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

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

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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

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

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Anny

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

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

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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

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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

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Hanh

Jazmine

Hi! I’m working at Lucciola Academy almost 1 year and In that I really love working with infants and toddlers because I enjoy watching them reach important and milestone. I’m learn a lot of from the Reggio Emilia about their right, experience, thought and explore in their own things. My goal is to provide a safe and happy environment for

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Thu

Jazmine

Thu

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.

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Maria

Margarett

Angela

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

Margarett

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 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.

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Margarett

Hi! I have experience working with children in different contexts, which has allowed me to develop a great passion for their growth and learning. I have worked as: private caregiver, assistant teacher, volunteer in children's programs. I am deeply inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach because it celebrates children's creativity and innate curiosity. I strongly believe in the importance of children being protagonists of their own learning, exploring the world through their imagination and questions. I am excited to support each child on this journey, helping them discover their unique talents and fostering a love of learning that will stay with them throughout their lives. I am very happy to meet you and collaborate together on this educational experience.

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Bryan

Leticia

Hello! I have been in Music Education for over 7 years. I have been a guitar and keyboard instructor, worked as a music director, taught TK-3rd grade in a classroom setting, and taught ages 0-5 in preschools. I enjoy spending my free time with my 5 year old son. We love to go on hikes, sing, and ride bikes. I'm so excited to get to know all the children at Lucciola Academy and learn from them as I transition into my new role as an educator! I've been inspired by the Reggio-Emilia approach because I have seen many similarities with my own teaching philosophy as I have always strive to teach my students to discover, improvise, and find out how to learn on their own.

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Leticia

Hello! With almost two years in the education field I am dedicated to fostering a love of learning in young students. With help of the Reggio Emilia approach, I plan to encourage the children to explore their own interests and develop creativity and self-expression. I am extremely enthusiastic about creating a caring and safe environment for my little ones here at Lucciola!

Cassie

Leticia

Cassie

Hello! Ever since I was young, I've had a passion for working with children. I graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Psychology, and have 8 years of experience working with children ranging from infants to middle schoolers. I am inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach because I believe children learn best when they are encouraged to explore, ask questions, and express themselves in a rich, safe environment. I’m super excited to join the Lucciola team and look forward to creating an engaging, supportive space that fosters creativity, curiosity, and a love of learning for these children!

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Anh

Nicole

Ishu

Hello! I'm excited to join the team as the chef's assistant here at Lucciola Academy. I'm passionate about creating healthy and delicious meals that children enjoy, and I look forward to contributing to a positive dining experience for the children.

Ishu

Nicole

Ishu

Hey! My inspiration and passion for Early Childhood Education stems solely from being a SAHM to my son. It made me dive deep into the world of Reggio and there’s been no looking back. It makes me more and more passionate to be a mere catalyst in their ever-explorative and absorptive minds and I’m eager and excited to learn and grow with them.

Nicole

Hi! I have a bachelors degree in Psychology and currently pursuing further schooling in Early Childhood Education. I have six years of experience working with children of various ages, from infants to young adults. I believe learning is a lifelong process, and I love nurturing creative young minds and watching children grow to be as bright as they can be. That’s why I was drawn to the Reggio Emilia approach, because it fosters creative and imaginative freedom through exploration.

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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)

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.

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