Sara O’Neill, Founder and Director
Our Director, Sara O’Neill, is one of the founding parents of Slippery Fish.
Both of her children grew up at Slippery Fish, and she is passionate about the opportunity for other families to be part of their child’s first learning experiences. In 2015, Sara received the Outstanding Teacher/Director Award from the California Council of Parent Participatory Nursery Schools for her work with Slippery Fish.
Our teachers won the 2016 Excellence in Teaching Award by First Five of SF
Alejandro Urruzmendi
Alejandro believes that social and emotional development isn’t just the basis for a successful school experience but for a good life. Alejandro earned his Ed.D. at USF in International and Multicultural Education with a special certificate in Human Rights Education.
Passions: climbing, surfing, backpacking, bike riding, and yoga
Koi Teacher in the Pond Classroom
Alison Tucker
Alison has a background in outdoor education and loves the dynamic learning opportunities that natural environments afford all learners. She recently received her Masters degree in mild/mod special education with an emphasis & certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorder from SFSU.
Passions: Inclusion, Autism Awareness, Naturalism, American Sign Language, Black History
Flying Fish Teacher in Lake
Chynna Phillips
Chynna has worked with infants, toddlers, and preschool aged
children and loves children’s curiosity about the world and inclination to
learn. She received her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education
and master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education, with a
certification in Autism Spectrum Disorders from SFSU.
Passions: Resin art, reading, photography, and crafting
Flying Fish Teacher in Lake
Donnie Weaver
Donnie believes the skills you learn in preschool stick with you for life, and he’s passionate about providing as many kids with a solid foundation in self-acceptance, love, activism, and advocacy as he can. Working in education for more than a decade, he feels most helpful in early childhood education.
Passions: Modeling, inclusive practices, cooking, writing & illustration
Flying Fish Teacher in Lake
Hayley Struthers
Hayley believes that children learn so much through music, play, exploration, and creative expression. She believes that music is essential for children’s well-being — fostering healing, growth, and development — and incorporates music in the classroom in various ways. Hayley received her bachelor’s in Psychology from SFSU.
Passions: Polaroid photography, guitar & singing, bike riding, thrifting, and being in nature
Fliying Fish Teacher in Lake & Nature
Jinan Mahmoud
Jinan has worked in many preschool settings in the Bay Area, loves to develop curriculum, and enjoys spending time with her family. She received her master’s degree in Education from San Francisco State University with an emphasis on multicultural education.
Passions: Spending time with family, reading, hiking, cultural events, and travel
Fliying Fish Teacher in Nature
Mega Dames
Mega knows the first five years of a child’s life are the most impactful and influential for their development and is incredibly honored to be an early educator. Mega utilizes drama, storytelling and music in their teaching. Mega has a B.A. in child and adolescent development with a concentration in early childhood education from San Francisco State University as well as a site supervisor permit.
Passions: Performing Arts and spending time in nature with people I love
Fliying Fish Teacher in Nature
Tamao Yamashita
Tamao believes children are resourceful and capable learners and is passionate about supporting them in their journey. She majored in Human Development at Kobe University in Japan and received her master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education at SFSU.
Passions: Hiking, road trips, & experimental learning in place
Early Interventionist & Developmental Playgroup Coordinator
Vanessa Muniz-Wong
Vanessa has worked with many preschool children ranging from infancy to six years old and believes each stage offers something unique to early childhood development. Vanessa loves the energy and joy that both children and teachers show up with every day and is passionate about social-emotional learning, inclusion and ensuring everyone who enters the classroom feels safe and comfortable.
Passions: Crafting, baking, reading, travel, and collecting Jellycat plush toys
Koi Teacher in the Pond Program