Teachers & Staff

Ilsa joined Pacific Primary in 2022, bringing over 30 years of experience in education. She holds a BA in Applied Design and a Master’s in Education, and her career has spanned teaching in both public and independent schools throughout the Bay Area, as well as a role as Head of School (Pre-K–8th) at an education technology startup.

That unique path led Ilsa back to her roots in early childhood education, with a deep belief that nothing is more important than play and hands-on, emergent learning during one of the most critical periods of a child’s development. Combining her professional experience with her own experience as a Bay Area parent, Ilsa is convinced there’s no better place to raise a child.

Outside of school, Ilsa enjoys spending time with family and friends, creating art, working in her garden, and catching live music. Ilsa feels fortunate to be part of a school that helps build lasting community, because raising the next generation takes us all.

Madonna serves as the Co-Director at Pacific Primary’s Orange Sun School. She joined Pacific Primary in 2020 and resides in the Bayview community of San Francisco. With 17 years of prior experience at Bright Horizons, she maintains a dedicated focus on family engagement and early childhood advocacy. Since 2007, she has been an active member of Early Care Educators of San Francisco (ECESF), and since 2019, she has served as a participant in the Children’s Council’s BEEPC, advocating for early care and education issues by presenting key policy concerns to legislators to drive positive change for the teaching profession.

Madonna is committed to fostering a community of lifelong learners through her work in early care and education. She serves as a positive role model, encouraging both educators and children to achieve their full potential. Beyond her professional achievements, she is a wife, mother, grandmother, administrator, teacher, conference speaker, and mentor.

Chappy has served as Co-Director of Orange Sun School at Pacific Primary since 2025, providing pedagogical leadership and mentoring a team of fourteen teaching staff toward reflective, equity-centered practice. She joined Pacific Primary in 2023 as a Lead Teacher in the Polar Bear classroom, creating developmentally appropriate, social justice–based curricula for four and five-year-olds and partnering closely with families to support each child’s growth. Chappy’s work with children and families dates back to 1994, spanning classroom teaching, program direction, and systems-level leadership across early childhood programs in California, Tennessee, and Massachusetts. Her experience includes toddler and preschool classrooms, center directorship, and statewide initiatives focused on strengthening the early childhood workforce and expanding access to high-quality care.

She holds a Doctor of Education in Leadership with an emphasis in Early Childhood, along with a Master of Arts in Education from Mills College, and a Bachelor of Arts from Hampshire College. Chappy has also taught early childhood coursework as adjunct faculty at San Francisco State University and EDvance College, mentoring the next generation of early childhood educators. Outside the classroom, Chappy can often be found on a hike immersed in nature or in one of her many creative hobbies — ask her about them sometime!

Trevor joined Pacific Primary in 2024 and loves working in a school where community goes beyond the walls of the school and where social justice practices are truly valued. He has previously worked at Aquatic Parks School in Berkeley and Cypress School in San Francisco, first as a teacher and later as an administrator, experiences that shaped his passion for education and community-building.

Trevor studied at the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned his BA in African American Studies and English, and later earned his MA in Early Child Education from San Francisco State University. Outside of school, he loves spending time with family and friends, camping, golfing, and rooting on the SF Giants!

Tia joined Pacific Primary in 2023 as a way to continue her work centering people, relationships, and creating positive experiences. While the setting has changed, they’ve continued to help people feel welcome, answer questions, and navigate new experiences in their Enrollment Director role. Tia values being able to support families throughout their preschool journey, from that first admissions conversation through their years at Pacific Primary. A bridge builder by nature, they enjoy connecting families to our community and helping things feel a little less overwhelming. As a parent of a young child, Tia understands how meaningful it is to have a steady, supportive person at your child’s school. They’re also inspired by the opportunity to work alongside so many dynamic people who are dedicated to early childhood education. Being part of that community, and being that person for families, is what makes this work so meaningful to them.

