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Our Laguna Honda Team

Luisa Baj

Executive Director

Matthew Estrada

Assistant Director

Stephanie Gnean

Infant/Toddler Assistant Director

Johntiana Anderson

Toddler Teacher Aide

Sofia Frankel

Spanish Teacher / Floater

Georyana Morales

Lead Infant Teacher

Evelyn Aguilar

Lead Infant Teacher

Malliejo Asuncion

Lead Preschool Teacher

Ms. Vivian

Lead Facility Assistant

Jamae Frasca

Preschool Teacher

Gabriela Elizabeth Vivar Velasquez

Toddler Lead Teacher

Kalli Walkinhawk

Preschool Teacher

Kary Cao

Infant Teacher Aide

Ms. Veronica

Preschool Teacher Aide

Ms. Achala

Preschool Teacher

Alex Leiva

Lead Preschool Teacher

Cassie Portillo

Infant Teacher Aide

Katelynn Ruprecht

Toddler Teacher

Maya Fielding

Toddler Teacher

Ms. Gaby

Lead Toddler Teacher

Katelynn Ruprecht

Toddler Teacher

Destiney Jackson

Upper Preschool Teacher

Katie Ou

Lead Infant Teacher

Julissa Vargas-Mendoza

Lead Infant Teacher

Yvonne Ma

Yvonne Ma

Infant Teacher

Sara Bahadori

Infant Teacher’s Aide

NOTE:

At Meaningful Beginnings, we undergo an extensive interview process and only hire the best educators in the Early Childhood Education field.

Our teacher’s are required to undergo a Caregiver Background Check as mandated by the state of California. All staff must submit their fingerprints and get clearance.

Teachers are required to have at least 12 early childhood education (ECE) units or willing to take classes. If a teacher currently does not have any ECE units, they are considered teacher’s aides and must be under the supervision of a fully qualified teacher. All employees are required to submit immunization records and undergo a health screening including a TB test.

Teachers must also get their CPR and First-Aid certification, complete mandated reporter training and pest management training, and ensure that they stay-up-to-date.

Administrators, such as the director and assistant director, are required to take the Health, Safety, Nutrition, and Lead Poisoning Prevention trainings.

Do You Have Any Questions For Us?

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Locations

633 Taraval St.
San Francisco, CA 94116

254 Laguna Honda Blvd.
San Francisco, CA 94116

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LUISA BAJ

Director

Working with and becoming a part of a community has always been a dream for Luisa. She worked in museums throughout the Bay Area for years, always in their education department. Through this passion, she found that her favorite audience was children. The way she was able to connect, facilitate, and grow with their innate curiosity became her dream. She wants to bring Art and STEM to children of all abilities and create a community within the classroom where mistakes are part of the learning process, and kids get the opportunity to direct their own learning. She wants her students to be excited to come to school and loves to see the excitement and wonder in their eyes. She is excited to bring her previous experience from the Bay Area Discovery Museum into Meaningful Beginnings and create a community built on curiosity, kindness, respect, and accessibility. Luisa received her dual Masters in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education from Grand Canyon University.

Matthew Estrada

Assistant Director

Meet Matt, a devoted Toddler Teacher who is thrilled to join the Meaningful Beginnings team. A true San Francisco native, Matt currently resides in the city with his fiancée, their six-year-old daughter, and their two beloved cats. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Child and Adolescent Development from San Francisco State University.

Although Matt has enjoyed working with elementary and middle schoolers, he discovered that his true passion lies in early childhood education. He is particularly fascinated by the rapid physical and emotional growth that occurs in preschoolers. Witnessing their development as they learn to walk, talk, and explore their environment is incredibly rewarding for him.

Initially, Matt did not envision himself working with preschoolers, doubting he had the necessary temperament or patience. However, after spending over five years as a preschool teacher, he confidently acknowledges that this is his calling. Matt is excited to bring his experience, enthusiasm, and newfound insights into preschool education to Meaningful Beginnings, where he looks forward to making a significant impact on the lives of young children.

