Dr. Cindy Acker received her Montessori training through UC Berkeley, and holds a degree in education. Cindy is a six-time award winner in the areas of pediatric health, volunteerism and education, and is a published author. She is former president of one of California’s childcare associations, and former vice-president of the National Child Care Association. She has co-authored legislation governing schools in California, has founded six schools, serves as a consultant for schools and businesses, and is the public policy adviser for Montessori Council of California.

Johanna Carranza has a half Colombian & half Mexican cultural background. She has Bachelors Degree in Radio and Television, with an emphasis on Broadcast Journalism. She also has a minor in Spanish, which she has used to teach adults for seven years and children for two years. Johanna looks forward to working at The Child Unique as a Spanish teacher and is excited to join the community. Espero sea una gran experiencia educativa e humana.

Verise Jackson began working at The Child Unique in 1987. She received her Montessori certification through Cal State East Bay, and holds a specialty in literacy. Verise enjoys art, cooking and is known for her patience.

Porshia Lewis was a nanny for ten years. She began working at The Child Unique in 2006 as an Assistant Teacher in the Toddler Class, and was a Pre-Primary Co-teacher in 2007. Porshia attended Peralta Collge, where she received a certificate as an MA Specialist.

Jennifer Martin is pleased to be joining the staff after 5 years as a Child Unique parent. She holds a BA in Theater and English from St. Olaf College and has worked in various administrative roles for fifteen years. In her spare time she enjoys martial arts, yoga, reading to children, and most of all having children read to her!

Mari Mascorro began working at The Child Unique five years ago, when she was completing her degree in Early Childhood Education at Merritt College. Mari has an incredible patience with, and understanding of children. She lives in Oakland with her husband, who is a basketball coach and her daughter, Malia.

Hannah Veruschka Miller's history as a Montessori guide began in 1998. At first she was an assistant at the primary level then at the elementary. Since then, Hannah has earned the Assistants to Infancy, Primary, and Elementary AMI teaching credentials, as well as a MEd in Montessori Education. She has gathered six years teaching experience, directing a primary and a lower elementary environment for three years each. Hannah also has experience teaching in Assistance to Infancy and Upper Elementary classrooms. With a BA in Music, Hannah has run the HVMusic Program for seven years. She also taught music and English as a second when living in Koblenz, Germany many years ago. During personal time, Hannah enjoys playing the flute, following professional tennis, and caring for her menagerie of animals, as well as cooking, teaching piano lessons and practicing Spanish and German.

Karen Mitchell works in Administration at the Encinal Office. She has been an Executive Assistant for over 15 years. Karen went to UCLA for her undergraduate work and received her teaching credential from SFSU. She is a professional singer/songwriter and enjoys playing guitar, painting, traveling and writing stories. Karen moved to Alameda with her husband and daughter just last year.

Malak Nekmal is from Kabul, Afghanistan. She has been happily married for 37 years and has 5 daughters. She was a teacher in Afghanistan for 17 years, where she taught high school physics and mathematics. She also lived in India and taught young children for 2 years. She received her certificate in Child Development from College of Alameda where she also studied Human Development. She has enjoyed working at The Child Unique since 2003 and enjoys working with children and being around them on a daily basis.

Joseph Niles was born and raised in the Bay Area. He now begins his two year program at the Montessori Teacher Training Center in San Leandro. Before finding a passion for working with children Joseph had a short career in film and photography. In his spare time he loves working on his soon to be bestselling novels, photo design, martial arts, and hiking.

Usawadee “Cherry” Prateepsen is originally from Bangkok, Thailand where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in English from Thammasat University. She has been in the Bay Area for eight years and hold double credentials in Montessori Education and Early Childhood Education from Contra Costa College. She has four years of experience working in a Montessori Classroom. Cherry loves cooking, gardening, photography, reading, traveling, tennis, and art. She is gentle and sweet, and has been instrumental in helping many children transition into their classrooms.

Athena Shingu is beginning her second school year with The Child Unique. She has worked in administration for 9 years, and she recently obtained a degree in business management, with a minor in accounting. She has a strong business sense and a focus on organization and cleanliness. Athena enjoys wearing many hats at The Child Unique, including working in the office and being with the children.

Tasha Walker has been working at The Child Unique since 2000. She holds an American Montessori Society credential through Cal State East Bay, and is completing a degree in Leadership and Organization at St. Mary’s University. Tasha has been sought after for her expertise with children with special needs, and providing positive leadership and academic excellence with boys. Tasha recently learned to speak Vietnamese, and loves Asian culture, purses and shopping.

Cassandra Wilder began working at The Child Unique in 1986. She received her Montessori credential through Cal State East Bay, and holds a specialty in dance and physical education. Cassandra has a passion for working with toddlers, and the energy to match them. Cassandra enjoys fitness and dance instruction.