Tiffany Zeng
Hi, I'm Tiffany, a bilingual Cantonese and Mandarin Early Interventionist at the Modern PlaySpace. With a background in Art Education and additional coursework in Early Childhood and Special Education, I have also obtained relevant employment certificates. Over the past 14 years, I've gained extensive experience working with children from newborns to middle school age, enriching my understanding of their educational needs across various developmental stages.
I am committed to delivering high-quality services to children in schools, families, and on-site environments, focusing on social skills, behavioral growth, communication abilities, and physical development. I incorporate art and music into the curriculum to help ease children into the learning process. My primary goal is to foster early childhood development and learning through play, particularly in the San Francisco area.
Hanna Jarrami
Hello! My name is Hanna Jarrami, and I am an Early Interventionist at the Modern PlaySpace. My background is in Child and Adolescent Development, with a strong foundation in early childhood development, play based learning, and family centered practices.
I am passionate about supporting young children during their earliest years through play based, relationship focused intervention. I believe every child has unique strengths, and I strive to create engaging, responsive environments that promote communication, social emotional development, independence, and confidence. I value partnering closely with families and caregivers, recognizing that they are their child’s most important teachers and advocates. I also believe that meaningful learning happens through exploration and connection with the natural world, and I enjoy incorporating outdoor experiences and nature based play whenever possible to support children’s development.
Before joining the Modern PlaySpace, I worked as a Lead Preschool Teacher, where I planned developmentally appropriate learning experiences for toddlers, supported social emotional growth, and collaborated with families to meet each child’s individual needs. I have also spent many years caring for infants and young children as a nanny, providing individualized support that fostered secure relationships, consistent routines, and learning through play. Additionally, my experience as a research assistant in childhood nutrition strengthened my attention to detail and expanded my understanding of how nutrition and early experiences influence child development.
I am committed to creating inclusive, nurturing, and child led experiences that empower children to reach their developmental goals while supporting families every step of the way. I believe meaningful progress happens through trust, play, collaboration, and celebrating each child’s unique journey.
Outside of my professional life, I enjoy gardening, hiking, traveling, cooking, and spending quality time with my family and friends.
Hello, my name is Azul! I was born in Vallejo, CA, and I currently reside in Marin County. I graduated from the University of Miami with a degree in Exercise Physiology (pre-Physical Therapy) and enjoyed living in Florida for five years. I am now on track to complete my Doctorate in Physical Therapy with a specialization in Pediatrics. I absolutely adore kids!
My favorite hobbies include cooking and baking, reading fiction and fantasy novels, strength training, and going on adventures with my toddler. My friends and family would describe me as passionate, spunky, creative, and witty.
I am excited to work as a bilingual, Spanish-speaking Early Intervention Specialist and feel grateful to be part of enriching children’s development. Helping kids learn and thrive is incredibly rewarding, and I look forward to contributing to the wonderful work taking place at the Modern PlaySpace and being part of such an amazing team.
Hazel Chan
Hi, my name is Hazel Chan, and I am currently serving as a bilingual Cantonese and Mandarin early interventionist at the Modern PlaySpace. My educational journey led me to graduate from a university in Hong Kong, where I earned a degree in Early Childhood and Special Education. My professional experience encompasses working with a wide age range of children, from infants to school-aged. I specialize in supporting children with language delays and those who require assistance in their overall development.
I am a staunch advocate for early intervention and hold a firm belief that children learn best through play and exploration. The joy and fulfillment I derive from working with children, observing their growth, and being an integral part of their developmental journey is immeasurable. Engaging with children through play not only aids in their growth but also allows me the privilege to witness and contribute to their developmental milestones, which is both rewarding and deeply gratifying.
Liana Montecino
My name is Liana, and I am a part of this incredible early intervention community here at the Modern PlaySpace in San Francisco.I am very passionate about teaching children, and for over ten years, I have had the pleasure of supporting young learners in a variety of roles, from classroom teaching to one-on-one support in special education.I earned my undergraduate degree from the University of San Francisco and plan to continue my education there, pursuing a master’s degree to further my knowledge and better support the children and families I work with.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with many wonderful families, each one teaching me something new and enriching my practice in unique ways. I’m grateful to apply what I’ve learned in my studies to every session and am always striving to make learning meaningful, fun, and supportive.As a lifelong learner, my goal is to continue growing as a compassionate and effective early childhood professional—someone who helps children and families thrive during these foundational years.
Desiree Ong
Hi! My name is Desiree Ong. I am a compassionate and intentional educator specializing in early childhood instruction, relationship building, and implementing creative learning experiences. I have four years of ongoing experience working with children ages 0–12 with varying developmental needs. I am dedicated to cultivating a playful, engaging, and nurturing environment where children can learn at their own pace. I strive to celebrate positive, autonomous behavior while promoting inclusive and diverse spaces.
