Now Enrolling for the 2023/2024 Year!
(Children must be 5 yrs of age by the start of the school year.)
We are an Ocean Grove approved vendor
"Whatever an education is, it should make you a unique individual, not a conformist; it should furnish you with an original spirit with which to tackle the big challenges; it should allow you to find values which will be your roadmap through life; it should make you spiritually rich, a person who loves whatever you are doing, wherever you are, whomever you are with; it should teach you what is important, how to live and how to die.” John Gatto
"Play is the highest form of research."
~ Albert Einstein
Ms. Yishan Teng
4th/5th Grade Teacher/Director
Ms. Yishan is a home school mom with a now 9 1/2 yr old daughter. She has a Bachelor's degree in Human Development with an emphasis in Early Childhood Development from UC Davis. She also holds a California Teaching Credential from National University with 10 yrs of teaching experience. She has worked with children as young as 3 to as old as 15 yrs of age.
Yishan is passionate about nourishing children's creativity and their natural love for learning. She enjoys creating unique, child-centered, hands-on curriculum by mixing and combining different holistic approaches to inspire learning. In her spare time, Yishan enjoys cooking, yoga, making music & art.
Yishan was encouraged to open Juniper Tree by her daughter. The name Juniper Tree was inspired by her daughter who love the tall, beautiful Junipers in their backyard. Junipers are also known for their strong, deep roots and medicinal healing properties.
Ms. Andrea Fourcade
Office Manager
Ms. Andrea is a homeschooling mom raised in a household with a mom who ran a daycare during her entire adolescence. She is a military veteran who attended Technical School for Personnel Support and worked in Corporate America for over a decade before running her own daycare for 3 years and then working at a local private preschool. She is very excited to be joining the Juniper Tree Family.
Ms. Eugenie Giasson-Gomez
2nd grade Math/ScienceTeacher
Ms. Eugenie is a home school mom of two boys. She is teaching 2nd grade Math/Science this year at Juniper Tree. She has many years of experience working with children in a childcare setting. Math and Science are one of her favorite subjects.
Ms. Eugenie is also an professional Chiropractor. She graduated from UC Berkeley and Palmer College of Chiropractic with an emphasis in Sports Medicine. She is also a member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association.
Ms. Erika has been a teacher at the military base's early childhood education program for over 10 yrs. She has a degree in Early Childhood Education. She loves working with children, and enjoys nurturing their creativity and love for learning.
Ms. Erika Torres
K/1st grade Teacher ELA/Social Studies
Ms. Hilary Wells
3rd grade Teacher Math/Science
Ms. Hilary has worked in education for over 25 years. She holds a Montessori Teaching Credential and a Master’s in Elementary Education with an emphasis on integrating science math and art. She follows the emergent curriculum philosophy which sees the teacher as a guide and facilitator. Emergent Curriculum is responsive, emerges from a child’s interests, and is rooted in collaboration and meaningful work. By empowering the whole child to find joy in learning and their unique learning style and strengths, each child builds confidence and a sense of leadership.
She is a parent of two adventurous boys who love to camp, build, and experiment. As a parent educator she deeply respects and honors the importance of the school, child and family connection.
Ms. Ixchel Granados
Junior Teacher
Ms. Ixchel is a multi-talented almost 15 yr old homeschooler. She assists the teachers in class and also helps supervise the children at recess. Ixchel enjoys drawing and making origami with the children. The children love her kind and patient nature.
Ms. Monique Hulick
2nd/3rd grade ELA Teacher
Ms. Monique has a passion for teaching children. She has many years of experience working in a childcare setting. She is extremely creative and intuitive with kids and enjoys working with them. She is also a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist with a Masters degree in traditional Chinese Medicine and Herbs.
Ms. Nicole Vorpahl
Kinder & 1st grade Math/Science Teacher
Ms. Nicole has worked with children since she was a young child and her mom had a home daycare. She became a babysitter, then a nanny and then a teacher. She got her credential and masters in education at Santa Clara University and taught for 9 years in the public school system. After having her boys she chose to stay home and has had no regrets. The more she learns about homeschooling the more she loves it and believes it is the best option for her boys and so many children.
Ms. Vanessa Coslett
Teacher Assistant
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Ms. Vanessa has been working with children for 10 years and teaching for 5. She follows the Reggio Emilia approach of child led learning and exploration. She believes we are born natural learners and that when we give them the space to explore, they thrive. Vanessa enjoys camping, the beach, and hiking with her toddler in their free time.
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