Meet Our Staff
Administration
Tim Harper, Director
Email: harpertim@deanza.edu
Degrees and Credentials
- Permit level: Program Director
- Ed.D Candidate, Social Justice and Equity in Education
- M.A., Early Childhood Education
- Early Childhood Special Education Credential
- B.A., Child Development
- Transdisciplinary Infant-Family and Early Childhood Mental Health Practitioner, and Reflective Practice Facilitator (state of California)
Maritza Fuentes, Administrative Assistant
Email: barronmaritza@deanza.edu
Degrees and Credentials
- A.S., Business Administration, Heald College
- Translation and Interpretation Certificate, National Hispanic University
Cameron Thompson, Administrative Assistant
Email: thompsoncameron@deanza.edu
Degrees and Credentials
Personal Interests in Education
Kathy Zhang, Enrollment Specialist
Email: zhangkathleen@deanza.edu
Degrees and Credentials
- Permit Level: Site Supervisor
- B.A., Health Service Administration, St. Mary's College
- Child Development Certificate, De Anza College
Personal Interests in Education
- Assisting families with the enrollment process
- Sharing love of art and music with children
Teachers
Amy Zhen, Teacher
email: zhenamy@deanza.edu
Degrees and Credentials
- Permit level: Site Supervisor
- Began teaching: 2004
- B.A., Chinese Literature and Education
- A.A., Human Development
Personal Interests in Education
- A strong passion for educating young children.
- Creating engaging and inclusive environment
Aye Khine, Teacher
Email: khineaye@deanza.edu
Degrees and Credentials
- Permit level: Child Development Teacher
- Began teaching: 2011
- A.A., Early Childhood Education
Personal Interests in Education
- Believes in fostering developmentally appropriate expectations
- Provide guidance and support that align with a child’s age and stage
- Nurture long term growth and well being
Bertie Cannon, Teacher
Email: cannonbertie@deanza.edu
Degrees and Credentials
- Permit level: Child Development Teacher
- Began teaching: 2017
- A.S., Early Childhood Education, Foothill College
Personal Interests in Education
- I have been caring for younger siblings and cousins since my early childhood.
- The care, education, and uplifting of children from early in their lives is very important to me
Bill Wright, Teacher
Email: wrightbill@deanza.edu
Degrees and Credentials
- Permit level: Early Childhood Instructional
- Began teaching: 1981
- B.A., Human Development, Pacific Oaks College
- A.A., Early Childhood Development, De Anza College
Personal Interests in education
- Emphasizes building close relationships to foster trust and learning
- Advocates for hands-on play experiences
- Observes individual interests to develop appropriate curriculum
- Enjoys integrating music into education
- Experience in early intervention programs for children with autism
- Values community involvement with teachers, families, and children
Brittany Espinoza, Teacher
Email: espinozabrittany@deanza.edu
Degrees and Credentials
- Permit level: Site Supervisor
- Began teaching: 2011
- B.A., Child and Adolescent Development, San Jose State University
- A.A., Liberal Arts, West Valley College
Personal Interests in Education
- Passion for empowering others: Motivated by the opportunity to help students unlock their potential and build confidence in their abilities.
- Encouraging exploration: Play allows students to interact with their environment, ask questions, and discover answers on their own, promoting curiosity and independent thinking.
Carrie Wollack, Teacher
Email: wollackcarrie@deanza.edu
Degrees and Credentials
- Began teaching: 2007
- M.A., Early Childhood Development, Mills College
- Credential in Special Education
Personal Interests in Education
- Substitute teacher at De Anza for the past six years.
- Loves the De Anza Community and working with the teachers, families, and children
Christina Cho, Teacher
Email:
Degrees and Credentials
- Permit level: Site Supervisor
- Began teaching: 2005
- Pursuing M.A., Early Childhood Leadership and Advocacy, Erikson Institute
- B.A., Child and Adolescent Development, San Francisco State University
- A.A., Liberal Arts, De Anza College
- Completed program for Infant and Toddler Care
Personal Interests in Education
- Believes in play-based learning, project approach, and fostering meaningful partnerships between parents, children and teachers
- Presented at CAAEYC, ECSTEM, First Five San Francisco, Journy Conference, NAEYC
- Board member and treasurer for Global Tassels
Farah Memon, Teacher
Email: memonfarah@deanza.edu
Degrees and Credentials
- Permit level: Master Teacher
- Began teaching: 1991 (Pakistan), 2018 (United States)
- B.A., Muslim History, Government College (Pakistan)
- A.A., Early Child Development, De Anza College
- Certificate in Montessori education
Personal Interests in Education
- I want to build a strong bond with children in my care which not only stays with you forever but also helps them with their interactions
- My goal is to help them grow and learn about the world around them.
