Allyson Takara

Allyson Takara has a diverse and extensive work experience in education and counseling. Allyson began their career in 2008 as a Middle School English Teacher at the Hawaii State Department of Education. From 2011 to 2012, they worked at Bottom Line as a College Counselor. Allyson then moved on to KIPP San Jose Collegiate, where they first served as a College Counselor from 2012 to 2013, and later as the Director of College Counseling from 2013 to 2014. In 2014, Allyson joined KIPP Academy Lynn Collegiate as the Academic Dean and Social Emotional Counselor, staying in this role until 2017. At KIPP Public Schools Northern California, Allyson held various positions, including High School Matriculation Manager from 2017 to 2018, Associate Director of Postsecondary Success from 2018 to 2022, and currently serves as the Director of KIPP Forward since July 2022.

Allyson Takara has a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Theology/Theological Studies from Loyola Marymount University, which they completed from 2004 to 2008. Allyson then pursued a Master of Education (MEd) degree in Secondary Education and Teaching at the University of Hawaii at Manoa from 2008 to 2010. Following this, they furthered their education at Boston University from 2010 to 2011, where they obtained a second Master of Education (MEd) degree in School Counseling.