Staff | Seabird Preschool| San Francisco

Our Staff

Our teachers and staff take pride in their commitment to making our program unique and dynamic. Our teaching staff is trained in early childhood education as well as child development and have the appropriate credentials for working with young children. Seabird Preschool teachers are committed to providing an enriching and nurturing learning environment that emphasizes all aspects of development. This includes providing activities and guidance in a play-like setting in order to promote social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth. Our teachers are expected to foster positive relationships with the children and their families, while maintaining professionalism at all times. As specially trained, highly dedicated individuals, our staff takes a passionate interest in educating young children.

Kara Chen

Account Manager

Hi, my name is Kara Chen. I work mainly in the Seabird office and help out teachers in the classroom when needed. I love working with children and their families. I have 2 children of my own who attend high school.

For more information in Mandarin and Cantonese, you may speak with Kara.

Yulia Iskandar

General Manager

Hello, my name is Yulia Iskandar and I am a General Manager of Seabird Preschool. I have 18 units in Early Childhood Education and I am Pediatric CPR/First Aid certified. I have a Master’s Degree from University of Oregon in teaching foreign languages. I love children and find it gratifying to see them grow and develop new skills every day. I believe all kids deserve to have a safe and fun educational environment which we provide here at Seabird.

I have three children of my own and as a mom I know that play is crucial for children's development because play is their way to explore life and make new discoveries. At Seabird Preschool we strive to create and maintain an environment where children develop and learn through play and fun activities.

I look forward to building enriching relationships with Seabird students and their families in order to ensure success in preschool and in their future learning.

For more information in Russian, you may speak with Yulia.

Jennefer Gonzalez

Executive Director

Hello! My name is Jennefer and I have been in the education field and working with children for over ten years. I found my true passion when I began teaching preschool. Since then I have received my Bachelors Degree in Child Development with a focus in Early Childhood from San Francisco State University.

While working with children from ages 0-12, I found that the preschool age is a magical time in learning where children have an amazing gift to absorb everything around them. Creating a stimulating, cooperative, and rewarding environment for children to learn in is one of my main goals as an educator. Everyday is an opportunity to expand a child’s world and knowledge and I love doing so through play and conversation.

I look forward to being part of your child’s early learning years!

For more information in Spanish, you may speak with Jennefer.

Mary Gee

Master Teacher

Hello, My name is Mary Gee. I was born and raised in Burma, now known as Myanmar, I speak fluently Burmese and English.

I’ve been teaching children since 1996. In these many years of early education, I never get tired of seeing a child’s innocence, curiosity, and enthusiasm. Watching them grow and develop into their own identity is one of the best things of this profession. Their questions and observations of the world truly bring a smile to my face each and every day.

As an early childhood educator, I am teaching children how to develop self help skills and independence but they also help me look at the world in a different perspective. This always gives me new ideas and keeps me creative on how to introduce new curriculum.

My other passion besides teaching is my love of baking. I have a degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management. I have lots of fun incorporating my love of cooking and baking into preschool curriculum. Sensory integration is very important for a child’s cognitive development. This ties into

everything a child is exposed to, social emotional and fine motor skills. From making playdough or banana bread to even making ice cream, these food exposures give a child the opportunity to learn in different, fun and exciting ways.

I am looking forward to being a part of this team and starting a new adventure with new friends and families here at Seabird Preschool.

For more information in Burmese, you may speak with Mary.

Emily Ko

Teacher

Hi I am Teacher Emily and I am glad that I have become a part of the Seabird Preschool community. I have always imagined myself working with young children since I was a child. I enjoy watching children grow as I feel that I can learn from them as well. I am a mature and caring individual who has an understanding of the developmental needs of children. I believe that children learn and thrive in an environment that is stimulating, comforting, and appropriate to children's abilities. I have a Liberal Studies degree from San Francisco State University, have 39 units in early childhood education, and hold a CA site supervisor permit. I have worked in various teaching and leadership roles for the past 15 years. It's rewarding for me to see my students acquire new skills and knowledge to get ready for transition into kindergarten. I like to put my knowledge to work by combining the interests of the children and their developmental stages into our lesson plans. I hope to help the children grow into strong individuals by understanding the children and their families.

Sadaf Shahid

Teacher

Hi, I am Teacher Sadaf. I am excited to join the Seabird team. I am a Muslim immigrant originally from Pakistan, I speak English, Urdu and Hindi. I call San Francisco home where I reside with my husband and 8-year-old daughter. I received my ECE training in San Francisco City College and I am eager to put all the years of studying and preschool work experience to good use and for the benefit of young students.

I am deeply passionate about expanding every child’s horizon, I see it as my mission to elevate children’s learning experience by positive encouragement, daily discoveries, meaningful interactions and exploration.

From an early age I had passion for working with young children as well as

helping others. My aim as an early childhood educator is to observe how each child develops into a unique individual and learn how to support their holistic growth. I hope to build a love of learning as a strong foundation in children and help them become confident individuals who are able to express themselves.

My friends and colleagues describe me as a friendly, silly, and funny Sadaf. I look forward to meeting Seabird children and families.

For more information in Urdu and Hindi, you may speak with Sadaf.

Adali Rodriguez

Teacher

My name is Adali and I am a dedicated preschool educator based on Ramaytush-Ohlone land (Bay Area). With a background in child-centered education and a commitment to fostering autonomy, I support children in exploring their unique interests and developing confidence in their abilities. I graduated from San Francisco State University with a BA in Women and gender studies, taking a break from that role, I pursued work in early childhood development. Passionate about creating inclusive and nurturing learning environments, I value building meaningful connections with children and families. I believe in empowering young learners through play, curiosity, and a sense of community, helping each child feel seen, supported, and celebrated. In my free time, I am a creative director and freelance photographer, I enjoy roller skating and hiking.

Christina Wright

Teacher

My name is Christina, and I’m very excited to be working at Seabird. I’ve been working with children for 8 years, and dreamed about being a teacher as a child. I obtained my Bachelor’s in child development from San Francisco State and minored in education and special education. I grew up in Orange County, CA and moved to San Francisco in 2020. In my free time I enjoy reading, going to the movie theaters, exploring the city with friends, going to the beach and taking up new hobbies. I’m a huge animal lover as well as a coffee lover!

Tammy Zhao

Teacher

Hi I'm Tammy. I have over 10 years of experience working as an infant teacher with children 0 to 24 months.

I am professional, caring and dedicated teacher, infancy is my favorite age because this is the period of life when most of changes happen within the shortest amount of time. I find it joyful and rewarding to care for infants and see them grow and develop new skills every day.

I have a Bachelor of Arts in Child Adolescent Development from San Francisco State University.

For more information in Cantonese, you may speak with Tammy

Brannan Darmawi-Iskandar

Teacher

Hi I'm Brannan. I love working with young children especially with the kindergarten prep class 4-5 years old. I enjoy talking to them about different subjects, getting creative and working on arts and crafts projects, engaging in their pretend play. I have been with the Seabird team since the opening day, I joined as an assistant teacher and grew to lead my own class.

Alice Zeng

Office Manager

Hi I'm Alice. I have been with the Seabird team since the opening day. I process all paperwork and take care of billing. I am always happy to assist with any questions regarding the registration process or invoicing through Brightwheel.