Our Staff
Kelley Cohen
Administrative Director
It is an honor and a privilege to work with the children, parents and teachers at Tree of Life Learning Center every day! I began my career over 20 years ago, teaching elementary education. I love being a teacher. I love the look on a child’s face when they are asking a question and the satisfaction they have when their curiosity has paid off and they have found the answer! I love being a director. I love watching the teachers develop and grow into your children’s heroes. I opened this school in August 2011 and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. It has given me an opportunity to bring the kind of culture and values to the early education of the children in our community. I love working in the community in which I live with my husband and our three children. I hope to instill a love of learning into my own children and all the children at Tree of Life Learning Center!
Kerri White
Director/Teacher
Hi! My name is Ms. Kerri. I was born and raised in Fremont and moved to the Danville area in 1993. I have been with Tree of Life Learning Center since August of 2014. When not working I enjoy taking my daughter to sports games, cheering on my nephews in their games, and spending time with family and friends. I have 20+ years of experience working with children. My main goal in the classroom is not only to provide a loving environment for the children but to also enrich their lives with learning while having fun. I became a teacher because I love kids! I like to get messy and explore!
Jessica Mikkelson
Hi! I’m Ms. Jessica. I am a bay area native and have lived most of my life in the Concord/Clayton area. After high school I went on to study nursing at the University of San Francisco. However, while working part-time as a daycare assistant I realized that working with children was my true passion and more aligned with my personality and purpose. I have since worked as a daycare assistant, nanny, and various other early educational roles for over seven years while concurrently obtaining my degree in early childhood education. I am a lover of learning and am always looking to improve myself or my skills. As a teacher I hope to instill that same enjoyment for learning into the children. In my spare time, I enjoy hiking, cooking, watching movies, and being crafty!
Ann Mata
Hi, I’m Ms. Ann! I was born and raised in the Bay Area and attended schools in San Ramon from kindergarten through high school. I graduated with my BA in Sociology from San Jose State University and volunteered most of my time in schools where I fell in love with teaching. Since then I have been a nanny, kindergarten assistant and recently worked in a special education preschool. My favorite thing about teaching is being introduced to so many new families, cultures, and personalities. I love the unlimited possibilities of how to help kids grow and get them excited about learning. I’m happy to be a part of the Tree of Life Learning Center team!
Lupe Griffen
Hello, my name is Ms. Lupe. I have worked with preschool aged children for over 15 years and love it! I have been married for 30 years and have four adult children. I also have 3 dogs. I am excited to be at Tree of Life! I am always ready to take on new experiences and of course have fun with all of the children here.
Lilly Fehrmann
Hi! my name is Lilly. I grew up in Pleasanton and currently still live there with my family. I grew up with a daycare in my parents’ home and have always been surrounded by children. When I am not at work, I enjoy baking, watching movies, and doing different art projects. I’m glad to be a part of the Tree of Life community!
Logan Thompson
Hello, I am Ms. Logan! I was born and raised in the Bay Area (Pleasant Hill) and attended Arizona State University to receive my Bachelors in Educational Studies. During my Bachelors program I took Early Childhood Education courses and volunteered, and found my true passion of teaching little one's. I quickly realized how amazing it is to be such an important part of each of my students' lives. I love watching them grow and explore in new ways that make learning truly an experience! I hope to be able to instill a love of learning in all my students and provide them with all the skills and tools needed for a lifetime of learning!
Ana Segalini
Hello, I am Ms.Ana! I was born and raised in Peru. I grew up in a multicultural environment. My mom was Japanese and my dad was Italian. I knew early on that I would work with children. Being a teacher is a dream come true for me. I competed my California State requirements in 1991 earning credits from Merritt College, Hayward State University, and Mills College. I have been wroking in the field for over 31 years in several different capacities, from head teacher, site director, assistant director, and eventually running my own home preschool for several years. I am thrilled to be a part of Tree of Life Learning Center. It offers me the perfect balance of work and life. I am excited to provide our children with new experiences in which they can use their imagination to be creative, and help them in their early development. I want them to enjoy their childhood and also enjoy learning. In my free time I enjoy cooking, collecting antique purses, spending time with my family, and our dog Emily.
Valerie Rubino
Hi! I am Ms. Valerie. I was born and raised in the Bay Area, specifically San Francisco and Alameda. I attended California State University, Monterey Bay for my Bachelor's in psychology. I've always had a passion for working with children and helped raise most of my cousins from a young age. I'm excited to watch your children grow into wonderful human beings!
Mel Matas
Hello! My name is Mel Matas. I was born in the South Bay but grew up in Florida and the East Bay. I studied Music Education at Diablo Valley College before getting my credentials at Theoria Technical College. When not at work, I love to sing in a variety of choirs around the Bay Area, bake, or attend services and community events at Congregation B'nei Tikvah. My goal as an educator is to help inspire creativity and curiosity about the world, as well as encourage them to grow as members of a Jewish community. The skills and tools they develop are ones they will carry with them all of their life and I love being able to help foster that.
Zela Baclayon
Hi! My name is Ms. Zela. I was born and raised in San Francisco until my family moved to San Ramon in the 90’s. I attended/graduated from Stone Valley Middle School and San Ramon Valley High School. I earned my certificate in Early Childhood Education at Los Positas Community College plus multiple other trainings from different facilities in early childhood. I have been a preschool teacher (primarily with infant, toddlers, and twos) since 2000 and have loved every minute. I have taught in Danville, Dublin, San Ramon, and Whitman AFB Missouri. I also did home daycare while my daughter was a baby. I have been a military wife since 2002 and have a daughter and a son who are my whole world, plus a dog, a cat and a bearded dragon. My passion in life is teaching little star- seeds how to shine bright.