Meet our team
The caring faces behind Building Kidz of Berkeley
Our team pours heart, training, and lifelong passion into every child who walks through our doors.
Executive Director
Sabrina Bhandari
Sabrinas adventure in early childhood education began long ago when she attended the first Building Kidz, founded by her mother, at age 4. She continued to delve into the magical world of early childhood education by volunteering and working as a teachers aide once she was old enough. Since these early days, shes been enchanted by the joy and developmental process of little ones. After years of playful exploration at Building Kidz schools, formal education at the University of California, Davis, where she earned her B.S. degree in Psychology, and corporate experience where she achieved top-two performance, Sabrina is thrilled to now be immersed again in the world of preschoolers and their families. When shes not busy with the little ones, you can find Sabrina re-centering in yoga poses or exploring the mysteries of Ayurveda. As a certified yoga instructor and Ayurveda practitioner, she loves teaching young adventurers the secrets of mindfulness, emotional regulation, and mobility.
Little Learners
Ms Amel
Hello Everyone! Im Amel Mofredj. My journey with children began in Algeria, where I earned my degree as a middle and high school teacher. After a year of teaching at a middle school, I embarked on a new chapter in the United States. My passion for working with children continued even after immigrating to the US. I love children, and I love working with them. Teaching little ones has always been my dream because supporting the foundational years brings me a lot of joy. Im enthusiastic about continuing to support childrens growth. Looking forward to contributing to our growth and learning journey together! MY EDUCATION: Middle and high school teacher permits from the University of Algeria Associate teacher diploma from Contra Costa College. Pursuing an AA degree in Early Childhood Education from CCC.
Administrative Assistant
Ms Rossy
Hi everyone, Im Rossy. I am thrilled to be working at Building Kidz of Berkeley. I am a Teachers Aide for the Infant Classroom. Although this is my first formal role in a daycare/preschool setting, I have been passionate about working with kids since I was really young. I started babysitting when I was 15 and completed internships that involved helping children. These experiences have helped me develop skills in creating engaging and safe environments for children. As a Teachers Aide, I am eager to learn and grow alongside the teachers here. I hope to build a strong bond with all of you! My Education: In pursuit of Early Childhood Certification.
Little Learners
Ms Ariana
Hello everyone! My name is Ariana Grimes. I am a seasoned childcare provider with a career spanning over 25 years in the field. I have a strong passion for teaching. I enjoy observing the rapid development of the toddler age group and supporting their cognitive and motor milestones! I particularly enjoy activities such as arts and crafts, music, movement, and reading. In addition, I am a mother of two amazing girls. MY EDUCATION: AA in Early Childhood Education from Peralta Community College.
Bright Beginnings
Ms Angela
My name is Angela, and I was born and raised right here in Oakland, CA. Growing up in a big family surrounded by lots of children, I developed a love for caring for little ones at a very young age. Working with children has always come naturally to me, and it truly fills my heart with joy. Im passionate about creating a safe, nurturing, and loving environment where your babies can grow, explore, and feel supported every step of the way. My goal is to help each child feel secure and cared for while also encouraging their curiosity and development. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, journaling, and spending time in nature-these activities help me stay calm, creative, and refreshed so I can bring my best energy to the classroom every day. Im so excited to be part of your little ones early learning journey and cant wait to get to know each of you!
Natureville
Ms Camerah
Hi everyone! My name is Camerah, and Im so happy to be part of the Building Kidz family! I was born and raised in the Bay Area and attended school in Berkeley from preschool through high school. Ive had the pleasure of working with children of all ages, and I recently earned my ECE units, which deepened my passion for early education. I especially love supporting the social and emotional growth of children; helping them build confidence, kindness, and strong connections with others. I love getting to know each childs family and creating a warm, engaging environment where every child can thrive! MY EDUCATION: BS in psychology with a focus in child development. Early Childhood Education Certified Teacher
Bright Beginnings
Ms Amy
Hello! Im Amy, I was born in Fort Bragg, CA. I was a reading tutor for 5 yrs for 1st-2nd grade students and then moved to Tulare County and worked as support for elementary ESL students for 6 years. I realized I wanted to help children in early childhood and obtained my certificate. I have been working with infants at Building Kidz for 3 years now and love supporting their growth! My aim is to create a nurturing environment that fosters security, emotional growth, and confidence for infants. When these foundational elements are in place, children are better equipped to explore, engage, and learn effectively. My Education: Over 15 Years of experience with young children. Full Certification in Early Childhood Education.
