Tiffany Zeng
Hi, I'm Tiffany, an 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 12 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.
Nikki Deng
My name is Nikki, and I am a dedicated teacher at the Modern Playspace, as well as a proud mother to three little boys. My admiration for the field of education runs deep, and I firmly believe in the importance of continuous personal and professional growth to keep pace with our evolving society. With three years of professional training in education, I have achieved 12 Early Childhood Education certifications, underscoring my commitment to excellence in this field.
I have a passion for working with children, focusing on enhancing their language skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Additionally, I actively participate in their creative social game groups, which I believe plays a crucial role in enriching their lives. Through these interactions, I strive to foster a nurturing environment where we can grow and learn together, paving the way for a brighter future for all of us.
Karen Sibrian
Hi, I'm Karen Sibrian, a dedicated teacher at Modern PlaySpace, where I find immense joy and fulfillment in working with children. My passion for early childhood development drives me to continuously enhance my knowledge and skills in this field through further education. I have the privilege of working with children as young as 6 months old, and nothing compares to the joy I experience at Modern PlaySpace.
Watching these young minds grow and develop under my guidance is both rewarding and inspiring. Being a teacher to these wonderful children not only brings me happiness but also motivates me to contribute positively to their early learning experiences. I am committed to creating a nurturing and stimulating environment where each child can thrive and reach their full potential.
Tracy Situ
Hi, my name is Tracy, and I'm a proud graduate of San Francisco State University, class of 2023, where I majored in Child Development. Currently, I hold the position of Lead Teacher at the Modern Playspace. My journey in the field of early childhood education spans over two years, during which I've specialized as an early interventionist working with children who experience developmental delays and those on the autism spectrum.
An interesting aspect of my personality is my love for food. I have a particular interest in exploring a variety of cuisines from different countries, which I find deeply enriching. My passion for working with children is driven by a profound belief in the impactful role I play in their lives. I take great pride in offering support to both children and their families, assisting them in navigating and overcoming their challenges. This work not only allows me to contribute positively to their growth but also brings a deep sense of fulfillment and pride in the difference I make.
Hazel Chan
Hi, my name is Hazel Chan, and I am currently serving as a teacher 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.
Sophia Soria
Hi, I'm Sophia Soria, an Early Childhood Educator with 10 years of experience. I've worked with children from infancy to 12 years old, collaborating with Speech Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Early Interventionists to create supportive learning environments tailored to each child's needs. My experience includes working in preschools in Marin, each with distinct philosophies like Reggio Emilia, Academic-Play Based, Montessori, and Special Education therapy. These diverse approaches have enriched my teaching methods, allowing me to incorporate the best ideas from each program.
I find immense joy in making a difference in children's lives, particularly during their crucial first three years of development. This is a period I hold dear, as my college professor emphasized its importance. I am passionate about helping your child succeed in school, believing that laughter and smiles are the best tools in the classroom. My goal is to foster a positive and nurturing environment where every child can thrive and grow.
Stephanie Vasquez
My name is Stephanie Vasquez, and I was born and raised in the Bay Area. 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 Mendez
Hello, my name is Jessica, a proud native San Franciscan and a new teacher assistant at Modern Play Space. As a long-time caregiver for infants, preschoolers, and elders, I have gained extensive personal experience raising my son, caring for new family members, volunteering with United Way for infants, and now nurturing my 16-month-old grandson. I have completed three years of professional hands-on training with children and am earning my Early Childhood Education certifications. Through these experiences, I have discovered my true passion is serving others by enhancing their learning skills with empathy, care, and patience.
I believe in giving back to the community and enriching all cultures, especially our young generation. Working with children brings me immense joy and satisfaction as I watch their creativity and behaviors develop. My positive outlook on life is guided by treating others with respect, dignity, and love. My teaching philosophy is rooted in "teach the way they learn" and "watch, listen, and assist," creating a nurturing and supportive environment where each child can thrive. I am excited to bring my passion and experience to Modern Play Space and contribute to the growth and development of every child I work with.
