Silvia Ferguson
Director
I have been the Director of Simcha since 2007. I consider myself very honored to be a part of this amazing community and to be entrusted with the responsibility of carrying forward the excellence that has always been Simcha's trademark. We extend a welcoming spirit to all families, no matter what their religious affiliations.

In a moment I will introduce you to our outstanding teaching team, but first a little about myself. I moved to idyllic Santa Cruz in 2004 and instantly knew I was home. Immediately prior to joining Simcha, I worked for three years as a special education teacher for Santa Cruz City Schools. My heart however has always been in directing programs for very young children. I relocated here from Gainesvillle, Florida, where I had spent much of my professional career as the director of an early intervention center for children with special needs from birth to three years of age.

My formal training includes a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education from Bank Street College of Education in New York. It was there that I was exposed to play-based learning and a standard of excellence. I later completed postgraduate coursework in special education and currently maintain several California teaching credentials.

My informal credentials for being with children include the unparalleled joy of being a mother to two beautiful children. I have a grown daughter, Sierra who remains close. My son Jess, was killed in a car accident in 1995 at the age of seventeen. So I take nothing for granted but continue to love working with children.

Tracy Collins
Office Administrator
I have an Associate of Arts Degree that emphasized business and administrative skills and an Associate of Science degree in Early Childhood Education. I have been a legal secretary, a teacher's aide, a preschool teacher and a preschool director. My husband and I have raised three children, who are grown now. All these experiences have been useful in the Simcha Preschool office.

Caitlin Clancy
Preschool Class Teacher
I have been working as a preschool teacher in Santa Cruz since 2006, and am one unit away from receiving my Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Cabrillo College. My passion is working with young children, and I strongly believe that children learn best in an enriching, stimulating environment, and through meaningful play and interactions. I enjoy setting positive limits that acknowledge the child's good intention in order to ensure a safe, nurturing environment. I recognize that parents are the child's first teacher and feel children learn best when parents are involved in their education program.

In my spare time I enjoy biking, hiking, caring for my fish, playing flute, gardening and doing arts and crafts.

Roxy Greenspan
Preschool Class Teacher
I have been an early childhood educator in Santa Cruz since 2006 and I am currently working toward my degree in Early Childhood Education at Cabrillo College. I appreciate the reciprocal learning that happens in the preschool environment and value the lessons that I have learned from children. They have taught me how to trust, support their learning, and be a better teacher. I am excited to be at Simcha for so many reasons; NAEYC accreditation is something I have always admired and I am very happy to be part of a school that holds such high standards. I bring to Simcha my nurturing spirit, creativity, and support for children's growth.

When I am not working I enjoy painting, beading, hiking, and spending time in nature. I am excited to be a part of the Simcha community.

Katy Guernsey
Pre-K Class Teacher
My introduction to Early Childhood Education began with the rich, child-centered home environment in which I grew up. To this day, my mother and father are my best role models.

In my early twenties I started teaching preschool at Heffalump Parent/Child Co-op in Palo Alto, CA. In 1987 I earned my A.A. in Early Childhood Education from De Anza College in Cupertino, CA. I also had the opportunity to facilitate YWCA Positive Parenting classes in Santa Clara County. This experience helped my husband, Eliot, and I with the parenting of our three wonderful sons. After 8 years of preschool teaching, I decided to return to college. I earned a B.A. in Environmental Studies with a minor is Science, an Elementary teaching credential, and a Library Media teaching credential. After 11 years of teaching Kindergarten through 5th grade I am returning full circle to my first love, preschool. I am delighted to be teaching at Simcha preschool and for the opportunity to work with you as we both support your child's academic, social, emotional, physical and spiritual growth and development.

Heidi Hotchkin
Pre-K Class Teacher
I recently moved to the Santa Cruz area from Ann Arbor, Michigan. I am very happy living in sunny California and enjoy the Santa Cruz culture.

I graduated from Central Michigan University in 2004 with a bachelor of applied arts degree in Child Development. Since then, I have worked in three early childhood programs and was employed as a nanny in Italy for a year and a half. I am now completing my Masters degree in Early Childhood Education. I am a long-time member of N.A.E.Y.C. (National Association of Education of Young Children) professional organization and currently a board member for the local C.C.A.E.Y.C.

My teaching philosophy is to establish a loving, calm, nurturing relationship so children feel safe and trusting in my classroom. I love the works of Dr. Howard Gardner and his Multiple Intelligences and I try to incorporate his ideas into my daily work. I also believe in children learning through play and helping them construct their learning through setting up an environment for them to grow. I also incorporate philosophies of the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood and the ideas of Maria Montessori. I enjoy watching children blossom over time. I try to help guide them in all areas of development, focusing on social-emotional growth and problem-solving skills in the preschool years.

I adore the beauty of California and enjoy being outdoors A LOT! I love running- especially marathons. I delight in Bikram yoga, riding bikes, camping, hiking and my true love is to travel and experience new things. My motto: "Life is good."

Anja Shandrew
Break Teacher and Toddler Assistant Teacher
I have been working at Simcha Preschool since 2004. I love my position as the break teacher because I meet children in our toddler room and get to spend time with them every day until they graduate from our program. I have a passion for children's literature and discussing anti-bias topics with children. I am completing my Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education at Cabrillo College.

In my free time I enjoy reading, hiking and billiards.

Grace Valdez
Toddler Room Teacher
I have been an Early Childhood Education and Development advocate and educator since 1976. I have worked with children in Before & After School programs on six elementary school campuses as well as four different preschool programs. With children ages 2.5 - 12 years old and their families, I have been given the privilege of engaging relationships and mutual learning.

My fundamental aim is self-education by the children themselves including a special emphasis on encouraging self-esteem through independence and an understanding of social responsibility.

Thank you for welcoming me into the Simcha community.