Teacher Prudence
3 Day Combo Teacher & Director

Teacher Prudence is starting her 6th year at Sunnymont-Westside. Prudence loves teaching and watching children learn through exploration. She is known for her easy, infectious smile and for making everything seem like it’s just part of the adventure.

Prudence has been a teacher for the past 26 years. She started by teaching Kindergarten, First and Third Grades at elementary schools in San Jose. Both of her own children attended local co-op preschool programs and during that time, she fell in love with the co-op nursery school model.

Besides making her classroom an adventure for children, Prudence had always wanted to make sure it was always a place that offered loving support to each family as their children grew, as well. And “Parent participation schools are a special places for observing this growth. It is a special time! I get the privilege of connecting with each child and their family in a way that didn't always happen within the elementary school classroom.” She also loves the community aspect of a co-op school. She believes that the strong connections and friendships that families form can last a lifetime.

In the 16 years since deciding a co-op is the place for her, she has taught 1 Day, 2 Day and 4 Day classes at other local parent participation schools.

Prudence has a BS degree in Environmental Sciences and a California Multiple Subjects teaching credential. She received the Meritorious Service Award in 2013 and the Honored Teacher award from San Jose State University in 2012. She is the mom of 2 children who went through co-op schools

Teacher Virginia
4 Day TK Class Teacher

Teacher Virginia's passion for Early Childhood Education began in 2016 while working with families in East Palo Alto at a nonprofit dedicated to helping young children enter kindergarten through play, relationships, and strengths-based learning. Inspired by this experience, she opened a trilingual family child care program that later evolved into a nature-based Spanish immersion school, where she spent eight years nurturing infants, toddlers, and school-age children.

Originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, Virginia's childhood was filled with outdoor adventures that shaped her belief that children thrive through free play, nature, strong community, and meaningful cultural connections. As both an educator and parent, her experiences at Menlo-Atherton Cooperative Nursery School and Sequoia Parents Nursery School strengthened her commitment to family partnerships and play-based learning.

Virginia’s rich background combines a degree in linguistics with extensive specialized training, including a forthcoming Early Childhood Special Education Certificate from Foothill College, a Site Supervisor Permit, and certifications in children's yoga and music. She is excited to join the Sunnymont–Westside community and looks forward to creating a joyful, inclusive classroom where every child's curiosity, strengths, and sense of belonging are celebrated.