- I love nature and enjoy hiking and nature walks.
Fay O'Keefe, Teacher
Email: o'keefefay@deanza.edu
Degrees and Credentials
- Permit level: Child Development Teacher
- Began teaching: 1989
- B.S., Psychology and Social Action, Palo Alto University
- A.A., Early Childhood Education, De Anza College
Personal Interests in Education
- Enjoys subbing across all classrooms
- Background includes roles as a home daycare provider, consultant and parent educator
- Incorporates physical activities like dance and yoga into education
- Focuses on facilitating social-emotional development and self-sufficiency
- Believes these elements are crucial for life success
Kim Nguyen, Teacher
Email: nguyenkimh@deanza.edu
Degrees and Credentials
- Permit level: Program Director
- Began teaching: 2010
- MBA, University of San Francisco
- B.A., Biological Sciences, University of California, Santa Cruz
Personal Interests in Education
- Transitioned from a corporate career to education
- Values family time and incorporates real-world experiences into teaching
Lakshmi Padmanabhan, Teacher
Email: padmanabhanlakshmi@deanza.edu
Degrees and Credentials
- Permit level: Master Child Development Teacher
- Began teaching: 1996
- B.S., Mathematics, St. Stephen's College, Delhi University
- A.A., Early Childhood Education, De Anza College
- California State Endorsed Transdisciplinary Infant-Family Early Childhood Mental Health Practitioner
- Certified Facilitator for Parent Groups on Teaching Pyramid for Families
- Certified CLASS (2nd Edition) Observer for Pre-K through Grade 3
Personal Interests in Education
- Values play and hands-on experiences like woodworking
- Advocates for maintaining children's home language for literacy success
Liane Sharp-Fuccio, Teacher
Email: fuccioliane@deanza.edu
Degrees and Credentials
- Permit level: Child Center Teacher
- Began teaching: 1985
- M.A., French Horn Performance, San Francisco Conservatory of Music
- B.F.A., Music Performance, Carnegie Mellon University
- Early Childhood Teaching Credential, Carnegie Mellon University
Personal Interests in Education
- Supporting growth of each child as an individual
- Passionate about environmental education, visual and performing arts, learning through experiences
- Relationships with children and families are the most important aspect of early childhood education
Marybell Arebalo, Teacher
Email: arebalomarybell@deanza.edu
Degrees and Credentials
- Permit level: Site Supervisor
- Began teaching: 2018
- B.A., Child and Adolescent Development, San José State University
- A.S., Early Childhood Education, De Anza College
- A.A., Liberal Arts, De Anza College
Personal Interests in Education
- Upholds educating both the mind and heart
- Believes in the importance of bonding and solid relationships in early education
- Enjoys exploring different foods and watching movies
Mazzetta Campbell, Teacher
Email: campbellmazzetta@deanza.edu
Degrees and Credentials
- Permit level: Program Director, Early Childhood Programs
- Began teaching: 1991
- B.A., Child Adolescent Development, San Francisco State University
- A.S., Early Childhood Education, Cañada College
Personal Interests in Education
- Believes in learning through play and exploration
- Specializes in designing educational environments
- Partnership between parents, and teachers
- Enjoy gardening, bonding with families and trying different types of foods
Minerva Dodge, Teacher
Email: dodgeminerva@deanza.edu
Degrees and Credentials
- Permit level: Child Development Master Teacher
- Began teaching: 2005
- A.A., General Studies, San Francisco City College
- A.A., Child Development, De Anza College
Personal Interests in Education
- Believes every child is unique and deserves respect
- Aims to make a positive impact on children's lives
- Enjoys oil painting, watercolor, and acrylic painting
Minoosh Dorraj, Teacher
Email: dorrajminoosh@deanza.edu
Degrees and Credentials
- Permit level: Child Development Teacher
- Began teaching: 2018
- B.S. degree, Chemistry (Iran)
- A.A., Child Development, De Anza College
Personal Interests in Education
- I enjoy working with children, communicating with families, and helping children learn and grow.
