Stacy Gohman, Ph.D., M.S.
Director & Teacher
A lifelong educator, Teacher Stacy came to FPNS in 2017 as a parent. Both of her children attended FPNS and after her younger child left FPNS in 2021, she joined the teaching staff. In her previous lives, she taught high school science, worked in museum education and exhibit development, and was a stay-at-home parent for 6 years. She has a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, master’s degree in geology, and Ph.D. in education. In her spare time, Stacy can be found at her sewing machine, hiking on local trails, playing with her two kids, and cuddling her cat, Hannah.
Kavitha Viswanathan, M.A.
Director & 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 to 4 years of age at the Childcare Center on campus, which was a great learning experience. I also have a Masters Degree in Literature and Arts from India.
FPNS is very close to my heart. Both my children are 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 enjoy 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).
FPNS is very close to my heart. Both my children are 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 enjoy 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).
Crystal Powers, B.A.
Teacher
Play-based learning is what first attracted me to FPNS and why I’ve remained involved with the school for almost a decade now. After earning my BA in Psychology from Marquette University, I returned to California with a mission to make sure children and adults with developmental disabilities were treated with dignity and given opportunities to participate in their own learning and lives.
After serving as a parent volunteer at FPNS, I decided to return to school to focus on Early Childhood Education so that I could give back to this school which has given so much joy to my two children and my family. When I am not at FPNS, you can find me tie-dying at home or by a lake in the mountains spending time with my extended family.
As a young children I was fortunate to attend a Parent Participating Preschool. This helped to setup my early learning skills and family friendly environment. To this day I have fond memories of my preschool learning experiences. I still have contact with other children from my preschool days and also their mother’s/father’s who were teacher assistants at my preschool.
After serving as a parent volunteer at FPNS, I decided to return to school to focus on Early Childhood Education so that I could give back to this school which has given so much joy to my two children and my family. When I am not at FPNS, you can find me tie-dying at home or by a lake in the mountains spending time with my extended family.
As a young children I was fortunate to attend a Parent Participating Preschool. This helped to setup my early learning skills and family friendly environment. To this day I have fond memories of my preschool learning experiences. I still have contact with other children from my preschool days and also their mother’s/father’s who were teacher assistants at my preschool.
Mercedes Williams - Founder of FPNS
June 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.
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.