Outside of work, you’ll find Tia on neighborhood walks with their kid and buddies, hunting for the best cold brew and pastries in (or out of) SF, or on their treadmill watching reality TV, where the stress of the drama definitely adds to the workout. Tia is also a proud cat mom to two sweet kitties. Most of all, being a parent is one of their greatest joys and continues to be their favorite journey.

Sabine joined Pacific Primary in 2013 and worked as a teacher in the Polar Bear Classroom for nine years before taking some time away to be home with her son until he was old enough to start in our Sandpiper classroom. Sabine now works in the business office, assisting with finance and fundraising operations as well as providing administrative support to the directors and classrooms.

Sabine earned her BA and teaching credential at Mount Holyoke College, and her MA in Early Childhood Education from San Francisco State University. She loves biking to school each morning through Golden Gate Park and taking afternoon walks in the Panhandle (or on more ambitious days, to the top of Buena Vista Park), and welcomed her second child in 2026.

Ellie joined Pacific Primary as a Penguin teacher in 2023 when she moved to San Francisco from Brooklyn, and became the Penguin Anchor teacher in 2026. She discovered her love of teaching young children while earning her BA in psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, and working at the university’s Child Development Center. She went on to earn her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Fordham University, and during her studies worked for Montefiore Hospital to provide attachment-based play therapy to families receiving preventative services from the Administration for Children’s Services. After completing her degrees, she returned to the classroom and worked as an assistant teacher at The Learning Experience in Clinton Hill in Brooklyn, NY. Outside of school, Ellie enjoys pilates, trivia/bingo nights, (occasional) crafting, and attending concerts and raves.

Oyu has been part of our school community since 2021. For four years, she worked as a substitute teacher in all classrooms on both sides of our school, gaining valuable experience working with children of different ages and learning from many different teaching teams. At the beginning of the 2025 school year, she joined the Penguin team.

She has more than 13 years of experience in early childhood education, including working in a family day care, serving as a long-term caregiver for a private family, and working as both a substitute teacher and classroom teacher. Oyu holds a Child Development Associate Teacher Permit and an Early Childhood Education Practitioner Certificate. She is currently continuing her education and working toward an Associate of Science (AS) degree in Child Development, further deepening her knowledge and skills in the field of early childhood education.

Outside of the classroom, she enjoys taking long walks in nature, taking pictures of beautiful flowers, and playing pickleball.

Ari began her journey at Pacific Primary as a student, fondly remembering her time as a Prairie Dog and Panda. Her connection to the school continued over the years when she began volunteering during the summer of 2017, and continued until she began her role as a substitute and alternate teacher in 2024. Having been a Pacific Primary student herself, she understands the importance of creating a classroom where children feel welcomed, valued, and free to learn through play. As a student, Ari remembers learning about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and being inspired by his values of kindness, equality, respect, and standing up for what is right.

Ari has earned a degree in Early Childhood Education and is excited to continue growing as an educator. She looks forward to bringing these important values into her teaching and helping children learn to care for and respect one another. Outside of school, Ari enjoys reading, practicing yoga, cooking, trying new restaurants, and spending time with family and friends. She is excited to continue learning alongside the children and contributing to the Pacific Primary community that has been such a meaningful part of her life.

Sarah has worked at Pacific Primary since 2015, teaching in both the Polar Bear and Prairie Dog classrooms. She has served as Anchor Teacher of the Prairie Dog classroom since the Fall of 2021. Sarah’s passion for teaching three-year-olds has given her a deep understanding of child development and social-emotional regulation, along with a genuine commitment to individualizing curriculum for each child. She partners closely with families, helping them feel seen and heard, while deepening their understanding of their child’s needs.

Sarah has worked with children since 2008, when she began her career as an Early Childhood Educator in Connecticut before moving to the West Coast. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from Colby-Sawyer College in New Hampshire. In her free time, Sarah enjoys camping, puzzling, and finding new and creative ways to engage and delight the children in her classroom.

