In 2001 long-time director Jean Erickson retired, and the search was on for a new director. After a lengthy search for suitable candidates, Ms. Patti Brohard was hired.

Ms. Brohard holds a full time teaching credential in Parent Education from UC Berkeley, a Certificate in Early Childhood Development from Chabot College, and a Montessori credential from Sonoma State College. Before accepting the director position with the co-op, Ms. Brohard spent seven years teaching and directing in Montessori schools in Oakland and Alameda. She has also has taught kindergarten-readiness classes locally. Last, but not least, she spent 14 years working in the Parent Education Department of the Hayward Adult School.

As a parent herself, Ms. Brohard has been an active and involved member within the public school system. She has served as PTA President for a middle school, has been a Cub Scout Den Leader and Boy Scout Commissioner, and a softball coach. Her son is in the Air Force, and her daughter is in her last year of high school.

Ms. Patti, as the children call her, feels she has truly found her calling in her role as the preschool's director. She strives to uphold the underlying philosophies of the co-op and attends conferences and classes focusing on early childhood education and co-op management in an effort to constantly bring fresh, new ideas to the children and parents she teaches. Ms. Patti forms close, personal bonds with each of the children she works with while also striving to help each parent address the needs of their children.

If you would like to meet Ms. Patti to discuss her educational and developmental philosophies, please call the school at (510) 582-7731 to schedule an interview.