Natureville
Ms Rockie
Hello my name is Rockie and I am thrilled to be with the Building Kidz of Berkeley Team! I have been a preschool teacher for 12 years, primarily working with infants to age 2. My main focus in the classroom is that the children are learning daily through play adventures that include singing, dancing, arts and dramatic play corners. Another aspect of their learning process that I am immensely passionate about is their social emotional development. So I look forward to spending a lot of our days together teaching them language skills to help them better communicate their needs and wants amongst their peers, teachers and families. I am happy to be joining the Natureville Community and I cant wait to build relationships and bonds with each student and their family! MY EDUCATION: Fully Qualified Preschool Teacher in pursuit of my BA in Early Childcare Education
Around The World
Ms Debbie
Hello, Im Debra, but the kids call me Ms. Debbie! Ive been working with children for over seven years, and Ive loved every moment of it. Over the past year, I completed my Early Childhood Education units and have proudly grown into the Lead Teacher role in the Around the World classroom. Working with kids has always been my passion – I love being a voice for young learners and helping them recognize how amazing and capable they are. I come from a big family and enjoy spending time together, especially with my own child. Im excited to continue supporting each childs growth and development while creating a fun, nurturing environment here at Building Kidz! MY EDUCATION: Certified Early Childhood Education Teacher
Around The World
Ms Daniela
My name is Daniela, and Im from San Francisco, right here in the Bay Area! Right before graduating high school, my first goal was to become independent-so I started working and saving at just 17 years old. After graduation, I began working in sales and quickly worked my way up to management within a year. It was a great experience that taught me a lot about leadership and communication. But this year, I felt ready for a new path. With the encouragement of a friend, I began working in early childhood education and instantly fell in love with it! Now, Im proud to be part of the Building Kidz family, working in the Around the World classroom, where I support our students with their Spanish language learning and social-emotional development. Im currently in the process of earning my ECE units, and Im so excited to continue growing in this field. Working with children brings me so much joy-seeing their curiosity, creativity, and confidence blossom reminds me every day that Im exactly where Im meant to be. My Education: Graduated from Richmond High Currently Studying Early Childhood
Little Learners
Ms Suryah
Hi, my name is Suryah! Im originally from Yemen and moved to the U.S. in 2010, where I earned my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education with honors. My passion for child development began when my daughter was born prematurely, inspiring me to learn more about how children grow and thrive. Ive been part of the Building Kidz family for a while now, working in the Toddler Classroom, where I truly enjoy helping little ones learn, explore, and build confidence each day. Watching them grow and develop their unique personalities brings me so much joy. Im grateful to be part of such a loving and supportive community and look forward to continuing to make a positive impact in the lives of our toddlers! MY EDUCATION: AS Early Childhood Education CA Business Management AA Liberal Arts: Social & Behavioral Sciences
SUBSTITUTE
Yunjung Hong
Hello, everyone! My name is Yunjung Hong. I have been working with children for over 10 years and my passion for working with young children continued even after I immigrated to the United States. I love working with children because they remind me of balloons – easily bursting with emotions, but always bringing joy wherever they go. MY EDUCATION: BA in Child education specializing in speech and occupational therapy from South Korea. Full Certification in Early Childhood Education.
Join us
Love children? You’ll fit right in.
We’re always looking for warm, dedicated people to grow our Berkeley team. Turn your passion into a career that changes little lives every day.
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