Our Team
Our staff are an eclectic group of adults with a diverse age range. They all contribute something unique towards our program – whether it’s cooking, singing, crafting or leading a special circle time. Staff are carefully chosen for their intrinsic affinity for early childhood learning.
We value the importance of a male presence in our program since early childhood is often a field dominated by women. We speak a variety of languages and represent many different countries; El Salvador, South Africa, Australia and Ireland are amongst our team.
We strive to create a cohesive group of core adults who will nurture and guide your child towards fostering independence.
Kelly Forde
Kelly grew up in South Africa where she attended Hotel School and learned to be a Pastry Chef. Following graduation, she travelled extensively and met her Irish husband in Indonesia. 20 years later - she’s still in San Francisco. Kelly and her husband Conor have raised 3 children in the city they love.
She started Kelly’s Family Daycare (now Noe Valley Family Childcare) 12 years ago when she looked for a program for her then 2 year old son. She couldn’t find one she really loved, so she started her own.
Kelly finds great joy in cooking and preparing meals for toddlers and loves to frequent farmer’s markets. She is passionate about food justice, the outdoors, education and the wonder of early childhood. Her hobbies include reading, listening to NPR and traveling. Kelly’s goal as an early childhood educator is to create a community where children can thrive in a rich environment of good food, fresh air, engaging activities and empathetic teachers.
Kelly holds an Associate Teacher Permit within the Child Development Permit Matrix.
Tara Richter
Tara completed her Bachelor of Social Work Degree in 2001 and worked for the Department of Human Services, for the Victorian State Government (Australia) in Child Protection and Disability Services. She worked with children and their families in both of these roles and thoroughly enjoyed the aspects of human psychology, child development and seeing children thrive when given appropriate supports.
Moving to San Francisco in 2008 required a review of her career direction and when offered a position as full time nanny to a family of two children under the age of 5 she accepted the role as a chance to try something new whilst still applying aspects of the training in systems and psychology she had gleaned as a Social Worker.
Her interests include reading, singing, playing violin, and listening to music - interests that she particular enjoys sharing with the children during circle time and throughout the day whenever opportunities arise.
Tara holds an Assistant Permit within the Child Development Permit Matrix.
Alice Guillen
Alice was born and raised in San Francisco. She graduated in 2020 with honors from City College of San Francisco with an Associate Degree in Science - Child Development and ECE Associate Teacher certificate. Alice holds a Teacher Permit within the Child Development Permit Matrix.
Alice has been working with and taking care of children throughout her life, which has inspired her to work in a preschool setting.
Alice has been an invaluable part of the NVFC team since 2018. In addition to her day to day role as teacher, she runs the NVFC book library and is responsible for our Friday care program.
Her interests include; spending time with her immediate and extended family, walking her dog (Bella) and going to the movies.
Alexei Wajchman
With over 15 years of experience in early childhood music education, our resident musician Alexei Wajchman has a dynamic approach to teaching that blends music theory and ethnomusicology with traditional children's song, folk classics, doo-wop, rock n' roll, and his own original songs. Students learn about basic musical concepts such as beat, rhythm, melody, and harmony, as well as different instruments of the world. One month might be on the music of Africa (Djembe, Kora, Mbira, etc.), another month on Asia (Tuvan throat singing, Sinawi, Taiko, etc.), and another month on Rock n' Roll.
Alexei's goal as a teacher and performer is to inspire his students, build their self- esteem, emphasize their common bonds, and encourage their imaginations. Children are invited to actively participate through dancing, singing, fingerplays, and creative adventure songs in which the students direct the actions.
In addition to NVFC, Alexei also teaches at Children's Day School, Potrero Hill Montessori, Mission Montessori, Stepping Stones Inner Sunset, Montessori Children's House of the West Coast, Little Tree Preschool, Wind in the Willows, and Hearts and Minds Preschool.
Sasha was born and raised in San Francisco and is currently a junior in a homeschool program with an interest in child development and veterinary medicine. She first joined NVFC as a young child, and it quickly became a special place where she made lasting memories and friendships. Now, as part of the NVFC team, Sasha loves contributing to the same nurturing environment that shaped her early years. During her time at NVFC, she has built meaningful relationships with families and gained valuable experience working with children of all ages. In her free time, Sasha enjoys traveling, working at a local vet clinic, and babysitting for local families.
Sasha Utting
Snoopy (foreground) and Noe are with us every day and in addition to providing great companionship here at school, venture forth with us on neighborhood strolls and hikes.
Snoopy was adopted through RocketDog rescue, Noe was a stray discovered on a neighbor’s front doorstep. Both canine friends are sweet, gentle and greatly beloved members of the NVFC team.