Our Philosophy
Whole-Child Development
Learning is not limited to reading, writing, and other academics. We respect the child as a "whole" human being and we emphasize creative, social, emotional, and physical development. Each domain of development is equally important.
Whole-Child Development
Learning is not limited to reading, writing, and other academics. We respect the child as a "whole" human being and we emphasize creative, social, emotional, and physical development. Each domain of development is equally important.
Emergent, Play-based Curriculum
Unlike traditional, teacher-directed classrooms, we empower children to influence curriculum topics. We teach the children, not the subject. Learning in an emotional act. The brain wants meaning. Therefore, learning must take place through meaningful experiences.
Unlike traditional, teacher-directed classrooms, we empower children to influence curriculum topics. We teach the children, not the subject. Learning in an emotional act. The brain wants meaning. Therefore, learning must take place through meaningful experiences.
A Nurturing Learning Environment
Children thrive in an environment that feels small, personal, and home-like. In our friendly space, children are nurtured as they would be in their own homes. School feels more like an extended family, everyone learning and growing together.
Children thrive in an environment that feels small, personal, and home-like. In our friendly space, children are nurtured as they would be in their own homes. School feels more like an extended family, everyone learning and growing together.
Our Staff
Shanam Saini - Director
Shanam studied Developmental Neuroscience in the Psychology Department at the University of California, Berkeley, as a Regents' and Chancellor's Scholar. She studied the effects of stress from social influences on the brain development of children during the first five years of life. After realizing she would have a greater impact working with children directly, she earned her Early Childhood Education credentials and, with her family's support, founded Windsor Preschool Academy in 2008. Shanam serves as an elected council member of the Early Education Planning Council. She is also on the Advisory Council for Leadership Mountain View, a civic leadership program, and was selected to serve on the City of Sunnyvale's Childcare Staff Advisory Committee. Shanam was named Sunnyvale's "Outstanding Businessperson of the Year" in 2013. When she's not in the classroom, she enjoys hiking, listening to podcasts, and cooking.
Shanam Saini - Director
Shanam studied Developmental Neuroscience in the Psychology Department at the University of California, Berkeley, as a Regents' and Chancellor's Scholar. She studied the effects of stress from social influences on the brain development of children during the first five years of life. After realizing she would have a greater impact working with children directly, she earned her Early Childhood Education credentials and, with her family's support, founded Windsor Preschool Academy in 2008. Shanam serves as an elected council member of the Early Education Planning Council. She is also on the Advisory Council for Leadership Mountain View, a civic leadership program, and was selected to serve on the City of Sunnyvale's Childcare Staff Advisory Committee. Shanam was named Sunnyvale's "Outstanding Businessperson of the Year" in 2013. When she's not in the classroom, she enjoys hiking, listening to podcasts, and cooking.
Sahil
In addition to Sahil's extensive academic study of Early Childhood Education at San Jose State University, he has experience working with children of all ages from infants to school-aged. Sahil has a background in Business Administration and manages the McKinley facility. He uses a hands-on approach to leadership and stays involved in every aspect of the classroom. Sahil serves as an elected council member of the Early Education Planning Council and is a graduate of Leadership Sunnyvale, a civic leadership program. He is known amongst staff and the children for his easygoing, playful manner. Sahil is an ardent sports fan and dedicated supporter of the San Francisco 49ers.
In addition to Sahil's extensive academic study of Early Childhood Education at San Jose State University, he has experience working with children of all ages from infants to school-aged. Sahil has a background in Business Administration and manages the McKinley facility. He uses a hands-on approach to leadership and stays involved in every aspect of the classroom. Sahil serves as an elected council member of the Early Education Planning Council and is a graduate of Leadership Sunnyvale, a civic leadership program. He is known amongst staff and the children for his easygoing, playful manner. Sahil is an ardent sports fan and dedicated supporter of the San Francisco 49ers.
Faith
Faith has a Psychology degree, Early Childhood Education teaching credential, and spent numerous years teaching children with autism before coming to Windsor. As a result, she excels in observing and documenting children's development. Faith also creates treasured school yearbooks that chronicle the year's special events. She is passionate about the math curriculum in the classroom and is the technology expert among the teachers. Faith comes from a family of professors and teachers. A quieter person, Faith is known for her calming demeanor and tender presence at Windsor. On the weekends, she has her nose in a book or is at musical festivals with her husband.
