Meet Our Teacher

Anna (Chickadees)

Hello, my name is Angela Shindelus and I've been an Early Childhood Educator for sixteen years.  Before that, I was an Au Pair for twenty years to many families in Marin County.  I have an education in ECE, but more importantly I have a lifetime of being with children.  My passion is working with children, to help them thrive in life and to encourage their curiosity.  I specialize in the Outdoor Classroom, teaching children about nature and all that it has to offer.  I have spent my life exciting children about the world around them, encouraging them to explore and to ask questions.  I have lived in Marin County for the last thirty-two years, and I have two beautiful daughters who are the light of my life.  My goal is to share many various experiences with the children, so they can learn more about the world that surrounds them.  I look forward to meeting all of our families, and to make wonderful memories together throughout the years.  Namaste...

Gina (Chickadees)

Ang (Bluebirds)

Ang Papia is a Teacher in the Preschool (Bluebirds) room at SGCC.  She has worked with children for over 30 years as a nanny, childcare provider, First Five Kindergarten Readiness teacher, and preschool teacher.  Ang received her Early Childhood Education training from the College of Marin and holds a State of California Early Childhood Teachers Permit. She loves to play, be active and creative, and is committed to forming genuine relationships with the children in her care. Ang is the mother of two sons and was born and raised in the San Geronimo Valley.  She has a deep connection to the community and passion for teaching young children.

Yoseline (Blue Birds)

Arlette (Blue Birds / Redbirds)

Bernice (Redbirds)

Bernice West is the Redbirds teacher at SGCC and has taught in all three programs. She has worked with children for over 50 years; assisting in her mother’s home day care, teaching elementary school, and then preschool and childcare.  Bernice has a special fondness for early childhood development and the concepts of learning through play, exploration, and cultivation of language.  She has a BA in liberal studies, a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential (From CSU Sacramento), and additional ECE credits from the College of Marin.  Bernice is the mother of 2 adult daughters who both attended SGCC. She has lived in Lagunitas for 30 years, and Marin County for four generations.

Sophia (Redbirds)

Hi, I'm Sophia Adams I grew up in Guatemala and am now the proud mom of a wonderful three-year-old who inspired my deeper interest in early childhood development. I've been caring for children from infants as young as 3 months to kids up to 9 years old since I was a teenager, and I've always loved working with families. I also have 13 years of experience in the restaurant industry, including several years as a cook, I found joy in teaching little ones one of life's most beautiful skills, cooking! I love painting, music, and dance, and enjoy bringing creativity into everyday learning. I'm also learning and growing alongside the children every day, which is one of the most rewarding parts of this journey. I feel so lucky to be part of such an amazing and supportive team. Since moving to this beautiful area six years ago, I've come to truly appreciate the sense of community and kindness that lives here. I'm excited to be part of helping children learn, grow, and feel loved.

Eric Humphrey

Hi, my name is Eric Humphrey. I’m from Oakland. I’ve lived in the bay area my entire life. I've lived in Fairfax for the last 8 years and worked in the San Geronimo Valley for the last three of those years. I come from a big family, which included five siblings, and an even bigger extended family, which included dozens of cousins, uncles and aunts. So, I learned from a young age the benefits and value of community, which to me is just another word for an extended family. Growing up in Oakland I was not accustomed to an abundance of resources or possessions, but I was accustomed to an abundance of affection, kindness, and joy. Which I consider to be the greater measure of wealth. Over the last few years, it's been my pleasure to experience the “wealth” that exists within the community of the Valley. One could say I have a lifetime of experience in childcare. As I grew older, I was often entrusted with the welfare of my younger siblings and cousins. In my twenties, I taught Sunday school at my church. In my thirties I often babysat the children of my close friends. And for the last 3 years I've cared for children in an official capacity, for the San Geronimo valley Community Center and the Lagunitas School district. And now it is my pleasure to assist in caring for the children of the San Geronimo Childcare Center.

Maria (Director)

Maria Allis is the Director of San Geronimo Childcare Center. She identifies as a Latina woman. She was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She came to the US in 1981 and has settled in the small town of Fairfax, where she currently lives. She has been an Early Childhood Educator for over thirty years. Her professional career has been shaped from experiences working directly with communities in publicly funded licensed Early Care and Education settings, Special Education Inclusion programs, College Laboratory sites, and from teaching and coaching adults.

She has a Masters’ degree in Early Childhood Education from Sonoma State University and she has also participated in three fellowship programs at UC Berkeley with a focus on Early Literacy Development.

She continues to be engaged in her own professional development by attending and presenting at seminars, conferences, and workshops.

Sadie (Administrator)

Sadie Carter is the Administrative Assistant and part time in classroom support. She was born and raised in the San Geronimo Valley, and she is second-generation SGCC alumna. She has a Bachelor of Art in both English Literature and Greek, Latin & Ancient Mediterranean Studies.