Meet Chialin
Dr. Chialin Hsieh has dedicated more than 20 years to education and currently serves as Vice President of Instruction at a community college. Throughout her career, she has focused on helping students succeed, supporting educators, strengthening academic programs, and expanding opportunities for students.
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Chialin and her family have called South San Francisco home for more than a decade. Her son attended SSFUSD schools and graduated from El Camino High School. Her experience as both an educator and an SSFUSD parent gives her a personal understanding of the hopes families have for their children and their schools.
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Chialin joined the South San Francisco Unified School District Board of Trustees by appointment in 2021 and was elected by the community in 2022.
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As a Trustee, Chialin believes good leadership begins with listening. She brings a thoughtful, collaborative, and student-centered approach to the Board and believes that lasting progress comes from working together with educators, staff, families, students, and the community.
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Above all, Chialin believes in the potential of every student and in the power of public education to open doors and change lives.
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Leadership & Community Service
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• Board President, Vice President, and Clerk
• Board Bylaws Committee
• Board Facilities Committee
• City–District Subcommittee
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Awards
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•  Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Chapter Distinguished College Administrator
My Story
I grew up in Taipei, Taiwan, and came to the United States in 1990 to continue my higher education. I began my career in music and music therapy because I believed in the power of compassion, connection, and healing. That early experience taught me something I have carried throughout my life: every person has potential, and the right support can help that potential grow.
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While building a new life in the United States, I continued my education and earned master’s degrees in music therapy and educational leadership, followed by a doctorate in educational leadership. My professional journey took me from working as a music therapist to serving students and educators in universities, K–12 school districts, and California community colleges.
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For more than 25 years, I have worked to strengthen educational programs, support teachers and staff, use resources responsibly, and help students succeed. Today, I serve as Vice President of Instruction at Cañada College, where I lead academic programs and work with faculty, staff, students, and community partners to create stronger educational opportunities.
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South San Francisco has been my family’s home for more than a decade. My son attended South San Francisco schools (Buri Buri ES and Alta Loma MS) and graduated from El Camino High School. Like many parents, I have seen our schools not only as places of learning, but also as the heart of our community.
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Serving on the South San Francisco Unified School District Board of Trustees has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I bring the perspectives of an immigrant, a parent, an educator, and a community member. I understand how education can open doors because it opened doors for me.
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My story is ultimately about opportunity, gratitude, and service. I want every student—regardless of background, family income, language, or personal circumstances—to receive the support and education needed to pursue their dreams. I am grateful for the opportunities this country and this community have given my family, and I remain committed to giving back by helping prepare every student for a successful future.
I grew up in Taipei, Taiwan, and came to the United States in 1990 to continue my higher education. I began my career in music and music therapy because I believed in the power of compassion, connection, and healing. That early experience taught me something I have carried throughout my life: every person has potential, and the right support can help that potential grow.
​
While building a new life in the United States, I continued my education and earned master’s degrees in music therapy and educational leadership, followed by a doctorate in educational leadership. My professional journey took me from working as a music therapist to serving students and educators in universities, K–12 school districts, and California community colleges.
​
For more than 25 years, I have worked to strengthen educational programs, support teachers and staff, use resources responsibly, and help students succeed. Today, I serve as Vice President of Instruction at Cañada College, where I lead academic programs and work with faculty, staff, students, and community partners to create stronger educational opportunities.
​
South San Francisco has been my family’s home for more than a decade. My son attended South San Francisco schools (Buri Buri ES and Alta Loma MS) and graduated from El Camino High School. Like many parents, I have seen our schools not only as places of learning, but also as the heart of our community.
​
Serving on the South San Francisco Unified School District Board of Trustees has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I bring the perspectives of an immigrant, a parent, an educator, and a community member. I understand how education can open doors because it opened doors for me.
​
My story is ultimately about opportunity, gratitude, and service. I want every student—regardless of background, family income, language, or personal circumstances—to receive the support and education needed to pursue their dreams. I am grateful for the opportunities this country and this community have given my family, and I remain committed to giving back by helping prepare every student for a successful future.