Faith has a Psychology degree, Early Childhood Education teaching credential, and spent numerous years teaching children with autism before coming to Windsor. As a result, she excels in observing and documenting children's development. Faith also creates treasured school yearbooks that chronicle the year's special events. She is passionate about the math curriculum in the classroom and is the technology expert among the teachers. Faith comes from a family of professors and teachers. A quieter person, Faith is known for her calming demeanor and tender presence at Windsor. On the weekends, she has her nose in a book or is at musical festivals with her husband.
Chris
Chris is a credentialed Master Teacher and founded and ran his own preschool for five years before coming to Windsor. Chris holds a degree in Education with a focus in cross-cultural approaches and early intervention. With certifications as a Behavior Intervention Case Manager, Special Needs Inclusion Coach, Reflective Practice Facilitator, and certificates in trauma services, language development, and assessment, Chris is noted as our walking library. He has served on the review panel for the inclusion policy of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, review panel for the Desired Results Developmental Profile, and is a contributing author for the adaptation materials used at the Santa Clara County Office of Education. Aside from education accolades, Chris is a professional dancer and recognized gourmet cook and pastry artist; he shares these passions with the children, along with exposing them to Spanish. Chris also enjoys free verse writing and is well trained in martial arts.
Chris is a credentialed Master Teacher and founded and ran his own preschool for five years before coming to Windsor. Chris holds a degree in Education with a focus in cross-cultural approaches and early intervention. With certifications as a Behavior Intervention Case Manager, Special Needs Inclusion Coach, Reflective Practice Facilitator, and certificates in trauma services, language development, and assessment, Chris is noted as our walking library. He has served on the review panel for the inclusion policy of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, review panel for the Desired Results Developmental Profile, and is a contributing author for the adaptation materials used at the Santa Clara County Office of Education. Aside from education accolades, Chris is a professional dancer and recognized gourmet cook and pastry artist; he shares these passions with the children, along with exposing them to Spanish. Chris also enjoys free verse writing and is well trained in martial arts.
Simanti
Simanti has years of experience working under many different educational philosophies. She also started and ran her own school-age program. Along with an education in Early Childhood Education, Simanti has a Master's in English Literature, making her the literacy expert on staff. She is a lover of languages and exposes the children to Hindi, as well as quality children's literature from around the world. She adds an exuberant and extroverted energy to the school. Outside school, Simanti can be found spending time with her two daughters, cooking, and making her own jewelry.
Simanti has years of experience working under many different educational philosophies. She also started and ran her own school-age program. Along with an education in Early Childhood Education, Simanti has a Master's in English Literature, making her the literacy expert on staff. She is a lover of languages and exposes the children to Hindi, as well as quality children's literature from around the world. She adds an exuberant and extroverted energy to the school. Outside school, Simanti can be found spending time with her two daughters, cooking, and making her own jewelry.
Sarah
Sarah supports our staff by drawing from her many years in the education and care field. For twelve years, she taught kindergarten, first, third, and fifth grade in both the private and public sector. She melds yoga practice with her background in Positive Discipline and conflict resolution to expand the children's range of social and emotional well-being. Sarah holds a degree in Liberal Studies with an Early Childhood emphasis and a California Multi-subject teaching credential with Cross Cultural Language Acquisition Certification. Sarah's other extra talent is the musical ability to play the flute, which she lovingly shares with both her own son and her students. Sarah loves to exercise (dance, Zumba, Jazzercise, Crossfit, biking) and being out in nature.
Sarah supports our staff by drawing from her many years in the education and care field. For twelve years, she taught kindergarten, first, third, and fifth grade in both the private and public sector. She melds yoga practice with her background in Positive Discipline and conflict resolution to expand the children's range of social and emotional well-being. Sarah holds a degree in Liberal Studies with an Early Childhood emphasis and a California Multi-subject teaching credential with Cross Cultural Language Acquisition Certification. Sarah's other extra talent is the musical ability to play the flute, which she lovingly shares with both her own son and her students. Sarah loves to exercise (dance, Zumba, Jazzercise, Crossfit, biking) and being out in nature.
