Ms. Hardester began her career in education over 24 years ago, spending time in San Jose, Mountain View, and Redwood City. She has taught at both elementary and middle school levels. She graduated with a B.S. in Human Development from U.C. Davis and an M.A. from San Jose State University. She began working with individuals with special needs in 1999 as a coach for Special Olympics. While initially, coaching one sport, it quickly grew into multiple, until she was coaching year-round and helping run competitions. This passion has carried on and she has come to care deeply about supporting students' unique abilities. Ms. Hardester enjoys sports (Go Sharks!), traveling to our national parks (especially Yosemite), and spending time with her husband at their home in Half Moon Bay.