LAFAYETTE NURSERY SCHOOL - Key Persons
Chandra started as a parent at Lafayette Nursery School where she also served on the board. Chandra worked as the Assistant to the Directors for 12 years before her promotion to Director in 2022.
Chandra was born in Englewood, New Jersey, and has lived most of her life in the Bay Area. She attended Chico State University where she achieved a BA in Theatre Arts. Before becoming a teacher, Chandra worked in the film industry at Industrial Light and Magic for George Lucas and at ESC on the Matrix movies.
She completed her Early Childhood Education units at Diablo Valley College while working as the Assistant to the Directors. Chandra loves to attend conferences to further her education including the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the California Association for the Education of Young Children (CAEYC) and the California Council of Parent Participation Nursery Schools (CCPPNS.)
Chandra has lived in Lafayette for the past 21 years with her son Tadich, husband Charlie and Great Dane/Husky Nala. She loves to read, cook, garden, travel and root for the WARRIORS!! Chandra believes strongly in the teacher-child-family-community connection, which is why she chose Lafayette Nursery School for her own child.
Karen Conrad has been a Co-Director at LNS for the past 12 years and was Assistant to the Director for seven years. Before that, both of her children attended LNS for preschool. So Karen has been involved with LNS for many years. She's served on the Board and has experience in all that is LNS. Karen also does all the office work for Conrad Painting and has lived in Lafayette for over 32 years.
Karen was born in Brownsville, Texas, and grew up in Pomona, Southern California. She completed her Early Childhood Education units at Diablo Valley College while working at LNS as an Assistant to the Director. She attends the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the California Association for the Education of Young Children (CAEYC) conferences, as well as the California Council of Parent Participation Nursery Schools (CCPPNS).
Pets? So many pets, but now, she shares her home with her sweet little cat, Coco.
Hobbies? She spends most of her free time traveling to see her children or new places, go hiking, read, watch a new movie, show, play, or try a new restaurant. But, of course, you can always catch her watching a ball game, whether water polo, basketball, or baseball.
Why did she choose LNS for her children? When she was looking for a preschool, she toured quite a few. Then she went to their annual Science Day of Discovery, which clinched the decision. She liked the sense of community, getting to know all the parents, and watching her children grow and become self-confident. She loved being in the classroom for her children's first school years. Today, her best friends are parents she met while her children were at LNS. "Once an LNS parent, always an LNS parent," even after you've moved on.
Karen Conrad has been a Co-Director at LNS for seven years and was Assistant to the Director for seven years prior. Before that, both of her children came here for preschool, so Karen has been involved with LNS for many years, served on the Board and has experience in many capacities. Karen also does all the office work for Conrad Painting and has lived in Lafayette for over 25 years.
Karen was born in Brownsville, Texas and grew up in Pomona in Southern California. She completed her Early Childhood Education units at Diablo Valley College while working at LNS as Assistant to the Director. She attends the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the California Association for the Education of Young Children (CAEYC) conferences, as well as the California Council of Parent Participation Nursery Schools (CCPPNS).
Pets? She's had many pets, but at the moment her house is ruled by her amazing cat Charlie.
Hobbies? She spends almost all her free time watching water polo games and swim meets. When there is a moment of free time, she likes to read, go to the movies, a show, play, or try a new restaurant with her family.
Highlights of 3s class - Karen loves the 3s class because the children are like sponges. They are curious about everything and want to learn all they can. She likes watching the beginning of friendships develop; helping them learn how to navigate those friendships and watching them grow.
Terri is an Instructional Aide to Karen and Chandra in the 3s and 4s classes.
Born and raised in California, Terri attended University of California Davis and has a B.A.S. in Studio Art and Design. Terri has completed the Hanen Program: It Takes Two to Talk and Positive Parenting Class. Her expertise is in building communication through supportive and enjoyable interactions.
Terri is married to a professional photographer and they have two adult children. Her son attended LNS. She values the LNS community and the resulting lifelong friendships she developed.
Terri spends her time with friends and family including their dog and horse. She enjoys sharing stories, seeing movies, gardening, cooking projects, designing costumes, and Taekwondo.