Stephanie Gnean

Infant/Toddler Assistant Director

Stephanie is a San Francisco native, born and raised, who recently joined Meaningful Beginnings as the new infant teacher. She holds an Associate of Science in Social and Behavioral Science and an Associate of Arts in Child Development from City College of San Francisco (CCSF).From a young age, Stephanie has always enjoyed spending time with children, which inspired her to pursue a career in early childhood education. She has a diverse background in childcare, having worked as a nanny for three years and at a Montessori school for a year before joining Meaningful Beginnings.Stephanie finds immense happiness in watching children discover the world around them and feels it is incredibly rewarding to see them develop into their own independent people. She is dedicated to fostering a nurturing and supportive environment where infants can grow and thrive.Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys listening to music and spending quality time with her family and friends. She is excited to be part of the Meaningful Beginnings community and looks forward to contributing to the growth and development of the children in her care.

Johntiana Anderson

Facility Assistant

Tiana has been a team member at Meaningful Beginnings since 2023. With a passion for working with children that began in 2018. She brings a deep love to the children and a commitment to making healthy, child friendly meals. Growing up in the Bay Area, she developed a love for nature and enjoys taking peaceful walks outdoors. She enjoys unwinding with music and spending time with friends. Whether it’s making delicious meals in the kitchen, tidying up a classroom, or popping in to say hello to our students, you’ll certainly see Tiana around.

Sofia Frankel

Spanish Teacher / Floater

Sofia is a native of San Francisco and has dedicated the past 20 years to working with children ranging from infants to school-age. She holds an Associate of Science degree in Child and Family Studies from City College of San Francisco (CCSF). Sofia is very excited to be a part of Meaningful Beginnings and looks forward to connecting with both students and families, fostering a supportive and enriching environment for all.

Georyana Morales

Lead Infant Teacher

Georyana is originally from Granada, Nicaragua, and she moved to San Francisco to seek new opportunities for herself and her family. With a degree in Criminal Law, Georyana is now working towards her Associate Degree in Child Development at City College of San Francisco, furthering her education and expanding her professional skills.
As a mother of two beautiful children, Georyana has a deep love for working closely with infants, finding great joy and fulfillment in nurturing their early development. Her commitment to child development is evident in both her studies and her hands-on work with young children.
Outside of work, Georyana enjoys spending quality time with her family, cooking delicious meals, and exploring the beautiful sights of San Francisco. Whether she’s discovering new recipes in the kitchen or taking in the scenic views of the city, Georyana cherishes these moments of connection and relaxation with her loved ones.

Evelyn Aguilar

Infant Teacher’s Aide

Evelyn is a San Francisco native, born and raised. She shares that her family is from Guatemala and El Salvador. When Evelyn was younger she enjoyed taking care of her nieces and nephews and she turned into her family babysitter. She realized her passion was taking care of kids when she became a mother, so she decided to start taking classes to be a teacher. Outside of work, Evelyn enjoys spending time with her family, taking her children to the park, listening to music, and shopping.

Malliejo Asuncion

Lead Preschool Teacher

Meet Mallie, our enthusiastic Lower Preschool Teacher Aide at Meaningful Beginnings. Currently a part-time student at Skyline College, Mallie is actively completing her Early Childhood Education (ECE) units while gaining valuable preschool experience with us.

Mallie’s journey in childcare began at the age of 17 when she started babysitting infants and toddlers up to 6 years old. Her passion for working with children grew as she later joined an after-school program, working with children aged 5 to 12 for nearly three years. As a mother to a delightful three-year-old girl who inspired her interest in preschool education, Mallie brings a personal touch to her professional endeavors.

Her future ambition is to open her own daycare and development center. At Meaningful Beginnings, Mallie is dedicated to providing each child with a positive and meaningful educational experience. She is committed to helping our young learners grow and develop into the future leaders of our world. Mallie’s hands-on approach and personal experience as a mom make her a cherished member of our team and a favorite among the children.

