Kiri Fluetsch – Executive Director

My name is Kiri Fluetsch and I am the Executive Director here at Redwood City Child Development Program.  I am excited to be back as the Executive Director after a year off and the birth of my daughter.  Prior to my leave I was the Executive Director for 4 years.  I have worked in many different childcare facilities working my way from a teacher’s aide, teacher, lead teacher while completing my Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education from St Mary’s College.  My thesis focused on the importance of Fine Motor Development and its comorbidity with early childhood disorders.  I have spent many years developing and testing high quality curriculum and I love working with our teachers to provide the highest quality care for our families and children.  I am now extremely fortunate to have my daughter here learning along with all of your children.  

We are so happy to have you and your family here at the Redwood City Child Development Program!

Mary “Lisa” Penisini – Program Director

Hi!  My name is Mary “Lisa” Penisini.  I am the Program Director here at RCCDP.  I have been at RCCDP for over 19 years. In 2002, I was given the opportunity to be a part of this community working  as a teacher aide.  I gradually worked up to the position of Program Director. I have had the opportunity to work with children from toddler to preschool age. During my time in the classroom my interest grew in wanting to learn more about child development and social interactions among children.  Being able to foster children’s imagination, creativity, and independence is incredibly rewarding.  When I think of RCCDP, the one word that comes to mind is FAMILY. 

Nadia Olmos – Enrollment Specialist

Hi!! My name is Nadia Olmos. I am originally from Los Angeles, CA, but have been raised in the Bay Area most of my life. I come from a pretty big family. I am 1 of 5 siblings. I graduated from Foothill College in 2019 with my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. I am now working on returning to Foothill College to be able to receive my Associate Teacher certificate.

Working with children has always been a part of who I am and what I do. I’ve been doing it for over 10 years. I’ve had the opportunity to nanny for a variety of families where I created a routine that catered to their needs and wants. For the past 5 years I worked at a preschool in San Carlos with babies as young as 3 months and as old as 3.5 years old. Throughout all of my experience I have really grasped the idea that every child develops differently and at their own pace, so it is important to be able to accommodate their emotional and physical needs! I am very excited to have joined this program and work in a community who strives to support the children and its families to guarantee success.

When I am not at work surrounded by my school kids, I am out exploring with my own kiddos. I am a mother to 4, my 7-year-old son, 4 year old daughter and 1 year old twin boys who are lucky enough to be a part of this program. I enjoy being able to take everything I have learned at school and work to then apply it at home with my own children. In my free time I enjoy going to sporting events, the beach, finding new hiking trails to walk through with my kids and dogs, as well as looking for new places to eat. I look forward to working and growing with you all! Email: nadia@rccdp.org

Denisse Espino Tinoco – Family Engagement Coordinator 

My name is Denisse Espino Tinco,  I have recently joined the Redwood City Child Development Program as the Family Engagement Coordinator. I am originally from Michoacán, Mexico and I have grown up in Redwood City’s North Fair Oaks neighborhood since I was 9 years old. As a child, I spent many afternoons at the Fair Oaks Community Library and experienced first hand the many resources offered at the community center. Since then I have completed my AA-T in both psychology and sociology at Cañada Community College and am working towards completing my Bachelors in Sociology at CSU East Bay. I previously worked in supporting families with children or young adults with disabilities helping them get connected to resources in San Mateo County, understand the Special Education system and Golden Regional Center. I strongly believe that supporting families in engaging with their child’s development and community is key to their success in the future. 

Mi nombre es Denisse Espino Tinoco, recientemente me uní al Programa de Desarrollo Infantil de Redwood City como Coordinadora de Participación Familiar. Soy originaria de Michoacán, México y crecí en el vecindario North Fair Oaks de Redwood City desde que tenía 9 años. Cuando era niña, pasé muchas tardes en la biblioteca comunitaria de Fair Oaks y me beneficié de los muchos recursos que se ofrecen en el centro comunitario. Desde entonces, completé mi AA-T en Psicología y Sociología en el Colegio comunitario de Cañada y estoy trabajando para completar mi Licenciatura en Sociología en CSU East Bay. Anteriormente trabajé apoyando a familias con niños o adultos jóvenes con discapacidades, ayudándolos a conectarse con los recursos en el condado de San Mateo, comprender el sistema de educación especial y el Centro Regional Golden Gate. Creo firmemente que apoyar a las familias para que participen en el desarrollo y la comunidad de sus hijos es clave para su éxito en el futuro.

