Mercedes Williams - Founder of FPNSJune 11, 1932 - October 6, 2005
Born in Puerto Rico, Mercedes was the youngest of 10 children. In 1943, her family moved and settled in the Bay Area. She was a successful businesswoman. Soon after becoming a mother herself, she added childcare in the number of causes she supported. She founded the Parents’ Co- operative Nursery School, which was first located in San Lorenzo in 1961. |
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Camellia Santos, Executive Director
I began my teaching journey at Chabot College in 2003. I acquired my undergraduate practicum hours from Chabot College Children’s Center and Mills College Children’s School, where they emphasize on the importance of observation and documentation to guide teaching practices.
I earned my degree in Child Development from Mills College in 2009.
Since then, I’ve taught in a play-based school in Los Altos, academia-focused school in Fremont, and a Montessori Preschool in Hayward.
The experiences I’ve obtained in working with children, in various educational settings continue to influence my interactions with children and how I approach daily classroom situations.
My rapport with both students and parents has helped me develop skills in the importance of listening to understand. I’ve learned to integrate my listening skills with considerable regard for compassionate communication, to manage conflict, regardless of age or maturity. Encouraging children to become active participants in their own learning has been for me, one of the most rewarding steps in the process of education. It is where children build their confidence and discern that they are competent, resilient human beings worthy of love and attention.
Last year our family joined Fremont Parents’ Nursery School. The interactions we have with the staff and families continue to establish a strong foundation to our daughters’ memorable preschool experience, while instilling the value of a community coming together to serve a common purpose.
I feel very honored for the opportunity to contribute to the great work already established by this remarkable organization. I am delighted to be of service.
Elissia Forsyth, Administrative Lead
I received my BA in Psychology from the University of California, Davis. After college, I knew that I wanted to work with children and help them in some capacity. Until I had children of my own, I worked in the field of early intervention, first as a Behavioral Therapist, and then as a Program Manager. Along with our team, we provided ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) services to preschool children who were diagnosed on the Autism spectrum, and I worked my way up to managing many of these programs and the staff that implemented them. I loved the bond that I formed with the children and families that I worked with each and every day. The life changing difference that we made in the lives of the children and their families solidified my passion to work in the field of early childhood education.
Fremont Parents' Nursery School is truly a special place for me. Both of my daughters attended FPNS and I served on the Board during our time here. I love this school, I am invested in this school, and I love the sense of community that it offers. It has been as much a school for me as it has been for my children. The people and life lessons that FPNS has provided will stay with me forever. I was given the opportunity to return to work at FPNS after 9 years of being a stay-at-home mom. I think I offer a unique perspective as a former parent and a staff member, and I want our families to know that I am here to be of service in any way that I can. I believe that each family gets out of our school what they put in, and our school is only as good as the families and staff that comprise it. Thank you for choosing to be a part of Fremont Parents' Nursery School!
Fremont Parents' Nursery School is truly a special place for me. Both of my daughters attended FPNS and I served on the Board during our time here. I love this school, I am invested in this school, and I love the sense of community that it offers. It has been as much a school for me as it has been for my children. The people and life lessons that FPNS has provided will stay with me forever. I was given the opportunity to return to work at FPNS after 9 years of being a stay-at-home mom. I think I offer a unique perspective as a former parent and a staff member, and I want our families to know that I am here to be of service in any way that I can. I believe that each family gets out of our school what they put in, and our school is only as good as the families and staff that comprise it. Thank you for choosing to be a part of Fremont Parents' Nursery School!
Kavitha Viswanathan, Lead Teacher
My journey to become a preschool teacher started in 2005, when I enrolled in Mission College, Santa Clara to earn my Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. As part of the course, I worked with children who were 2 yrs-4 years of age at the Childcare Center on campus, which was a great learning experience. I also have a
and Masters Degree in Literature and Arts from India.
FPNS is very close to my heart. Both my children were former students here. The philosophy of learning resonates with me. I feel blessed to join a team that is so passionate and committed to providing an environment that supports learning through play.
On the personal side, I am a fun loving person and you can often find me hanging out with friends and family over the weekends. I enjoy listening to all kinds of music and any free time I get, I immerse myself in DIY projects. Oh, did I mention that I love my ever- supporting husband and two adorable kids (10 years old and 5 years old).
and Masters Degree in Literature and Arts from India.
FPNS is very close to my heart. Both my children were former students here. The philosophy of learning resonates with me. I feel blessed to join a team that is so passionate and committed to providing an environment that supports learning through play.
On the personal side, I am a fun loving person and you can often find me hanging out with friends and family over the weekends. I enjoy listening to all kinds of music and any free time I get, I immerse myself in DIY projects. Oh, did I mention that I love my ever- supporting husband and two adorable kids (10 years old and 5 years old).
