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  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. Christine – Front Office

Hello, my name is Ms. Christine. I am a mother to 3 wonderful children. My children are my world. I’ve worked with kids since I was 21 years old. I started at Kinderwood in the twos. I worked my way up to room 5. I’m now in the office as an administrative assistant. I truly love working with children they bring so much joy. I look forward to being a part of the Kinderwood family.

Ms. Thelma: Office

Hello, my name is Thelma. I have 3 wonderful sons and 1 grandson. My grandson attends the infant room, so I get to see him have fun every day! My children and grandson mean the world to me. I cook and prepare all the meals at Kinderwood. I love what I do. Providing nutritional meals to your children brings me joy. You can see some of my creations on our Facebook page.

Ms. Tania – Toddler Teacher

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. Fernanda – Toddler Teacher

Hello, my name is Fernanda I started working with Kinderwood in October 2021. In 2017, I worked as an ABA therapist for 3 years and a nanny for 2 years. I am working in room 1 with the toddlers! I love to watch each child thrive and grow into such beautiful little people! I am dedicated to my children and their families. I’m currently pursuing my degree at San Jose City College. I am bilingual in English and Spanish, and I also know ASL. I have a fur baby, her name is Luna, and I love spending time with her and taking her on walks! I am beyond excited to be working with your children!

Ms Griselda – Toddler Teacher

Hello, I’m Griselda, and I am 21 years old. I started working for Kinderwood in April of 2022 and currently work in room 1 with the toddlers. I have always loved working with children. I attended De Anza College and obtained my AA in child development. Working with toddlers is my favorite because you can make a connection with them and slowly watch them grow.

Ms. Shahira – Infant Teacher
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. Delilah – Infant Teacher

Hello, I’m Ms.Delilah. I am 24 years old. I started working at Kinderwood in February 2022. I’ve been working in childcare since I was 14. I enjoy working with infants because they’re so affectionate. It makes me happy to see them develop their own unique personalities. I graduated from EVC Class Of 2021 and plan to soon transfer to a University to earn my bachelor’s degree. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family. Thank you for the opportunity to care for your children.

Ms. Laura – Infant Teacher

– 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. Justine – Preschool Teacher

Hello Parents, My name is Justine. I am new to Kinderwood in the 3-year-old classroom. I have over 10 years of experience caring for children, and I absolutely love them. I believe even their young minds can learn a great deal if given the opportunity. Your child will be read to multiple times a day with the use of picture books as well as books that are interactive. Movement is important at this age. I love to story tell to my students. I love to share some fun activities like exercises, dancing, stretches, and balancing daily with the children. Children have an amazing imagination and I love to engage it. A little about me, I am 32 years old with three beautiful children that I adore so much. My favorite color is purple and my favorite flower is a sunflower. I am so excited to be working this year with your children and watching them grow and hit certain milestones.

Ms. Valerie – Preschool Teacher

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. Hollie – Preschool Teacher

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.

Ms. Rhonda – Preschool Teacher

Hello, my name is Rhonda. I started working at Kinderwood in January of 2022. I started with the two-year-olds. I loved that age. So curious and wanting to know everything. I now work with the pre-k class. I really enjoy this age as well. It’s exciting to prepare the kids for Kindergarten. So many exciting things to learn and I’m excited to be a part of their journey. I have been working with children for over 30 years and have loved every minute. I am married and my favorite pastime is doing arts and crafts. I’m always looking for new ideas to bring into the classroom. I love working at Kinderwood. It is like a second family.

Ms. Natalie – Floater