Jessica Spenchian, M.A. (she/her) – Founder, Director & Teacher Mentor
Jessica is a certified preschool teacher and former producer, non-profit project manager and college-level writing instructor. She is also the mother of two wonderful middle school age children (ages 14 and 12).
With a pre-teaching background in early literacy program evaluation (K-5), grant writing, resource development, interactive media production and project management, Jessica brings a dynamic and interdisciplinary approach to her work with learners of all ages, adults and children alike! Back in 2015, frequent feedback about her caring personality and intuitive ability to connect with young children–combined with a focus on raising her own two children–motivated Jessica to turn her creative energy toward founding her own preschool program.
Inspired by her previous experience working as a Head Preschool Teacher at Stretch the Imagination in San Francisco, Jessica’s mission was to combine the developmental advantages of small, high quality toddler and preschool environments with the provision of full time childcare. Her commitment to the use of responsive language and to designing age appropriate, play-based avenues for extended inquiry make her particularly fond of the project-oriented Reggio approach to early childhood education: an approach which views young children as active and capable shapers of the world around them.
Jessica’s interest in child-centered teaching and in emergent curriculum design–instructional methods which position the children’s own evolving questions as starting points for all forms of sensory exploration–is complemented by her deep understanding of the Italian cultural context out of which the Reggio model arose. Having lived and worked in Bologna, Italy for over three years prior to becoming a teacher, Jessica is a fluent (but imperfect) speaker of Italian and she remains optimistic about the possibility of adding an Italian language and cultural component to The Children’s Workshop Oakland program at some point in the future.
Jessica holds a BA in World Literature and Cultural Studies from the University of California at Santa Cruz, a Child Development Permit from City College of San Francisco and a Masters degree in English Composition with a Post-Secondary Reading Certificate from San Francisco State University. She can most often be found in the classroom or running around the CWO campus but enjoys reading, listening to music, hiking in the forest, relaxing on the beach, cooking and roller skating/blading with family and friends when not at school.
Kat & Sean- Oaks Class & After School Program Teaching Team (4.5-6+ years)
Kat Rosemond (she/her) – Auxiliary Campus Resident Site Supervisor, Supervising Lead Oaks Classroom Teacher & Teaching Team Trainer/Mentor
Teacher Kat is honored to be a part of the CWO community! She finds joy in discovering how the unique experiences and perspectives of students and teachers shape our learning environments!
Kat holds a BA in Geography and Anthropology from Vassar and completed her Early Childhood Education coursework prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic at Saddleback and Merritt Colleges. She has numerous years of experience working with children of all ages, from infancy through high school as a nanny, postpartum doula, field trip and camp coordinator and garden teacher. She has over five years of experience serving leading mixed age two, three, four and five year old preschool classrooms and has been supervising and mentoring junior CWO staff for the past two years.
Kat grew up in Georgia and lived and worked in New York and Vermont before moving to the Bay Area in 2017. With a background in outdoor education, she is especially excited to explore and develop curiosities about soil, garden critters and plants when working outside with students. While in the classroom, she loves diving into imaginative play and deeply values wonder, empowerment and collaboration. In her time outside of work she coaches a Bay Area Roller Derby team and enjoys unwinding by cooking dinners with her housemate and kitty.
Sean Robinson (he/him) – After School Program Lead, Oaks Classroom Co-Lead Teacher, Floating Support & Facilities Maintenance
Teacher Sean is a dynamic and creative educator with a passion for hands-on learning, music and storytelling. With a background in fine arts and intermedia, he brings an engaging, interdisciplinary approach to early childhood education, believing that children learn best when their curiosity is sparked through play, creativity and exploration.
Sean has worked in a variety of educational settings, from teaching science and gardening at New Traditions Elementary in San Francisco to leading wilderness survival programs at Trackers Earth in Berkeley. His experience has deepened his appreciation for experiential learning—whether through outdoor education, music or interactive storytelling. He has developed original curricula, illustrated educational materials and composed songs to help young learners connect with complex topics in meaningful ways.
