Danielle Toliver – Full Day Two Year Olds (Co-Head Teacher)

Danielle came to DVMS as a substitute teacher in the Older Toddler Program in 2005. Seeing young children capable of doing so many things helped her realize that she wanted to learn more about Maria Montessori’s philosophy. After being hired as an Assistant teacher, Danielle decided to get her Montessori Infant/Toddler Teaching Credential. After earning her credential, Danielle was given the opportunity to become Head Teacher for the Full Day Twos class. Danielle’s two children also attended DVMS!

Pearl Bell – Full Day Two Year Olds (Co-Head Teacher)

Pearl attended a Montessori preschool in San Francisco as a child. This early introduction to the Montessori method led to her lifelong love of learning and a desire to share that experience with children. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from UC Davis in 1998, majoring in Human Development with a focus in Child Development. Starting in 2000, after receiving her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from UC Davis, Pearl taught in elementary and junior high schools for over 10 years. In 2015, she completed her Infant-Toddler Montessori Credential, through the Montessori Teacher Education Center. She has been co-teaching the full day Twos Class, with Danielle Toliver, since 2015.

Larisa Zherebnenkov – Full Day Two Year Olds (Assistant Teacher)

Larisa started working at DVMS as a substitute in 2001 after a friend told her they thought she would be a good fit. It only took her two months to decide to transition to a full time employee, in the role of an Assistant teacher. She loves working with young children and has three children of her own and four grandchildren. When she’s not working or spending time with family, she loves to knit and restore old furniture. Before becoming a teacher, Larisa was an interior designer.

Jaquelyn Dela Cruz – Full Day Two Year Olds (Assistant Teacher)

Jaquelyn was born and raised in the San Francisco/Bay Area. She graduated from California State University, East Bay and after graduating, she worked as a substitute teacher in grades K-5 in the West Contra Costa School District. A few years later, Jaquelyn decided to enroll in Early Childhood Education (ECE) courses at Contra Costa College. During this time, she acquired a deeper understanding and knowledge of early childhood development and soon after decided to pursue a career in the early childhood field.

Jacquelyn says “it has been a rewarding and wonderful experience working at DVMS, learning from the children and teaching staff.” She is looking forward to an exciting school year at DVMS!

Zehava Sciara- Full Day Two Year Olds (Assistant Teacher)

Zehava moved to the Bay Area in 1998 and started working as a preschool teacher. Since then she has had three kids of her own and hundreds of students. Although she loves all ages, her favorite age group to work with is infant/toddler because she loves how they grow and change every day. She got her teaching degree in Early Childhood Education from DVC and Saddleback College. In her free time she enjoys hiking, cooking, hosting, reading and traveling with her kids.