Team
Ms. Jenel,
Executive Director
"I have been working in the Early Childhood Education field for over 15 years. What started out as babysitting quickly became a passion - I enrolled in the Regional Occupational Program my junior year of high school and was a Teacher's Aide of a 1st grade classroom for 2 years. After graduating, I started working for the YMCA of the East Bay in their Child Care & Summer Camp programs, while earning my ECE units. I began as a Teacher's Aide, eventually working my way up to Lead Teacher and Site Director, which eventually lead me to the Senior Site Supervisor Position that overlooked 5 Child Care Centers. I worked with the YMCA for 7 years and then moved into a professional development position for Early Childhood Educators and Parents at Hively (formerly known as Child Care Links) as the Training and Outreach Coordinator. In this position, I scheduled training and professional development for staff and parents, along with becoming a certified trainer myself. During this time, I got married to my husband in August 2018, and in January 2020, brought home our beautiful & healthy daughter, Rylon Grace. Due to COVID in March 2020, we decided it was best for me to stay home with her until there was a bit more certainty of what was going on. My most recent position was as a recruiter for Child Care Careers, recruiting qualified Early Childhood Teachers for substitute positions in licensed child care centers. I am eager and so excited to get back into the child care center to develop and maintain relationships with the families, children and staff, along with sharing my wisdom and passion.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time out in nature - the mountains are my paradise! My husband, daughter and I enjoy going to the park, walking our two dogs and soaking up all of the little moments together."
More Teacher Bios Coming Soon!
Ms. Vanessa,
Toddler Teacher
"Hi. My name is Vanessa. I was born and raised in Greensboro, NC. I have been a resident of Oakland since 1986. My husband Richard and I have been married since 1988 and we are the proud parents of 3 beautiful young adults.
I've been a member of the Bright Future family since March 2017 as a Teacher in the Infants and Toddlers room.
I love to read and sing with the children. My favorite book to read to them is "A Piece is Missing," which was written and published by yours truly in 2013. And my favorite song to sing is "If You're Happy and You Know It," which gives them the opportunity to learn about and express their feelings.
I am honored to be a part of this great team of early childhood educators."