Little Wonders — A Parent-Child Center

Teacher Mireille

As I prepare for my 11th year as director and 16th as a teacher here at Little Wonders I once again feel an overwhelming gratitude for my involvement in this community. I am so fortunate to wake up every day excited to come to work! My goal is to give back as much as I get from this job and the supportive community that has helped to shape Little Wonders. Being in this environment encourages my personal and professional growth which is very important to me.

My husband Tom and I have been married for 28 years and have two wonderfully unique children Justin (25) and Kristin (22). Justin had visited South America this past year and spent 9 months there, teaching English, writing and traveling the country. Kristin moved last September and started her junior year as a psychology major at the American University in Paris. It was bittersweet to not have them near us, so we have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our time together while they were both home this past summer.

Our favorite thing to do as a family is to cook and gather for a great meal and lively discussion. Family dinners were always very important as our family was growing up and they remain a very special time. It is fascinating to share experiences and ideas with grown children who had immersed themselves in other cultures. In September they both return to their respective countries and Tom and I, once again find ourselves in the “empty nest” but content in their independence. Looking forward to embracing the “wonder” our children help us see!

Teacher Roberta

Entering my 11th year at little Wonders, I marvel at what I have learned from our sincere LW parents and their amazing children. I am hopeful for the future when I experience the willingness of parents to improve their nurturing and parenting skills, and if I can contribute to that process, I am grateful.

My own family experience has taught me so much about children and parenting. My husband and I were able to have three wonderful children before he passed away in 1980, so I have had the experience of parenting with a partner and as a single parent. My children, David, Charlene, and Andrew, are all in their 30’s and are unique and successful, each in their own way. I have one 5 year old grandson, Kieran, and another grandchild on the way. Being a grandparent is delightful!

What are my favorite things to do with my family? Exploring Golden Gate Park and other places of natural beauty are so much fun with Kieran. We also talk with birds, play with his 3 pet chickens, read books and he tries to teach me French (he is bilingual). As for my children, I love when we get together for food, family bonding, and stimulating conversation about politics, philosophy, and family. I am always intrigued, entertained, and enlightened by their observations.

I look forward to another year of working with our inspiring LW staff and families, especially sharing ideas about social/emotional learning, fathering, and enhancing the parenting couple’s relationship.

Teacher Suzanne

I am excited to return for an 8th year and honored again to share in the lives of your families for 5 classes a week. I have been at Little Wonders for ten years – as a cooping parent, board member, and as a teacher. My path to LW was not typical — I taught social science for ten years in local high schools and educated people on food and nutrition while teaching cooking classes. I genuinely love my job supporting parents and seeing the growth and development of young children. This year my goals are to create community for our families and share meaningful information in the classroom and on the observation sheets.

My husband, Chris, and I live in Belmont with our two fun, wonder-filled kids, our two Aussie Sheps, Jasmine (15) and Spice (13.5). Ben (10) is an energetic, active former Little Wonder now entering 5th grade, who loves to build Lego, to play soccer, baseball and basketball and to read, play his Lego Star Wars game and cook with me. Alexa (12) is a lovely sensitive, spirited child who has a huge heart, an affinity with animals & children, a passion for reading, soccer and running and an eloquence and emotional depth beyond her years. Outside of school, I love to travel, hike, read & sample cuisines from around the globe!

• Favorite children’s book: Time for Bed by Mem Fox and Jane Dyer. Beautiful illustrations.
• Favorite thing to do as a family? Take trips & go exploring to new places. We have a lot of fun together going to soccer games – Stanford, FC Gold Pride (women’s professional team in Hayward), & taking bike rides.
• Favorite LW Memory? Seeing Ben (or any dress up obsessed child) rush to get “his” bomber jacket and proudly wear it all day!