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GeoKids Staff
Our teachers and staff are chosen for their warmth and compassion, their knowledge of child development, and their ability to support families. Respect is the underlying element in the philosophy of GeoKids. Respect is not limited to the children who are served by the program but is also extended to the families, staff, and cultures included in the program.
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Heather Morado, Executive Director
Heather has over 15 years of experience working with teachers, families, and children in the Bay Area. She has been a part of the GeoKids community since the spring of 1998. She is a strong advocate for children and families. Heather has focused on a reflective, responsive, and collaborative approach in her work as the director of GeoKids.
Heather is an active member of and presenter for the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). She has presented various workshops all over the country and has worked closely with the Innovative Teacher Project for the past five years. She has traveled with her staff to Reggio Emilia, Italy, as a part of the Spring 2006 delegation that was organized by Reggio Children.
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Stacey James, Associate Director
Stacey began working with young children and their families at GeoKids in 1996. She came to education from an entirely different career after deciding it was the most meaningful work that she could do. Stacey says it's continually challenging, frequently exhilarating, and always fulfilling.
She has a B.A. in Child Development and is working on her master's degree. Her son youngest is a GeoKids alum. Her main hobbies are gardening and cooking. She also enjoys needlework and playing the piano.
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Kelly Davies
In 2003, Kelly began her career working one-on-one with young children and adolescents. After a few years in behavioral health services, she decided that she most enjoyed working with children ages 0 to 5. She spent about four years in early intervention, advocating for children while working in a recovery center in San Francisco. Kelly found her way to GeoKids in September 2009.
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Colleen Francisco
Before coming to GeoKids, Colleen taught in an elementary school, in both a kindergarten and third grade classroom. However, joining the GeoKids community during the summer of 2010 was a wonderful change. She loves experiencing and exploring with the children everyday.
When she is not working, Colleen loves to read, go to the beach, and spend time with family and friends.
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Linnea Hilton
Linnea has been with GeoKids since 1997 and she has been working with young children for 12 years. What she enjoys most about her work with kids is exploring their world with them. They continually illuminate its possibilities, joys and wonders.
Her hobbies include traveling, reading, and interacting with the people and world around her.
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Rachel Hyndam
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Nicholas Kleeman-Keller
I have been teaching at GeoKids since the beginning of 2009, after receiving my training in early childhood education at Cabrillo College in Santa Cruz County. I value strong communities and am proud to have returned to my hometown to rejoin my family, who are also educators, in making our area a great place to live and learn. I love the way that working with young children puts me in touch with basic elements. I enjoy hearing children's stories and fresh perspectives and making connections with them in the natural world.
Outside of school, I am an avid gardener and enjoy bicycling, folk music, and wilderness adventures.
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Claudia Koch
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Monica Limberis
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Chae Marshall
I began my career with GeoKids in 2000 and have been in the child development field for nine years. My favorite aspect of working with children is witnessing their discoveries.
While not working, I am focused on taking care of my child and watching the occasional movie.
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Tracy Pierce
I started working seven years ago but I've been working in the classroom since I was 14 years old and have been teaching since that time. My affection for GeoKids is so strong that I cannot imagine teaching anywhere else. Preschool is my passion, and I'm always amazed at what preschoolers can already do and how they view life.
My hobbies include outdoor adventure travel, working on my home, spending time with my partner, family and friends.
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Monique Pryor
Monique has 10-plus years of experience in educational and community-based environments that champion families. As a preschool teacher, she is dedicated to fostering an atmosphere that supports, enriches, and challenges in the process of self-expression, creative thinking, love of learning, and the joy of laughter.
She is passionate about the Reggio Emilia approach and participates in the Bay Area Innovative Teacher Project Roundtables.
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Clara Rivas
I began teaching at GeoKids in 2007. I started my career in the child development field in 2001 as a teacher in a infant program. During my time as a teacher in the child development field, I have enjoyed watching children learn and grow. It has also been a great feeling to witness the wonder they find in simple everyday things.
While not working, I spend time with my family and friend. I also enjoy scrap booking.
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Marisol Rocha
I have been at GeoKids for about 10 years. I started as a teacher's aide and soon discovered that working with young children was what I wanted to do. I have obtained my ECE units and will continue with my education in this field.
When not working, I spend my time with my two daughters and enjoy them greatly!
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Katie Talwar
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Susan Thayer
Parenthood helped me discover my passion for child development and the need for high-quality childcare. Changing careers, I obtained a B.A. in Child Development and discovered my interest in the Reggio Emilia approach. I feel honored to be a part of the GeoKids community and look forward to my challenging and joyful job every day!
My other interests include traveling, learning, and enjoying time with friends and family - especially my wonderful daughter!
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Justina Trujillo
I began working at GeoKids in July of 1998. I have been working with children for almost nine years, and my favorite aspect is that the journey is never ending for both the child and me.
While not working, I enjoy spending time with my family - in particular watching my nephew play t-ball. I also enjoy camping, bike riding, and fishing.
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