Shipra Mathur
Studio Coordinator
Shipra was born and raised in India and brings over 20 years of expertise in marketing and public relations. A passionate traveler and dedicated foodie, she finds inspiration in exploring new cultures and cuisines.
Shipra joined School of Rock Pleasanton as a way to give back and nurture her love for creativity and music. She finds working with the amazing team and trusted brand School of Rock to be very fulfilling. She is also the co-founder of Monday Chill, a luxury sustainable apparel brand for adults and children, where she channels her commitment to environmental responsibility and ethical fashion.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Shipra is a proud mother to two spirited teenagers, balancing her professional journey with the joys and challenges of parenthood.
Nadia Torabi
Studio Coordinator
Nadia is a former Youth Services and Academic Librarian and has always been passionate about creating inclusive, engaging and fun environments for learning and connection. Her love for music, education, and community naturally led her to the vibrant world of School of Rock Pleasanton.
Having lived all over from the Middle East to the Midwest, Southwest, and Hawai‘i, Nadia recently relocated to the Bay Area and is excited to explore everything the region has to offer. She thrives on discovery, exploring new landscapes and cultures through local adventures and international travels.
Nadia is dedicated to supporting creativity, growth, and a strong sense of community in everything she does.
Mike Stephens
Drums Teacher
Mike Stephens has been passionate about drums since the age of nine, when he first heard the thunderous beat of a bass drum and was instantly hooked. Growing up in North Pole, Alaska, Mike played in the local band Righteous Alliance, and earned a reputation as a standout drummer in the area.
After high school, Mike relocated to Los Angeles to study at the prestigious Percussion Institute of Musician's Institute (MIT) in Hollywood, California. While in L.A., he performed in a variety of original bands, from the heavy metal sounds of Stealth to the alternative rock vibes of Liquid Vision. He went on to record an independent album with the band Sweet William under Denali Records and toured extensively throughout the L.A. music scene. Mike now lives in Pleasant Hill, California, where he has been the drummer for the band DDA for the past fifteen years.
In addition to his performing career, Mike has been a dedicated drum instructor since his early days in Alaska. His lifelong love of drumming and live performance fuels his enthusiasm for teaching, and he is excited to bring his experience and energy to the School of Rock in Pleasanton, California.
Juno Raphael
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Vocals Teacher
Juno Raphael (she/her) is a musician, educator, and lifelong music enthusiast with over 13 years of experience in guitar, digital music production, and live performance. A graduate of Occidental College with a B.A. in Music Production, Juno brings a well-rounded background in audio engineering, songwriting, arrangement, and film scoring to her work.
Since high school, she has composed, recorded, and released music across a wide range of genres, from rock and punk to ambient and electronic dance both as a solo artist and as part of various bands. She’s an active member of the East Bay independent music scene and has performed on stages up and down both coasts.
Juno has also spent years sharing her love of music with young learners, teaching everything from band-based song arrangements to full-scale digital music production. Her teaching philosophy centers on building confidence and creativity in a fun, supportive environment where every student’s strengths can shine. She’s thrilled to be joining School of Rock Pleasanton, where she’ll be teaching guitar, bass guitar, and vocals, and continuing to foster community, collaboration, and joy through music.
Kevin Seal
Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Vocals Teacher
Kevin Seal is a songwriter, producer, and singer who plays a variety of woodwinds and keyboard-based instruments. He led music instruction at the Raskob Institute for Holy Names University, and at East Bay School for Boys in Berkeley. When not teaching at School of Rock Pleasanton, he is the arena organist for the San Jose Sharks, and performs original music with his band, Seal Party.
As a performer, he has toured in North America, Europe, and Asia, and has recorded on hundreds of studio projects across many genres. Kevin is an alumnus of Indiana University (Jacobs School of Music), and went to UC-Berkeley for graduate school.
Chris Vettel
Vocals Teacher
Chris Vettel is originally from the East Coast, and grew up in the small village of Oyster Bay, in the shadow of New York City. He attended the renowned Manhattan School of Music, where he received a Master’s Degree in vocal performance.
No stranger to the concert, musical theatre, operatic, and rock and roll stages, Chris has been an actively working singer/actor/teacher for over forty years, performing around the world and across the United States. He has performed on Broadway Tours (Annie and Sunset Boulevard), as Santa Claus in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, and has appeared in many regional theatres across the country.
A long-time resident of the Bay Area, Chris has been a member of the Diablo Valley College Music Department for over ten years, and teaches vocals at School of Rock Pleasanton.
Jaimz Mallett
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Vocals Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Jaimz Mallett, better known as Jai.Mal, was born in the backwoods of Mississippi and raised in the heart of Memphis blues. From a young age, his musical path was carved by the grit of southern rock and the soul of heavy blues. Classically trained in multiple disciplines during his teenage years, Jaimz fused technical skill with raw emotion, crafting a voice and style that was uniquely his own.
Shaped by the streets of Memphis and sharpened by real-life experience beyond his years, Jaimz quickly caught the attention of industry veterans, earning vocal coaching and mentorship simply because his talent was too real to ignore. A stint in the army added depth to his sound, and he emerged with the soul of Hendrix, the swagger of Lenny Kravitz, and the rhythmic edge of Three 6 Mafia.
