Chrysalis Academy - Our Story

Founding Head

Julie Galles (she/her)

After earning both a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and a Master’s Degree in Education from Stanford University, Julie started her career in education over 30 years ago. As a credentialed middle school science teacher in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area, she also earned her Board Certification in Early Adolescent Science Education from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards. After 15 years in the classroom, she moved into independent school administration, serving as an Assistant Head for seven years and a Head of School for another nine. Julie has two grown children and lives in the LA Area with her wife, Megan, and their two dogs, Nilla and Doodle. She also holds a second degree black belt and is a certified instructor in the Korean martial art of Tang Soo Do.

Founding Partner

Megan Galles (she/they)

Megan began her journey into education by working in a residential treatment facility for children and youth in Virginia. After earning her degree in Psychology and moving to San Francisco, she taught in a variety of schools, developing a specialty in learners with language-based learning differences. She earned her certification from Lindamood-Bell, a nationally known and highly successful dyslexia intervention program, and taught in two different schools designed for kids who learn differently. Megan lives in the LA Area with her wife, Julie, and their two dogs, Nilla and Doodle. She also holds a black belt and is a certified instructor in the Korean martial art of Tang Soo Do.

Creating Chrysalis Academy

Throughout our careers in education, we had seen students struggle for a variety of reasons, including learning differences, social anxiety, and questions around identity. We noticed that despite the best intentions and valiant efforts of many schools, LGBTQ and gender expansive students often still felt anxious, alone, and overwhelmed. As members of the LGBTQ+ community ourselves, we also had experienced the power of affinity and allyship. Therefore, we began to imagine a school where queer, trans, and non-binary kids could see themselves, be themselves, and thrive as they journeyed through the inevitably trying middle school years. A school that would not just be accepting and affirming, but intentionally designed for, celebratory of, and empowering to our queer, trans, and non-binary students. What began as a whimsical "What if..." in the summer of 2023 turned into a driving passion by the fall. Through powerful and encouraging conversations with other educators, folks from local and nationally known organizations, and mental health providers specializing in LGBTQ+ and non-binary kids and their families, our vision gained momentum and Chrysalis Academy was born.

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