I was born and raised in Osaka Japan. From a very early age I knew that someday I wanted to work with children. The summer I was in third grade my mother took me to the preschool class where she worked. This was not an ordinary preschool, because all the children were orphans. My grandfather was director of an orphanage, and the preschool where my mother taught was in the orphanage. My mother and two other teachers were responsible for about eighteen 2 to 3 year old children. I helped serve morning snacks, and danced and sang with them. Although I was still a young child, watching those children’s innocent smiles and happiness made me happy. I was also so impressed with the teachers, including my mother, who were able to make these unfortunate children feel happy and secure.

After finishing high school, I came to the US to study, receiving a BA degree in Developmental Psychology from SFSU. I worked in a local private preschool for 6 years. There I had the opportunity to work with infants to school age children. Although the school didn’t practice a continuity care model like OFS, I spent significant time with the infants and the 2 year olds. With this experience, I realized the importance of having consistency in these early years.

While I was working I also took classes toward getting the ECE teaching certificate. I completed the certificate program and then moved on to pursue a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education at SFSU. While I was there, I learned about the Reggio Emilia Approach. That was where I first met Dr. Dorothy Stewart and learned about her school. She invited me to take a tour of the school where I was extremely impressed by the openness and at home feel of the classes. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to work at the Lafayette school for a year and a half while I was attending graduate school. I learned what the best childcare practice offers to children, parents and teachers.

When Dr. Stewart was getting ready to open the Walnut Creek Campus, she asked me to join the OFS family again. I was really excited when I first saw the school. Many preschools are located on busy streets or near freeways to provide easy access for busy parents. But this Walnut Creek Campus is located inside of Mount Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church, away from busy streets and other noise. It is surrounded by trees, hiking trails and open spaces. It is an ideal place for young children to explore and learn about their surroundings. I was also very excited about the opportunity to observe and participate in the process of setting up a preschool environment from its very beginning.

It is my pleasure to work in such an extraordinary school, I am looking forward to getting to know and work with all the children, families and teachers to make and keep this school as a safe and fun environment for all of us!