Kiddie Academy of Almaden Valley

Ms. Michaella

Academy Director

Ms. Michaella has nearly 20 years of experience in childcare, she oversees the daily operations of the school, supports teachers, and works closely with families to ensure a high-quality learning and care environment for every child. Although she joined our school recently, she has already made a positive impact on our community.   Originally from South Africa, Ms. Michaella moved to the United States in 1999. She enjoys visiting her family, who own a game reserve with many different animals. In her free time, she enjoys reading, exploring with her dog, and cheering on the Springboks rugby team.

Ms. Ali

Assistant Director of Education

Ms. Ali has been with our school since 2021 and has been working with young children since 2015. She leads our curriculum development and implementation, working closely with teachers to ensure that every classroom provides a rich, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning experience. Passionate about early childhood education, Ms. Ali is deeply committed to supporting both the care and educational growth of every child in our program. A beloved member of our leadership team, she is known for her thoughtful guidance, collaborative spirit, and dedication to creating a positive and nurturing environment for children, families, and teachers alike. Ms. Ali also enjoys sharing beautiful moments from our school community through our social media, helping families stay connected with the joyful learning happening each day.

Ms. Gonzalez

Assistant Director of Operations

Miss Gonzalez has been working with young children since 2013, and has been with our school since 2021. She supports the daily operations of the school and works closely with our leadership team to ensure that classrooms run smoothly and teachers have the resources they need to succeed. Known for her strong work ethic and dedication, Ms. G helps maintain an organized and welcoming environment for both children and staff. She is passionate about supporting our team and contributing to a positive and nurturing school community.

Mr. Jose

School Chef

Mr. Jose has been our dedicated school chef since 2020. Each day he prepares three freshly made meals on site for our children, including breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack. Mr. Jose takes great pride in his work and enjoys creating delicious, nutritious meals that children look forward to every day. He has become a beloved member of our school community—so much so that some of our younger children have affectionately started calling all the male figures at school “Mr. Jose.” His warm presence and care for the children make him an important part of our school family.

Ms. Simona

TK / Preschool+ teacher

Ms. Simona has been part of our school community since 2019. She joined our team with many years of experience working with preschool-age children. Ms. Simona taught in our Preschool classrooms for three years before moving into our TK / Preschool+ program, where she continues to support children as they grow in confidence and independence. She takes great pride in her work and is deeply dedicated to the children in her care. She truly cares for the children and the important role she plays in their growth and development.

Ms. Juby

TK / Preschool+ Teacher

Ms. Juby has been a valued member of our school community since 2019. She joined us with many years of experience working with young children and spent six years teaching in our Preschool classrooms before moving into our TK program. Ms. Juby is known for her dedication, warmth, and strong connection with both children and colleagues. She is a wonderful team player who consistently supports our school community and helps create a nurturing and engaging learning environment for every child.

Ms. Catalina

TK / Preschool+ Teacher

Ms. Catalina has been part of our school community since 2021. She has been teaching in our TK / Preschool+ classroom, where she supports children as they build confidence, independence, and readiness for the next stage of their learning journey. Ms. Catalina enjoys guiding children through this important transition and helping them grow both academically and socially.

Ms. Rachel

Early Preschool Teacher

Ms. Rachel has been part of our school community since 2022 and teaches in our Early Preschool program. She is a loving and dedicated teacher who is passionate about working with young children. Caring for two-year-olds requires patience, energy, and great skill, and Ms. Rachel brings all of these qualities to her classroom each day. She works hard to nurture and educate the children in her care, helping them grow in confidence and independence. Her children and their families truly appreciate the warmth and dedication she brings to the classroom.

Ms. Michaela

Early Preschool Teacher

Ms. Michaela has been part of our school community since 2022. She first joined our team as a support teacher and later became the teacher in our Early Preschool classroom. Ms. Michaela is known for her kindness and genuine care for the children in her class. She brings a warm heart and positive energy to our school and is a wonderful team player who supports both the children and her colleagues each day.

Ms. Ferry

Infant / Toddler teacher

Ms. Ferry has been part of our school community since 2021 and serves as one of our dedicated Infant / Toddler teachers. She is known for her kindness, warmth, and genuine love for the children in her care. Ms. Ferry takes great pride in her work and is a wonderful team player who consistently supports both her colleagues and the children in our program. She is also a trusted member of our team who always looks out for the well-being of our school community. Each year, Ms. Ferry shares her culture with us by helping organize our celebration of Nowruz, the Persian New Year, bringing a special cultural experience to our school.

Ms. Isela

Toddler Teacher

Ms. Isela has been part of our school community since 2021 and serves as one of our Toddler teachers. She brings a calm and steady presence to her classroom, creating a nurturing environment where children feel secure and supported. Under her care, children develop independence, confidence, and many important early learning skills. Ms. Isela takes great pride in maintaining a well-organized and positive classroom where young children can thrive.

Ms. Joanne

Infant Teacher

Ms. Joanne has been part of our school community since 2022 and is a beloved teacher in our Infant program. She is known for her loving, kind, and patient nature, and for the special understanding she has for the babies in her care. Ms. Joanne takes wonderful care of each child and communicates closely with parents to support their development. She also thoughtfully creates activities that help our babies learn, grow, and explore the world around them.