I graduated from San Diego State University with a BA with an emphasis in Child & Family Development, Psychology, and Sociology. I am currently the Lead Educator at the Modern PlaySpace and the Lead Enrichment Teacher at 2nd Generation Bright Horizons. I have a deep passion for being part of a collaborative team that values healthy communication, empathy, and a genuine love for children from all walks of life.
Joly Guan
我是 Joly Guan，一名热爱儿童教育的幼儿教师，拥有九年丰富的幼教经验，并持有加州认可的幼教师资格证。主要语言：普通话和粤语。很高兴能成为 the Modern Playspace 团队的成员。在教学中，我关注每个孩子的个性与情感发展，擅长用游戏、绘画、艺术制作、音乐等多种方式激发孩子们的好奇心与学习动力。我相信，爱与耐心是教育最好的起点。我致力于为孩子们营造一个温馨、安全、富有探索精神的成长环境，成为他们信赖的引导者，也成为家长放心的合作伙伴。期待在每一个充满童真的日子里，与孩子们共同成长。
My name is Joly Guan, and I am a passionate early childhood educator with nine years of experience in the field. I am fluent in both Mandarin and Cantonese. I’m excited to be part of the Modern Playspace team. In my teaching, I focus on supporting each child’s individual personality and emotional development. I enjoy using a variety of creative approaches, such as games, painting, arts and crafts, and music, to spark children’s curiosity and love for learning.
I truly believe that love and patience are the best starting points for education. My goal is to create a warm, safe, and inspiring environment where children can build confidence, explore freely, and grow joyfully. I strive to be a trusted guide for children and a reliable partner for parents. I look forward to growing alongside the children every day, surrounded by the wonder of childhood.
Stephanie Vasquez
My name is Stephanie Vasquez, and I was born and raised in the Bay Area. I am a bilingual Spanish Early Interventionist for Marin County. I graduated from San Francisco State University with a Bachelor's in Psychology. I have a deep passion for working with children and helping them grow. My dream is to one day open my own practice as a child psychologist. For the past few years, I have been working as an early interventionist with children ages 0-7. In this role, I review children's reports to determine the goals we need to achieve together and enjoy teaching age-appropriate activities that are both educational and fun.
My experience as an early interventionist has been incredibly rewarding. I have had the privilege of working closely with families and other professionals to create individualized plans that address each child's unique needs. This collaboration has helped me develop a holistic approach to child development, ensuring that I can provide the best support possible.
I believe in the power of play and positive reinforcement, and I strive to create an environment where children feel safe, loved, and motivated to learn. Watching them reach their milestones and knowing that I have played a part in their growth is truly fulfilling. I am dedicated to continuing my education and expanding my skills so that I can make an even greater impact in the future.
Jessica Boehme-Flores
Hello! My name is Jessica Boehme-Flores, and I am a dedicated Early Interventionist at the Modern PlaySpace. I am a childhood education leader, play therapist, and advocate with over 25 years of experience supporting children, families, and educators across the Bay Area. With a Master’s in Social Clinical Psychology and a deep foundation in developmental competencies, I bring a trauma-informed, equity-centered approach to my work.
My career spans roles in therapeutic preschool settings and Resource & Referral services, and I have designed and implemented programs that foster resilience, inclusion, and lifelong learning. I am committed to providing wraparound services—including coaching, playgroups, assessments, and professional development—to support families and strengthen the Early Childhood Education (ECE) community.
My work is rooted in building strong foundations for young children through play-based learning, family support, and culturally responsive practices. As a passionate community builder, I have presented at national conferences, led advocacy efforts, and remain dedicated to creating inclusive environments where all children and families can thrive.
Outside of my professional life, I enjoy painting, swimming, yoga, traveling, learning Spanish, and spending time with my family.
Ms. Olin
大家好，我叫欧林老师！我是一名精通普通话和粤语的教学助理，拥有多年与6个月大的婴儿、幼儿及学前儿童一起工作的经验。我曾在日托中心和蒙特梭利学校工作，协助孩子们的日常作息，培养他们的独立能力，并细心照顾他们的需要，包括换尿布和日常清洁。在课堂上，我喜欢与孩子们一起参与适龄活动，激发他们的好奇心，促进社会情感发展，并支持早期学习。我与主班教师紧密合作，为孩子们营造一个安全、关怀且充满活力的学习环境，让他们在其中茁壮成长。与家长建立积极的沟通对我来说非常重要，我希望与他们携手，共同支持孩子的成长和发展。我很珍惜能够陪伴孩子们度过早期成长的机会，并期待继续帮助他们在探索、学习和成长的过程中获得快乐与成就。
Hi, my name is Ms. Olin! I am a bilingual Mandarin and Cantonese teacher assistant with years of experience working with infants as young as six months old, toddlers, and preschool children. I’ve had the privilege of supporting children in daycare and Montessori settings, where I help guide daily routines, encourage independence through self-help skills, and provide attentive care, including diapering and hygiene. In the classroom, I enjoy engaging children in age-appropriate activities that foster curiosity, social-emotional growth, and early learning.
