Eva Lissette Barahona
Director

Philosophy: “Although I’m now handling a lot of the administration at Daisy, I still make a point to get out and play with the children every day. When I’m with them, I can get in touch with the child in me. It brings me tremendous joy to know that I can make a difference in a child’s life, and that my work here contributes to their development as they become adults.”

Credentials: Eva has served as the Director of Daisy Child Development Center since 1991. Her career as an educator started with volunteer work, teaching Spanish at her daughter’s preschool and continued at Rose Street Community Care Center in Berkeley. In addition to her work experience, Eva has studied at U.C. San Francisco, Merritt College and Pacific Oak College. She has special training in preventing violence in young children and working with special needs children.

Johana Barahona
Associate Director

Philosophy: “I believe children need to be nurtured from birth and young children need lots of love and space to be creative. I love being a part of their growth and helping them gain confidence. I believe the skills and ideas they develop here will build a steady foundation for the rest of their lives.”

Credentials: Johana grew up around Daisy and has been volunteering to work with children since high school, at both Daisy and Wooly Mammoth Childcare in Berkeley. After earning her degree in Cultural Anthropology from the University of California in Santa Cruz, Johana began a career in social work helping women and children who had survived abusive situations. She joined Daisy full-time in 2008, as the staff-parent liaison and associate director. In addition to her undergraduate degree, Johana has taken classes in Early Childhood Development at Merritt College.

Joanna P. Lamnouar
Curriculum Administrator

Philosophy: “Children are special beings that resonate with spontaneity, creativity and honesty. They need respect, love and a chance to be heard and acknowledged for their unique qualities. I believe in listening and supporting them.”

Credentials: Joanna started working at Daisy in 1992 and has been in the childcare and education field since the early 1980s. Joanna earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from San Francisco State University in Art after studying Music at Sonoma State University. Throughout her college career, she took a number of Early Childhood Education classes and continued her studies at Pacific Oaks College and Cal State East Bay. Joanna has an instruction permit, is director qualified and has taken part in a number of workshops including a Safe Start Program that covered solving children’s conflicts.

Latif Lamnouar
Facilities Administrator

Philosophy: “I believe having a well organized space is important in a learning environment. At Daisy, I’m able to bring my passion for gardening, cleaning, building and creating new spaces for children to learn and explore.”

Credentials: Latif is Daisy’s all around caretaker. His playful, hardworking energy can be felt as he entertains the children while sweeping, fixing, painting the facilities, rooms and playgrounds. Latif came to the United States from his native Morocco in 1984 and he’s been an active participant in the school’s care for the past decade.

Please click the appropriate link to read more about the teachers in the Star Room, Rainbow Room, Galaxy Room, Cloud Room or our Music & Drama teachers.