Vivian Lee

Lead Facility Assistant

Vivian is the Facility Assistant at MB. Although she is new to childcare, she has been eagerly learning a great deal from both the teachers and students. They have taught her about creating nutritious, child-friendly meals and maintaining a clean and organized environment. Vivian is dedicated to ensuring that the facility is a safe and welcoming place for everyone. She looks forward to contributing to the positive atmosphere and supporting the growth and development of the children in her care.

Jamae Frasca

Preschool Teacher

Meet Ms. Mae, our dedicated Toddler Teacher at Meaningful Beginnings. With over five years of experience in child care, Mae has found her true calling in this field and has no plans of leaving anytime soon. She embraces the role of a guide, fostering an environment where children can make their own age-appropriate decisions, allowing their creativity and curiosity to flourish.

Mae’s primary goal is to ensure that all children feel safe to explore, learn, and have fun in her vibrant classroom. She has a particular passion for integrating music into the learning experience, tailoring it to match the interests of the children, which enhances their engagement and enjoyment.

Outside of the classroom, Mae is an avid artist who enjoys painting, singing, and dancing in her free time. On weekends, she loves to explore the city with a piping hot Chai latte in hand, soaking in new experiences and inspirations that she often brings back to her students.

Gabriela Elizabeth Vivar Velasquez

Toddler Lead Teacher

Meet Gabriela Vivar, our enthusiastic Infant Aid at Meaningful Beginnings. Despite her brief tenure in this role, Gabriela is eager to continue learning and playing a part in the daily growth of the children in her care. She is currently studying Psychology and Sociology at City College of San Francisco.

Gabriela’s interest in child development was significantly shaped by a course where she read “Kindezi: The Kongo Art of Babysitting.” This book profoundly altered her perspective on babysitting and childcare, fueling her dedication to ensure that the children under her care are happy and healthy as they reach their developmental milestones. Gabriela believes passionately that the early years are crucial, as they set the foundation for a child’s future.

When she’s not at work, Gabriela enjoys unwinding with music, diving into books, and spending quality time with her kitten. Her commitment to nurturing young minds makes her a valued member of the Meaningful Beginnings team.

Kalli Walkinhawk

Preschool Aide

Meet Kalli WalkinHawk, a vibrant new addition to the Meaningful Beginnings team. Born and raised in Santa Rosa, California, Kalli has spent her entire life in the Bay Area. She graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Performing Arts from San Francisco State University.

Kalli’s journey into education began with her passion for teaching ballet to young children. Her love for working with kids and her belief in the power of their imagination and creativity led her to Meaningful Beginnings, where she saw the perfect opportunity to advance her career in child education.

In her free time, Kalli loves to be outdoors and travel, exploring new places and gaining experiences that enrich her both personally and professionally. She is thrilled to start her journey at Meaningful Beginnings and is eager to see what the future holds in this new chapter of her life.

Kary Cao

Infant Teacher Aide

Kary Cao is a dedicated mother of two children who has always had a deep affection for kids, which fuels her passion for her current job. She has been a valued member of the Meaningful Beginnings team for over a year. In her role as a teacher’s assistant, she is primarily responsible for caring for babies in the Starfish room. Kary finds immense joy and fulfillment in her daily work. She eagerly looks forward to each day, as taking care of the babies is the most important part of her job. She finds it incredibly rewarding to watch the babies grow and change at every stage of their development. For Kary, each milestone and every new skill learned by the babies is a source of excitement and satisfaction. Her commitment to providing a nurturing and supportive environment for the babies is evident in her attentive and loving care. Kary’s role is not just a job to her; it is a vocation that allows her to make a significant impact on the lives of the children she looks after, helping them to thrive during their crucial early years.

