Our Incredible Staff
“Because We Care”
Meet the Team
Office
Ms. Cheyenne Program Director – I started working at Kinderwood in August 2016. I was a Kinderwood student in 1995 . I started as a floater and eventually became a toddler teacher. I worked my way across the hallway to the 3 year old class. I studied hard and then became the assistant director. I am now the Program Director and looking forward to this great opportunity. I started in the childcare field when I was 15 years old at my auntie’s daycare, I also volunteered my summers in another preschool. I became a nanny to triplets after graduating from Cupertino High School. I worked at multiple child development centers in Santa Clara County as a substitute teacher. After gaining my experience I became a Montessori teacher aide for 2 years. I am well rounded and worked with children from different learning environments. Educating children and being a great mother is my passion. I take great pride in everything I do at Kinderwood and with your children.
Ms. Christine – Assistant Director
Hello, my name is Ms. Christine. I am a mother to 3 wonderful children. My children are my world. I’ve worked with kids since I was 21 years old. I started at Kinderwood in the twos. I worked my way up to room 5. I’m now in the office as an administrative assistant. I truly love working with children they bring so much joy. I look forward to being a part of the Kinderwood family.
Ms. Thelma: Cook
Hello, my name is Thelma. I have 3 wonderful sons and 1 grandson. My grandson attends the infant room, so I get to see him have fun every day! My children and grandson mean the world to me. I cook and prepare all the meals at Kinderwood. I love what I do. Providing nutritional meals to your children brings me joy. You can see some of my creations on our Facebook page.
Room 1
Ms. Shahira – Infant Teacher
I am married, and I have two sons. Waise who is grown and is no longer living at home and my youngest Soleyman is a Senior in high school. I can speak two languages, English and Farsi. I have 12 ECE units and I am First aid and CPR trained. Infants are my favorite age group. I love all of the one-on-one attention and affection that infants need because they give it right back to me. I have been a part of the Kinderwood family since 2002.
Ms. Delilah – Infant Teacher
Bio coming soon.
Ms. Natalie – Infant Teacher
Bio coming soon.
Room 2
Ms. Tania – Toddler Teacher
Hi, my name is Ms. Tania. I am new to Kinderwood. I work in room 2 with toddlers. My favorite age group. I started in child care in 2017 and I am currently pursuing a degree at De Anza College. I am looking forward to working with your children.
Ms Griselda – Toddler Teacher
Hello, I’m Griselda, and I am 21 years old. I started working for Kinderwood in April of 2022 and currently work in room 1 with the toddlers. I have always loved working with children. I attended De Anza College and obtained my AA in child development. Working with toddlers is my favorite because you can make a connection with them and slowly watch them grow.
Ms. Fernanda – Toddler Teacher
Hello, my name is Fernanda I started working with Kinderwood in October 2021. In 2017, I worked as an ABA therapist for 3 years and a nanny for 2 years. I am working in room 1 with the toddlers! I love to watch each child thrive and grow into such beautiful little people! I am dedicated to my children and their families. I’m currently pursuing my degree at San Jose City College. I am bilingual in English and Spanish, and I also know ASL. I have a fur baby, her name is Luna, and I love spending time with her and taking her on walks! I am beyond excited to be working with your children!
Room 3
Ms. Laura – Two’s Teacher
– Hello, my name is Laura Martinez, and I have been with Kinderwood since September 2020. I love coffee and anything sweet. I have a husband and a 2-year-old puppy named Ellie. She is a rescue dog and very crazy. I was born and raised in San Jose, California. I have one older brother, one stepsister, and a stepbrother, and a new sister-in-law. My mom and I are really close. Recently my brother just had his first baby, so I am a new auntie. I don’t really get t see my brother very often as he is in New York. I attended San Jose City College in 2015 and graduated with my associate degree in Early Childhood Education, and currently, I am enrolled online at Grand Canyon University a Christian School based in Phoenix, Arizona, where I am earning my bachelor’s degree as well.
Ms. Amanda – Two’s Teacher
Bio coming soon.
Ms. Rachelle – Two’s Teacher
Bio coming soon.
Room 4
Ms. Valerie – Pre-K Teacher
My name is Valerie and I am the teacher for the 3-year old’s. They are my favorite age. This is when they are the most inquisitive and eager to learn and experience new things. I have been working with children since forever! I have been working at Kinderwood since April 2002. I can speak two languages, English and Portuguese. Working with children has been my most rewarding profession. I am a movie Junkie!! I love to go out with my friends to eat and shop! I went Santa Clara High. After graduation I went to Beauty School. I was a beautician for over 5 years. I even tried being a janitor for a brief period until I found my calling in working with small children. I then attended De Anza College where I obtained ECE training.
Ms. Jackie – Pre-K Teacher
I have been working at Kinderwood since 2000. I have 16 ECE units and I am First Aid and CPR trained. I can speak 3 languages. They are English, Farsi, and Assyrian. I am married with one daughter. Her name is Mona. She graduated from San Jose State. I love working with children because I always wanted a large family. Kinderwood is my second family. I enjoy watching the children grow and learn. Most of all, I love what they teach me through their innocence, love, and humor. The best part of my job is that at the end of my day I never feel like I left work. I also went to San Jose City College to get my ESL and ECE courses.
Room 5
Ms. Hollie – Pre-K Teacher
Hello, I’m Ms. Hollie. I work in room 5 as a preschool teacher. I’m extremely excited to be a part of this Kinderwood family. I have 28 years of childcare and preschool experience. When I’m not working, I enjoy doing anything and everything with my daughter and grandson. I am looking forward to working with your children.
Ms. Rhonda – Pre-K Teacher
Hello, my name is Rhonda. I started working at Kinderwood in January of 2022. I started with the two-year-olds. I loved that age. So curious and wanting to know everything. I now work with the pre-k class. I really enjoy this age as well. It’s exciting to prepare the kids for Kindergarten. So many exciting things to learn and I’m excited to be a part of their journey. I have been working with children for over 30 years and have loved every minute. I am married and my favorite pastime is doing arts and crafts. I’m always looking for new ideas to bring into the classroom. I love working at Kinderwood. It is like a second family.
Floater
Photo coming soon
Ms. Cheryl
Bio coming soon.
What others say about us
” Being a mom of 4 Children and having been through the terrible two’s with all of them, I found that the t two year old teachers were all very helpful and understanding. They gave the children nothing but love and support.”
“I am a single Dad of 2 very energetic boys. My boys can not wait to get up in the morning and come to Kinderwood. The staff has always been very supportive and understanding of our situation. They care for the whole family not just the child.”
“My child has been attending Kinderwood for 2 years. During her time here I have seen her grow by leaps and bounds. She is growing up so fast right before my very eyes.”