Joly Guan
My Chinese name is Xianli Guan, but everyone calls me Joly. I have seven years of experience in early childhood education, holding a certificate of achievement in child development with a focus on infant and toddler care, as well as a teacher assistant certificate. Currently, I am pursuing a degree in early childhood education at San Francisco City College to enhance my skills and knowledge. I am known for being caring and responsible, and I have the ability to teach children according to their individual needs and developmental stages. My patience allows me to engage with children effectively through learning and play, while I carefully observe their daily changes and development, offering care and encouragement.
In addition to my hands-on experience, I am hardworking and possess a strong team spirit. Practical experience has enriched my professional skills and deepened my practical knowledge. I am committed to continuous learning to improve myself, broaden my horizons in early childhood education, and provide children with more enjoyable learning experiences. My goal is to open up new possibilities in early childhood education and ensure that children find joy in their learning journey.
Donna Gonzalez
Hi, my name is Donna González. I have been working with children for eight years, caring for kids as young as 3 months old up to five years of age. I am passionate about watching children grow and reach milestones at their own pace, and I love getting to know each child's unique personality. As a teacher, it is important for me to adapt to each child’s learning style, recognizing that we all learn differently and at different paces. I enjoy incorporating hands-on activities, art, sensory play, and science experiments into my teaching. These methods are fun and engaging for children, allowing them to learn day-to-day skills through creativity, exploration, and imagination.
I attended CCSF to complete my general education and am now a transfer student at ASU, where I am pursuing a BA in Early Childhood Education. Working in the early childhood education field is incredibly rewarding, as it allows me to be present with the children, learning together and from one another. Being part of their growth and development brings me immense joy and satisfaction, and I am dedicated to continuing my education and professional development to provide the best learning experiences for the children in my care
Neal Chavez
Hi, my name is Neal Chavez. I'm currently a varsity basketball coach at Tam High School in Mill Valley and also offer private lessons and coach club teams for grades 4-8. While my specialty is basketball, I have experience coaching various sports during my time as a P.E. teacher at Nicasio School for grades K-8, and I've coached 2-5 year olds at Bright Horizons on the Genentech campus. I also work with students who have specific behavioral issues, helping them regulate emotions and develop physical motor skills to build confidence.
I grew up in a family that often taught life lessons through sports, and I am reminded every day of the important role athletics play in the lives of young people and adults. I understand the positive impact a coach or teacher can have on a young person. I believe that teaching positive communication habits with peers and encouraging positive self-talk are integral parts of a child's development. As a coach, my goal is to create a safe and fun environment for learning and playing, encouraging great effort, and supporting learning through mistakes. Enough talk—let's get to playing!
Linda Chiu
My name is Linda Chiu, a mom of two who was born in Haifong, Vietnam, and moved to sunny California in 1981. I am a dedicated and compassionate childcare program assistant with over four years of experience in early childhood development. My work as a bilingual instructor and community center volunteer at Sunset Elementary School and Sunset Neighborhood Beacon Center has been incredibly rewarding and fulfilling.
In my spare time, I enjoy hiking, gardening, cooking, and traveling. Recently, I had the opportunity to travel to Japan, where I experienced the country's amazing culture and delicious food. The trip provided valuable family bonding time and left me with cherished memories.
Azul Alvarado-Dadin
My name is Azul, originally from Richmond, CA, now residing in Marin County. I graduated from the University of Miami with a Bachelor's in Exercise Physiology (pre-Physical Therapy). I love kids, and my 3-year plan includes attending Physical Therapy school with a specialization in NICU or Pediatrics. My favorite hobbies are reading fiction, cooking, weight training/powerlifting, and spending time with my 5-month-old baby. My friends and family describe me as passionate, spirited, creative, and empathetic.
I am thrilled to work as an Early Interventionist (EI) for Modern Playspace and am thankful for the opportunity. I am excited to bring my passion for children's development and my background in exercise physiology to this role. Working with children and helping them grow and thrive is incredibly rewarding, and I look forward to contributing to the wonderful work being done at Modern Playspace.
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