Meet Teacher Melissa
Founder and head teacher at Story Garden Preschool, Melissa has over 10 years of experience teaching preschool at centers in San Francisco and the East Bay. She brings her love for nature, her passion for children, and her excitement for learning to her teaching,
Qualifications:
BA in Child and Adolescent Development
Site Supervisor level Child Development Permit
California Teaching Credential in Parent Education and Adult Basic Skills
Certified in CPR and First Aid
Licensed by the state of California (Lic #073409126)
LiveScan background check clearance
Mother to 2 young children of her own
Biography
I like to say that I began working with children when I was still one myself. I attended a home daycare as a child, and I kept asking my mom to drop me off long after it was necessary because I loved playing with the babies and toddlers. By the time I was 12, I was babysitting for relatives and neighbors. At age 14, I began teaching my very first class: children’s drama. I loved teaching children the art of self-expression and helping them get in tune with their emotions. In high school, I took a class that allowed me to work as an aide in elementary classrooms for 2 years. I was hooked. I loved teaching.
Over the years, I’ve done it all. In college I spent summers working as a counselor at an overnight camp in the Santa Cruz mountains. I worked as a part-time nanny after my morning classes for a lovely family with a toddler. In 2010, I took my first position as a preschool teacher at a Reggio inspired preschool in San Francisco.
Once I had children of my own, I began seeking part-time teaching jobs where I could bring my littles with me. I ran mommy and me classes and managed a summer camp for preschools with San Francisco Rec and Parks. Our move to the East Bay in 2018 brought with it some new adventures: teaching a parent cooperative preschool class and parenting classes for Mt. Diablo Unified School District. I love working alongside other parents as they navigate the joys and challenges of parenting young children.
When we were finally able to buy a home of our own, we knew it was time to take the next step and open our own program. This preschool is the heart and soul of all of my training, experience, knowledge, and passions. I am so excited to welcome you and your children into our home to learn and grow with us.
References and Words of Praise
“I couldn't be happier that [my child] seemed to transition to preschool so easily. He is so comfortable at Story Garden, it feels like we've been doing this much longer. And I'm so glad he still has the whole school year ahead with you and his friends there.”
— Gena, Story Garden parent“We love the at-home preschool experience, it is the what we hoped for and the space allows for a lot of exploration and fun. They come home with new information about bugs and birds and all the fun things kids love learning about. We've had a wonderful experience and highly recommend!”
— Stephanie, Story Garden parent“After staying home with my daughter for almost 3 years and through covid it was daunting to send her to preschool but Melissa at Story Garden made it an easy transition. This intimate home setting was immediately welcoming to my child, she loves going to this school and is excited for every school day. This is a play based program and there are always new and seasonal activities to keep the kids interested. We feel very lucky to have found Story Garden.”
— Nicole, Story Garden parent“First of all - I highly recommend Story Garden for all families to explore as an option for their child. If your experience is anything like ours, your child will have the kind of caring attention you would hope from family, with the watchful guided eye of experienced caregivers and teachers. Story Garden affords children the ability to be themselves, while nurturing their needs.”
— Gina, Story Garden parent“Melissa brings thoughtfulness and intentionality to everything that she does in the classroom, from the language she uses to the environment she sets up and the relationships she builds. She elevates experiences with the children through observing and truly getting to know her students and then creating learning opportunities that are meaningful, relevant and engaging. She has a wealth of knowledge and anytime she sets out to learn something new in the field, she does it wholeheartedly and leaves no stone unturned. Lastly, knowing her first as a teacher, then a friend and now a parent, she leads all of her interactions with curiosity, empathy and understanding.”
— Melissa O., Assistant Director of Stretch the Imagination, San Francisco