I grew up in the small coastal town of San Gregorio, nestled half way between Half Moon Bay and Pescadero. Having grown up in a wild, rural coastal town, my twin brother, older sister and I have a deep appreciation for nature. My siblings and I attended a very small elementary school, here on the peninsula, where my mom was the school secretary/lunch lady/school nurse. An early and exceptionally positive relationship with a school aid and the presence of my mom, inspired me to pursue Early Childhood Education as a career. 

I graduated Canada College with an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education/Child Development in 2010. I began teaching preschool at a local biotech company at their on-site childcare facility. I worked there until 2014, when my husband, Kenny and I became parents to our daughter Paige. I am also a yogi and was drawn to complete my 50HR Yoga For Kids Teacher Training at Nandi Yoga in 2017. As an artist, teacher and evolving yogi, I creatively develop curriculum that is both developmentally appropriate and engaging. This is where I expose young children to yoga postures and mindfulness practices, like the power of calming breaths. 

I came to SMPNS in 2016, as a parent. I was on the board and helped facilitate the most recent play structure update. At the time, Dena Heinz was the Director who hired me as a substitute teacher and later as a teacher. While SMPNS was not the right school for our daughter, it was the right school for me as a teacher. SMPNS is a magical place that brings together the most incredible families and offers an authentic play based preschool environment.

I grew up just over the bridge in the east bay. I'm one of four children in a very close knit family.  I got my degree from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, in Liberal Studies and a multiple subject teaching credential from San Diego State University. I taught 3rd grade, here, in the SMFC school district until I had the first of my two boys. 

This school with its wonderful philosophy, seasoned teachers, and warmth of community has drawn me back into teaching.  I'm very honored to spend part of my day with your children.  

I grew up in Arizona and moved to California to play soccer at Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont.  (I love sports!) I graduated with a B.A. in Sociology/Behavioral Science. After college I married my husband Brian, who is born and raised in San Mateo. I then continued taking courses in Early Childhood Education. I later got a job at a preschool where I worked for 8 years. I decided to quit my job there, so I wouldn't miss out on my oldest son Darren's activities and do my co-op hours with my daughter Camryn at San Mateo Parents Nursery School at the time, where I then started working. Darren just turned eight this summer and will be going into 3rd grade this fall and Cami will be six this fall and going into kindergarten.

Even though my children have graduated from SMPNS I have stayed. I LOVE this school, the children, the parents...it's community...it's extended family.

I'm teacher Dena, I've been with SMPNS since 2012 in various roles: a substitute teacher, co-president, and director- teacher. I am now a part-time teacher here, as well as a mother to my two young daughters Niki and Stefi, and wife to Chris. I earned my bachelors degree in child development from CSU Chico. I earned my teaching credential and masters in education from Notre Dame University. I am an advocate for balance equaling happiness and empowering children with self esteem and love.

I am a seasoned preschool and public school teacher. I'm ready to connect with children and their families every day. I adore children!