"The goal of HUG Preschool is to provide a safe, loving, and

stimulating enviornment for staff to thrive.

We focus on providing ongoing support and opportunities

for vocational and spiritual development."

Meet the HUG Team

The HUG team is a group of qualified, passionate, and dedicated individuals that make our warm learning space possible. Learn more about those who will be partnering with you on your child's educational journey below.

Director

Krissel

Favorite Children's Book: Sofia Valdez, Future Prez by Andrea Beaty

Favorite Dinosaur: Psittacosaurus

Favorite Playground Activity: Freeze Tag

Working in early education and youth ministry for 8+ years, Krissel became the Director of HUG to merge her passions of child development, administration, and community building. Krissel currently holds a B.A. Child Adolescent Development with a concentration in Early Education from San Francisco State University. Her focus is to support the teachers in creating a warm and nurturing learning environment that meets developmentally appropriate standards. Her joys in this field are found in research around developmental science, Reggio Emilia inspired curriculum and practices, partnering with families for student success, and creating long lasting relationships with the communities she works with.

Admissions & Administrative Assistant

Diane

Favorite Childhood Snack: Meiji Muscat Gummy Choco

Favorite Children's Song: Chicken Soup with Rice by Carole King

Favorite Children's Book: The Giving Tree by Shel Silverman

Diane has worked as an administrative assistant in the non-profit sector for over a decade. When she's not working she enjoys spending time with family and friends, visiting bakeries, and traveling if/whenever possible.

Lead Teacher, 4-5.5

Terilyn

Favorite Childhood Snack: Dandy's Shrimp Chips

Favorite Dinosaur: Brachiosaurus

Favorite Playground Activity: Swings

Terilyn joined HUG Preschool with previous experiences as a classroom preschool teacher. She attended San Francisco State University and received her Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in Education. She worked at a summer camp for 4 years throughout college and within those few years, her passion for teaching children became stronger. Being able to be an example to them as they grow, guiding them through their development, and watching them learn by social interactions with other friends at school is a rewarding aspect of being a teacher.

As a teacher at HUG, she hopes to be able to provide a safe and loving environment for your children to learn and develop.

Teacher, 3-4

Danielle (and Bailey)

Favorite Animal: Dogs, Sea Otters, Sea Lions

Favorite Dinosaur: Brachiosaurus

Favorite Playground Activity: Swings

Danielle graduated with her B.A. in Child Adolescent Development with a concentration in Youth Work and Out of School Time. She teaches Sunday School to her first through fourth graders at her home church. At HUG Preschool, she wishes to gain experience with working with a younger age group, such as the teacher-student relationship and dynamics in a preschool setting.

Teaching Assistant

Kaitlyn

Favorite Animal: Koala

Favorite Childhood Snack: Toast with Honey

Favorite Playground Activity: Swings and Monkey Bars

Kaitlyn graduated from San Francisco State University with a bachelor's degree in Child and Adolescent Development concentration in School-Age Child and Family. She has worked at an after-school program and a summer camp for three years. She enjoys being with children and being able to build relationships with them.

Science & Music Specialist

Helen

Favorite Childhood Snack: Mamee Noodles

Favorite Children's Book: Grimm's Fairytales

Favorite Playground Activity: Monkey Bars

Music has always been a passion of Helen's, and she is so excited to be sharing this passion with our students! One of her earliest memories is singing songs and learning hand motions from her teachers in Pre-K. She believes we are all created to be creative, and music is one of the many ways through which we can express that creativity.

She is a member of the worship team at Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit and also enjoys singing in the car with her preschooler, Marshall, and her twins, Andre and Ezekiel. When she's not playing or making music, you will probably find her reading or blowing bubbles at the neighborhood playground!

Administrator and Substitute Teacher

Grace

Favorite Animal: Panda

Favorite Construction Vehicle: Boom Lift

Favorite Playground Activity: Monkey Bars

Grace has experience in teaching elementary school, abroad as an English teacher, and as a preschool teacher. She graduated from Concordia University, Irvine with a BA in Liberal Arts. She also holds a Multiple Subject California Teaching Credential. She hopes that HUG Preschool will become a community that fosters God's love and where children and families can play, grow, and build relationships with each other.