Jenna Chalmers—Game Designer, Hula Dancer, Registrar

Meet Jenna Chalmers, our new registrar. Jenna began working at the school last month. Her role involves helping current and prospective elementary school families navigate the application and enrollment process, managing the student data system, preparing reports, and supporting other administrators in their work.

Prior to joining our staff, Jenna worked as a video game designer (The Sims, SimCity, Spore) and developed apps for the STEM toy company GoldieBlox. She says the skills that are essential in game design are also essential in her role as registrar. “Good game design means thinking of what players need to accomplish their goals—making sure the information is clear and the process is smooth and engaging. It’s also about creative problem solving and designing systems that can work together. This is true for players completing a ‘quest’ or parents navigating enrollment.”

Jenna learned about the position through her friend Laurie Smith, who is a substitute teacher in our preschool. “Laurie talked about the wonderful energy, inspiring staff, and heart-warming environment and decided to see if there was a good spot for me.” And as it happened, there was! “Laurie was right! It reminds me of my own small elementary school. The staff, parents, and kids have all been very welcoming.”

Jenna lives in Pleasant Hill with her son, a high school student and soon-to-be Eagle Scout.

Jenna’s passion in life is dance—especially hula. She, her “hula sister” Laurie, and Jaxon take hula lessons at the Nā Mamo No’eau hula school in Concord. She and Jaxon also perform with an English folk dance troupe, the Pipe and Bowl Morris Dancers. Jenna taught various versions of swing dance for 20 years and has worked as a choreographer. (Earlier in her career she danced the cancan.)

Jenna’s interest in hula comes by way of her Hawaiian roots. A genealogy buff and family historian, she says her family tree on her father’s side “goes back as far as there is recorded Hawaiian history.” 

Next time you’re in the Office, be sure say “aloha” to our new registrar.

Jenna and Jaxon in costume in front of ‘Iolani Palace in Honolulu.