I work closely with lead teachers to create a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where every child can thrive. Building strong, positive relationships with families is also very important to me, and I value open communication to support each child’s growth and development. I feel grateful to be part of these early years and look forward to continuing to support children as they explore, learn, and grow.
Jonah Dvorin
Hi! My name is Jonah Dvorin. I’m an Early Intervention Therapist with over 10 years of experience working with neurodivergent children in home, school, and clinical settings. Originally hailing from Chico, CA, I’ve had the great privilege of educating children across Alameda, Butte, and Contra Costa counties and collaborating with families from all walks of life!
I received my Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of Oregon and I am a huge proponent of the powerful role that art and creative expression can fill in education and intervention. As a former grade-school intervention aide and music teacher, I’ve relished every moment in which I’ve been able to share my passion for creativity with young learners.
During my time in the field of applied behavior analytics, I spent years helping children with varying developmental delays including non-verbalism, social deficits, and more. This work has left me with a passion for teaching functional communication and emotional regulation, whether it be developing speech skills, providing instruction on the use of alternative communication methods (baby sign language, AAC devices, icon systems), modeling coping methods, or simply helping learners find the motivation they need to progress. I am well versed in naturalistic teaching methods and believe in finding opportunities for learning through play and the daily lives our learners are already living!
Fion Shek
Hi, my name is Fion Shek. I am bilingual in English and Cantonese. I had worked with toddlers and preschoolers for the past five years. I have the passion, love, supportive, and caring for younger children where I can redirect, teach, and guide them during class daily routines. I encourage them to develop independent skills through self-helping growth, attentive care, redirecting, and interacting with them. I enjoy when children make small improvements to learn from their mistakes and engage with others during their free choice of play and outside playground time. I work closely with lead teachers to create a safe and nurturing environment to prevent dangerous hazards during class time. Building trust, patience, strong positive relationships, and communication is very important to me. I value and put strong respect on open communications, in order to support each child's growth and development. I do feel welcomed and valued to be part of these early teaching years and looking forward to continuing this journey and chapter as each child explores, learns, grows, and thrives in their different education needs.
Kristel Peralta
"Hello, my name is Kristel Peralta, and I am excited to be an Early Interventionist at the Modern PlaySpace, servicing the East Bay!
I recently moved from New York, where I was a special educator and IEP case manager for 2+ years. There, I worked as an academic interventionist and Learning Specialist at the elementary school level--particularly specializing in foundational academic skills in younger grades (K-1st). I am currently enrolled in my M.A. in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), with a track to Board Certified Behavior Analyst certification (BCBA) within the next year. Additionally, while pursuing my B.A. in Psychology, I worked as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) for 4+ years. I have extensive experience working with a wide range of children in clinics, schools, and in-home settings, as well as a plethora of behaviors and functioning levels for almost a decade. I am passionate about supporting families, love the science of ABA, and am committed to equipping both families and learners with the essential skills to meet their goals. I utilize evidence-based best practices with a holistic, child-centered approach. I look forward to collaborating with you and your child!"
Saba Jawad
My name is Saba Jawad. I am passionate about working with kids. As an educator, my aim is to identify and nurture the unique qualities of each child and provide them the opportunities for their holistic growth. I believe in play-based learning as children learn their best through hands-on learning experiences. My goal is to create a nurturing environment, where the children feel safe, supported, and encouraged to explore their own knowledge.I completed my bachelor's and master's degrees from Pakistan. I have worked with children ranging from 4 to 12 years for 16 years and currently work as a floater and substitute teacher at Modern PlaySpace.In my free time, I love to try new recipes and sew clothes for my daughters.
Mei Yee Tse
Hi! My name is Mei Yee Tse and I am an Assistant Teacher at The ModernPlaySpace. Prior to working in childcare, I obtained a Bachelor’s of FineArts in Graphic Design from Rhode Island School of Design. I pursuedfurther studies in Child Development at City College of San Francisco andcompleted the class units to work as an Assistant Teacher. My childcareexperience ranges from working at a child daycare center for children ages 3months to 5 years, being a substitute paraeducator for special needschildren in multiple grade levels in the public schools to private tutoringand babysitting.I approach working with children in an empathetic manner and I aim tofoster young childrens’ cognitive, physical and social-emotional growth. Ifind joy in working with kids and bearing witness to each childs’ individualgrowth milestone. At The Modern PlaySpace, I complement the work ofthe talented Interventionists at the school and provide care and assistancewith helping children reach their developmental goals and milestones.On a personal note, I am a local San Franciscan and grew up around thebest of what the city has to offer - diversity among its people, culture, foodand landscape. In my spare time, I enjoy reading fiction novels, taking longwalks and visiting museums in the city.
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