ABOUT GASP

The Grattan After School Program

GASP (Grattan After School Program) Mission Statement: GASP provides an inclusive and joyful after school program where everyone from Grattan Elementary is welcome. GASP builds community and provides interest based enrichment and recreation, as well as academic opportunities each day. We support students in their academic, physical, social and emotional development and are an inclusive program that supports the Grattan community. We strive to serve every student at Grattan Elementary School that needs after school care. We provide after school programming and service every day that SFUSD schools are open, and close our program on the days that SFUSD schools are closed, including breaks and holidays.

GASP as a Nonprofit

GASP has a rich history of community involvement and support. The program was founded by Grattan Elementary School families in the late 1970’s to serve the needs of the Grattan community. From 1978-2002, GASP operated under the Haight Ashbury Community Development Corporation. In 2002, GASP became a standalone 501 nonprofit organization directly overseen and supported by a Board of Directors made up of current Grattan Elementary School families.

GASP is an ExCEL site through SFUSD. ExCEL provides a small amount of grant money as well as trainings, resources and program quality oversight.

GASP Leadership

Emmett Phelan

Executive Director

Emmett joined GASP in November of 2019. He has over 25 years of experience in the child care and education field. Emmett oversees all aspects of the program as executive director of GASP. 

 Contact: emmett@gasp-grattan.org

Josephine Lau

Program Administrator

Josephine has been working at the Grattan After School Program for over 19 years, since she was in college for her Bachelor's Degree in Child and Adolescent Development.

Contact: josephine@gasp-grattan.org

Andrew Whitlatch

Site Director

Andrew began working at GASP as a Program Teacher in 2015. Over the years he became the Sr. Team Lead, Assistant Site Director, and now is one of the Program Site Directors. Andrew manages and oversees the daily operations of GASP.

Contact: andrew@gasp-grattan.org

Nicole Ellis

Site Director

Nicole joined GASP in 2018 as a 3rd grade Program Teacher. Former staff at the Pomeroy Center working with a variety of students with different needs. Nicole now manages and oversees the daily operations of GASP.

Contact: nicole@gasp-grattan.org

Meet Our Board Members

The GASP Board oversees the long term strategy and direction of the program. It is currently comprised of 6 parents as voting members and the principal as a nonvoting member.

Monthly meetings happen on the third Thursday of every month at 5:15pm in the Grattan Library and are open to all.

Parent Board Members:

Adam Boreli

Mia Grigg

Gillian Ayres Jones

Peter Matsis

Luca Staugen

Bob Studley

School Board Members

Cate Walter
Ex-Officio, School Principal

Cate Walter has worked at Grattan for the last fifteen years as a 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade teacher. Currently, she is the school principal. She has also worked at John Muir and West Portal Elementary Schools here in San Francisco. She attended the University of Colorado, Boulder for her undergraduate education, and has her Masters of Administration, as well as a National Boards Teaching Credential. She continually strives to have work life balance between her love for all things Grattan and her growing family.