Toni Gross
Music & Drama
Philosophy: “I believe in a classroom culture of compassion, respect and helpfulness. I believe in helping children understand and enjoy their differences. I hope that our Daisy children learn an honest sense of interrelatedness and responsibility, a deep appreciation of their own and other’s special skills and talents.”
Credentials: Toni has been a teacher for more than 30 years and has been an integral member of the Daisy staff since the early 90s. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hunter College in New York and a Master’s Degree from the Bank Street College of Education. In addition to her classroom experience, Toni added to her education with classes in Early Child Development. Although Toni “retired” from the classroom in 2009, she continues to come to Daisy and entertain the children with her cello and stories.
Mariela Herrera
Music
Philosophy: “Through stories, songs, and play I encourage intellectual development, as well as auditory, sensory and rhythmic control. Movement during rounds and age-appropriate songs will benefit their psycho-motor skills, language, and social development.”
Credentials: Mariela has been involved in the arts since she was a little girl in Santiago de Chile, first as a classical ballet dancer and then as a member of Los Maipucitos, a children’s folk group. She’s also performed with BAFOCHI (Ballet Folkloric from Chile) and Arte Chile Dance Company. In the midst of that, she attended the Catholic University of Chile and studied traditional Chilean culture and the University of Chile where she studied theatre. Since moving to the United States in 2004, she has performed with children at a number of public libraries, Studio Grow play space, Hola Kids, Centro Vida, Richmond Latina Center, Duck’s Nest preschool and La Peña Cultural Center.
Jennifer Hawley
Kinderboost
Philosophy: “Every child has the ability to become what they dream about. Love, nurturance, security, and passion will allow them to achieve their goals and become happy and healthy adults. My goal is to guide and support children so that they achieve everything they want, feel amazing about themselves, and have something to smile about each day. Best said by Dr. Seuss, ‘You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself, any direction you choose’.”
Credentials: Jennifer studied Human Development at Warner Pacific College in Portland, OR. She has worked in Preschools for five years and taught Private Kindergarten in a Child Development Center. Jennifer also provides in-home ABA services for children on the spectrum throughout the Bay Area.
Please click the appropriate link to read more about Daisy Administration, or the teachers in the Star Room, Rainbow Room, Galaxy Room or Cloud Room.
