Teachers and Staff

Administration

Tim Harper, Director 

Education:

• Ed.D Candidate Social Justice and Equity in Education
• MA Early Childhood Education 
• Early Childhood Special Education Credential
• BA Child Development
• Transdisciplinary Infant-Family and Early Childhood Mental Health Practitioner, and Reflective Practice Facilitator State of California

Started working at De Anza:

Permit Level:  Program Director

Personal Interest in Education:

Maritza Fuentes , Administrative Assistant  

• Education
• AS Business Administration, Heald College 
• Translation & Interpretation Certificate, National Hispanic University 

Started Working at the CDC:

Personal Interest in Education:

Kathy Zhang, Enrollment Specialist 

• Education: 
• B.A. in Health Service Administration (Saint Mary’s College)
• Child Development Certificate (De Anza College)
• Started Working at the CDC: 2012

• Permit Level: Site Supervisor Child Development Permit

• Personal Interest in Education: 

 Cameron Thompson, Administrative Assistant

Education:

Started Teaching:

Permit Level: 

Personal Interest in Education:

Teachers

Amy Zhen, Teacher

• Education
  

• B.A. degree in Chinese Literature and Education 
• A.A. degree in Human Development 

• Started Teaching: 2004

• Permit Level:  Site Supervisor Permit

• Personal Interest in Education

A strong passion for educating young children. Creating engaging and inclusive environment

Aye Khine, Teacher

Education:

• A.A. degree in Early Childhood Education

Started Teaching: 2011

• Permit Level:Child Development Teacher Permit

• Personal Interest in Education: 

• Believes in fostering developmentally appropriate expectations 
• Provide guidance and support that align with a child’s age and stage 
• Nurture long term growth and well being 

Bertie Cannon, Teacher

Education:

• A.S. Degree in Early Childhood Education from Foothill College

Started Teaching: 2017

Permit Level: Child Development Teacher Permit

Personal Interest in Education:

I have been caring for younger siblings and cousins since my early childhood.

The care, education, and uplifting of children from early in their lives is very important to me

Bill Wright, Teacher 

• Education:

-A.A. in Early Childhood Development from De Anza College

-B.A. in Human Development from Pacific Oaks College

• Started Teaching: 1981

• Permit Level: Early Childhood Instructional Permit

• Personal Interest in Education:

• Emphasizes building close relationships to foster trust and learning
• Advocates for hands-on play experiences
• Observes individual interests to develop appropriate curriculum
• Enjoys integrating music into education
• Experience in early intervention programs for children with autism
• Values community involvement with teachers, families, and children

Brittany Espinoza, Teacher

Education:

• A.A in Liberal Arts from West Valley

• B.A in Child and Adolescent Development from SJSU
  

• Started Teaching: 2011

• Permit Level: Sit Supervisor Permit

• Personal Interest in Education: 

• Passion for Empowering Others: Motivated by the opportunity to help students unlock their potential and build confidence in their abilities.

• Encouraging Exploration: Play allows students to interact with their environment, ask questions, and discover answers on their own, promoting curiosity and independent thinking.

Carrie Wollack, Teacher

• Education:

• M.A in Early Childhood Development from Mills College
• Credential in Special Education

• Started Teaching: 2007
• Personal Interest in Education

• Substitute teacher at De Anza for the past 6 years.
• She loves the De Anza Community and working with the teachers, families, and children.

