Get To Know Our Team
The Heart of our School
We are incredibly grateful for our exceptional team who form the very core of our academy. Their commitment, individuality, and passion for working with children make our school a warm and welcoming place.
Our educators are more than just teachers; they are mentors, role models, and lifelong learners who go above and beyond to ensure that every child in our care receives the support and guidance they need to flourish. We recognize and appreciate the distinctive qualities that each of our educators brings to the table. Their diverse experiences, backgrounds, and teaching styles create a rich tapestry of learning opportunities for our children.
They understand that the journey of education is more than just academic achievement; it's about nurturing young minds and fostering a love for learning. Our educators invest their time, energy, and love into every child, inspiring them to reach their full potential and instilling in them a sense of curiosity and wonder.
Every day is filled with learning, growth, and fun as we continue collaborating with these amazing individuals who make our school the special place it is today.
Ronni
Valentyna
Jessica
Hi! I love to nurture children's imagination and creativity through meaningful interactions and play! I have my bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and ten years of experience working with children of various ages, from infants to pre-teens. I believe childhood is not just a stage in life, but the beginning of a lifelong educational journey.
Jessica
Valentyna
Jessica
Hello! I have a bachelors degree in Child and Adolescent Development and have been in the field for 5+ years. The Reggio Emilia approach stood out to me because it allows children to be their true selves and play a role in their learning. This approach inspires me to be creative and I enjoy seeing the creativity it brings out not only in children but the educators as well.
Valentyna
Valentyna
Valentyna
Hello there! With just over 2 years of experience working with children, I embarked on my educational journey and found myself immersed in the world of the Reggio Emilia approach. Here at our school, we have the incredible opportunity to learn alongside the children, fostering a collaborative environment where we unveil the unique "Lucciola" (Italian for firefly) within each child.
Jona
Danielle
Charry
Hello! From a very early age, I discovered my passion for working with children. With a degree in Preschool Education, I've dedicated nearly four years of my life to nurturing and educating young minds. I've found my perfect match in Lucciola Academy, which shares my philosophy on child-led learning. I'm excited to expand my knowledge of
Hello! From a very early age, I discovered my passion for working with children. With a degree in Preschool Education, I've dedicated nearly four years of my life to nurturing and educating young minds. I've found my perfect match in Lucciola Academy, which shares my philosophy on child-led learning. I'm excited to expand my knowledge of the Reggio Emilia approach and foster strong connections with the Lucciola community.
Charry
Danielle
Charry
Hello! I am currently in my last semester at San Jose State University studying Child Development. The Reggio Emilia approach strongly represents my beliefs as an educator because it promotes a child-centered, holistic educational philosophy that values creativity, curiosity, and collaboration, fostering lifelong learning and a strong sense of community.
Danielle
Danielle
Danielle
Hi! I am currently pursuing a bachelors degree in Early Childhood Development and Psychology. I am passionate about education and believe children deserve bodily autonomy, respect, and trust. The Reggio Emilia style has taught me how freedom of expression through different avenues of learning can create the best learning environment for c
Hi! I am currently pursuing a bachelors degree in Early Childhood Development and Psychology. I am passionate about education and believe children deserve bodily autonomy, respect, and trust. The Reggio Emilia style has taught me how freedom of expression through different avenues of learning can create the best learning environment for children to flourish in. My hope as an educator is to learn everyday beside the children.
Anny
Priscilla
Priscilla
Hi! This is my first year working with young children. Being a mother myself, I've learned in the last 2 years that there are multiple approaches in child development. Children are explorers and they learn with touching, feeling, and playing. I'm grateful to join this journey with Lucciola!
Priscilla
Priscilla
Priscilla
Hi! I am excited to be another caring educator and be the best role model to the little ones of the new generation. I have had almost three years of experience with working with children ages 0-11 years old. I am also honored and grateful to be a part of Lucciola Academy's family and grow along side the little ones.
Elisa
Priscilla
Elisa
Hello! I have over a year experience working with children of all ages. I am very excited to be an advocate for children but also allow them to build their own voices by creating a safe environment. Finding a place where you share the same values as learning is definitely a plus. Can’t wait to learn more from the community at Lucciola.
Phung
Anastasiia
Alveena
Hello! I have learned a lot of good and useful things from the Reggio-Emilia method - where children are encouraged to express their emotions through many different ways of communication. I can better understand children's thoughts through stories, or certain songs and children's emotions can be expressed in a better way. I am very happy to have the opportunity to join Lucciola Academy!
Alveena
Anastasiia
Alveena
Hi! I've been working with children for about 3 years now. I've worked with Infants to 2 years old. I love seeing children grow and helping them explore and seeing their imagination. I've learned a lot at Lucciola Academy from my peers. It's an amazing school to be a part of. The Reggio Emilia approach taught me that creativity is to help
Hi! I've been working with children for about 3 years now. I've worked with Infants to 2 years old. I love seeing children grow and helping them explore and seeing their imagination. I've learned a lot at Lucciola Academy from my peers. It's an amazing school to be a part of. The Reggio Emilia approach taught me that creativity is to help children climb their own mountains as high as possible. We're here to nurture our children with love and support as they grow on their journey.
Anastasiia
Anastasiia
Anastasiia
HI! I realized a long time ago that children are my calling. When I spend time with them, I feel boundless happiness and love for them. The Reggio Emilia approach to children has made a profound impression on me and inspired me. My role at Lucciola is not only to teach the children but also to provide them with love and support on this un
HI! I realized a long time ago that children are my calling. When I spend time with them, I feel boundless happiness and love for them. The Reggio Emilia approach to children has made a profound impression on me and inspired me. My role at Lucciola is not only to teach the children but also to provide them with love and support on this unique journey of discovery. I am happy to have this opportunity to discover new horizons together with the children.