Now, Jai.Mal is the full package—an electrifying solo R&B artist, world-class guitarist, powerhouse performer, hit-making producer/engineer, and teacher at School of Rock Pleasanton. With personal growth, professional polish, and a fearless musical identity, Jai.Mal is a force in the game - unstoppable, undeniable, and just getting started.
Neftali Kirkland
Guitar Teacher, Drums Teacher
Before ever picking up a pair of drumsticks, Neftali was chasing rhythm on the dance floor as a breakdancer. That early love for movement and beats naturally evolved into music production, where Neftali began making tracks and inspiring friends to rap and sing over their creations.
Driven by a passion for collaboration and creativity, Neftali eventually found their way behind the drum kit—playing in bands and performing at DIY shows across Washington. Their rhythmic roots and diverse musical background shape a unique approach to drumming that blends instinct, style, and heart.
Now, Neftali brings that same energy and encouragement to the next generation of musicians at School of Rock Pleasanton. Excited to work with kids of all ages, they’re dedicated to helping students find their voice through music, while building confidence, creativity, and community along the way.
Dmitry Novokhatskiy
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Dmitry is a versatile instructor, performing musician, and songwriter with over 20 years of experience in rock and metal music. He has spent five years teaching guitar both privately and in music schools across Europe and the U.S., helping students of all levels develop their skills and ignite their passion for music.
As a performing artist, he has released multiple albums with his band, as well as solo projects, blending elements of various rock and metal subgenres. His extensive live performance and studio experience allow him to bring real-world knowledge and energy into every lesson.
Dmitry is dedicated to inspiring and mentoring the next generation of musicians at School of Rock Pleasanton, focusing on developing both technical skills and musical creativity. Dmitry’s mission? To inspire, push, and unleash the rockstar in every student.
Diego Soto
Drums Teacher
Diego Soto is a dynamic recording and performing drummer based in the Bay Area, known for his versatility, groove, and passion for rhythm. His musical journey began in local school bands at HPMS and Amador Valley, eventually leading him to earn a Bachelor's degree in Drum Performance from the prestigious Berklee College of Music in May 2024.
Diego draws inspiration from a wide range of styles; R&B, hip-hop, funk, and rock are just a few of his go-to genres, but his love for music transcends labels. Whether he's on stage, in the studio, or behind the kit teaching at School of Rock Pleasanton, Diego brings energy, precision, and heart to every beat.
Beyond performance, Diego is a dedicated advocate for musicality and collaboration. He emphasizes the drummer's vital role in serving the music - supporting the groove, elevating the ensemble, and always playing with purpose.
Lindsey Riddle
Vocals Teacher
Lindsey is a singer-songwriter with a background in choral, classical, and sacred music. She got her start in music singing at church and in school choirs, and playing classic rock songs around the campfire with her family. She went on to study music at California Lutheran University and is classically trained in vocal performance. During college, she performed and toured with the CLU Choir, sang alto in the University Quartet, and was a vocalist in other bands and groups.
After college, Lindsey dove more into her singer-songwriter roots- writing, recording, and performing her own music. Her latest EP, Along the Way, released in June 2024. Some of her favorite artists and music influences include Brandi Carlile. Bonnie Raitt, Fleetwood Mac, Carole King, and The Beatles. Lindsey is also an experienced vocals teacher, and loves to share her passion for singing through teaching music at School of Rock Pleasanton.
Franklin Vasquez
Guitar Teacher
Franklin Vasquez is a dynamic and versatile guitarist based in San Francisco, celebrated for his high-energy performances and eclectic musical style. With his mint green Fender Stratocaster in hand, he captivates audiences with his charismatic stage presence and infectious energy.
Originally from New York City, Franklin studied music and guitar at NYU and was in various local rock bands playing the Downtown NY scene at clubs like CBGB's, Brownies, Webster Hall and more. As a member of the Bay Area band Pop Rocks, Franklin contributes to a unique blend of '80s and '90s-inspired music that resonates with a diverse audience. The band's performances are characterized by their "universal party music," offering something for everyone and creating an inclusive and vibrant atmosphere.
Beyond his work with Pop Rocks, Franklin has been involved in various musical projects, showcasing his adaptability and passion for music. Whether performing on stage, collaborating with fellow musicians or teaching at School of Rock Pleasanton, Franklin Vasquez continues to be a prominent figure in the San Francisco music community, known for his commitment to delivering memorable and electrifying performances.
Monique Horyza
Music Director
Monique was born a natural keyboardist and music lover. Before she could read, she could play piano. She began Classical piano lessons with a private instructor at the age of 4. Graduating top of her class in 2011 with an Associate’s Degree in Keyboard Technology from Musicians Institute in Hollywood, she is now a professional-level keyboardist with the ability to play keys and piano in any genre or style of music. At advanced levels, she understands music theory, composition, live sound, digital music, music production, and music directing.
Monique has played keys live and in studio recording sessions for multiple artists in Sacramento and Los Angeles. For years she also has been writing, recording, producing, and releasing her own music while working in multiple personal projects such as 'Adequate' and 'Inside the Sun.' In December 2021, Monique was hired at School of Rock Sacramento as a Keyboard + Piano teacher and Core Program Director, and in September 2025, she was promoted to Music Director at School of Rock Pleasanton. She is happy and eager to work alongside talented musicians to help passionate students achieve all their musical dreams.