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    Faculty and Staff


    Pat Meyer:

    Previously a Little Hands Parent

    Position at Little Hands:

    Director

    Background:

    Bachelor of Arts, Liberal Studies Minor in Business Administration
    California Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential:
    covers pre-school, kindergarten - twelfth grade, and adult education

    Teaching Experience:

    Taught elementary age and preschool children.
    In 1992, started teaching classes at Little Hands.
    In 1995, was hired as director.

    Everyday Philosophy:

    Patience
    Understanding
    Consistency
    Communication

    Lalaine Frankel:

    Previously a Little Hands Parent

    Position at Little Hands:

    Teacher

    Background:

    Bachelor of Arts, Child Development Adult Education Credential

    Teaching Experience:

    Little Hands Teacher since 2001.
    Began teaching preschool in 1988.
    Has held positions as teacher, lead teacher, and director of various preschools in the area.

    Everyday Philosophy:

    The best gift we can give children is to support and respect their uniqueness. They should be given the freedom to learn the wonders of their world and satisfy their curiousity through play and exploration in an unhurried fashion. I find the best way to understand a child is to get down on my knees and see the world through their eyes.

    Donna Avanzino:

    Previously a Little Hands Parent and Board Member

    Position at Little Hands:

    Teacher

    Background:

    Bachelor of Arts in Human Development with a Childhood Option, Minor in Psychology Clear Adult Designated Subjects Credential for Parent Education, Children's Center Instruction Permit

    Teaching Experience:

    Taught preschool since 1980
    Taught parent education classes at Little Wonders, Carlmont Parents & Redwood Parents since 1990

    Everyday Philosophy:

    Safe & healthy environment
    Support for families
    Consistency
    Generosity of spirit

    Erika Stratz:

    Previously a Little Hands Parent and Board Member

    Position at Little Hands:

    Teacher

    Background:

    Bachelor of Science, Psychology
    California Multiple Subject Teaching

    Teaching Experience:

    Taught at various grade levels since 1994

    Everyday Philosophy:

    Foster social, emotional, and language development of young children, support families and appreciate differences.

    Carol Cross-Phillips:

    Previously a Little Hands Parent and Board Member

    Position at Little Hands:

    Teacher

    Background:

    Computer Science Engineer
    Minor in Child Development
    Undergraduate thesis in computers in education
    Early childhood education courses
    A career split between consulting and training at Oracle and adult education at Little Hands

    Teaching Experience:

    Corporate training and lecturing
    Several years' experience teaching at Little Hands

    Everyday Philosophy:

    Family first, there is no greater blessing. Every family is special and every child and parent has something of value to share and offer. The joy of the world as seen through a child's eyes is something we should all try to feel a little bit every day. It's hard, but it's a worthwhile goal. I love children and the little accomplishments they make every day of their life.

    Anne Marie Nobrega:

    Currently a Little Hands Parent and previously a Board Member

    Position at Little Hands:

    Administrative Assistant

    Background:

    Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources

    Previous Experience:

    Office administrative staff
    Parent of two Little Hands graduates and one current student

    Everyday Philosophy:

    Open communication is extremely important, be it with children or adults.

    Nikki Savickas:

    Previously a Little Hands Parent and Board Member

    Position at Little Hands:

    Marketing Coordinator

    Background:

    Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing from Dartmouth College

    Previous Experience:

    Sr. Public Information Officer at UC Office of the President

    Everyday Philosophy:

    Spending time with my daughter has made me a more conscientious, patient person, and I try to remember that when she's driving me crazy.

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