Ms. Veronica

Preschool Teacher Aide

Veronica is a dedicated student at San Francisco State University (SFSU), where she is pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering. Alongside her academic pursuits, Veronica has a strong passion for spending time with and teaching the next generation, finding joy in sharing her knowledge and inspiring young minds.
In her free time, Veronica enjoys crocheting, a hobby that allows her to relax and express her creativity. Her interest in both engineering and teaching showcases her diverse talents and commitment to making a positive impact in her community. Whether she’s studying complex engineering concepts or engaging with young learners, Veronica is dedicated to her growth and the growth of those around her.

Ms. Achala

Preschool Teacher

Achala is originally from Sri Lanka (Ceylon) and has worked in Bay Area schools for over 18 years in various roles within the Montessori environment, engaging with children from infancy to kindergarten.

She holds Montessori training from AMI and MMTTC, and has completed additional units in early and adolescent development from City College of San Francisco. Achala is currently working towards finishing her associate degree in child development at CCSF.

Teaching is her passion, and she never tires of working with young children. She understands that the ages from 0 to 5 years are crucial for a child’s development.

Achala is thrilled to join the Meaningful Beginnings environment. Her goal is to provide positive guidance and teaching that will set children on a bright and fun future, helping them value themselves and others.

In her free time, Achala enjoys spending time with her son, hiking, listening to music, traveling, and doing charity work with her family and friends.

 

Alex Leiva

Preschool Teacher

Alexandra Leiva is proud to be a part of the Meaningful Beginnings Dolphin team. Originally from San Francisco, she holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development from Dominguez Hills University. This marks her first full year at Meaningful Beginnings, where she has found her true passion in working with the youngest learners.

Alexandra is dedicated to helping each child progress in all areas of their development—academic, social, language, and motor skills. She embraces the daily challenge of nurturing this growth and strives to create a community of learners in a positive, fun environment.
Outside of her professional role, Alexandra enjoys spending quality time with her family and exploring the vibrant city of San Francisco. She looks forward to working together with parents as partners in their child’s growth and development, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment for all.

Cassie Portillo

Infant Teacher Aide

Meet Cassie Portillo, our devoted mobile infant teacher’s aid at Meaningful Beginnings. Although new to teaching, Cassie is eager to learn and provide the best learning environment for all students. She is currently studying Mass Communications at Las Positas College.
Cassie’s interest in Child Development was mainly shaped by her two younger siblings who she often provided care for. This encouraged her to provide the same care for other children, to ensure that they are happy and well taken care of as they reach their development milestones. Cassie believes that every child deserves a safe space to grow and succeed.
When Cassie is not at work, she enjoys spending time with family and traveling. On weekends, she enjoys going to the park with a bowl of açaí and her friends. She hopes that through her own experiences she can inspire and educate her students

Katelynn Ruprecht

Toddler Teacher

Meet Katelynn, our passionate Toddler Teacher at Meaningful Beginnings. Katelynn began her journey in 2015, tutoring children with learning disabilities and volunteering with those on the autism spectrum. After relocating to San Francisco in 2021, she gained experience working in preschools across the bay and spent a semester teaching middle schoolers. Through these experiences, Katelynn discovered her true passion lies within an Early Childhood setting.
An advocate for play-based learning and sensory experiences, Katelynn engages toddlers in enriching activities that encourage creativity and exploration. Currently pursuing a degree in Psychology with a background in Biology, she finds joy in incorporating STEM activities into the classroom, observing the raw scientific curiosity of young children.
Beyond the classroom, Katelynn has a love for trying new things, from art projects and poetry to exploring the sites of the Bay. You can always find her with a good book, though she may never finish it. Her approach to teaching is guided by empathy and a want to foster nurturing relationships with both her students and their families. Her love for teaching shines through in every interaction, making her an invaluable member of our team.

Maya Fielding

Toddler Teacher

Coming soon….

Ruby Fung

Assistant Director of Preschool

Hello, my name is Ruby and I am a Toddler Teacher at Meaningful Beginnings! I graduated from San Francisco State University with a Bachelors in Child and Adolescent Development. I also double minored in Education and Special Education. I have been teaching young preschool and toddlers for about two years now and I love it!

