Meet Our Teachers & Staff
Creating an inclusive, playful, caring, stimulating, and secure early learning environment for our students, our dedicated teachers bring invaluable skills and expertise to Ross Valley Nursery School. Their depth of caring and understanding creates a solid foundation for each child's individual experience at school. In addition to teaching credentials, the staff's combined advanced education includes ECE certifications, as well as membership in the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Barbra Hawkins Director
Barbra has been with RVNS since 2015. Born in Manila, Philippines before moving to California at 20, she has a BA in Psychology and is fluent in Tagalog and English. She is a member of the National Association of Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and currently lives in Novato with her husband, two children, and their fur baby, Summer. She loves to be outdoors enjoying beach days with family, riding bikes with her daughter, and catching bugs with her son.
Lisa Abdulla: PreK Teacher
This will be Lisa’s fourth year at RVNS, where she has taught in all three classrooms, and we are so excited to welcome her back. With over 26 years of experience as an Early Childhood educator, she brings a depth of knowledge, warmth, and dedication to her work with young children. She lives in Greenbrae with her family and is deeply connected to the community. Lisa looks forward to meeting the new children and their families, and especially loves reconnecting with the younger siblings of current and former RVNS students as they begin their own journey at the school.
Gabrielle Lanting: Senior Head Teacher
Gabrielle earned her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Studies from Sonoma State University. Born and raised in Marin County, she brings both deep roots in the community and a thoughtful, nurturing approach to her work. She has a background in Behavioral Therapy and most recently taught at a preschool in San Francisco, where she continued to cultivate her passion for supporting young children’s social and emotional growth.
Gabrielle loves cooking, staying active, and exploring the outdoors, and she especially cherishes time spent with family and friends. She is truly honored to be part of the RVNS team and looks forward to building meaningful relationships with the children and families who make up the RVNS community.
Melissa Nicholas: Junior Head Teacher & Senior Teacher
This is Melissa's sixth year teaching at RVNS but her roots here run deep. Born and raised in Marin she has been a part of the RVNS family since she herself attended. After earning her B.A. in Environmental Studies from Sonoma State University and working in the air pollution field for nine years, she and her family moved back to Marin to be close to family and friends. Melissa lives in Novato with her twin teenagers, husband, dog Blaze, and seven chickens. She enjoys spending her free time outdoors, in the garden and with friends and family - and is eager to bring her excitement for learning, play and science to Ross Valley.
Lisa Woods: Head PreK Teacher
Lisa received a B.A. in Liberal Studies from Chico State University and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Dominican University. She has worked as an elementary school teacher, Preschool Teacher, and Preschool Director for over 18 years throughout Marin County. In her downtime, she loves spending time with her son and husband, hiking, and cooking/baking. She is also a huge bay area sports fan and can always be found cheering on the Giants, Warriors, and 49ers! She is so excited to be a part of the RVNS community.
Meaghen Blakely: Junior and Senior Teacher
Meaghen studied early child development at the College of Marin and San Francisco City College. Her work has focused on sensory needs and advocating for individuals with special needs. She has two sons, a fourth grader at Bacich and a high schooler. She loves her community in Kentfield and is grateful to be raising her children there. She also works part-time at the Bay Area Discovery Museum and enjoys spending time outdoors hiking and swimming. Meaghen says she feels honored to work at RVNS and looks forward to forming meaningful bonds with all of the little ones.
Christine O’Connor: Junior and Senior Teacher
Christine has spent the past 34 years teaching at a local preschool in Marin, where she had the opportunity to work in all of the different classrooms. She attended the early childhood programs at the College of Marin and San Francisco State. She lives in Novato with her husband, where they raised their two children. Her daughter is a sophomore in college, and her son is studying to become a firefighter EMT. Although she brings many years of teaching experience, she continues to believe there is always more to learn. She is truly looking forward to working at Ross Valley Nursery School and is excited to contribute to the school community while learning alongside her fellow teachers.
Michelle Torres: Junior and Senior Teacher
This will be Michelle’s first year teaching at Ross Valley Nursery School. Michelle has over three years of experience in early childhood education. She has a background in supporting children with special needs and holds a bachelor's degree from San Francisco State University, along with Early Childhood Education studies from College of Marin. Michelle is excited to join the Ross Valley community and is passionate about creating a caring, inclusive space where every child can thrive. She loves the beach, swimming, and hiking.
Melinda Martin: PreK Teacher
Melinda, a California native, has lived in Marin County since she was in kindergarten. She has a AA in Liberal Arts, and graduated with a BA in Environmental Education from Sonoma State University. She has 20 years of experience educating children on trails, at summer camp, in preschools, kindergartens and an elementary school grades 1-4. She was co-founder and co-owner of Fairfax Scoop ice cream store that she ran with her husband Ray. She raised two children Sam (26) and Max (23) and lives in San Anselmo with her husband and several cute furry and feathered friends. In her free time, Melinda enjoys hiking, nature, good films, health and fitness, reading and spending time with friends and family.
Angelica Weil: PreK Teacher
Angelica was born and raised in San Anselmo, Marin County. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Italian Studies and Linguistics from the University of California, Berkeley. Working with children as a soccer coach and volunteering in the classroom for her own children has given her many years of experience working with children. She has been a long time substitute teacher for Marin County and RVNS and continues to study at the College of Marin completing her Certification in Early Childhood Education in 2025. Some of her hobbies include art, music and dance. In her spare time, you will find her eating at a yummy restaurant or playing softball and soccer. She is thrilled to join the Ross Valley Nursery School community.
Jenna Blaise: Office Manager/Admissions Coordinator
Originally from the UK, Jenna moved to the United States in 2016 with her husband. They love living in Marin and are raising their three children in Novato. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Deaf Studies, along with a teaching qualification in Post Compulsory Education. She taught 16–19 year olds for three years before earning an MA in Creative and Professional Writing, which led her into children’s publishing.
Her children’s picture book, Katie McGinty Wants a Pet, was published by Little Tiger Press, and she went on to work as a Key Account Manager for Scholastic Children’s Books in London for several years. The move to the US and her journey into parenthood have been an incredible adventure, and she is thrilled to be working at RVNS as part of such a wonderful community.