Faculty
Peter's Place is both a wonderful place for children and a rewarding place to work. The remarkable tenure of our teachers is due to the importance placed on a collaborative work environment and the value of continued professional growth. All of the Peter's Place teachers have extensive education and training in early childhood education and are encouraged to expand their knowledge through on-going professional development that is funded by the school. Working as a team, the Program Director and teachers meet weekly to discuss how to support the children in our program and plan the individualized curriculum that defines Peter's Place. Each person's voice is heard and respected. The innovation and creativity that comes from this collaborative approach creates a rich, dynamic setting for children and a work environment where the teachers are inspired by one another and continue to grow and learn together and individually.
Todd Wanerman
Program Director
Todd holds a Masters of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education from San Francisco State University, a Program Director-level California Child Development Permit, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Studies from University of California at Santa Cruz. He worked with children for over 20 years at The Little School in San Francisco where he helped develop their unique practitioner-based approach to inclusion. Todd is the author of From Handprints to Hypotheses: Using the Project Approach with Toddlers and Twos and co-author (with Leslie Roffman and Cassie Britton) of Including One, Including All: A Guide to Relationship Based Early Childhood Inclusion. Todd lectured in Early Childhood Education at San Francisco State University from 2010 - 2022, and has coached and mentored countless educators locally and globally through his independent practice. Todd joined Peter’s Place in 2022.
Eileen Louie
Teacher - 42 years teaching and directing
Eileen holds a Special Education Credential for Infants and Toddlers from San Francisco State University, a Site Supervisor-level California Child Development Permit in Early Childhood Education, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from Hayward State University. She began teaching at Peter’s Place in 1982, and her two children attended starting in 1985. Eileen became the Director of the program in 2000. After retiring from directing in 2011, she has continued as a classroom teacher.
Linda Moody
Teacher - 26 years teaching and directing
Linda holds a Master of Science degree in Education and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from San Francisco State University, a Site Supervisor-level California Child Development, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from Miami University of Ohio. She has worked at Peter's Place since 1999 and is also a professional musician. Linda was the director at Peter's Place from 2012-16.
Yuki van den Ende
Teacher - 13 years teaching experience
Yuki has worked with children most of her teenage and adult life. In the late 70’s and 80’s, Yuki was a preschool teacher in San Francisco before moving to France in 1985; in Paris, Yuki studied French at the Alliance Francaise and cared for young children. Upon returning to SF in 1987, she was GM for Giorgio Armani for the West Coast. When her two daughters were in elementary school, she dedicated herself to volunteering at their schools. Yuki has a certificate in Early Childhood Education from CCSF. She joined Peter’s Place in 2021.
Michelle Fontanosa-Yee
Teacher - 11 years teaching experience
Michelle holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology. After working in the veterinary field for a short time, she was inspired by her then 4- year-old nephew, to study Early Childhood Education. She completed the Early Childhood Education program at Skyline Community College and since 2009, has enjoyed being a parent and preschool teacher. Her two children, along with her students, have taught her how special the early years are for a child. Michelle joined Peter's Place in 2023.
Noelle Rich
Teacher - 28 years teaching experience
Noelle holds an Elementary School Credential with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education from San Francisco State University, a Site Supervisor-level California Child Development Permit, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Georgetown University. Noelle has a long history with Peter’s Place. She began as a teacher, served as a board member and more recently was director of Peter’s Place for four years before moving to London. Her children also attended PPNS. Noelle has returned in 2024 as a teacher, primarily in our Pre-K classroom.
Natalie Kleefeld
Teacher - 19 years teaching experience
Natalie began her work in the field of early childhood education in 2004. Since then, she has taught and directed in infant, toddler, preschool, and kindergarten classrooms in California and Massachusetts. She earned an M.A in Child Development from Tufts University as well as a Post-Master’s Certificate in Early Childhood Research, Policy and Practice from the University of Massachusetts, Boston. From 2012-2016, she worked as a research assistant to Lella Gandini, U.S. Liaison for the Reggio Emilia Approach. Natalie also works as a visual arts teacher here in the city and is currently working on writing and illustrating a children's book. Outside of teaching, Natalie is an avid reader, walker, museum-goer, and loves to paint and draw. She lives in San Francisco with her daughter, Aada, and husband, Kyle.
Kristen Hove
Teacher - 19 years teaching experience
Kirsten has extensive experience as a teacher and co-Director at San Francisco’s Ladybug School. She holds a BA in Child and Adolescent development from the PATH CAD ECE training program at San Francisco State University, and has experience in coaching and consulting as well. Among her creative endeavors are hosting enrichment classes for out-of-school time, volunteering at her children's school, and paddling in the San Francisco Bay. Kirsten has remained rooted in supportive educational experiences that center around community and is excited to join Peter’s Place!
Christina Antipa
Business Manager - 17 years administering a small business
Christina holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcasting from San Francisco State University. Prior to becoming a full-time mother, Christina worked in the healthcare industry. Christina’s two daughters attended Peter’s Place starting in 2004. She began her work as an administrator for the program in 2007. She is the proud supporter of public schools in San Francisco as both a parent and an advocate for public education.