Our Teachers

Sarah first came to Valley Parent in 2005 when her daughter started preschool. In 2009 she joined our teaching team as the AM Pre-K Teacher, and shortly after moved into the role of Director. Sarah earned her BA in Leadership and Organizational Studies from St. Mary's College and her Early Childhood Education from CSUB and Diablo Valley College. She has 20 years of classroom experience, holds a CA Site Supervisor and Master Teacher permit, and enjoys speaking to parent groups and educators on topics including child and program development. Prior to coming to VPP Sarah taught Pre-K locally and in Central California and later ran a small co-op program out of her home. She enjoys exploring local trails, traveling with her family, and cheering on her kids at their soccer, baseball and basketball games. She and her husband live in San Ramon with their 14 and 16 year old children, both whom attended VPP.

Tess first came to Valley Parent when her now 21 year-old-son started preschool and then returned in 2007 to join our teaching team. Prior to teaching at Valley Parent, Tess worked for seven years as a professional nanny and as a teacher at a Montessori school. Tess holds a CA Master Teacher permit, enjoys introducing her class to American Sign Language, and has completed the Music Together Instructor Course. She enjoys baking, back yard sports like wiffle ball and croquet, and exploring the Northern California coast with her family. She and her husband have one son away at college and live in San Ramon with their high school son and their adorable labradoodle, Venus.

Louise first came to VPP in 2014 when her daughter started in the AM Pre-K class. After subbing in the classroom and serving on our board, Louise joined our teaching staff in 2015. Louise moved to the United States in 2013 from the UK where she received her BS in Nursing from Hull University. In addition, she holds Early Childhood Credentials from both the US and the UK. Louise's teaching experience spans the globe and includes experience in co-ops, running a “Charity Preschool” in the UK (similar to a US Co-Op preschool) and her own in home program. Prior to working in education Louise worked in business; her role took her all over the UK and also to India. Louise compares the management skills required to run departments of upwards of 100 staff to those similar to those she needs to manage a classroom of 15 3-year-olds. Louise and her husband live in Danville with their three daughters and their dog, Huckleberry. Louise enjoys hiking and walking with Huckleberry, running, and exploring new places with her family.

Jill first got involved with co-op preschools when her two oldest children (one in college and one who recently graduated) attended a cooperative school on the Peninsula, and she joined the VPP teaching staff in 2017. Jill holds a B.S in Nutritional Science from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and completed her Early Childhood Education at Saddleback College. Prior to coming to VPP, Jill worked in hospitals training nurses in proper safety procedures and later volunteered extensively with her children’s school and the National Charity League. She enjoys cooking and baking, walking, and spending time with her family and friends. Jill and her husband have three children, ages 23, 19, and 16. She lives in Danville with her husband, son, and 7 year old Tibetan Terrier, Mollie.

Kelly first came to VPP in 2003 when her daughter started in our preschool class. Over the years, all three of her children attended Valley Parent and Kelly subbed regularly in the classroom and held multiple board positions. In 2017, Kelly joined our teaching team as our PM Pre-K Teacher. Kelly holds a dual BA in Psychology and Human Development, with an emphasis in Child Development, from CSUSB, and a credential in Early Intervention from San Jose State. Prior to coming to VPP, Kelly worked as an Early Interventionist for Alameda Country and taught toddlers at Stanford. Her most recent position was at Noah's Ark Preschool in the Pre-K class. Kelly and her husband live in San Ramon with their three children, ages 16, 14, and 8, and their dog, Max. Kelly enjoys hiking, camping and playing games with her kids.

Ashley fell in love with Valley Parent when her niece attended our Pre-K class in 2016. Ashley was one of her co-oping family members and worked regularly in the classroom, even staying on as a guest teacher after her niece went to kindergarten. Ashley received her Early Childhood Education from Saddleback College and graduated from Utah Valley University with a BA in Communications and Public Relations. Prior to joining us at VPP, Ashley worked as the Social Media Manager for Diablo Ballet. She lives in Danville with her family and 3 Tonkinese cats. Ashley loves being an aunt to her 3 nephews and 5 nieces, is actively involved in her church, and enjoys exploring, crafting, history, and reading.

Debi came to Valley Parent in the Spring of 2017, but her love of Cooperative Preschools started when her two children attended Pixie Playschool in Concord from 2001 to 2007. Prior to coming to VPP, Debi spent 5 years teaching elementary school, served as president of the board at her children’s co-op preschool, and most recently taught at Loma Vista Adult Ed in their 3-year-old Parent Participation Preschool. Debi received her BA and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Cal State East Bay, and her Early Childhood Education from Diablo Valley College. In 2010, Debi and her husband became guardians for their niece and nephew. Debi lives in Clayton with her husband and 4 children, 3 dogs, 2 cats, 4 chickens, 2 mules, a donkey, and a horse! She spends her free time hiking and exploring with her animals and children on Mt. Diablo.

Danielle first came to Valley Parent in 2013 when her son Dylan started in our AM Pre-K class. While volunteering in the classroom as a co-oping parent, Danielle discovered her love of working with children and decided to make a career change. After ten years of accrediting correctional facilities with the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, Danielle went back to school taking Early Childhood Education classes. She worked as a Special Ed Para with SRVUSD, and in 2017, she joined our staff as our Explorers Teacher Assistant. Danielle lives in San Ramon with her husband and her 8 year old son, Dylan. She enjoys going on hikes with her family, finding new places to explore in the Bay Area, and crafting.