- Understanding how children learn, grow and develop emotionally and cognitively is essential to creating environments that support their well-being and success
Myrna Gust, Teacher
Email: gustmyrna@deanza.edu
Degrees and Credentials
- Permit level: Site Supervisor
- Began teaching: 1997
- Child Development graduate
- Certified Trainer, Caring for Infants and Special Needs in Inclusive Settings
- Certified Trainer, Infant Toddler Care (PITC)
- Certificate of Achievement, Early Childhood Mental Health and Infant-Toddler Care
- Trained in effective teacher-child interactions using the CLASS tool
- Trained in teaching pyramid framework for young childrens’ social emotional development
Personal Interests in Education
- I believe in providing the children with an environment filled with fun, laughter, extensive learning, imagination, and social emotional support.
- It is essential to have a relationship working together with parents to enable a child to grow and flourish to their true potential.
- I believe in supporting dual language learners.
- It is important for me as an educator to make observations and reflect on our classroom environment in order to facilitate an enriched curriculum where all children can thrive and be successful.
- I value treating each child with love and respect and I am always present for them.
- I engage in continuous off campus professional development training and college courses.
- Experience in early intervention, when appropriate, and helping parents navigate the school district for services.
Ngan Nguyen, Teacher
Email:
Degrees and Credentials
- Permit level: Child Development Teacher
- Began teaching: 2021
- B.A., Child and Adolescent Development, Preparation for Teaching
- A.S., Early Childhood Education
Personal Interests in Education
- Exploring innovative methods to make learning engaging.
- Adapting teaching to meet diverse learning needs.
- Teaching foundation reading, writing, and math skills.
Nicole Barber, Teacher
Email: barbernicole@deanza.edu
Degrees and Credentials
- Permit level: Child Development Teacher
- Began teaching: 2010
- Pursuing A.A., Early Childhood Education, Mission College
Personal Interests in Education
- Values implementing D.E.I practices through classroom environments and curriculum
- Enjoys engaging in art exploration with children through a variety of mediums and fine art and visual art materials
- Believes in teaching children to be capable and confident learners through patience, modeling, and positive reinforcement
- Enjoys using puppets as a tool to engage children in the curriculum and support their imaginative explorations
Nicole Whitney, Teacher
Email: whitneynicole@deanza.edu
Degrees and Credentials
- Began teaching: 2002
Personal Interests in Education
- I have been working in the early childhood education (ECE) field since 2002, with a primary focus on infants and toddlers. Over the past 20 years, I have developed a passion and deep understanding of the developmental needs of young children.
- I find great joy in sharing this knowledge with families and other educators, and in supporting the growth and learning of the infants and toddlers in my care.
- At the core of my values is the belief that very young children deserve to be loved, safe, and supported in their development. I also believe that they need opportunities to explore and take risks in order to learn and grow.
- With my years of experience and personal growth in this field, I am able to create
an environment that fosters these opportunities for exploration and risk-taking.
