OPEN GATE NURSERY SCHOOL

Teacher Kristi has been teaching the 3-Day and Pre-K programs at Open Gate Nursery School since 2003 and became Open Gate’s director in 2006. One of Teacher Kristi’s favorite things about teaching this age group is introducing the 3-4 year olds and their mommies and daddies in her class to the wonder and excitement of Small Groups. These structured lessons are some of a child’s first experiences sitting with a small group of his or her friends and engaging in curriculum taught by Teacher Kristi and the working parents in fine motor, large motor, language and literacy, science, mathematics and social interactions.

Teacher Kristi has a BS from Colorado State University in Human Development and Family Studies, an Elementary Education credential, a Montessori 6-12 year old credential, and an Adult Education Credential. Prior to coming to Open Gate, she taught preschool and Kindergarten in Colorado, and eight years of upper Elementary Montessori education in Napa and Berkeley.

Teacher Andrea is a dedicated assistant teacher who brings joy and enthusiasm to every child’s learning journey. She first joined the Open Gate community as a parent, and her passion for supporting children and families during the foundational early years inspired her to become part of the teaching staff. Andrea especially enjoys sharing the joys of hands-on gardening and fun cooking projects with young learners. She is currently pursuing an associate degree in Early Childhood Education at Cañada College and is committed to creating a nurturing and engaging classroom environment.

After 28 years at Open Gate, we wish Teacher Lori a happy retirement! But…once a gator, always a gator – so she does help us out as a substitute teacher from time to time!