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Samantha completed a degree in Child Development at Chico State University in 1997. After graduation, she moved to the Bay Area to continue her education and to teach preschool at Hoover Children's Center in San Mateo. In December of 1999, Samantha earned her teaching credential and for the next five years went on to teach Kindergarten at Westlake Elementary School and The Hilldale School, both in Daly City. Samantha holds a California Child Development Permit and enjoys continued professional development through a variety of different Bay Area and National organizations. Being at the beginning of a child's educational path is both inspiring and rewarding to Samantha. Sweet Peas was created shortly after the birth of her first son as Samantha decided to create a family based preschool where children are both nurtured and stimulated, a place where she would want her own children to be if they were in someone else's care. Her vision to offer this kind of nurturing learning environment was what inspired her to create multiple locations for Sweet Peas and she feels very blessed to work with so many wonderful families throughout their children's formative years.

Rebecca is a San Francisco native and has been in the preschool teaching field for 5 years. Her passion for working with young children developed as she helped care for her younger siblings and cousins almost her whole life. Her joy in being around children and learning about them deepened as she grew up watching her aunt and grandmother shared their teaching passions. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Child and Adolescent Development with a concentration in Early Childhood and a minor in Special Education from San Francisco State University. She also holds an Associates’s degree of Science in Early Childhood Education from Skyline Community College. Rebecca enjoys every learning moment with children, as it is also an opportunity for her to learn from children. She is passionate about supporting children in realizing their fullest potential, whether it be physically, socially, or cognitively. She loves traveling, exploring hidden gems in her home city, and crafting in her free time! 

Gabriela is a Bay Area native with a passion for working with young children. She graduated from the University of California, Davis with her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, concentrating in Child Development, and a minor in Education. She has worked in early childhood education for over five years, gaining experience in alternative pedagogies including Montessori and Waldorf approaches. These experiences have shaped Gabriela’s belief in the power of play-based learning and social-emotional development in the early years.

Gabriela adores working with this age group because of the rapid growth she gets to witness in their skills and confidence. One of her favorite parts of the job is simply sitting with the children and listening to their thoughts and ideas — it is truly magical to watch them begin to discover who they are. Her approach is rooted in following the children’s lead, getting down to their level, tuning into their interests, and letting the magic unfold from there. She can’t wait to get to know each child and family, and to be a small part of their incredible journey.

Lauren is a San Francisco native whose love for working with children began at a young age. When in high school, she often babysat for her younger cousins and quickly discovered her passion for child development. She graduated from California State University, Fullerton with a Bachelor of Science in Child and Adolescent Studies with a concentration in Early Childhood Education. During her time in college, she worked with children in grades kindergarten through 8th grade as an extended care aide, as well as a summer camp counselor. Lauren spent her senior internship working at a preschool with four-year-olds, where she found deep

enjoyment in the creativity and imagination of young children. Lauren’s favorite part about working with children is creating meaningful bonds with her students and watching their confidence grow over time. During her free time, Lauren enjoys arts and crafts, reading, attending concerts, and spending quality time with her family and friends.

Sofia graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelors in Psychology and is currently pursuing a masters in Child and Adolescent Development. She found her passion for working with children in high school, while working as a camp counselor for Girl Scouts of America, where she had the rewarding experience of leading a group of girls through various STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) activities. Since graduating college she has also worked in a child development lab learning about children's prosocial behaviors, and as a behavioral therapist working with a wide range of children on the spectrum. These experiences have helped shape her teaching philosophy as one based on hands-on learning through play, curiosity and kindness. She loves seeing where children's imaginations take them through their art and stories, and hopes to encourage a sense of pride in their unique ideas. As a recent San Francisco resident, Sofia enjoys exploring the city through different cuisines, runs, hikes, and museums. She is excited to be a part of the Sweet Peas family and foster a positive learning environment alongside her team.

Alvina is a Bay Area native who has been working in the education field for over 6 years. She developed an interest in working with children when she took a Child Development course in high school. She continued to study early childhood education in college. She graduated from San Francisco State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Adolescent Development and a minor in Special Education. Throughout her years of working in the field, she has worked with children and adolescents from the ages of 6 months to 18 year olds and has taken on various roles including teacher, school administrative assistant, art instructor, and behavioral skills therapist. Alvina finds this field to be very rewarding when she builds trusting relationships with the children and families and is able to watch her students grow. During her free time, she enjoys drawing, traveling, exploring the great outdoors, doing aerial silks, lyra, and hammock, and performing the circus for her friends and family. Alvina is excited to be part of the Sweet Peas community and hopes to continue to positively impact the children and ensure that each child reaches their fullest potential.