Madeline Weinstein, Director

I have been the Director of Lakeview Preschool since 1971. I have a Bachelor's Degree from San Francisco State University and a Master's Degree from Sonoma State University. Both degrees are in Early Childhood Education. I also possess both an Instructional and a Supervisory Permit from the State of California. I have led workshops, taught classes and wrote a manual on "Inclusive Holiday Programming." I've done private consulting on "Choosing a Kindergarten". I have gone through numerous professional trainings including "Director Mentoring". I am a Professional Growth Trainer for Alameda County. I continue my own professional growth through on-going conferences and workshops each year. I am particularly impassioned about providing quality children's literature, and creating the foundational skills for future reading enjoyment and success. My work is regularly inspired by the talented teachers I'm privileged to work with, and the wonderful families who continue to expand my circle of friends.

Ana

I grew up in New Mexico where I gained my love for the land, diversity and adventure. I delight in travel and in learning about the many beautiful cultures on our earth. My devotion to teaching emerged from my passion for imagination. I began my career working with children as a preschool teacher in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In California, I have worked as a Developmental Specialist with children diagnosed within the autistic spectrum. I am currently continuing my studies towards a BA in Early Childhood Education. I am excited to start this new journey as I share and explore with the children at Lakeview.

Bernadette

I have been a teacher at Lakeview Preschool for 10 years. Prior to coming to Lakeview I worked one year at another local center. My “mother tongue” is Spanish, having grown up with a mother from El Salvador. My bilingual skills get utilized daily at Lakeview where I get to teach Spanish to the children. The overall program at Lakeview also mirrors my interest in multicultural studies. It is exciting to be able to incorporate my background and all my passions in my daily work with children.

Brenda

After receiving my degree in Sociology from CSULB, I wanted a profession working with children. My work with children began as an art volunteer at a Children’s Hospital in Southern California. I also worked as a Behavioral Therapist with a child diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and prior to coming to Lakeview I had been a substitute teacher in several preschools throughout Oakland and Albany. These experiences increased my interest in working in the field of education, primarily in Early Childhood. I love that children are naturally curious and impressionable. At Lakeview, I am fortunate to be part of a learning community that deeply emphasizes multiculturalism and fosters learning. They do so by providing activities that promote both expression and meaning. I am excited that one of my roles is to teach math concepts to the advanced pre-k children at Lakeview Preschool. I hope to be a catalyst for their excitement in learning new skills.

Karen

I have been an art teacher for eighteen years and am thrilled to return to Lakeview Preschool as an art specialist. After five years of teaching art at Lakeview, I continued my education as a first grade intern at Redwood Day School. I graduated from the American College of Early Childhood Education and have a Bachelor’s Degree from Saint Mary’s College. I also teach art in Redwood Day School’s After-care program as well as on R-Family Vacation Cruise Lines. You can see my art in magazines, books and television on HGTV’s That’s Clever episode #HCLVR134.

Kathy

My career in Early Childhood Education began here at Lakeview Preschool 30 years ago. I began as an Aide, working part-time while receiving my formal training and education at a local college and being mentored by Madeline. I have earned the "Certificate of Completion of Child Development" from Merritt College, Master Teacher Certificate from the State of California, and I'm qualified as a Site Supervisor. My special interest is in sharing the excitement of Science to preschoolers; their wondrous questioning of all that is around them lends itself so perfectly with Science discoveries.

Sarah

An Oakland native, I have spent the last three years working with young children in early childhood education programs in the area. I hold a BA in Art History from UC Santa Cruz, and earned my California Associate Preschool Teacher permit at Merritt College in Oakland. Having taught young children everything from shoe tying to still-life painting to baking, I look forward to gardening, making art (and hopefully cookies), playing with and teaching the children at Lakeview Preschool.