New Oakwood School Faculty and Staff

Capri Bach is the Lower School Music Teacher for students in preschool through 5th grade. She is originally from Los Angeles, California, and moved to the area four years ago to pursue her Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from San Jose State University, which she received in 2024. With an extensive background in music, theatre, and performing from a young age, Capri is excited to share her love of music with students. She hopes to inspire them to love music the way she does. In her free time, Capri loves to bake sweet treats, read books, go hiking, and perform.

Catherine Furtado is excited to join Oakwood as a High School History Teacher, bringing nine years of classroom experience to her new role. She previously taught in the Social Science Department at Presentation High School, where she taught a variety of courses and notably helped develop the school's first Ethnic Studies curriculum, which ultimately became a graduation requirement.

Catherine is dedicated to creating a joyful, welcoming classroom where students feel seen, heard, and empowered to advocate for themselves and spark positive change in the world around them. Above all, she aims to ignite a natural curiosity in her students, showing them that exploring history and understanding the world can be meaningful and genuinely fun.

She holds a B.A. in History from Sonoma State University and an M.A. in History from San José State University. Outside the classroom, Catherine loves spending time with her husband and two young sons, traveling, visiting museums, and cheering on the Warriors, 49ers, and Sharks.

Alexis Marquez is the Elementary PE Teacher at Oakwood, where she helps students build foundational movement and sports skills while developing confidence, teamwork, and healthy lifestyle habits.

Prior to Oakwood, Alexis attended UT San Antonio while working as a Kids Instructor at Life Time Fitness and a coach at KidStrong. She graduated with her Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology and moved back home to pursue her career as an educator, with the goal of giving back to her community by making a positive impact on students' health and overall well-being.

Outside of school, Alexis enjoys staying active at the gym, spending time with her family, and watching sports.

Bharat Poria is the Director of Operations at Oakwood School, overseeing the school's operational functions. Mr. Poria has held various operational management positions in the tech industry worldwide. He is the author of "CIO Wisdom" and holds a worldwide patent for tracking and controlling financial instruments through their lifecycle for governmental compliance.

Educated in England, Mr. Poria is also a British Army veteran and a former aerobatics and air racing pilot. He now enjoys coaching pickleball and playing badminton, tennis, and golf. Both of his children graduated from Oakwood School.

Laura Santos is a 4th grade teacher at Oakwood School. She has worked in education for 17 years, including 10 years teaching 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades in San Jose and Los Altos. In addition to her classroom experience, Mrs. Santos has spent the past several years designing resources for elementary teachers and mentoring fellow educators as they create engaging, student-centered learning experiences. After stepping away from the classroom to raise her young family, she is thrilled to return and inspire curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning in her students.

Mrs. Santos earned her Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication from San José State University and holds a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from the Connie L. Lurie College of Education at San José State University. Outside of school, Mrs. Santos enjoys gardening, organizing, beach trips, and spending time with her family.