Originally from Iowa, Sean taught at CWO for three years prior to the pandemic, returned home, then rejoined The Children’s Workshop Oakland team after permanently relocating back to the Bay Area in 2025. Sean is eager to contribute to CWO’s community-driven and holistic approach to early education. He believes in the power of storytelling, silliness and connection to foster a joyful learning environment where children feel inspired to explore the world around them.
Mitra & Rachel – Seedling Class Teaching Team (3.5-4.5 years)
Mitra Panbehchi (she/her) – Seedling Classroom Co-Lead Teacher
Mitra began her academic journey in London, where she pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature. This early exposure to language, storytelling and critical thinking shaped her deep appreciation for communication and human development. She later continued her education in Iran, earning a degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Tehran, where she built a strong foundation in child development, learning theories and emotional well-being.
Her professional path began in Tehran as a therapist, where she worked closely with individuals and families, gaining valuable insight into human behavior, emotional needs and the importance of early intervention. This experience profoundly influenced her and guided her toward her true passion: working with children.
In 2014, Mitra moved to the Bay Area, where she redirected her focus toward early childhood education. With over a decade of experience, Mitra has become a dedicated educator who believes deeply that children are “the hope of the future.” Her teaching is rooted in respect for each child’s individuality, voice and potential.
Mitra is especially inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach to early learning. She enjoys creating provocations that capture the children’s imagination and interest using natural elements blended with art processes. She is passionate about creating a warm and inclusive classroom where children feel safe and confident to learn with the environment as their third teacher. Mitra’s attention to the small details instills wonder and curiosity in her students.
Mitra’s work is also deeply informed by her cultural roots. She is passionate about bringing the richness of Iranian culture into her teaching: sharing traditions, values, language and celebrations that foster a sense of identity and global awareness among the children in her care. She believes that honoring diverse cultural heritages helps children build empathy and a deeper understanding of the world around them.
With patience, creativity and robust communication skills Mitra strives to build strong relationships with families and students. She is honored to bring her experience, dedication and cultural perspective to The Children’s Workshop Oakland team!
Rachel King (she/her) – Seedling Classroom Co-Lead Teacher
Rachel King is a Bay Area native who has been working with preschool age children for over ten years. As a teenager, she began as a teacher’s assistant at the dance studio where she trained in Concord. After a few years, she was hired as a primary dance teacher for two to seven year old students. During her time teaching dance, Rachel experienced the most joy and wonder while working with preschool age students. After graduating from high school, Rachel attended Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill to study English. She took a child psychology course during her first semester and became passionate about the development of the Whole Child. She went on to complete core early childhood coursework, then transferred to UC Berkeley, where she graduated with a BA in English with a minor in Education.
At Cal Rachel engaged in student teaching with various age groups, however, preschool students remained her favorite! Her passion for preschoolers was reaffirmed during her work with JumpStart, where she developed remote lesson plans for three to five year olds during the pandemic. As soon as there was an opening, she transferred to an in-person team at a public preschool here in Oakland. Through these experiences, Rachel developed high standards about the quality of curriculum and care that children deserve. The following year, Rachel was hired as a floating teacher at an emergent preschool in Orinda. And it was within this program that her passion for early childhood education fully flourished. Over the next few years, she worked her way up to leading a three and four year old classroom before joining a mixed age cohort at The Berkeley School. After honing her teaching practice in a variety of programs, Rachel is thrilled to put down roots at CWO!
Rachel’s mission as an educator is to ensure that every child loves learning and feels valued at school. All children deserve a teacher who will not only advocate for them, but help them identify and advocate for their own needs. Curriculum should be FUN and Rachel’s teaching style is tailored to each individual as she works to cultivate joy, wonder, curiosity, discovery and confidence.
