"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 10 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.

Administrator & Admissions Coordinator

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, Giraffe Class (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, Zebra Class (3-4)

Danielle

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.

Teacher, Lion Class (2.5-3)

Aracely

Favorite Animal: Triceratops

Favorite Dinosaur: Dogs and Horses

Favorite Playground Activity: Slide

Aracely graduated with her B.A in Child Adolescent Development and her B.A in Criminal Justice from San Francisco State University. Aracely first started as a volunteer at HUG Preschool to gain more knowledge of working with kids in a preschool setting. Now, she teaches her own class and hopes to continue to help children grow and learn by providing a safe space for them. Durning her free time she enjoys exploring farmers market and watching some of her favorite shows.

Teacher's 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.