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Teachers & Staff |
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Our teachers love Little Hands -- in fact, all were Little Hands parents before becoming teachers here. Not surprisingly, we have extremely low teacher turnover rates!
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In addition to parental support, each class has one dedicated teacher. (And, all Little Hands teachers hold a California teaching credential, adult education credential, or a masters degree in a related field.) Learn more about them:
carol
Family: Family is hugely important to me and I love our wonderful family of five. John and I met at a conference in Miami when he lived in Denver and I lived in DC. Our three kids (who all attended Little Hands!) are all grown up now – Emma is a successful graphic designer in Austin; Sam just graduated with a degree in Bio-Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh; and Maggie is in her final year at Tulane University in New Orleans. Where did you grow up? I was born in San Diego but grew up on the East Coast in New England and mostly Virginia. John and I moved to California in 1993 after living for a brief time in New Jersey, and Portland, OR. What hobby or interesting activity do you enjoy? Our family loves camping and I miss it now that they’re gone. We also have been fostering rescue puppies for almost a decade. Recently I’m pretty into gardening, especially outdoor succulent gardens and indoor potting. I could spend a whole day at Half Moon Bay Nursery! I also love to bake and cook and experiment with recipes. In my dream world, I’d travel – lots! Maybe someday… Please share a favorite parenting philosophy or tip. Even the tiniest of children can show us the joys, adventures and miracles that are in front of us every single day. As adults, we get busy and tend not to notice the little things, but our kiddos are great teachers of the wonder of life! Take the time to stop, watch, and listen now and then – you’ll be glad you did. What is your favorite thing about Little Hands? I love that children squeal with joy and clap their hands when they pull up to school. I love that even the babies become so comfortable in the “family” that forms in each class. I love that parents can share this amazing time in their lives – joys and challenges! I love the generosity and kindness that is shared. One of my most memorable (funny, embarrassing, special) parenting moments was when… There are so many moments (and plenty of embarrassing ones – I am NOT a perfect parent!) but I will never forget when we went camping with 4 other families and while picnicking beside a river, the children became so engrossed in their digging and waterplay that, before we knew it, they were all stripped naked and covered in mud like little wild things. The pure joy and richness of that moment for each child was truly magical. MICHELLE
Family: My husband Damon and I just celebrated our 21st wedding anniversary. We started dating when we met in high school (and that feels like yesterday). We have four children - Jack is a sophomore at CU Boulder, Damon is a senior at Serra High School, Ali is a sophomore at Notre Dame Belmont, and Charlie is going into 3rd grade at St. Pius. Yes, four different schools with our gang, so why not add Little Hands to the list and make it five?! Where did you grow up? I grew up in San Carlos. I moved away for college, but came back and lived in Burlingame, Foster City, and then Redwood City. We have lived in Redwood City for the past 16 years. I am fortunate to have most of my family living close by, so when we get together for a little Sunday dinner, it is usually a big crew. What hobby or interesting activity do you enjoy? I enjoy being with my family and friends. My kids are all involved in sports so I do enjoy watching high school football, basketball, lacrosse, volleyball (the list goes on). I enjoy watching my kids play but also the friendships I have made on the sidelines. Please share a favorite parenting philosophy or tip. Kids are little sponges that soak up everything, the good and the bad. What is your favorite thing about Little Hands? I loved my years at Little Hands with my kids. Watching them learn and explore, singing all the songs over and over again on the way home. I also remember learning so much from other parents and seeing how other parents dealt with the same joys and issues I was going through. I truly felt we were all in this parenting journey together. I am so honored to be part of the teaching staff here at Little Hands - I get to do it all over again and this time share it all with you! One of my most memorable (funny, embarrassing, special) parenting moments was when… Oh my goodness, in 19 years of parenting there are so many funny, lots of embarrassing, and many proud moments. But just this last summer when I asked my kids what they thought about me applying for the teaching job here at Little Hands, they said “Go for it, you’ll be great because you know how to be a good mom” ……tears of joy. JULIE
Family: My husband Gregg and I just celebrated our 13th anniversary. Gregg works at an investment firm in San Mateo and we live in San Mateo with our two children. Our daughter, Kylie (11) is in sixth grade. Our son, Tyler (8) is in 3rd grade. Where did you grow up? I grew up in Santa Clara. I moved to Redwood Shores when we got married and we made the move to San Mateo eight years ago. I love it here! What hobby or interesting activity do you enjoy? I enjoy relaxing with family and friends and playing card games and board games with our family. I also enjoy reading, baking, and going to my gym class. Please share a favorite parenting philosophy or tip. I have learned (recently), that it’s ok to ask for help from friends. That’s what we’re there for! I am always happy to help friends, but uncomfortable reaching out when I need a hand. Now I’ve learned that it’s ok to ask for help! Your friends want to help you! What is your favorite thing about Little Hands? I love watching children grow and discover their world around them and Little Hands provides a fun, safe and loving environment. I also love the community that Little Hands provides for parents. I’m excited to be a part of this amazing Little Hands staff – an amazing group of women whom I admire so much! One of my most memorable (funny, embarrassing, special) parenting moments was when… Watching my kids take the stage for the first time. I was so nervous for them… I don’t know where they get it from, but I LOVE that they put themselves out there and aren’t afraid to make mistakes or try something new. Never underestimate what these little people can do. They can do it all! lalaine
Family: My husband, Pete, and I met in the 6th grade, became high school sweethearts, and married 31 years ago. Our youngest son, Matthew, is a high school senior. Our adult children include Nick, a third-year dental student at Temple University, our twin daughters, Jessica and Ashley. Jessica is a high school science teacher in Colorado and Ashely is a pediatric cardiac ICU nurse in Pennsylvania. In addition, we officially added daughter-in-law, Victoria, to our family last February. Between us, we have a pack of 4 dogs named, Tootsie, Kaia, Mia and Buster. Where did you grow up? In was born in the Philippines but came to the Bay Area as a two-year-old and have lived in San Mateo for most of my life. What hobby or interesting activity do you enjoy? I like to travel, and lately, sneak off when I can to visit my kids. I love to read with my book club which formed 20 years ago when our children were preschoolers. I also enjoy being an entrepreneur and volunteering with organizations that work with underserved populations. Please share a favorite parent philosophy or tip. Slow down, appreciate and be present in the everyday moments. Raising a family is a journey involving the sweetest of joys, the most frustrating challenges, the most unexpected of surprises, and yet, always the most rewarding of endeavors. Savor it, learn from it, enjoy it. What is your favorite thing about Little Hands? I love how we PLAY! Play is vital to our program and through it an incredible pathway of learning opens for both children and parents. It's a magical place where friendships are formed and individuality is celebrated. One of my most memorable (funny, embarrassing, special) parenting moments was when.... With four children, my head and heart is full of memorable parenting moments but one of the sweetest is when my son at age seven, who already had two older sisters, found out that a brother was on the way. He responded as if he won the lottery and discovered for the first time that tears also come with extreme joy. |
