Ms. Yishan is a homeschool mom with a now 10 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.

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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 loves the tall, beautiful Junipers in their backyard. Junipers are also known for their strong, deep roots and medicinal healing properties.

Ms. Pōlani is a homeschool alumna. She has worked with children, ages 18mo-20 yrs old, in a variety of roles since 2013. Some of those roles have been as a Guidance Counselor, Substitute Teacher, Paraprofessional, and Art Instructor. Pōlani also holds her Registered Behavioral Technician certification and spent two years specifically working with kids on the spectrum. 

Pōlani is passionate about Language Arts and feels it is a core skill with plenty of creative space. To her, no two people think alike, therefore no two people will ever share, record, or relay their perspectives the same. She aims to help kids feel confident and liberated when it comes to letting unseen thoughts become written words.

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She believes, as humans, we are multidimensional beings who need space to explore and create in order to step into our personal calling. Outside of Juniper Tree, Pōlani enjoys expressing through poetry, painting/drawing, and spending time in nature and the elements.

Juniper Tree is taking advantage of its roots in Silicon Valley and has a technology founder, investor, and mentor with more than 25 years of experience- and who founded his first company as a teen - mentoring the students on entrepreneurship.

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Andrew has more than 25 years of experience as a technology founder, operator, venture investor, and mentor including more than 17 years as General Partner with a leading, global technology-focused venture firm. Andrew has been instrumental in working with young entrepreneurs at the earliest, idea stages and building them into global market leaders.

Ms. Eugenie is a home school mom of two boys. 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.

Natasha Robles is excited to be teaching kindergarten and first grade, English language arts at Juniper Tree! She is a proud homeschooling mama with 3 daughters, 5 and 3 years old and 7 months. They love reading and visiting public libraries, gardening, and trips to parks and the beach. 

Natasha received her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies: Teacher Preparation degree from San Jose State University in 2011. She later shifted her focus from teaching to counseling and receiving her Master’s in Counseling from Palo Alto University in 2017. She has worked with children K-4th grade in classroom and counseling settings, as well as worked with young toddlers and their parents in play and learn classes at Gymboree. She has always had a love of learning and teaching and she's excited to bring that passion to Juniper Tree!

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Hi, my name is Ms. Shana and I've been teaching art to children for over 20 years. After receiving my art degree from UC Berkeley, I fell into a teaching position and realized I'd found my calling! It's incredibly rewarding to see students learn and grow; and have that "aha" moment when they understand a new concept.

Aside from art, I enjoy reading and writing and was excited when an opportunity opened up to teach English/Language Arts at Juniper Tree. I've worked at a library in the past and recall all the wonderful books, especially the classics, that I read during that time. I've also written and illustrated a children's book to combine my love of art and writing. 

My hope is to inspire students at Juniper Tree to further their love of reading and writing, while teaching the basics of the English language using fun, engaging, and hands-on approaches. Juniper Tree has such a nurturing environment and I've watched my daughter blossom here! I feel blessed to also be a part of the Juniper Tree program.

Ms. Ixchel is a multi-talented 15 yr old homeschooler who has been with Juniper Tree since its first year. She assists the teachers in classes and also helps supervise the children at recess. Ixchel enjoys drawing and making origami with the children. They love her kind and patient nature.

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. Miroslava's roots come from a teaching family, with both parents being teachers. 

Having love and a passion  for teaching and being around kids since her childhood, Miroslava studied early childhood development and teaching back in Europe. She pursued her Associates Degree in English at Skyline College.

Miroslava's loving nature drew her to work in her in the classroom in her children's school. Since  her children's early years, she has volunteered to help run ELA/Math stations, organizing field trips, steam/science projects, Art Vista program, Fun Run,  Easter and Halloween events and other holiday celebrations. Ms. Miroslava enjoys interacting with children and seeing their personal growth.

In her free time, Miroslava loves to spend time with family and attending her children scouts and sports activities. She loves music, reading, spending time in nature, meditation, and traveling and exploring new places. Her greatest passion is alternative medicine/nutrition and holistic ways of living.

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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.

Basil Monge is a sweet and wise, almost one year old  puppy who completed her Dog certificate Training in April 2023. She helps children learn patience, responsibility and empathy. Her hobbies are trying new culinary dishes, playing fetch, going to puppy socials, and cuddling.