Flor
With dual Master's degrees in both Early Childhood Education and Human Development, Flor held the Director position at a local preschool before coming to Windsor. She has taught in Montessori, play-based, and bilingual preschool environments. Flor is fluent in Japanese after training and living in Tokyo and was a professor of Japanese language in Manila, Philippines for 14 years; she brings this love of language by adding Japanese and Tagalog lessons to Windsor's curriculum. Flor is a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Other than early education, she is an advocate for social justice for abused elderly, women, and children through work with the Veterans Equity Center in San Francisco. Flor is mother to six children and four grandchildren. She likes to cook and sing in multiple languages.
With dual Master's degrees in both Early Childhood Education and Human Development, Flor held the Director position at a local preschool before coming to Windsor. She has taught in Montessori, play-based, and bilingual preschool environments. Flor is fluent in Japanese after training and living in Tokyo and was a professor of Japanese language in Manila, Philippines for 14 years; she brings this love of language by adding Japanese and Tagalog lessons to Windsor's curriculum. Flor is a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Other than early education, she is an advocate for social justice for abused elderly, women, and children through work with the Veterans Equity Center in San Francisco. Flor is mother to six children and four grandchildren. She likes to cook and sing in multiple languages.
Papiya
Papiya has degrees in History and Early Childhood Education and was a founding teacher of the City of Sunnyvale's preschool program, which she helped establish and grow for seven years. With her knowledge of sign language, Papiya adds to the language and anti-bias curriculum at our school. She's also enthusiastic about inspiring a love for science in young children. Papiya brings a deep sense of empathy and wisdom to the school. Outside Windsor, Papiya adores Indian classical music and spending time with her son, who is her inspiration for becoming a teacher.
Papiya has degrees in History and Early Childhood Education and was a founding teacher of the City of Sunnyvale's preschool program, which she helped establish and grow for seven years. With her knowledge of sign language, Papiya adds to the language and anti-bias curriculum at our school. She's also enthusiastic about inspiring a love for science in young children. Papiya brings a deep sense of empathy and wisdom to the school. Outside Windsor, Papiya adores Indian classical music and spending time with her son, who is her inspiration for becoming a teacher.
Phuong
Phuong supports our staff by bringing her fresh perspective and new ideas to energize our daily curriculum. Qualifying for her Master Teacher credential in Early Education, she continues to add to her academic pursuits. Phuong shows a talent for the creative aspects of education as she leads process-oriented art to relate and reflect on the day's lessons. Full of school spirit, Phuong is our resident cheerleader, as she both composes and teaches the children Windsor chants and cheers, complete with tiny pom-poms! She shares a vibrant teaching style and models the positive interactions our school takes such pride in. A bookworm, Phuong collects books for her own personal library someday.
Phuong supports our staff by bringing her fresh perspective and new ideas to energize our daily curriculum. Qualifying for her Master Teacher credential in Early Education, she continues to add to her academic pursuits. Phuong shows a talent for the creative aspects of education as she leads process-oriented art to relate and reflect on the day's lessons. Full of school spirit, Phuong is our resident cheerleader, as she both composes and teaches the children Windsor chants and cheers, complete with tiny pom-poms! She shares a vibrant teaching style and models the positive interactions our school takes such pride in. A bookworm, Phuong collects books for her own personal library someday.
Cheryl
Cheryl supports our staff by pulling from her varying areas of experience. She has worked in an elementary school with grades kindergarten to fifth, been a provider for infants through age five, and an in-home care provider for elder citizens and those with developmental disabilities. With an A.A in General Studies, preparation for B.A. in Multiple Subject Teaching, and Early Childhood education, her commitment to education definitely shows. Cheryl communicates well with our students, as she has many interests that they can relate to. She enjoys being active, reading, and occasional fun video gaming. Most of all, she enjoys spending time with her daughter.
