Cindy, Director at College plus much, much more

Cindy

Director of College plus much, much more

With over 30 years of experience working with young children in the San Francisco Bay Area, I have dedicated my life to the field of early childhood education. After earning my degree in Early Childhood Education early in my career, I knew I would pour my heart and soul into this profession that I hold so dear. Over the years, I have served as a teacher, mentor, director, grant writer, curriculum developer, and enrollment specialist in a variety of preschool settings, from state-funded programs to private schools. I have also had the privilege of supporting a diverse array of families throughout my career.

My roots deeply influence who I am as an educator. My father is from East Texas and my mother from right here in Oakland/San Leandro—together they instilled in me a deep respect for nature and a love of life. Some of my earliest memories include raising chickens and growing our own garden-fresh food, experiences that nurtured my appreciation for the natural world. This love of life naturally evolved into a passion for nurturing young children, and later, mentoring teachers and directors as they grow in their own careers.

What continually inspires me about children is their honesty, curiosity, and openness. It brings me great joy to hear their thoughts and see the world through their eyes each day. My lifelong passion is to create beautiful, loving environments where young children can explore and make sense of the world around them.

Outside the classroom, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my husband and our young adult daughter. Together, we love camping, hiking, attending live music shows, and riding vintage bicycles through the many beautiful landscapes of California.

At Rockridge Little School, I strive to bring my love of nature and care for the environment into our daily practice, with the hope of passing these passions on to future generations. I am also deeply committed to cultivating trust and a strong sense of community that supports the whole child. I truly believe in the African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child,” and I see my role as not only serving the children, but also wholeheartedly supporting the teachers and families who make up our village.