The Circle Childcare


About Us



Primary caregiver,



Isabel Gomez



I grew up in New Jersey and have a bachelors in Marketing Management from Baruch College. In 2013, I moved to the Bay Area to be closer to my, at the time, two nephews. Embodying the role as their "Tati" was the beginning of my love for childcare. I taught cooking skills and cultural education to school age children in after-school programs with Cooking Round the World and also volunteered at a children's hospital in Lima, Peru. I fell in love with toddler care during my time as an assistant and care teacher at Audrey's Nest, a home daycare in Cleveland Heights. I went back to school for a teaching certificate in Early Childhood Development at Merritt College. The Circle Childcare was born shortly after the closing of Audrey's Nest in hopes of keeping the community of families alive. The name is taken from my childhood street in Passaic, NJ. I had many memories at The Circle, and I hope to provide a space for your children to create their own memories at The Circle Childcare. I try to strike a balance between predictable daily routines and in the moment, child-led activities. I base much of my caregiving style on principles from Magda Gerber, Janet Lansbury, and respectful caregiving. In the Fall of 2023, I completed the RIE Foundations course. When I'm not with the little ones, I like to spend time with my loved ones, go on hikes with my dogs, journal, dance, and lay in hammocks.



Teacher,



Vanesa Rodriguez



I am a Bay Area native and currently live in Oakland where my husband and I raise our four children and dog. I have worked as a nanny and as a teacher/assistant at Elsy's Daycare, a home daycare in San Fransisco. It's important for me to model patience and understanding when working with young children. At The Circle, I enjoy facilitating their exploration of sensory activities and letting them lead the way when it comes to play time. When I'm not with the daycare kiddos, I am cooking up delicious and nutritious meals for my family, going on camping trips, and going on walks to keep my body and mind at peace.



Teacher,



Christina Dinh



I grew up in Houston but have lived in the Bay since 2009. I have an Associate's Degree in Interior Design from Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in SF. By the end of Fall 2023, I will have completed the RIE Foundations course. I have always been drawn to working closely with young children. We understand each other. Aside from teaching, I am a nanny and regularly babysit for the current and alumni families of The Circle. At the daycare, I most enjoy initiating dance parties with the children, finding bugs with them, and taking them on outings throughout Oakland. When I'm not with the kiddos, I like to dance, crochet, eat good food, and spend quality time with friends.



Sub Teacher,



Tatiana Araujo



I am originally from California but grew up in Brazil, where I earned my degree in Veterinary Medicine. I speak English, Portuguese, and Spanish fluently, and today I work as a medical translator and copywriter. I have had the pleasure to work with Isabel at Audrey's Nest and again at The Circle. My favorite activity to do with the kids is reading, and I dream about writing children's books one day! On my free time I enjoy reading, being in nature, going on road trips, and taking care of my two cats, Coyote and Scarlett. I am happy to be a sub teacher at The Circle and assist the children as they learn and grow, as I learn so much with them too!



Sub Teacher,



Cristiana Rivera



I grew up in the East Bay. I have always wanted to work alongside children. Their sense of wonder of the natural world and the way they develop socio-emotionally is fascinating to me. I worked as a preschool camp counselor, a student teacher at Mills Children's Lab School, a therapy assistant at Pediatric Motor Playground, and a volunteer at Roses in Concrete Community School. I have a BA in Child Development and Public Health & Health Equity from Mills College and a masters degree in school psychology from St. Mary's College. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, singing and listening to music, and walking my German Shepherd!



Staff,



Yoko & Bowie Gomez



We were both rescues and are now fullfilling our duties as daycare dogs for The Circle. We are part of the clean up crew after meal times. We enjoy finding sunny spots in the backyard to watch over the little ones and teaching them how to stay close to the group during neighborhood walks. We're not certified emotional support dogs or anything, but if the kiddos need a soft creature to pet, we're here for them.


Email: gnomes@thecirclechildcare.com



West Oakland, Oakland, CA 94607



License #: 013423681