Our Incredible Staff

Meet the Team

Gramma Freda – Founder She was mother of 5 wonderful children, 15 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. (the family is ever growing) In 1980 she opened our first Childcare Center. She immediately joined the Professional Association of Childhood Educators (P.A.C.E.) It is a statewide association. She served as area Chairperson, Vice President for 4 years and then President for four years. She became a member of the national Child Care Association (N.C.C.A.) and served as secretary for 4 years. She also has lobbied for quality daycare and testified in Sacramento over many different children’s issues. She served on the Board of Directors for the Community Child Care Council (4C’s) of Santa Clara County for twenty years taking the budget from $125,000 to $28 million. She owned and operated a total of 3 Preschools. She is the reason our preschool has been hugging, loving and educating children since 1980.

Ms. Lee – Senior Director / Owner – I have been working with children since 1972. I have B.S.  Degree in Early Child Development. I have had a strong passion for children from a young age. I am the second oldest in a family of 5 children. I have four boys of my own and 4 grandchildren. I opened Kinderwood in 1980 with my mother. We wanted to give children a safe and loving environment that will promote positive self-esteem and encourage their imagination to grow and learn. Pre-school is a major stepping stone to building a good foundation for their future. Every day we make their early years the best and most rewarding that they can be.

Ms. Cheyenne – Office – Program Director- I started working at Kinderwood in August 2016. I was a Kinderwood student in 1995 . I started as a floater and eventually became a toddler teacher. I worked my way across the hallway to the 3 year old class. I studied hard and then became the assistant director. I am now the Program Director and looking forward to this great opportunity. I started in the childcare field when I was 15 years old at my auntie’s daycare, I also volunteered my summers in another preschool. I became a nanny to triplets after graduating from Cupertino High School.  I worked at multiple child development centers in Santa Clara County as a substitute teacher. After gaining my experience I became a Montessori teacher aide for 2 years. I am well rounded and worked with children from different learning environments. Educating children and being a great mother is my passion. I take great pride in everything I do at Kinderwood and with your children.

Ms. Shahira Room 1 – I am married, and I have two sons. Waise who is grown and is no longer living at home and my youngest Soleyman is a Senior in high school. I can speak two languages, English and Farsi. I have 12 ECE units and I am First aid and CPR trained. Infants are my favorite age group. I love all of the one-on-one attention and affection that infants need because they give it right back to me. I have been a part of the Kinderwood family since 2002.

Ms Julia – Floater – My name is Julia Auston, I am a teacher at Kinderwood where I have been working for 8 years. I enjoy watching the babies hit their milestones and getting the opportunity to meet their families. I took my child development courses at West Valley College.

Ms. Rocio – Room 1 – My name is Rocio and I’m one of the infant teachers. I love my little babies because it reminds me of when my daughter was a baby. My daughter is now 19 years old and in college. I enjoy working with the babies because I see them learn new things and watch them grow. I have been in this field since I was 17 years old. I started working in my high school’s (William C. Overfelt) daycare. Then after I graduated, I went to Evergreen to do my general ed. Finally, I went to San Jose City College to get my ECE units because my passion was to work with children. Thank you for letting me be part of your child’s life. I am also bilingual and love teaching the babies Spanish words. When I’m not at work I love spending time with my family. Thank you for letting me be part of your child’s life.

Ms. Laura – Room 2 – Hello, my name is Laura Martinez and I have been with Kinderwood since September 2020. I love coffee and anything sweet. I have a husband and a 2-year-old puppy named Ellie. She is a rescue dog and very crazy. I was born and raised in San Jose California, I have one older brother, one stepsister, and a stepbrother, and a new sister in law. My mom and I are really close. Recently my brother just had his first baby, so I am a new auntie. I don’t really get t see my brother very often as he is in New York. I attended San Jose City College in 2015 and graduated with my associate degree in Early Childhood Education, and currently, I am enrolled online at Grand Canyon University a Christian School based in Phoenix, Arizona, where I am earning my bachelor’s degree as well.

Ms. Alicia – Room 2 – My name is Ms. Alicia.  I started at Kinderwood as of May 2021. I currently work in room 2 with our adorable toddlers. My passion is working with children.  I enjoy seeing them grow and witness their development while in my care. I love coming to work every day and receiving hugs and smiles from my students.

Ms. Tanina – Room 2 – Hi my name is Ms. Tania. I am new to Kinderwood. I work in room 2 with toddlers. My favorite age group. I started in child care in 2017 and I am currently pursuing a degree at De Anza College. I am looking forward to working with your children. 

Ms. Bana – Room 3 – Hello my name is Bana Zeratsion. I am 24 years old. I’ve been working at Kinderwood since September 2020. I finished high school in 2015 and currently going to West Valley College. I have 9 ECE units and currently in school, working on my last 3 units. I am also working on my BA degree in teaching. I speak 2 languages English and Tigrinya. I don’t have any kids of my own. I am not married. I love working with children because I would like to have kids of my own someday and love connecting with them and their families. Kinderwood is my second family. I enjoy watching the children grow and learn. I love what they teach me through their innocence, love, and humor. The best part of my job is that at the end of the day I feel like I have made a positive impact on a child.

Ms. Val – Room 4 – My name is Valerie and I am the teacher for the 3-year old’s. They are my favorite age. This is when they are the most inquisitive and eager to learn and experience new things. I have been working with children since forever! I have been working at Kinderwood since April 2002. I can speak two languages, English and Portuguese. Working with children has been my most rewarding profession. I am a movie Junkie!! I love to go out with my friends to eat and shop! I went Santa Clara High. After graduation I went to Beauty School. I was a beautician for over 5 years. I even tried being a janitor for a brief period until I found my calling in working with small children. I then attended De Anza College where I obtained ECE training.

Ms. Alexis – Room 4 – Hello, my name is Alexis but everyone calls me Lexi. I’ve been working with children for about 3 years now. I’m currently a student at Evergreen Community College. I’m a dog mom to a super cute miniature dachshund named Baby that I love very much! I like to draw and craft. I also love traveling the world, so far my favorite place has been Tokyo, Japan. I’m super excited to be part of the Kinderwood family and be able to care for the children and future children to attend!

Ms. Michelle – Room 4 – Hello! My name is Michelle and I have been with Kinderwood since January 2018. I have an Early Childhood Development Associate Teacher Certificate that I received from Las Posits College in Livermore in 2007. In 2014, I graduated from San Jose State University in studio photography. I have a sweet nephew that was born in December 2019 whom I love so much. I love seeing these kids grow into unique little individuals! ​

Ms. Hollie – Room 5 – Hello, I’m Ms. Hollie. I work in room 5 as a preschool teacher. I’m extremely excited to be a part of this Kinderwood family. I have 28 years of childcare and preschool experience. When I’m not working, I enjoy doing anything and everything with my daughter and grandson. I am looking forward to working with your children.