Nikki Thomas
Galaxy Room Teacher
Philosophy: “Children are little comedians and they make me laugh every day. It gives me joy to be with them. I like learning how they come up with their theories when they’re in the middle of constructing some kind of creation. I believe in giving the children as much freedom as possible to explore their environment and their relationships to others.”
Credentials: Nikki started her career in Early Childhood Education in 2004 at Parent-Child Development Center in Oakland and she joined the Daisy staff in 2006. Nikki has studied at Merritt College and Cal State East Bay for her Early Childhood Education teaching credentials.
Alana Pinsler
Galaxy Room Teacher
Philosophy: “Patience, patience, patience, patience! Children learn best through play and incorporating learning concepts in a relaxed atmosphere encourages increased retention and improves interaction between teacher and child. Introducing children to social concepts such as respect, pride, and a love of learning is equally important as introducing math, language, and science concepts.”
Credentials: Alana has been teaching since 2005 and has been at Daisy since 2009. She is currently working on her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership in Early Childhood Education from Mills College. She graduated from University of California in Santa Cruz with a Bachelor of Arts in Community Studies, with an emphasis in Public Health & Education. She obtained 15 units in Early Childhood Education from Santa Barbara City College, and has since worked in a variety of education settings: home-based preschools, boarding schools, religious-based centers, and taking care of younger family members in the her large, extended family.
Lisbeth Palma
Galaxy Room Teacher’s Assistant
Philosophy: “I enjoy engaging children in arts and crafts, music, dance and sports. I also speak Spanish, my first language, to the children daily. I love working with children and appreciate their sense of humor. I want to help them learn new skills every day and to keep them safe.”
Credentials: Lisbeth joined the Daisy staff in 2000, first working in the Star Room before joining the Galaxy Rangers. Lisbeth has taken Extended Education classes in Child Development, learning about setting limits with children, and toddler curriculum.
Angela Banchi
Star Room/Galaxy Teacher’s Aide
Philosophy: “I have lived next door to Daisy for 8 years and have loved hearing the children’s giggles and voices drifting over the fence. Voices So in 2011, I decided to “join the ranks”and see what the world of Daisy was all about.”
Credentials: Angela has been working with children for many years in various avenues. She does her own portrait and wedding photography business. Photographing children, babies, and families has prepared her for stepping into the world of teaching. Since 2009, she has been teaching science at afterschool programs working with preschoolers to 6th grade students. She has begun taking Child Development classes at Merritt College since Fall 2012.
Please click the appropriate link to read more about Daisy Administration, or the teachers in the Star Room, Rainbow Room, Cloud Room or our Music & Drama teachers.
