Educator Kelly Cooper joins administrative team

Students with last names beginning with A through G, your administrator has arrived.

Kelly Cooper started at Northgate Jan. 9, filling a position that has been vacant all year.

While assigned to oversee a third of the students, she will also share administrative duties with vice principals Jon Fey and Ben Campopiano. She fills the position previously held by Kelly Eagan, who left in August when she became principal of Buena Vista Elementary School in Walnut Creek.

With an extensive background in education, athletic training, and performing arts, Cooper said last week she is excited to be stepping into her new role as a school administrator.
“I was a former student, then eventually a teacher for seventeen years at Ygnacio Valley,” explained Cooper.

“During that time I taught biology, physiology, leadership, dance, sports medicine, a career transitions class, PE, and weight training. I’ve taught a lot of different classes in a lot of different departments and run numerous programs as well, including the school musical and Link Crew.

Despite her busy schedule, Cooper has also found time outside of her teaching career for a number of jobs that revolve around the performing arts.

“I was a professional dancer for the biggest dance company in the country, Universal Dance Association (UDA). I taught their camps, and I continue to judge their dance championships,” shared Cooper. “Every year, I go out to their high school nationals and judge on ESPN, which is actually coming up in a couple of weeks. Other than that, I also danced for the NBA and major league baseball. I had a lot of side jobs. I was even a professional trapeze artist for a while. Currently, I also choreograph for musical theatre.”

When asked about her time-consuming schedule, Cooper replied, “I’ve always been kind of hyper-involved like most of you are, and that has never stopped.”

After nearly two decades at Ygnacio Valley and working a plethora of side jobs, Cooper wanted something new.

“That is how I ended up at Northgate. I got my master degree in administration, and applied for the job,” stated Cooper.

Cooper is eager to take on the VP position. “I’m looking forward to getting to know the students and knowing a little bit about their background. I like being able to know names of the students, and learn what is it that makes them unique. I want to be able to walk by in the hall and ask students how they are doing,” Cooper said.

She concluded the interview with another fun tidbit about herself. “I’m also a certified athletic trainer and was the head athletic trainer at Ygnacio Valley. So, if anyone needs their ankle taped and Glenn is not here, come to my office.”