Christina Cho, Teacher

Education: 

• A.A. in Liberal Arts from De Anza College
• B.A. in Child & Adolescent Development from San Francisco State University
• Completed Program for Infant and Toddler Care classes
• Pursuing M.A. in Early Childhood Leadership and Advocacy at Erikson Institute

• Started Teaching: 2005

• Permit Level: Site Supervisor

• Personal Interest in Education:

• Believes in play-based learning, project approach, and fostering meaningful partnerships between parents, children, and teachers
• Presented at CAAEYC, ECSTEM, First Five San Francisco, Journy Conference, NAEYC
• Board member and Treasurer for Global Tassels

Farah Memon, Teacher

Education:

• B.A. Muslim History from Government college Pakistan
• Certificate in Montessori education (in the Pakistan)
• Associate degree in Early Child Development from De Anza College

Started Teaching: 1991-1999 (Pakistan),  2018 (US)

Permit Level: Master Teacher permit

Personal Interest in Education:

• I want to build a strong bond with children in my care which not only stays with you forever but also helps them with their interactions
• My goal is to help them grow and learn about the world around them.
• I love nature and enjoy hiking and nature walks.

Faye O'Keefe, Teacher

Education:

• A.A. in Early Childhood Education from De Anza College
• B.S. in Psychology and Social Action from Palo Alto University

Started Teaching: 1989

Permit Level: Child Development Teacher Permit

Personal Interest in Education:

• Enjoys subbing across all classrooms
• Background includes roles as a home daycare provider, consultant, and parent educator
• Incorporates physical activities like dance and yoga into education
• Focuses on facilitating social-emotional development and self-sufficiency
• Believes these elements are crucial for life success

Kim Nguyen, Teacher

Education:

-B.A. in Biological Sciences from UC Santa Cruz

-MBA from the University of San Francisco

Started Teaching: 2010

Permit Level: Child Development Program Director Permit

Personal Interest in Education:

• Transitioned from a corporate career to education
• Values family time and incorporates real-world experiences into teaching

Lakshmi Padmanabhan, Teacher 

Education:

• B.S. in Mathematics from St. Stephen's College, Delhi University 
• A.A. in Early Childhood Education from De Anza College 
• California State Endorsed Transdisciplinary Infant-Family Early Childhood Mental Health Practitioner
• -Certified Facilitator for Parent Groups on Teaching Pyramid for Families 
• -Certified CLASS (2nd Edition) Observer for Pre-K through 3rd grade
  

Started Teaching: 1996 

Permit Level: Child Development Master Teacher Permit 

Personal Interest in Education:

• Values play and hands-on experiences like woodworking 
• Advocates for maintaining children's home language for literacy success

Liane Sharp-Fuccio, Teacher

Education:

• -B.F.A in Music Performance and Early Childhood Teaching Credential (N-3rd grade) from Carnegie-Mellon University
• -M.A. in French Horn Performance from San Francisco Conservatory of Music 

Started Teaching: 1985

Permit Level: California Child Center Teaching Permit 

Personal Interest in Education:

• Supporting growth of each child as an individual
• Passionate about environmental education, visual and performing arts, learning through experiences
• Relationships with children and families are the most important aspect of early childhood education

Marybell Arebalo, Teacher

Education:

• A.S. in Early Childhood Education and A.A. in Liberal Arts from De Anza College
• B.A. in Child and Adolescent Development from San Jose State University

Started Teaching: 2018

Permit Level: Site Supervisor Permit

Personal Interest in Education:

• Upholds educating both the mind and heart
• Believes in the importance of bonding and solid relationships in early education
• Enjoys exploring different foods and watching movies

Mazzetta Campbell, Teacher

Education:

• A.S. in Early Childhood Education from Cañada College 
• B.A. in Child Adolescent Development from San Francisco State University 

Started Teaching: 1991

Permit Level: Program Director Permit in Early Childhood Programs

Personal Interest in Education:

• Believes in learning through play and exploration
• Specializes in designing educational environments
• Partnership between parents, and teachers
• Enjoy gardening, bonding with families and trying different types of foods

Minerva Dodge, Teacher

Education:

• A.A. Degree (General Studies), SF City College 
• A.A. Degree in Child Development, De Anza College 

Started Teaching: 2005

Permit Level: Child Development Master Teacher Permit

Personal Interest in Education:

• Believes every child is unique and deserves respect
• Aims to make a positive impact on children's lives
• Enjoys oil painting, watercolor, and acrylic painting

Minoosh Dorraj, Teacher

Education:

•  B.S. degree in Chemistry (Iran) 
•  A.A. degree in Child Development (De Anza College)

Started Teaching:  2018

Permit Level:  Child Development Teacher Permit

Personal Interest in Education:

• I enjoy working with children, communicating with families, and helping children learn and grow.
• Understanding how children learn, grow and develop emotionally and cognitively is essential to creating environments that support their wellbeing and success

Myrna Gust, Teacher

• • Majored and graduated in Child Development  
  • Certified trainer Caring for Infants and Special Needs in Inclusive Settings 
  • Certified trainer and graduated in Infant Toddler Care (PITC)  
  • Certificate of Achievement, in Early Childhood Mental Health and Infant-Toddler Care  
  • Trained in Effective Teacher-Child Interactions using the CLASS tool
  • Trained in Teaching Pyramid Framework for young childrens’ social emotional development

• I believe in providing the children with an environment filled with fun, laughter, extensive learning, imagination, and social emotional support. 

• It is essential to have a relationship working together with parents to enable a child to grow and flourish to their true potential. 

• I believe in supporting dual language learners.  

• It is important for me as an educator to make observations and reflect on our classroom environment in order to facilitate an enriched curriculum where all children can thrive and be successful.  

• I value treating each child with love and respect and I am always present for them. 

• I engage in continuous off campus professional development training and college courses. 

• Experience in early intervention, when appropriate, and helping parents navigate the school district for services.  

Ngan Nguyen, Teacher

Education:

• A.S. degree in Early Childhood Education 
• B.A. degree in Child and Adolescent Development, Preparation for Teaching 

Started Teaching: 2021

Permit Level: Child Development Teacher Permit

Personal Interest in Education:

• Exploring innovative methods to make learning engaging. 
• Adapting teaching to meet diverse learning needs.
• Teaching foundation reading, writing, and math skills.

Nicole Barber, Teacher

Education:

Pursuing A.A. Early Childhood Education, Mission College

Started Teaching: 2010 

Permit Level: Child Development Teacher Permit

Personal Interest in Education:

• Values implementing D.E.I practices through classroom environments and curriculum
• Enjoys engaging in art exploration with children through a variety of mediums and fine art and visual art materials
• Believes in teaching children to be capable and confident learners through patience, modeling, and positive reinforcement
• Enjoys using puppets as a tool to engage children in the curriculum and support their imaginative explorations  

Nicole Whitney, Teacher

Started Teaching: 2002

Personal Interest in Education:

• I have been working in the early childhood education (ECE) field since 2002, with a primary focus on infants and toddlers. Over the past 20 years, I have developed a passion and deep understanding of the developmental needs of young children.
•  I find great joy in sharing this knowledge with families and other educators, and in supporting the growth and learning of the infants and toddlers in my care. 
  

• At the core of my values is the belief that very young children deserve to be loved, safe, and supported in their development. I also believe that they need opportunities to explore and take risks in order to learn and grow. 
  

• With my years of experience and personal growth in this field, I am able to create an environment that fosters these opportunities for exploration and risk-taking."

Rita Castillo de Sanchez, Teacher

Education:

Completed Child Development classes at De Anza College

Started Teaching: 2009

Permit Level: Child Development Associate Teacher Permit

Personal Interest in Education:

• Enjoys interactive activities like cooking and art
• Values cultural diversity and family engagement
• Focuses on building relationships through conversation

Shang Feng Liu, Teacher

Education:

A.S. degree in Early Childhood Education

Started Teaching: 2004

Permit Level: Child Development Teacher Permit

Personal Interest in Education:

• Supports each child's unique growth through exploration
• Celebrates diversity and culture through activities and play
• Passionate about providing art and sensory activities to foster student creativity and expression