When it comes to teaching I love to incorporate children’s interests into the curriculum. I love to bake, cook, and science is one of my favorite subjects so I hope to incorporate a lot of that into my curriculum. I believe that children at this age learn the most through play and interactions with their peers. In my classroom I would want everyone to feel safe, comfortable, and loved. I hope to make a difference in each child’s life whether it is big or small!

Destiney Jackson

Upper Preschool Teacher

Hi, my name is Destiney! I am the new lead preschool teacher in the Dancing Dolphin classroom. I recently graduated from San Francisco State University with a major in Child and Adolescent Development and have worked in the field of early childhood education for over 7 years. I moved from Los Ángeles two years ago. On the weekends I love to go hiking with my dog.

Katie Ou

Lead Infant Teacher

Hello families, my name is Katie! I am an infant teacher in the mobile class at Meaningful Beginnings. I received my B.A for Child & Adolescent Development in Early Childhood, and minored in Special Education at
San Francisco State University. I started volunteering at daycares and summer camps since I was a teen. And during my studies, I gained experience working as an aide and soon advanced into a lead teacher role before coming here. I realized I love being around kiddos since I was little, maybe it has to do with that fact that I am the only child. Watching babies grow and develop over time is such a rewarding feeling, and knowing I was able to make an impact on their lives. Nonetheless, I look forward to meeting you and your family here!

Julissa Vargas-Mendoza

Lead Infant Teacher

​​Hello, my name is Julissa Vargas-Mendoza. I am an Infant Teacher at the Meaningful Beginnings Development Center at Laguna Honda. I am currently studying for degrees in Child Adolescent and Development and Nursing. I have volunteered with after-school programs in high school, as well as with San Francisco State University’s Early Childhood Education Center. As a young child I have always been around other children in my family, and absolutely love being around children hence my studies in child development. I look forward to working with infants and their families, and learning how I can help our youngest children succeed and grow, every day!

Yvonne Ma

Infant Teacher

Yvonne is the infant teacher at Meaningful Beginning Center. Yvonne joined the field of early childhood education by chance and fell in love with working with children. Yvonne takes ECE units course from City College of San Francisco and over three years of experience in childcare, she works with children with different ages, from 6 months to 4 years old. However, it was her desire to witness the milestones of babies and support their growth that she chose to become an infant teacher. Yvonne is passionate about working with babies and helping them grow and develop independently in a safe and nurturing environment. She enjoys tapping toys with babies to make sounds and singing songs with them. In her spare time, Yvonne likes window shopping and enjoys taking walks in the pathway with her family.

Sara Bahadori

Infant Aid

Hello! My name is Sara and I am an Infant Teachers Aide at Meaningful Beginnings. I am studying Business Administration at San Francisco State University, and I have a goal of opening my own daycare in the future! Before Meaningful Beginnings, I worked for a child care agency with ages ranging from under one year old all the way to 5th grade. I grew up in San Diego, and there I spent a lot of time volunteering at preschools, as well as at schools for children on the spectrum. I consider myself to have a lot of patience with everything, especially kids.

To me, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing babies I teach grow into independent kids with minds of their own. It is important that kids are able to explore by themselves, so I have taken on a Montessori-like approach in teaching. My main goal while teaching is to emphasize the importance of setting personal boundaries, as well as learning how to respect others. After all, these kiddos are the future of our society, so I believe it is my priority to instill respectful values at a young age. I hope you join us at Meaningful Beginnings!

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Emily Pham

Infant Teacher

My name is Emily and I am an infant teacher. My aim with this position is to learn how children develop as unique individuals and learn how to support their holistic growth. I am currently a student at San Francisco
State University majoring in Child and Adolescent Development. With this experience, I am hoping to get a sense on whether I want to continue to work in the classroom or if I want to learn the administrative side of education. The experience of working directly with children is gratifying and I wish to create a safe space for children to explore with all of their senses as they develop their own personalities. I hope to be able to help build a strong foundation so that the children can have the confidence and ability to express themselves.