Sayda Bravo – Site Supervisor

Hello, my name is Sayda Bravo, I come from a traditional Mexican family that includes my parents, two brothers and my twin sister. I was born and raised in the state of Michoacán up until I was 17 years old, and then we moved to San Diego where I lived for over 10 years. Then, I moved to the bay area where I live with my wonderful husband and our two daughters Jessica and Alyssa. In my spare time, I like camping, going for a hike, watching movies, and most important of all spending time with my family. I finished my education in Early Childhood Education back in San Diego County and I currently have my California Site Supervisor Permit. I’ve been working with preschool age children for about 11 years and I don’t see myself doing anything else. I’ve always loved working with young children and being able to make a positive impact on them. I love the funny things they say and the silly things they do. I love seeing their faces as they learn a new skill or achieve a new challenge. Every day is a learning experience in
which not only children learn from us, we also get to learn so much from them and I’m really excited to start this new academic year and spending time with your little one. Please feel free to approach me and share concerns, questions you might have. I’m here to help and work with you.

Mayra Maciel – Site Supervisor

Hello RCCDP Families, 

My name is Mayra Maciel. I have been teaching here at the Redwood City Child Development Program for 13 years. I currently hold my Site Supervisor permit. I have had the opportunity to teach in both programs Infant and Toddlers to Preschool. Now I’m excited to be part of the administrative team as the Enrollment Specialist. In the many years I have been working with children, I have learned that patience is key. We learn from children and the children learn from us. I enjoy working with all the children and their families. I love challenging their young minds and helping them with their social development.

My main goal everyday as I walk into the center is to make a difference. 

P.S.:

• My favorite color is Orange
• My favorite season is Fall
• I love anything that has to do with pineapples
• I love Coffee 😊

Hola familias de RCCDP, 

Mi nombre es Mayra Maciel. He estado enseñando aquí en el Redwood City Child Development Program por 13 años. Actualmente tengo mi permiso de supervisora de sitio. He tenido la oportunidad de enseñar en ambos programas de Infant and Toddlers a Prescular. Ahora estoy emocionada de ser parte del equipo administrativo como Enrollment Specialist. En los muchos años que he trabajado con niños, he aprendido que la paciencia es clave. Aprendemos de los niños y los niños aprenden de nosotros. Disfruto trabajando con todos los niños y sus familias. Me encanta desafiar sus mentes y ayudarlos con su desarrollo social.

Mi principal objetivo todos los días cuando entro al centro es marcar la diferencia.

P.D.:

• Mi color favorito es el naranja
• Mi temporada favorita es el otoño
• Me encanta todo lo que tenga que ver con las piñas
• Amo el café 😊

Araceli Ontiveros – Site Supervisor

My name is Araceli Ontiveros, aka, Chely by family members and closest friends. I was born in Mexico on 11/23/1976. I am very proud of my origins and my age. I feel happy with my life and accomplishments so far. I was brought to the United States at the age of 12 by my parents. I was upset upon my arrival with my mother and father for bringing me here and leaving Mexico behind, but now I know how lucky I am. Now, I feel it was the best choice that my parents made for us.
This is a wonderful country that has given so many opportunities to my family. I will always be thankful to my mother who was so courageous in bringing us here. My whole family has since lived in the beautiful Bay Area. I love the bay area because it’s very unique. I love its diversity, food, entertainment, history, weather etc.
I enjoy spending my spare time with family, taking care of my 50+ indoor plants, cleaning, organizing, exercising, cooking and admiring nature. I am married, and I have a son.
I have been working with children since 1996. I enjoy working with children because it is like reliving my childhood one more time, seeing the children playing reminds me of my wonderful childhood in Mexico. I grew up in a small village surrounded by nature. I had no TV, electricity, radio etc., but I was a very happy child. I knew nothing about the outside world until I came to this wonderful country. Yes, I said it twice, but I firmly believe it. I have worked at different childcare centers in this area and the state of Texas, where I lived for a brief period.
I have a diploma in Dental Assisting and my Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education.

