Tiny Tots Staff
Get to know the teachers that make our Tiny Tots preschool programs wonderful.
Meet Sara! Lead Teacher for Kinder Prep (ages 4-5)
Name: Sara Callahan
Years at Tiny Tots: 16 years
Favorite Children's Book/Story: Elephant and Piggie books by Mo Willems
Fun Facts About Me: I used to work at Mattel Toys marketing Barbie Dolls!
Why did you decide to work with preschoolers/Tiny Tots? I loved volunteering at my kids' school and for their afterschool activities (i.e. dance, drama, music, sports...). My good friend taught at Tiny Tots and knew I would love it here. She was right!
What do you love the most about teaching/working with your students? I love to read aloud, sing, create, dance, play, and make it so much fun they don't even know they're learning.
From your perspective, what makes Tiny Tots unique? There's a sense of being part of a community, for both teachers and families. The teachers love what they do and are given the support and freedom to design a program that they are very proud of. It's particularly rewarding to see families returning year after year, and even parents who attended Tiny Tots are sending their children here too!
Meet Estela! Lead Teacher for Playschool (ages 3-4)
Name: Estela Roldan
Years at Tiny Tots: 6 years
Favorite Children's Book/Story: The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams
Fun Facts About Me: I love to cook with the children, sing Spanish songs, and play/dance with colorful scarves.
Why did you decide to work with preschoolers/Tiny Tots? After many years of experiencing elementary school teaching, I appreciate the freedom to play in the absence of compulsory academic requirements. Each child plays at their own pace and is celebrated for his/her individuality.
What do you love the most about teaching/working with your students? Our kids are genuinely open-minded and loving. They are curious and free to play different games and welcome new learning.
From your perspective, what makes Tiny Tots unique? I appreciate the parents' trust in all of us teachers. We are small enough to be personal and offer individual attention to each child and yet make a huge difference in the children's and families daily dynamics and activities.
Meet Meryl!
Name: Meryl Unlu
Years at Tiny Tots: 9 years
Favorite Children's Book/Story: The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper
Favorite Subject to Teach: Anything and everything!
Fun Facts About Me: I can speak 4 languages. I have two teenagers. I have pet cats and I love them (cat lady)!
What do you love the most about teaching/working with your students? I love being surrounded by pure love and laughter.
From your perspective, what makes Tiny Tots unique? We have teachers that love what they do!
Meet Soniya!
Name: Soniya Paliwal
Years at Tiny Tots: 6 years
3 years as Tiny Tots/Kinder Prep Mom
Favorite Children's Book/Story: Pete the Cat Books by James Dean
Fun Facts About Me: Mom to two young girls (ages 7 and 5) who have both gone through the Tiny Tots program. I speak Hindi as well as English. I also love to sing and dance.
Why did you decide to work with preschoolers/Tiny Tots? It just happened naturally as my girls went to Tiny Tots. Great staff and families.
What do you love the most about teaching/working with your students? I love the age range of 3-5 and I get to experience that every year as I miss that stage with my girls.
From your perspective, what makes Tiny Tots unique? Great sense of community with the staff at Tiny Tots and I love working there.
Meet Juliet
Name: Juliet Kulusic
Years at Tiny Tots: First year!
Favorite Children's Book/Story: Junie B Jones (book series)
Fun Facts About Me: I graduated Santa Clara University with three majors (psychology, literature, and performing arts), I have 2 dogs and a lizard and I am originally from NYC!
Why did you decide to work with preschoolers/Tiny Tots? After being in childcare for nearly 10 years as a nanny and babysitter as well as studying developmental psychology at SCU, I was ready to and passionate about taking the next step in my childcare journey! I feel truly blessed and honored to be in one of the most important positions and careers which has the opportunity to facilitate and foster a child's ability to communicate, a child's development of their individual identity and overall, a child's growth journey.
What do you love the most about teaching/working with your students? I feel truly honored to be in one of the most important positions and careers which has the opportunity to faciliate and foster a child's ability to communicate, a child's development of their individual identity and overall, a child's growth journey. There is no profession I love as much!
From your perspective, what makes Tiny Tots unique? In my opinion, what sets Tiny Tots a part from nearly any other preschool is our emphasis on playing with a purpose. In the silicon valley, a place defined by its competitive drive and constantly demanding routines and expectations, it is beyond refreshing to find a safe haven like Tiny Tots which focuses on giving each child a space to explore, create and most importantly play!
Meet Bela!
Name: Bela Sandesara
Years at Tiny Tots: 7 years
Favorite Children's Book/Story: The Three Little Pigs - Adapted by Dev Ross (I've read along with my daughter many, many times)
Spoon by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Fun Facts About Me: I enjoy cooking and spending time with my family and friends.
Why did you decide to work with preschoolers/Tiny Tots? Preschool is an exciting time in every child's life. They learn new skills every day and enrich their brain. I love my job because I get to be part of that journey and work with wonderful and caring teachers.
What do you love the most about teaching/working with your students? I love reading books to them and making arts and crafts with them. It's a joy to come to work every day, greeted by their smiles and hugs. I love their curiosity to learn new things.
From your perspective, what makes Tiny Tots unique? I think Tiny Tots is a unique program. As it has a low child to teacher ratio, it gives teachers an opportunity to devote more time to each student. Teachers are able to plan and create a fun and playful environment throughout the year for kids to explore and develop emotional, cognitive, social, fine and gross motor skills. One of my favorite activities during Thanksgiving is making Delicious Stone Soup (inspired by a European folk story) because Miss Sara and Miss Meryl were the ones who came up with it. I just love that activity.
"Bring what you've got! Put it in the pot!", and our kids bring in different veggies to make our own soup for the whole class. It's a great activity to teach sharing and inspire kids to be excited to eat their veggies.