Bec & Valerie – Oaks Class Teaching Team (2.5-3.5 years)
Bec Prior (she/they) – Acorn Classroom Lead Teacher
Bec lives right here in Oakland with their wife (Hannah), cat (May) and rabbit (Marcus). Bec loves bringing a cozy, whimsical and creative touch to the classroom and they are never afraid to get silly in the process!
Bec studied drawing and ceramics at the San Francisco Art Institute before its closing, then went on to earn their Early Childhood Education teaching credential through CCSF and Peralta College. During that time, Bec spent six years teaching within Reggio-Emilia inspired early childhood environments in addition to working with children through various odd jobs and volunteer positions for over a decade.
Bec is passionate about inclusion, disability justice and universal human rights for children. They love to organize community art projects and fundraising events that support causes close to her heart. In her free time Bec is an avid quilter and also enjoys reading about history, following their wife to local punk shows and doing the occasional face-painting gig.
Valerie Dunn (she/her) – Acorn Classroom Co-Teacher
Valerie has been a professional early childhood educator for twenty years. She thoroughly enjoys teaching young children and helping them grow into inquisitive, curious and creative individuals within environments where they can feel seen, heard and accepted as they are. Valerie was born and raised in the suburbs of Southern California and earned a degree
in Liberal Studies from San Francisco State University.
In addition to being a teacher, Valerie ranks being an avid reader, book collector and fiction writer amongst her top favorite hobbies and interests.
Kris, Raul & Ila – Roots Class Teaching Team (18-30 months)
Kris Carlos (they/them) – Roots Classroom Lead Teacher
Kris was raised in Sacramento County and graduated from UC Davis in 2022 with a major in Theater and a minor in Physics. Toward the end of their degree, they pivoted toward education classes and interned as an assistant in middle school math classes. After graduating, Kris got a job at a preschool and worked there for the following two years, gaining their Preschool CDA as well as completing their core Early Childhood Education and Infant Toddler coursework to obtain their Child Development teaching permit. Kris worked in every classroom at their previous childcare center, gaining experience with students ages three months to four and five years before settling into a twos classroom.
At their previous center Kris explored both prepared and emergent curriculum, turning observed interests into projects for students to explore. Since joining the CWO team, they have enjoyed continuing to expand and develop emergent curriculum as they have deepened their appreciation for pedagogical practices of the Reggio Emilia approach.
Outside of teaching Kris lives with their partner, Tiffany, and their two cats. They love to explore museums and create fantastic worlds through tabletop role playing games and collage.
Raul Barragan (he/they) – Roots Classroom Co-Lead Teacher
Raul is so appreciative to be a part of the CWO community! Raul first joined The Children’s Workshop Oakland as a Junior Co-Teacher In Training after working as a preschool instructional assistant at Lockwood Child Development Center. Raul had always wanted to work in childcare in some capacity and it was during their time at Lockwood that their passion for early childhood education truly solidified. After joining the CWO team, Raul apprenticed alongside seasoned teachers, completed their core Early Childhood Education and Infant Toddler coursework and quickly worked their way up to a Co-Lead Teaching position.
Being a kid at heart, Raul has a deep well of empathy for children and tries to view the world from their perspective. Raul is also a creative person who has eagerly learned to teach through the Reggio Emilia lens! Originally from Chicago, Raul has called Oakland home since 2022.
Outside of the classroom Raul is an ambient/experimental musician and visual artist who–inspired by California ecology, 80’s sci-fi/horror soundtracks, alien lifeforms and deep sea creatures–works to create textural and ethereal soundscapes. They have previously released albums with Chicago Research and Liminal Ennui Records and are currently working on a forthcoming album. Raul lives with their amazing wife, Claire, and two wacky chihuahuas, Lupi and Tini. Together they enjoy hiking in Joaquin Miller Park and driving to the coast to view the sea life.