Rita Castillo de Sanchez, Teacher
Email: sanchezrita@deanza.edu
Degrees and Credentials
- Permit level: Child Development Associate Teacher
- Began teaching: 2009
- Completed Child Development classes at De Anza College
Personal Interests in Education
- Enjoys interactive activities like cooking and art
- Values cultural diversity and family engagement
- Focuses on building relationships through conversation
Shang Feng Liu, Teacher
Email: liushang@deanza.edu
Degrees and Credentials
- Permit level: Child Development Teacher
- Began teaching: 2004
- A.S., Early Childhood Education
Personal Interests in Education
- Supports each child's unique growth through exploration
- Celebrates diversity and culture through activities and play
- Passionate about providing art and sensory activities to foster student creativity and expression
Shelley Clark, Teacher
Email: clarkshelley@deanza.edu
Degrees and Credentials
- Permit level: Child Development Teacher
- Began teaching: 2016
- B.A., Childhood and Adolescent Development
Personal Interests in Education
- Enjoys building meaningful and trusting relationships with children and families
- Feels inspired and rewarded every day by the creative and fun ways that children learn from their environment
- Loves seeing the progress that the children make through responsive caregiving, parent-teacher collaboration, and building their confidence and self-efficacy
Shino Kashima, Teacher
Email: kashimashino@deanza.edu
Degrees and Credentials
- Permit level: Assistant Teacher (in progress)
- Began teaching: 2024
- A.A., Child Development, De Anza College
Personal Interests in Education
- Arts
- Math
- Play-based learning
Shuyan Wang, Teacher
Email: wangshuyan@deanza.edu
Degrees and Credentials
- Permit level: Eary Childhood Education Teacher
- Began teaching: 2006
- A.A., Child Development, De Anza College
Personal Interests in Education
- Believes in learning through emotional readiness and play
- Enjoys engaging with families and planning fun activities
- Has experience in bilingual Chinese preschool settings
Sofia Varela, Teacher
Email: varelasofia@deanza.edu
Degrees and Credentials
- Permit level: Site Supervisor
- Began teaching: 1994
- M.A., Education Counseling, San Jose State University
- B.A., Human Development, Pacific Oaks College
- A.A., Child Development, Foothill College
Personal Interests in Education
- Emphasizes meaningful relationships and a play-based environment
- Shares culture through arts and storytelling
- Values collaboration between teacher, child, and parent
Sugandh Chadha, Teacher
Email: chadhasugandh@deanza.edu
Degrees and Credentials
- Permit level: Assistant Teacher
- Began teaching: 2009 (India), 2020 (United States)
- Post-graduate studies, Human Resources and Finance
- B.A., Business Administration
- A.A., Child Development, De Anza College
Personal Interests in Education
- Passionate about nurturing early childhood development
- Committed to working with young children
- Enjoys celebrating children's growth and development
Susu Khaing, Teacher
Email:
Degrees and Credentials
- Permit level: Assistant Teacher
- Began teaching: 2023
- Studying Child Development at De Anza College
Personal Interests in Education
- Enjoy interacting with young children to assist with communication
- Learn how children explore and interact with each other by supervising their playing time
Suyan Ling, Teacher
Email: lingsuyan@deanza.edu
Degrees and Credentials
- Permit level: Program Director
- Began teaching: 2006
- M.A., Early Childhood Education, San Francisco State University
- Completed program for Infant Toddler Care Class, PITC
Personal Interests in Education
- Passionate about lifelong learning and believe in the power of strong relationships among educators, children, and families.
- Committed to fostering the growth and development of young children, shaping them into responsible and compassionate citizens.
- Strive to create inclusive learning environments that celebrate the unique qualities of each child.
Sylwia Kanafa, Teacher
Email: kanafasylwia@deanza.edu
Degrees and Credentials
- Permit level: Child Development Teacher
- Began teaching: 2006
- B.A., Teaching English as a Second Language, University of Gdansk (Poland)
- Certificate of Proficiency, Child Development, De Anza College
Personal Interests in Education
- Encourage children to think independently and creatively
- Value long-term relationships with families
- Enjoy seasonal sports and word puzzles
Yoko Iizuka, Teacher
Email: iizukayoko@deanza.edu
Degrees and Credentials
- Permit level: Site Supervisor
- Began teaching: 2007
- M.A., Educational Linguistics, Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey
- B.A., American Studies, Trinity Washington University
- A.A., Child Development, Foothill College
Personal Interests in Education
- Inspired by children's enthusiasm for learning
- Building relationships with children's families
- Integrates cultural appreciation into education
Zareen Riza Abedi, Teacher
Email: abedizareen@deanza.edu
Degrees and Credentials
- Permit level: Site Supervisor
- Began teaching: 2018
- B.A., Humanities, University of Karachi (Pakistan)
- A.A., Early Childhood Education
- Certificate of Achievement-Advanced, De Anza College
- Certificate of Achievement, De Anza College
- PITC Infant and Toddler Group Care Course
Personal Interests in Education
- Dedicated to creating a nurturing, inclusive, and stimulating environment where each child feels valued, respected, and encouraged to explore.
- Passionate about fostering learning through play, ensure children engage in developmentally appropriate activities that stimulate creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving skills.
- Values strong partnerships with parents to ensure a supportive connection and individualized learning experiences.