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Teacher Bios


Teachers: Pat Meyer Lalaine Frankel Donna Avanzino Erika Stratz Carol Cross-Phillips

Name:

Pat Meyer 

Previously a Little Hands parent.
Position at Little Hands: Director, Teacher
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.
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    Everyday Philosophy:
  • Patience
  • Understanding
  • Consistency
  • Communication
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    Name:

    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.
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    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.


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    Name:

    Donna Avanzino 

    Previously a Little Hands parent.
    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
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    Name:

    Erika Stratz  

    Previously a Little Hands parent and board member.
    Position at Little Hands: Teacher
    Background:
  • Bachelor of Science, Psychology
  • California Multiple Subject Teaching
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    Teaching Experience:
  • Taught at various grade levels since 1994
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    Everyday Philosophy:
  • Foster social, emotional, and language development of young children
  • Support families.
  • Appreciate differences.
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    Name:

    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
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    Teaching Experience:
  • Corporate training and lecturing
  • Several years' experience teaching at Little Hands
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    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.
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