Shay joined Pacific Primary in 2020, and has worked in the ECE field since 2015 as both a teacher and head teacher with children from infant to preschool age. She earned her BA in Child and Adolescent Development with a concentration in Early Childhood from San Francisco State University in 2018. In her free time, she loves going to car events throughout the Bay Area with her family and friends. She is a mother to two children, and her oldest son Grae joined Pacific Primary as a Penguin in the fall of 2026.

Alyssa joined Pacific Primary in 2007 and has worked over 20 school years here in various classrooms, most recently returning to the Panda classroom as Anchor Teacher. In her first year, while working in the Coyote room, she watched the Orange Sun building take shape from the ground up, and later moved across the street from Yellow Sun to join the Orange Sun team when it first opened. Alyssa is especially drawn to working with four-year-olds and to the emerging humor, independence, and confidence that define this stage of childhood. She has a particular interest in bibliotherapy and puppetry, and deeply values the lasting relationships that grow within the Pacific Primary community.

Her background includes studies in Early Childhood Education and a degree in Baking and Pastry from the California Culinary Academy. Outside of school, Alyssa enjoys jigsaw puzzles, discovering new places, and returning to her favorite island each summer.

Touché is blessed and grateful to be a part of the Pacific Primary community. She has been at Pacific Primary since 2020 and has worked in the Rainbow Dolphin, Prairie Dog, and now Panda classroom, where she has been happily teaching since 2022. In the classroom she strives to make learning fun, curious, creative, and engaging — creating an environment where children feel safe to be exactly who they are. She believes young learners should be encouraged to embrace their authentic selves, build confidence, explore their curiosity, and know that their voices and ideas truly matter. Touché values community, activism, connection, and belonging, and she feels incredibly lucky to help nurture these values in Pacific Primary’s youngest learners. Supporting children through challenges, encouraging their curiosity, and celebrating each step of their development are some of the most rewarding parts of her work.

Touché graduated from San Francisco State University with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development and Education, with a minor in Special Needs. When she’s not at school, Touché can usually be found spending time with her family or listening to music. She is a HUGE music lover — for her, music is medicine! Naturally, she attends quite a few concerts throughout the year.

Born and raised in San Francisco, Emma has been working in the field of Early Childhood Education since 2001. She started out as a volunteer for the City College of San Francisco State Preschool Program. In 2007, she was hired as a classroom teacher at the Mission Campus Lab School where she remained for 14 years. During her tenure at the campus, she learned about Waldorf Inspired play based practices and became certified in children’s yoga. In 2020, she found herself at Pacific Primary as a Polar Bear classroom teacher. While working with the oldest learners, she found joy in helping children discover their many competencies in a loving, caring play based setting. She also holds a special place in her heart for field trips and baking projects!

Emma earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley in American Studies with an emphasis in the Chicano Experience in Education, and a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from San Francisco State University. She also holds a Program Director Permit from the State of California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. In her free time, you’ll find her working out or taking long walks around San Francisco (seeking out new venues for field trips!)

Taylor has worked at Pacific Primary since 2025 and feels inspired and moved to carry on the values and the legacy that this school represents and stands for. Since 2016, Taylor has worked in both traditional preschool classrooms as well as outdoor and nature based programs. Before joining Pacific Primary, he worked as the lead teacher of the Little Red School Bus program at 150 Parker School. By attaining his youth bus commercial drivers license, Taylor led daily field trips around every corner of the Bay Area exposing children to nature, museums, skateparks and beyond. Taylor is honored to work with this age group at such a crucial time in their development and believes that children are capable and competent individuals that given the right trust, confidence and opportunity, can do incredible things.

As a child Taylor’s mom was both a preschool teacher and director — following in her footsteps, Taylor began his teaching journey by earning his B.A in Elementary Education from San Francisco State University, along with additional Early Childhood Education units from City College of San Francisco. Outside of teaching, Taylor is an active drummer and musician who enjoys playing music with friends, record collecting, photography, running, and spending time out in nature.