Shelley Clark, Teacher

Education: B.A. Degree in Childhood and Adolescent Development

Started Teaching:2016

Permit Level:Child Development Teacher Permit

Personal Interest in Education:

• Enjoys building meaningful and trusting relationships with children and families
• Feels inspired and rewarded every day by the creative and fun ways that children learn from their environment 
• Loves seeing the progress that the children make through responsive caregiving, parent-teacher collaboration, and building their confidence and self-efficacy

Shino Kashima, Teacher

Education: A.A. Child Development, De Anza College 

Started Teaching:  October 2024

Permit Level:  Assistant Teacher Permit (in progress)

Personal Interest in Education:

•Arts •Math •Play-based learning

Shuyan Wang, Teacher

Education: Associate degree in Child Development, De Anza College

Started Teaching: 2006

Permit Level: Teacher Permit in Early Childhood Education

Personal Interest in Education:

• Believes in learning through emotional readiness and play
• Enjoys engaging with families and planning fun activities
• Has experience in bilingual Chinese preschool settings

Sofia Varela, Teacher

Education:

• A.A. in Child Development from Foothill College
• B.A. in Human Development from Pacific Oaks College
• M.A. in Education Counseling from San Jose State University

Started Teaching: 1994

Permit Level: Child Development Site Supervisor Permit

Personal Interest in Education:

• Emphasizes meaningful relationships and a play-based environment
• Shares culture through arts and storytelling
• Values collaboration between teacher, child, and parent

Sugandh Chadha, Teacher

Education:

• B.A. in Business Administration
• Post-graduate studies in Human Resources and Finance
• A.A. degree in Child Development from De Anza College

Started Teaching: 2009 (in India), 2020 (in the USA)

Permit Level: Assistant Teacher Permit

Personal Interest in Education: 

• Passionate about nurturing early childhood development
• Committed to working with young children
• Enjoys celebrating children's growth and development

Susu Khaing, Teacher

Education: Studying Child Development at De Anza College

Started Teaching: 2023

Permit Level:  Assistant Teacher

Personal Interest in Education:

• Enjoy interacting with young children to assist with communication 
• Learn how children explore and interact with each other by supervising their playing time

Suyan Ling, Teacher

Education:

• M.A. in ECE (Early Childhood Education) from SF State University
• Completed Program for Infant Toddler Care Class from PITC 

Started Teaching:2006

Permit Level: Program Director Permit in ECE 

Personal Interest in Education:

• Passionate about lifelong learning and believe in the power of strong relationships among educators, children, and families. 
• Committed to fostering the growth and development of young children, shaping them into responsible and compassionate citizens. 
• Strive to create inclusive learning environments that celebrate the unique qualities of each child.

Sylwia Kanafa, Teacher

Education:

• B.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language from University of Gdansk
• Certificate of Proficiency in Child Development from De Anza College

Started Teaching: 2006

Permit Level: Child Development Teacher Permit

Personal Interest in Education:

• Encourage children to think independently and creatively
• Value long-term relationships with families
• Enjoy seasonal sports and word puzzles

Yoko Iizuka, Teacher

• MA Educational Linguistics, Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey
• BA American Studies, Trinity Washington University
• AA Child Development, Foothill College
• Site Supervisor Permit

Zareen Riza Abedi, Teacher

Education:

• B.A. in Humanities from the University of Karachi 
• Certificates of Achievement and Certificate of Achievement-Advanced in Child Development from De Anza College 
• AA in Early Childhood Education
• PITC Infant and Toddler Group Care Course

Started Teaching: 2018 

Permit Level: Site Supervisor

Personal Interest in Education:

• Dedicated to creating a nurturing, inclusive, and stimulating environment where each child feels valued, respected, and encouraged to explore.
• Passionate about fostering learning through play, ensure children engage in developmentally appropriate activities that stimulate creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving skills.
• Values strong partnerships with parents to ensure a supportive connection and individualized learning experiences.