Cheryl supports our staff by pulling from her varying areas of experience. She has worked in an elementary school with grades kindergarten to fifth, been a provider for infants through age five, and an in-home care provider for elder citizens and those with developmental disabilities. With an A.A in General Studies, preparation for B.A. in Multiple Subject Teaching, and Early Childhood education, her commitment to education definitely shows. Cheryl communicates well with our students, as she has many interests that they can relate to. She enjoys being active, reading, and occasional fun video gaming. Most of all, she enjoys spending time with her daughter.
Isabella
Isabella comes to Windsor with her Early Childhood education and experience working with children from infants to preschoolers. A creative addition to our school, she shares her talents for singing, sewing, and crafting with the children. She also shares her love for community involvement by adding to our school's service projects. Combining her maker prowess and passion for community service, she volunteers with Sew for Love, a charity that makes handsewn items for first responders (to use to calm children in distress) and children's and animal shelters. Additionally, Isabella does food outreach for low-income families and assembles toiletries for the homeless. To relax, Isabella goes on road trips, sews her own clothes, and spends time her two dogs and family.
Isabella comes to Windsor with her Early Childhood education and experience working with children from infants to preschoolers. A creative addition to our school, she shares her talents for singing, sewing, and crafting with the children. She also shares her love for community involvement by adding to our school's service projects. Combining her maker prowess and passion for community service, she volunteers with Sew for Love, a charity that makes handsewn items for first responders (to use to calm children in distress) and children's and animal shelters. Additionally, Isabella does food outreach for low-income families and assembles toiletries for the homeless. To relax, Isabella goes on road trips, sews her own clothes, and spends time her two dogs and family.
Ciara
Ciara provides a youthful energy and inquisitiveness matched only by the children who adore her. Having completed a degree in Communication Disorders and experience in the early care and special needs education fields, she had proven to be an amazing support for not only other teachers, but also for our youngest students who are exploring speech and language. With a background in Spanish and sign language, Ciara extends the multiple languages and social curriculum used in our daily routines. Ciara provides additional support to teachers during field trips and as a substitute.
Ciara provides a youthful energy and inquisitiveness matched only by the children who adore her. Having completed a degree in Communication Disorders and experience in the early care and special needs education fields, she had proven to be an amazing support for not only other teachers, but also for our youngest students who are exploring speech and language. With a background in Spanish and sign language, Ciara extends the multiple languages and social curriculum used in our daily routines. Ciara provides additional support to teachers during field trips and as a substitute.
Jennifer
With a degree in Child Development and several years in the field of care and education, Jeni comes with a wide variety of skills she gladly shares with our staff. She is always quick to find where and ways to be supportive and share in the important work we do every day. Jeni brings her talent of adapting activities to each classroom you see her in and is always willing to go the extra mile to make students successful. She is a calm and soft-spoken presence that children are drawn to and is a very welcome addition to our school. Jeni provides extra support to teachers during field trips and as a substitute.
With a degree in Child Development and several years in the field of care and education, Jeni comes with a wide variety of skills she gladly shares with our staff. She is always quick to find where and ways to be supportive and share in the important work we do every day. Jeni brings her talent of adapting activities to each classroom you see her in and is always willing to go the extra mile to make students successful. She is a calm and soft-spoken presence that children are drawn to and is a very welcome addition to our school. Jeni provides extra support to teachers during field trips and as a substitute.
Nani - Grandma
Nani, the grandmother of our Director, has extended her role into becoming the grandmother to every student and staff at Windsor Academy. A lovely example of generational and familial style of support, Nani exemplifies the comforts and benefits of the interactions between our elder and youngest generations. Every student who attends or even visits Windsor receives the smile, warmth, and love that only a grandma can give. With many children whose grandparents are often cities and countries away, Nani is a special member of our school who we treasure and who graduates remember fondly for years after leaving Windsor.
Nani, the grandmother of our Director, has extended her role into becoming the grandmother to every student and staff at Windsor Academy. A lovely example of generational and familial style of support, Nani exemplifies the comforts and benefits of the interactions between our elder and youngest generations. Every student who attends or even visits Windsor receives the smile, warmth, and love that only a grandma can give. With many children whose grandparents are often cities and countries away, Nani is a special member of our school who we treasure and who graduates remember fondly for years after leaving Windsor.
