LIVE OAK - Key Persons
From her first job as an aide in a preschool, Darlene knew that the preschool age was her niche in early childhood education. She became certified in ECE through De Anza College in Cupertino, and received a BA Degree in Sociology of the Family from San Jose State University. She served for many years as teacher and assistant director at Children's Center of the Stanford Community, and more recently served as teacher and afternoon program director of Palo Alto Friends Nursery School. Over the years she has continued to grow and evolve as a teacher, recently focusing on reflective teaching and the importance of keeping children connected to nature and the outdoors. What has not changed is her passion for the amazing human development that takes place during the preschool years. It is her firm belief that young children learn best through their natural inclination to play, in a thoughtfully planned environment, and through their supportive and trusting relationships with the people in their world. Her outside interests include being out in nature, reading, gardening, cooking, and spending time with family and pets.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director
- Teacher
Elizabeth started teaching at Live Oak in 2017 and became the Assistant Director in 2019. She received her Bachelors Degree in Health Education from San Francisco State University in 2014, and later became certified in Early Childhood Education at Santa Rosa Junior College and is also a certified yoga instructor for adults and children. She first started working with children as an after school enrichment teacher for art, yoga and jewelry making at schools in San Francisco. Live Oak felt like the perfect fit for Elizabeth after her move from the city. She loves getting to know each child's unique personality, while watching them play and learn from the environment around them. Outside of school, Elizabeth loves to garden, hike, camp, and spend time with her dog and chickens. In addition, she has her own jewelry business, Elizaberry. She feels at home every time she steps in to Live Oak!
Linda studied early childhood education at Santa Rosa Junior College, and continues to further her education at Santa Rosa Junior College and Stanford University through the Bing Institute. Linda has been a teacher at Live Oak Preschool since 2010. She says that seeing children grow and develop is like seeing her own children develop all over again, year after year. On days that she is not teaching at Live Oak, Linda works as a bookkeeper for Bucher Farms in Healdsburg. Linda lives in Healdsburg with her husband, daughter, and son. Spending time with her family is what she loves to do most.
Lisa has two children of her own and after many years of volunteering in their school, realized her true passion was working with children. She first worked as a teacher's aide for several years at St. John School in Healdsburg, which prompted her to pursue a career in Early Childhood Education at Santa Rosa Junior College. Lisa is fascinated by the way young children are open, curious and full of creative ideas. She is inspired by the way children are inquisitive and have their own unique perspective at such a young age. Lisa believes that it is necessary to understand each child, recognize their individual strengths and teach in a loving and safe environment. When Lisa is not at Live Oak she loves being in the outdoors, running, and simply spending time in nature! She is so happy to be a part of the Live Oak family!
Shirleyann was born and raised in Sonoma County. She currently lives in Santa Rosa with her husband and two daughters. She has a Bachelors of Art with a major in Early Childhood Development, as well a numerous units in ECE and education. She has been teaching and directing for over 25 years in programs from preschool through 3rd grade. Apart from her passion in education, she enjoys reading, hiking, camping, and most importantly spending time with her loved ones.
Stephanie started her journey at Live Oak Preschool when she was just 4 years old. Her positive experiences as a child ultimately lead her to come back as a teacher. Stephanie studied early childhood development at Santa Rosa Junior College and received her teaching certificate from SRJC; later, she went on to San Francisco State University to receive her bachelor's degree in fine arts. She joined the staff at Live Oak in 2014. When Stephanie isn't teaching, she is making ceramics in her home studio; she sells the work at farmers' markets all over Sonoma County. Stephanie also created the Live Oak donor board that sits outside the preschool today.
Tawnie received her education through the Montessori Teacher Education Center-San Francisco Bay Area and Santa Rosa Junior College. Tawnie continues to study early childhood education at Santa Rosa Junior College and through the CAEYC (California Association for the Education of Young Children) and the Bing Institute at Stanford University. She is fluent in Spanish and has enjoyed incorporating Spanish into the Live Oak curriculum. Tawnie started teaching at Live Oak in 2010, and has been a full-time teacher since then. Outside of Live Oak, Tawnie spends time with her family and friends, and enjoys outdoor activities, adventures, and fun!