
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



Meet Our Teachers

Founder & 4th/5th GradeTeacher
Yishan Teng
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.
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.

ELA Kinder & 1st Grade Teacher
Erika Torres
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.

Math/Science 2nd Grade Teacher
Eugenie Giasson-Gomez
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.

Math/Science 3rd Grade Teacher
Hilary Wells
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.

K/1st Grade Jr Teacher Assistant
Ixchel Granados
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.

ELA 2nd/3rd Grade Teacher
Monique Hulick
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.

Math/Science K/1st Grade Teacher
Nicole Vorpahl
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.
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Administrator/Teacher Assistant
Vanessa Coslett
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.

Jr TeacherAssistant
Basil Monge
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.