Vanessa has worked with children in a variety of settings since 2022, including preschool, nursery, transitional kindergarten, coaching and special education. Through these experiences, she has developed a strong appreciation for creating warm, playful environments where children feel safe to explore, express themselves, and build confidence. Vanessa strongly believes in the importance of early childhood education and the value of preschool as its own meaningful stage of development, rather than preparation for K–12 schooling. She especially values children’s autonomy and believes they should have opportunities to make choices, explore their interests, and develop a sense of independence within a supportive environment.

Originally from Los Angeles, Vanessa moved to the Bay Area in 2018 to attend San Francisco State University, where she earned her BA in Child and Adolescent Development with a concentration in Early Childhood Education. Outside of school, Vanessa enjoys listening to and writing about music, writing poetry, creating art, traveling, and spending time with her cats.

An alumna of Pacific Primary, Gavi returned to the community in 2024 as an alternate teacher. Serving all classrooms and all children, she is able to embody her guiding value of “kids come first” in her everyday work. Previously, she has worked with all ages from infants and toddlers at the Early Childhood Lab at UC Davis, and to high schoolers at The Geffen Academy in Los Angeles. While living in and building a cooperative community, Gavi also spent 7 summers with children ages 7-17 at Camp Tawonga in the California Sierras.

She holds a BASc in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from UC Davis, and a Masters of Public Health in Epidemiology from UCLA. Outside of school she enjoys playing volleyball, skiing, spending time with her nieces, nephews and exploring Northern California.

Bobby joined Pacific Primary in 2025 as Alternate Teacher, and is an alum parent with two daughters having graduated from Yellow Sun School in 2022 and 2025. Bobby’s entire career spans the last thirty years in San Francisco independent schools. He has worked as a classroom teacher at Presidio Hill School, Director of Admissions at the Urban School of San Francisco, and Director of High School Counseling at San Francisco Day School. He also continues private consulting work with both schools and families.

He earned his BA in Law & Society and Criminal Justice from UC Santa Barbara. In his free time, Bobby enjoys spending time with his family biking, gardening, cooking and rooting on Bay Area sports teams.

Sabrina has been dedicated to the field of early care and education since 1995. Throughout her career, she has served as a Director for a cooperative preschool program, a paraprofessional with the SFUSD, and a classroom teacher. She particularly enjoys greeting the children each morning in the Orange Sun Sunroom, where they are encouraged to engage with art, sensory activities, and self-expression through the use of open-ended materials.

Outside of her professional responsibilities, Sabrina serves on the Black Early Educator Policy Council with the Children’s Council. In her leisure time, she enjoys reading, art, and music, and she finds her greatest joy in gathering with family and friends or spending time in nature, especially by the ocean.

Kristen joined Pacific Primary in 2016 and continues to feel grateful to work in a school where the vision and mission are truly practiced everyday. She has previously worked at Rocky Mountain Participation Nursery School and The Children’s Center of the Stanford Community, both parent cooperative preschools which reinforced her strong commitment to work alongside families at Pacific Primary.

Kristen studied at Pacific Oaks College where she earned her BA in Human Development with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education. In her previous career, she spent eleven years as a baker/pastry chef, and teaching cooking classes after earning her Culinary Arts degree from CCSF. Outside of school, she still enjoys baking, cooking (and eating!), spending time with friends and family, travelling to new places, taking photos, and enjoying sunshine and nature.

Amy joined Pacific Primary in 2008 and has been the Head Chef since 2010. She enjoys supporting families in helping their children explore and grow as eaters. She helped lead the transition to a vegetarian school and played an important part in Pacific Primary achieving its Green Business Certification. Pacific Primary aligns with her personal values and offers a community that she appreciates and enjoys. Outside of school, she enjoys being with her family, enjoying the city and all the food it offers as well as spending time with friends.