Gloria Renazco – Master Teacher

My name is Gloria Renazco, I am from Nicaragua, I came to the United States in 1985, I dedicated myself to raising my children, but when they grew up I decided to find a job, and this job is about caring for children. I started studying in 2005, at CANADA College, acquiring an associate teacher’s permit, and a master’s teacher’s permit. I have worked in different centers and worked with the head star program for 7 years. My goal is to obtain my site supervisor permit. I have been working in this field since 2000, and for RCCDP for two years in 2015-2017, it is a pleasure to be with you again. Today I am the lead teacher of the classroom, and I work with a good team of teachers where we support each other.

Ana M. Barron – Associate Teacher

My name is Ana M. Barron. I came from Mexico in 1985 where my first job was in an assembly factory. After having my son, I decided to stay home and take care of him. When he was older, I went to Canada College to take classes in child development. I obtained my associate teacher permit and began working here at RCCDP in 2010. I’ve worked as a substitute, associate teacher, lead teacher and now work as a member of a great team in the Koala Joeys classroom.. To further expand my knowledge and understanding of the infant/toddler environment I trained in P.I.T.C to learn the core values. It is my goal to provide amazing care to our toddler program.

Ana Latu – Associate Teacher

My name is Ana Latu, I have lived here in the North Fair Oaks area for 15 years now. Both my parents are Tongan. I come from a large family. Both my parents have a dozen siblings each. I have 5 siblings. I love anything pumpkin and chocolate. I came to the Redwood City Child Development Program in 2017 to gain student teaching experience. At the time, I was taking an Early Childhood Education course at Canada College  and my professor recommended my training at RCCDP. I graduated from Canada College in 2018 with an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. I began at RCCDP as a substitute teacher and have worked as an associate teacher and a lead teacher. I currently hold an associate teacher permit. I am part of a great team as a Koala’s teacher. I have had the opportunity to work with many Teachers here at RCCDP who are also my mentors. I am taking courses at Canada to understand how to care for infants and toddlers. I enjoy working with infants and toddlers especially. It is a blessing and a joy to work with the children and teachers here at RCCDP. It truly feels like family here.

Maria Rocio Mendoza – Associate Teacher

Hi, my name is Maria Rocio Mendoza but I go by my middle name “Rocio”.  I came to this country in 1989.  I live in East Palo Alto with my two sons, Ritchell and Julio.  I studied Early Childhood Education at Cañada College where I have 32 units and hold my Associate Teacher Permit as well as my certificate in Human Services.  I am also a certified Music Teacher.

I have been working at Redwood City Child Development Program for 18 years.  I have enjoyed every moment and feel proud to help families with their children and needs.  I love to see how the children in the center grow and develop physically and cognitively.  It feels so good when they come back to visit as an adolescent or adult.  I hope to work in this center for many more years.  I will be going back to college this fall  to finish my Associates degree in Early Childhood Education.

Christina Santos – Associate Teacher

Hello, my name is Christina Santos and I was born in Sun Valley, California but I was raised in Veracruz, México. I have the best of the two cultures. I love being able to communicate in both languages, Spanish and English. I used to be a director and teacher in a school in México, that gave me the opportunity to learn from all ages and all kinds of teaching techniques. I consider myself creative and I love to bring that to my students. I studied Business Administration and Marketing, but I started working with kids when I was 20 years old and I think that made a difference in me, knowing that you could be part of the knowledge and development of a kid.

Destiny Hernandez – Teacher’s Assistant

My name is Destiny Hernandez and I have lived in Redwood City for the majority of my life, but my family is from Michoacán, Apatzingán. I come from a relatively small family so in my free time I like to go out with my family as much as possible. 

I have worked with children since an early age. I started working in the childcare field as a volunteer at the center where my mother worked and from there my passion for working with children only continued to grow. I have been working in the early childhood education field for about three years professionally and I am currently working on getting my degree in  early childhood education. I believe that teachers can learn just as much from children as they learn from us educators, because of this belief I truly enjoy interacting with the children as much as possible. As a result you will frequently see me playing on the carpet doing puzzles with the children or even joining in games such as tag outside.  