Cely
Isabelle
Isabelle
Hello! I have a bachelors degree in Psychology with a strong passion in trauma-informed community activism/care and children's mental health. The Reggio Emilia approach greatly inspires me because it firmly believes that children are autonomous with rights to their own learning and formation of relationships. I'm dearly honored to grow and be in community with the Lucciola family.
Isabelle
Isabelle
Isabelle
Hello! I am an apprentice in the Apprenticeship Program at Foothill College. I am thrilled to gain more experience here at Lucciola, where the Reggio-Emilia approach allows children the freedom and respect to be whoever they wish to be! I believe that play is the most important work of a child, and I am excited to learn and grow alongside them!
Jazmine
Isabelle
Jazmine
Hi! With over a year working alongside children, i have found a strong passion not only teaching these young learners but also caring and supporting them along their new educational journey.
the Reggio-Emilia approach has stood out to me for its philosophy where children can develop their interests creating young independent and curious l
Hi! With over a year working alongside children, i have found a strong passion not only teaching these young learners but also caring and supporting them along their new educational journey.
the Reggio-Emilia approach has stood out to me for its philosophy where children can develop their interests creating young independent and curious life long learners. i am very excited to embark on this new journey here at Lucciola!
Thu
Angela
Maria
Hello! I am passionate about working with children and recently joined the team at Lucciola Academy. I am inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, which emphasizes the importance of listening to and supporting each child’s unique learning journey. At Lucciola Academy, I am eager to contribute to an environment where children feel valued, e
Hello! I am passionate about working with children and recently joined the team at Lucciola Academy. I am inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, which emphasizes the importance of listening to and supporting each child’s unique learning journey. At Lucciola Academy, I am eager to contribute to an environment where children feel valued, encouraged, and free to explore the world around them. The joy of seeing children discover the world and develop their unique potential is what drives me.
Maria
Angela
Maria
Hi! I’ve always found joy in being a helping hand, and I bring that same spirit of support and guidance to my work with children. My mission is to create an engaging and inclusive environment where every child’s voice is heard and valued.I’m so happy to be an educator inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, dedicated to nurturing young minds and fostering their creativity and curiosity!
Angela
Angela
Angela
I have a deep love for working with children because they bring a fresh, joyful perspective to everything, reminding me to see the world with wonder and curiosity. Their energy and eagerness to explore and understand are truly inspiring, and I feel privileged to be part of their journey of discovery and growth. The Reggio Emilia approach
I have a deep love for working with children because they bring a fresh, joyful perspective to everything, reminding me to see the world with wonder and curiosity. Their energy and eagerness to explore and understand are truly inspiring, and I feel privileged to be part of their journey of discovery and growth. The Reggio Emilia approach resonates deeply with me, as it respects and nurtures each child’s individuality and unique way of learning. This approach not only encourages children to take the lead in their own learning but also allows me, as an educator, to be a guide and partner in their exploration. Working with children through the Reggio Emilia philosophy lets me foster an environment where their voices are heard, their creativity is valued, and they feel empowered to ask questions and think critically. Supporting children as they grow into confident, engaged learners is profoundly fulfilling to me.
Kendy
Olivia
Olivia
Hello! I have over six years of experience working with children, and my passion is supporting each child in becoming the best version of themselves. I am especially inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, which I recently began studying. I love how this approach encourages children’s freedom, creativity, and individuality, allowing them
Hello! I have over six years of experience working with children, and my passion is supporting each child in becoming the best version of themselves. I am especially inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, which I recently began studying. I love how this approach encourages children’s freedom, creativity, and individuality, allowing them to learn and grow in an environment that celebrates who they are.
Olivia
Olivia
Olivia
Hello! This is my fourth year working in childcare. I recently graduated from the University of Oregon, where I had the pleasure of working at a preschool and gaining valuable experience. After moving to California in October, I felt drawn to Lucciola because it embraces the Reggio Emilia approach. I love that this education style focuses
Hello! This is my fourth year working in childcare. I recently graduated from the University of Oregon, where I had the pleasure of working at a preschool and gaining valuable experience. After moving to California in October, I felt drawn to Lucciola because it embraces the Reggio Emilia approach. I love that this education style focuses on seeing children as capable, curious individuals, and that it emphasizes nurturing creativity and collaboration in a supportive, joyful environment!
Thao
Olivia
Thao
Coming Soon!
Miranda (Music Specialist)
Michaela (Studio Specialist)
Miranda (Music Specialist)
Hi! I have been in the ECE field for nearly 20 years.(!) Within the last decade I realized that my approach to teaching resonates most with Reggio and RIE philosophies. The image of the child as a competent and unique learner inspires me to respect and hold space for children to be fully themselves. To provide a safe and rich environment for play, where joy and learning intersect.
Kim (Chef)
Michaela (Studio Specialist)
Miranda (Music Specialist)
Hi! I am the chef at Lucciola Academy. I have three years of experience working at a restaurant and three years of volunteer work with children. I always believed that good food is one of the most important in daily life. I never stop trying to improve my skills and learn new things.
Michaela (Studio Specialist)
Michaela (Studio Specialist)
Michaela (Studio Specialist)
Hello! As my own children grow, I grow alongside them, too. They show me the way through life. After getting a degree in linguistics, I've decided to do again what I love the most – hanging out with kids, making art together, and learning through crafting and projects. The child-led approach that we foster in Lucciola is the best way for
Hello! As my own children grow, I grow alongside them, too. They show me the way through life. After getting a degree in linguistics, I've decided to do again what I love the most – hanging out with kids, making art together, and learning through crafting and projects. The child-led approach that we foster in Lucciola is the best way for children to learn how to become independent and explore their own interests in a beautiful environment. And I feel grateful that I can be a part of their journeys.