Staff
All of our staff members are experienced and exceptional early childhood educators, chosen for their qualities of warmth and support of families. First Congo has a very low teacher turnover rate, and our staff takes full advantage of their many years of combined experience to promote a collaborative and collegial atmosphere in our community of learners.
In addition, all of our teachers participate in a continuous program of in-service training to remain alert to the changing needs of today’s families and to the findings of current research. Staff members are also active in our state and local professional associations.
Marisa Cajbon
Executive Director
I was born and raised on the Peninsula and my husband and I have been lucky enough to raise our three children here, too! I have been teaching for over twenty years in play-based learning environments and I love what I do! It is such an honor to be a part of each family’s journey as they navigate through the early childhood years. I have a master’s in early childhood education and consider myself a life-long learner. When I’m not at school I love watching my youngest play basketball, enjoying time with family, and taking walks with my yellow lab.
Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.”
Fred Rogers
Katherine Cherry
Director of Operations
I have been the Director of Operations with First Congo since 2020, and I love the magic of our school (if you’ve been here, you know what I mean)! I moved from Chicago where I worked in the education field as a teacher and school administrator for almost 20 years. I grew up in the mountains of Tennessee, where I still love to visit. I live in Menlo Park with my three children, husband and dog, Sunny.
Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire.”
William Butler Yeats
Teachers
Amity Hodge
I grew up in Palo Alto and was lucky enough to attend First Congo myself as a child. One of my earliest memories is jumping off the big red box in the play yard! After seeing my three boys through the program, I am thrilled to be able to stay and play at nursery school, this time as a teacher. When I am not at school you will find me cooking or gardening, but most often outdoors, busy with my active boys.
Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Erika Krugler
I have been a teacher at First Congo for over 15 years! Prior to First Congo I worked in the public schools as a second-grade teacher and reading specialist. I love how the staff at First Congo provides such a rich environment for children to play and explore. It is an amazing gift to watch them learn each day! Outside of school I am busy playing Pickle Ball, learning Bridge and visiting my three daughters.
Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.”
Emilie Buchwald
Sue Marianacci
I grew up in the suburbs of New York. At Drew University, I studied Psychology and Sociology. After that, I went on to get my M.A. in Education at Teachers College at Columbia with a focus on Special Education. I taught at intensive day treatment schools before having my own children. I first came to First Congo as a parent with my first child then began teaching here when my second child was in the program. I’ve been here ever since! My children are now grown and pursuing education careers of their own.
I love reading, hiking and biking. I often bike to school and make frequent stops at the library and farmer’s market.
What the educator does in teaching is make it possible for the students to become themselves.”
Paulo Freire
Lisa Newton
I grew up in Michigan with two siblings and dozens of cousins. I studied at Purdue University then ventured to Chicago, New Hampshire and New York before making my way to Palo Alto in 2000. I have four fantastic daughters who range in age from 6 to 14. They keep me on my toes and I am constantly amazed by their growth, development and all they teach me about what’s truly important. I’m often reminded that parenting brings out our greatest strengths and weaknesses (and continual need for a good nap!). Nursery school can play such an important role in a child’s development and I’m thrilled to be joining the First Congo community! In addition to many fabulous kids’ books, I love movies, sports, cooking, and my crazy dog.
Come as you are and be cared for with great love.”
St. Madeline Sophie Barat (founder of Sacred Heart Schools and pioneer in women’s education)
Lori Sevcik
I was born in Chicago, IL and moved to San Jose, CA when I was 4 years old. I had a wonderful and free childhood in the hills of the South Bay. I returned back to the Midwest to attend college at Purdue University where I met my husband. After graduating with degrees in Mathematics and Computer Science and working some odd jobs out at sea (!) my husband and I decided to settle in Los Altos, CA. I worked for 10 years in technology before shifting my focus to early childhood education in preschool classes and adult education. I have two children who keep me happy and busy. In my free time I enjoy volunteering at my children’s school, running, biking and being outside as much as possible!
Robyn Miller
I grew up in Texas, but have called the Bay Area home for 22 years. I have three teenage children all of whom are First Congo alumni. I loved being a part of the First Congo family as a parent and now as staff. I have a degree in English and a minor in technical writing. I started my teaching career at First Congo 6 years ago and have continued my education in early childhood development. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, baking, painting watercolors and reading.
It is a happy talent to know how to play.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Melissa Goldman
Hi All! My name is Melissa Goldman. I grew up in the Pacific Northwest where I created a love for evergreen trees and fishing. I have three children ages 10, 8 and 5 all of which have gone through the First Congo program. I come in with a love for children and passion around seeing them play and grow. I have spent many of my own kid’s years volunteering at their preschool and young fives programs. I am looking forward to being a nursery teacher at First Congo this year while continuing my education in psychology focusing on children and adolescents as well as early childhood development.
You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.”
Plato
Janine Rocha
I was born and raised not too far away in Los Gatos, where much of my family still lives today. I received my degree in Education from Point Loma and my Masters in Education from Santa Clara. After graduating, I spent two years teaching at a bilingual school in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Upon returning home, I taught in Alum Rock and then in Palo Alto. My husband is also an educator and we have two children, Lily and Beckett, who both attended First Congo. When I’m not at school, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family, running, reading, and traveling to new places.
Emily Hedge
I grew up in Palo Alto and some of my first friendships and lifelong interests were founded in and around the lovely play yard at First Congo. I’ve been lucky enough to return home to raise my young son and relive many of my formative memories through his recent experience as a First Congo student. I am thrilled to now continue my journey as a teacher with the school. My background is in the arts and I have spent many years learning and working in artistic academic environments. I value nature, creativity, and keeping a curious mind.
Kellie Schmitz
I was born and raised in San Mateo and graduated from San Jose State University with a business marketing degree. I have three amazing daughters ages 10, 8 and 6. It wasn’t until I put them through a play-based co-op preschool that I developed a passion for working with children. I spent 8 years as a co-oping parent and during my youngest’s final year in preschool, I joined the teaching staff. It was an amazing transition and I couldn’t be happier. I’m currently back in college working towards completing all my early childhood education classes. Outside of teaching and school, I live on the softball field cheering my girls on as they play, and I absolutely love my Cricut and crafting of all sorts. I look forward to being a part of the First Congo family.
Miè Nakamura
Growing up in San Mateo, I always knew I’d work with children. I started my Early Childhood Education journey as a teenage volunteer which solidified my love for this field. Since graduating from high school and throughout college, I’ve only worked in preschool settings. For much of my career, I was dedicated to teaching and before coming to First Congo, was the Director at a play-based nursery school in San Mateo. I am thrilled to be able to go back to my roots and spend quality time in the classroom at First Congo. When I’m not at school, you’ll find me arranging flowers, cooking, or crafting something. My teenage son and daughter and I delight in treasure hunting at the Oakland Vintage Market and the like. Some evenings, you may find me up way past my bedtime watching live music in the City.
“When somebody says, ‘It’s just play.’ to me it’s like saying, ‘it’s just love or it’s just life.” – Tom Hobson
Celina Tracy
I began my career in education teaching kindergarten. Years later, while participating at my children’s preschool, I was offered a teaching position and I’ve been teaching preschool now for seventeen years. Having earned my degree in art education, I believe all children are artists and I’m passionate about encouraging their creativity in their art and their play. I raised three amazing humans, in Palo Alto, and they are now adults living out in the world. I am so excited to be joining the First Congo Community and can’t wait to meet you all!
Creativity is part of human nature. It can only be untaught.” – Ai Weiwei