I enjoy coming up with fun and interactive activities that keep them engaged as they learn about the world around them. Which is the reason why I like to make sure I’m keeping the children’s interest in mind when coming up with activities. I strive to create a safe and diverse classroom environment where everyone can explore the world around them through hands-on learning and find what makes them unique. I look forward to teaching at Redwood City Child Development and learning from all our amazing students! 

Gabriela “Gaby” Herrera – Teacher’s Assistant

My name is Gabriela H Bringas, but many of you know me as “Gaby”.  I was born in this country, but I grew up in El Salvador. I am married and have two daughters both graduated from RCCDP. I have worked at RCCDP as a teacher’s assistant for more than 4 years and I have had the opportunity to work in the infant/toddler side and on the preschool side.  

I love to see how the children in the center grow and develop physically and cognitively.  It feels so good when you make a good relationship with the children and families.  

• My favorite season is fall
• My favorite color is Turquoise
• I love turtles
• I love coffee

Diana Mendoza-Yepez – Teacher’s Assistant

My name is Diana Mendoza. I was born in Michoacan, Mexico. In 2002, I made the decision to move to the United States. I arrived here motivated and with goals to achieve. In Mexico I worked as an assistant in child care centers, which taught me many lessons.  An important one, “If children are the future of the world, adult society is responsible for planting in them the appropriate seeds of love, respect, education, and other values”.

I feel very lucky. RCCDP opened their doors for me and now I am part of this great team. I started as a kitchen/floater and will now be part of the Koala team. I enjoy every moment that I am in the program. I enjoy helping in the classroom and seeing how the children learn something new everyday.  I also love to make them smile when we play. Those moments are unique and make my work day feel accomplished.

My goal is to learn more about early childhood education by taking classes. This will prepare myself professionally in order to share my knowledge.

Banelli Mendoza-Yepez – Teacher’s Assistant

My name is Banelli Yepez and I was born in Michoacan, Mexico. I am 25 years old and I currently live in Redwood City. I have a degree in social work. I am very happy to work at RCCDP and have the opportunity to work with children since they are the future generations. Being a teacher gives me the opportunity to help them by raising awareness, help them develop skills, and acquire new learning. My motivation to work is to see them smile and to know that they are learning something new every day.

I like to travel, see new places, read,and learn positive things that help me develop more skills. One of my goals is to obtain a permit for Early Childhood Education from the State of California and become a lead teacher.

Tyra Gutierrez – Teacher‘s Aide

Hello, my name is Tyra Gutierrez, I recently graduated from Sequoia High School and I am very happy and beyond grateful to have the opportunity of an internship. My first hand experience with children started with my family. They could always count on me to help babysit. It taught me patience and to have an open mind about children. I am very excited to be working with all the children at RCCDP and helping them grow. I look forward to having meaningful interactions with them and learning to understand them in their stage of development. I know all children grow in different ways and given the right guidance and environment can thrive. I look forward to starting my Early Childhood Education this Fall at College of San Mateo.  

Sulma Lopez – Teacher‘s Aide

Hi, my name is Sulma Lopez, I was born in Los Angeles, California, but I grew up in Uruapan, Michoacán. It has been 12 years since I came to live in this country. I have 3 children who have had the privilege of going through this program. I consider myself to be a cheerful person with a lot of energy. I like to be surrounded by children and to be able to learn from them. I enjoy being a part of their growth, as well as being a safe space and person they grow and trust. 

I have previously worked with children but in small groups. Now that I have the opportunity to work here I want to grow academically and be able to obtain an academic certificate. I look forward to working with your children!

Daneyah Penisini – Teacher’s Aide/Floater

My name is Daneyah Penisini. I work at RCCDP part-time. You will find me in the Panda Classroom assisting my co-teachers. I am attending Ohlone Community College where I will obtain my AA degree in Kinesiology and transfer to a CSU. I have worked with children all my life starting with my 4 siblings. It has taught me patience and realized that every child is different and unique in their own way. In my spare time I like to paint and read adventure novels.