historically underserved. Throughout the interview process, we have been impressed with Dr. Silverman-Fernandez’s community-centered philosophy, her deep knowledge of pedagogy, and her authentic expression of her connection to the community and dedication to serving first-generation, low-income youth of color.

“In addition to focusing on academic excellence, a school culture should embody a place of community, care, and compassion.”

We want to thank East Palo Alto Academy’s current Interim Principal Veronica Miranda-Pinkney for her exemplary leadership during this year of transition and renewal. Ms. Miranda-Pinkney has been an invaluable partner for all of us at EPAAF and an exceptional leader at East Palo Alto Academy this year, guiding the EPAA staff to achieve a 6-year reaccreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges as well as a 5-year charter renewal through the Sequoia Union High School District. We are thrilled to continue working with Ms. Miranda-Pinkney as she returns to her role as East Palo Alto Academy’s vice principal alongside Dr. Silverman-Fernandez.

"I am proud of what EPAA has accomplished and even more excited about what lies ahead with our new leader. I look forward to working together and to show that Sí, se puede! Yes it can be done! We can make sure that all of our students succeed and thrive! "

-Veronica Miranda-Pinkney, EPAA Interim Principal

We are excited for the future of East Palo Alto Academy in the capable hands of these two fantastic leaders, and we hope you will join us in welcoming Dr. Silverman-Fernandez to our wonderful community and thanking Interim Principal Miranda-Pinkney for her leadership this year.