Lisa Cepeda-Vasquez (she/her) – Founding Leadership Team Member & Ongoing Program Advisor
Lisa first embarked on her career with the goal of becoming an elementary school teacher. However, while in college, she took an assistant position in early childhood and developed an incredible love and respect for the preschool age. Inspired by the children’s naturally inquisitive ways, loving and gentle attitudes and by the respect they shared for their communal environment and for each other, Lisa returned to school to complete her degree in Childhood Development at Merritt College. After working in several different types of programs, Lisa has found that she truly believes in an emergent style of learning wherein she can give children back their right to explore this world and all it has to offer in their own individual ways.
Lisa has been exploring our lovely city of Oakland since she was a child, coming to visit her many relatives and grandparents who lived in the area. Her parents were both born and raised in Oakland and she has fond memories of trips to Fairy Land, feeding the ducks at the lake and going to the park in Montclair. Many of these wonderful memories are the reason she and her lovely wife chose to move back to Oakland. Lisa loves being outdoors, playing soccer and baseball, walking the lake and hiking in Joaquin Miller and throughout Berkeley. Cooking and baking are also passions of hers, as food in her family was a way to express and share love and come together. Overall, Teacher Lisa loves to be adventurous and silly and to dance, sing and tell stories. It is her hope that by sharing her passions with her students, they will in turn discover where their own unique passions lie and will revel in pursuing them!
Since joining CWO in 2018, Lisa has been instrumental in programmatic stewardship, working closely with Jessica as a senior founding member of CWO’s leadership team and helping to develop core training and professional development practices for mentoring both new and seasoned teachers. Having played many roles within the program, Lisa’s favorite vantage point is shepherding new student and new teacher learning through responsive and reflective practice in the always bustling and dynamic Roots (toddler) and Acorn (mixed age 2s and 3s) classrooms. Lisa considers herself a perpetual student of education and remains committed to evolving and strengthening her own teaching year over year.
Chelsea America (she/her) – Back Up Supervisor & Floating Support + Visiting Project-Based Curriculum Mentor & Atelierista
Teacher Chelsea is a passionate artist and educator who believes that art making is integral to the learning process. Having spent several years teaching art in elementary schools, moving from classroom to classroom to lead students through various projects prior to teaching at CWO, Chelsea has enjoyed putting down roots at CWO: previously as a full time 2s, 4s and 5s classroom teacher and atelierista (2019-2022) and now as a Supervisor and Project Based Curriculum Mentor for the afternoon team on the heels of a three year hiatus taken to pursue an MFA from San Francisco State University.
Teaching in public elementary schools and in preschool summer camps over the years has shown Teacher Chelsea the limitless creativity and capabilities of young children. She views art as the perfect tool for investigation, having arms in all other subject areas including math, science, design and technology, humanities and history. Art provides a tangible form to the learning process and for the imagination. For children, art is both visual aid and articulation for their investigations. Chelsea loves seeing her students make discoveries and problem solve through the process of art making: what happens when they mix colors or the look on their faces as they lift a scratch-board to reveal the imprint of their artwork. Art expresses individuality and stimulates the brain through its visual and sensorial qualities and Chelsea is excited to support and inspire her students and fellow teachers!
Teacher Chelsea has a huge heart for children. With three vivacious children of her own, she believes in the inherent capability and autonomy of young learners. The Reggio-Emilia philosophy coincides with her beliefs about and experiences in education. She believes in the power of the joy of learning and understands that every child is a naturally curious learner who should be supported to follow his/her own path of interest. After observing the ways in which the children and teachers consistently collaborate together at CWO, with such mutual degrees of vested interest, respect and reciprocity, Teacher Chelsea is grateful to have found a place amongst this incredible team of educators and within such a unique cooperative learning community. Chelsea holds a BFA from the San Francisco Art Institute, an MFA from San Francisco State University and has pursued Post-Baccalaureate studies at the Siena Art Institute in Siena, Italy. When not teaching, Chelsea enjoys undertaking elaborate art projects, taking trips to the library and going on adventures outdoors with her own children. In her solo-time, Chelsea teaches monthly art classes for adults, explores art exhibitions and puts time into her personal art practice. In sum, art is life for Chelsea!