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!

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.

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 working 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.

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.

Rose Krause

My name is Rose Krause, and I have been teaching preschool for over 13 years. I have an associates degree, and I am a fully qualified childcare professional. I have taught all preschool ages, but I especially adore working with two year-olds. I love their curious minds and their little hugs. I live in Castro Valley with my family. My husband and I are celebrating 26 years together in September. My 10 year old daughter just started 5th grade.

Emily Martin

Hi! I'm Ms. Emily! I am SO excited to be a part of The Tree Of Life Learning Center Family!
I was born in Georgia & lived in North Carolina until we moved to California in 1975. I have 1 older Brother & 2 older Sisters. I have been teaching since 1996 & have been teaching Pre-K for close to 20 years! My Husband & I have been married since 1998 & we have 1 Daughter.
I love music & dancing, laughter and having a fun time! We are going to have an AMAZING year!!!!