Our Teachers and Staff
Our staff isn't just a team; they're the guiding lights who shape the bright futures of your children.
What to expect from your child's teacher
They will know your child
Not the class, your child. What they are working on this week, what they find hard, what makes them laugh. At nine children per teacher for the twos and twelve for the older classes, that is possible rather than aspirational.
They keep your child safe, and tell you the truth about it
Safety is the floor, not the achievement. If something happens, a fall, a scrape, a hard afternoon, you hear it from us that day rather than from your child at bedtime.
They behave the way they ask your child to behave
Children learn manners and self-control by watching adults, not by being told about them. Our teachers speak to two-year-olds the way they want two-year-olds to speak to each other.
They listen, and your child knows it
We talk with children rather than at them. A child who is genuinely listened to asks more questions, and a child who asks questions learns faster.
They are patient, and they are straight with you
You should hear more good news from us than problems. When there is a problem you will hear it early, while it is still small, rather than at the end of a term.
The day is not all curriculum
We have a formal curriculum for part of the day. The rest is where teachers bring their own ideas, which is why no two classrooms here feel quite the same.
They are not a serious group
Being a little silly is encouraged. Your child should like the person teaching them. At this age that is not a soft consideration, it is most of whether they engage at all.
Elizabeth
My name is Elizabeth, I am the director at Elan Preschool. I have a passion for helping all children reach their potential. Elan has become my second family for the past 22 years. My son was also a student at Elan and because of this he found the love for books and learning.
I was fortunate to discover that I wanted to work with children at a young age. One of the reasons I became a teacher was because of my kindergarten teacher, Ms. Sinclaire. I believe that teachers make a big impact on children and because of this I will continue to be the best role model I can be.
In my spare time I love to paint and cook with my son. Thank you Elan for giving me the chance to have fun and enjoy being a Teacher/Director.
Daxa
I'm Ms. Daxa, and for the past 16 years I've been dedicated to teaching and nurturing young minds at Elan Preschool. My greatest passion is helping children during their crucial early academic years, and it brings me immense joy to be a part of their educational journey, preparing them for kindergarten and beyond.
Elan Preschool is exceptional in my eyes, with its seamless blend of learning and fun activities. The teachers at Elan are not only highly knowledgeable but also warm and caring, ensuring the well-being and growth of the children they guide.
Outside of work, I'm a part of a loving family of four, including my husband and two wonderful boys. We've called Milpitas our home since 2012. In my free time, I indulge in my hobbies, such as gardening, spending quality time with my family, cooking, enjoying music, and watching movies.
I also find fulfillment in volunteering at our local community temple, deepening my spiritual knowledge and connecting with my community in meaningful ways.
Candace
Hi, my name is Ms. Candace.
I have been working with kids for 9 years. I love being a teacher and being able to provide a safe and caring environment for them to learn in. I love watching them discover, explore, and learn new things. I like working at Elan because it is such a warm environment. Coming to work always excites me. There is a great sense of teamwork among all the teachers. Working at Elan has been a great joy.
In my spare time, I like to read, take hikes, and do different crafts.
Eva
Hello! I'm Ms. Eva, and I'm excited to be a part of Elan Preschool as a teacher aide. I have two wonderful kids: my son is 8 years old, and my daughter is 10 years old.
In my free time I enjoy spending time with them: reading books, going on hikes, and exploring new activities.
While working at Elan my curiosity about young children's development led me to complete all the necessary classes to become a preschool teacher. I was interested in learning and supporting children's growth, which inspired me to pursue this education.
Working as a teacher aide at Elan Preschool for the past 4 years has been an exciting experience. I've had the chance to engage with curious and lively preschoolers, actively participating in classroom activities while supporting both teachers and students. What makes this role truly special to me is my sincere affection for young children and witnessing their journey of learning and growth.
Jenelyn
I am Ms. Jenelyn.
I have been a preschool teacher for 9 years. I have worked with children of all ages and have also worked with children with ASD. I love being a preschool teacher because the kids stay shorter than me. Also, as a preschool teacher, I am helping shape the minds of children and supporting their academic, social, and personal growth. I love being a teacher here at Elan because I am valued as a teacher and, being part of Elan, I feel like I am part of one big happy family.
In my spare time, I enjoy cooking and eating a yummy meal after a good workout. I look forward to meeting you and your child.
Whitney
Hi! I'm Ms. Whitney.
I have been working in childcare for over 15 years. After college, I moved to the Bay Area and worked as a private nanny for years. Then I worked in the afterschool sector as a teacher and site director for about 6 years. I then transitioned to being a preschool teacher at Stanford University, serving in this role until 2023, when I joined Elan. I love working at Elan because literacy is very important to me; working in a reading- and writing-based program is a great fit! I've been enjoying the team environment and working with such an amazing group of kids! Since Elan is so close to my home, it feels like I am able to work within my own community.
I love traveling and being outdoors, including but not limited to camping and hiking. I also love reading, movies, TV, and sewing.
Shawnese
I am truly honored to be a Preschool Teacher in the Dragonfly Class at Elan Preschool! Working with young children has been my passion for more than 35 years, and I feel incredibly grateful to have spent so much of my life doing what I love.
Thankfully, I have had the privilege of watching so many little ones learn, grow, and discover the world around them. I believe that every child is unique and deserves to feel loved, valued, encouraged, and confident in who they are.
As a teacher, I strive to create a classroom that is both a fun and meaningful learning environment. My hope is to give each child opportunities to explore, create, learn, laugh, and make special memories that last forever. I am honored to be trusted with such an important role in a child's early years, and I care for my students with the same love, patience, and kindness that I have always given my own son.
When I am not in the classroom, I enjoy cooking and baking, exploring new places, going to the movies, and, of course, taking some time to pamper ME! 😊