About Melissa

I was a classroom teacher for over 15 years before becoming a dean of faculty at a private school in San Francisco. I have classroom experience from pre-k - college. I have 2 kids: 7-year-old boy & 4-year-old girl. I love the baby and toddler age because it's so full of joy and wonder. I am a big fan of Magda Gerber's philosophy (aka RIE) and use it as a framework for how I approach respectful caregiving. I observe babies/ children to understand their needs AND capabilities. I follow their cues and their lead and support their natural interests and strengths. I don't rush milestones before they are ready and don't enforce a strict schedule. If they are tired, we rest. If they are hungry, I feed them. Allowing for a child to have their own agency is key to developing confident, resilient children. Babies/ children see me as warm, trustworthy, fun, silly, caring and safe. Parents do, too! I have coached parents to instill in them tools and skills to raise happy, thriving children.