preschool faculty
Note: Some classes have multiple sessions taught by different instructors. Check the online catalog to see which class and session each instructor teaches.
Boot, Lena - Art Classes
 "In addition to my work as an early childhood educator, my teaching passion is working with preschool age children giving them opportunities to be creative in art. Creating art is a sensory activity that allows children to observe, explore, and use fine motor and cognitive skills. Art provides them with an awareness of themselves and their surroundings." |
Cefalo, Maria Raffaella - Art Classes
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Garcia, Daniel - Music Classes
 “I have worked many years as an early childhood educator and incorporate
music into my daily curriculum with children in the classroom. My
educational background allows me to bring a unique teaching style to my
classes, incorporating singing with guitar, musical games, movement and
exploration of rhythm instruments.” |
Girard, Mary Ann - Art Classes
“I have taught art classes for preschool & school age children at CSMA for several years. I have a BFA in Graphic Design from Springfield, Missouri & have spent time working with ceramic & porcelain restoration. I enjoy working with children in art & watching their creativity process unfold.”
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Lugo, Lisette - Art Classes
“I encourage creativity & with hands-on projects that give children choices. I have a degree from Academy of Art in San Francisco & training in early childhood education with an art focus. My love for teaching art has taken me from preschool to retirement communities, teaching ages 2 to 102, using art as therapy & teaching those with disabilities. Art is my passion.”
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May, Chaia - Music Classes
 “I have been teaching Music and Movement classes for the last 25 years throughout the Bay Area. My background includes training as a teacher in Music Together, Baby Suzuki, Orff-Shulwerk, voice training, multiple dance forms and coursework in early childhood development.” |
Pense, Mary Ellen - Music Classes
“In my past 25 years as a music educator, I have worked with both preschool & school-aged children. My philosophy is learning through play. Nursery rhymes, singing games, folk songs & movement are the perfect way to teach concepts & motivate learners. Both my Orff-Schulwerk training & Kodaly Association membership support this approach.”
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Saab, Mirna - Music Classes
“I believe the natural instinct for music must be nurtured through play that awakens joy in a child’s life. My classes incorporate voice, guitar, movement, nature, a passion for foreign languages & explorations of world rhythms. My background includes early childhood music training, theater, dance, foreign languages & Reggio Emilia workshops. I have had more than 10 years of experience working with young children in music.”
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Stein, Christina - Music Classes
“I have a background in music from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. I have taught music & movement to young children for several years, & also have a thorough knowledge of brass instruments & music theory. I enjoy exposing young children to the joys of music making!”
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Walker, Dawn - Music Classes
Dawn has held several positions teaching music and art to K - 3 in public schools. Her adminstration background includes positions at Slater School and the San Francisco Symphony. Dawn is an accomplished flutist. She has played at the Carmel Bach Festival and with the Monterey Symphony, San Francisco Opera and the San Francisco Symphony. At CSMA, Dawn is the Preschool Program Coordinator and teaches flute in the Private Music Lesson program. Read Dawn's Flute Instructor Profile “My background includes classes in Kodaly singing, Kindermusik, and Musikgarten. I have a Master of Music degree with a classical music emphasis, and a vast knowledge of American folk music. I like to incorporate all of these styles in my music classes building skills through listening, singing, movement and rhythmic games.” |
Maria Raffaella Cefalo received her master’s degree in Education/Creative Arts in Learning from Lesley University in Cambridge Mass. With almost 20 years of teaching experience, she loves to observe children learn and grow, and achieve obstacles in their lives. She embraces education as a gift for the heart to fly and learning as lessons for the brain to problem solve. . Maria lives in the San Francisco Bay area and is looking forward to bring a smile to your child’s heart. 
Dawn has a Masters of Music Degree from the New England
Conservatory of Music with academic honors and distinction in flute
performance.