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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 teaching in all three classes and we are excited to have her back. She has been an Early Childhood educator for over 26 years and lives in Greenbrae with her family.  She looks forward to meeting the new children, their families and seeing all the younger siblings of the children who are currently at RVNS or have just left for kindergarten.

 

Gabrielle Lanting: Senior Head Teacher

Gabrielle received her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Studies from Sonoma State University. She was born and raised in Marin County and has a background in Behavioral Therapy and most recently worked at a preschool in San Francisco.

Gabrielle loves cooking, staying fit, exploring outdoors and especially spending time with her family and friends and she is very excited to be part of the RVNS team and is looking forward to getting to know all of the RVNS community children and families.

 
Janice Hernandez

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

I studied early child development at the College of Marin and San Francisco City College. I have focused on sensory needs and advocated for people with special needs. I have two boys, a 4th grader at Bacich and a High Schooler. I love my community here in Kentfield, and I’m happy to raise my children here. I also work part-time at the Bay Area Discovery Museum and love the outdoors, hiking and swimming. I’m honored to work at RVNS and can’t wait to form a bond with all of the little ones.

 

Christine O’Connor: Junior and Senior Teacher

I have spent the past 34 years teaching at a local preschool in Marin., where I was able to teach in all the different classrooms. I attended the early childhood program at College of Marin, and San Francisco State. I live in Novato with my husband where we raised our two children. My daughter is a sophomore in college and my son is studying to become a firefighter EMT. Although I have many years of teaching under my belt, I still believe that I have so much more to learn. I’m really looking forward to working at Ross Valley Nursery School. I’m excited about contributing to the school and learning from other 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, I moved to the US in 2016 with my husband. We love living in Marin and are raising our three children in Novato. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Deaf Studies, and a teaching qualification in Post Compulsory Education. I taught 16–19 year olds for three years before earning an MA in Creative and Professional Writing, which led me into children's publishing.

My children’s picture book, Katie McGinty Wants a Pet, was published by Little Tiger Press, and I worked as a Key Account Manager for Scholastic Children’s Books in London for several years. Our move to the US and journey into parenthood have been an incredible adventure, and I'm thrilled to be working at RVNS in this wonderful community.