Kathy Hilton has been with the Sherman Oaks Nursery School program for over  fifty years. Her story begins at the Sherman Oaks Presbyterian Nursery School where, armed with her degree in Early Childhood Education, she began student-teaching at the nursery school in 1972 under founding Director Wendy Cummings. 

Kathy joined the teaching staff in 1974 and taught in all of the classrooms, for every age level, and in all of the enrichment programs offered. Kathy and her husband Gary became parents along the way to two sons.  She has found that the dual role of parent and teacher has been invaluable in her understanding of and caring about all that parents face in raising their children.

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April Schulte has been part of the TSONS community since 2001, and ten years later her first daughter started at the school as a student. She brings more than two decades of experience and leadership to her role as Co-Director. She graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in Sociology with a minor in Women’s Studies, and continued her professional development by completing her Early Childhood Education coursework and certifications through UCLA.

Throughout her career at the school, April has served in a wide range of roles that reflect both her versatility and deep commitment to early childhood education….

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Patti’s educational background is in Business Administration, with both an A.A. and a B.A. from Oklahoma State University. Patti began in the classroom at TSONS and brought a seasoned voice to every program offered at the school and worked every age level. She is enthusiastic, creative, and loves to travel. In addition, she has amazing organizational skills. She is the mother of two grown children and also adds grandma to her list of titles! TSONS benefited greatly when she joined the staff in 2005.

Rachel has her B.A in Educational Studies from Western Governor’s University and also studied acting, psychology and art. Rachel has many years of experience working with young children including teaching art classes, youth volunteer work and as a nanny. Rachel enjoys being creative, traveling, enjoying time with family/friends and new adventures. She is the point person both for initial inquiries about TSONS, as well as for current families who have questions about any part of the school program. Her big heart, love for children and efficiency has been a wonderful addition to the office staff since joining in 2018.

Tacie received her A.A. from L.A. Valley College with an emphasis in Infant/Toddler Education after spending years working with young children. She found her happy place teaching the older 3 year-old class and has been teaching that age level since the fall of 2005. Her own daughter has since gone through TSONS and she knows the school both as a parent and teacher. When not teaching or practicing yoga, she loves spending time in nature and at the beach. Her enthusiasm, experience and education all made her a wonderful addition to the TSONS teaching staff in 2004.

Jocie has an Anthropology degree from UCLA, as well as a Pre-School/Elementary credential from Long Beach State. After teaching elementary school in South L.A. for five years, Jocie became a nanny to twin girls attending TSONS. We couldn’t wait to ask her to join the teaching staff after her twin charges moved onto kindergarten. She has such a passion for learning that it motivates her to constantly explore and attempt new and creative projects. She is an avid reader, amazing baker, and her current obsession is sewing. We were thrilled when Jocie joined the staff in 2010.

Mrs. Harris began her teaching career in 1973 with L.A. Unified’s ECE program and then taught for eight years at a nursery school in Encino. She became a parent at TSONS in 1990 and was asked to become a member of the Board of Directors in 1991. She served on the Board for seven years, including one year as President. In addition to teaching, Michal is a skilled chef and has had a catering business for many years. With her expertise and passion for the very young child, TSONS was excited to have her teach our youngest age groups classes starting in 1996.

Caisha holds a B.S. in Theater from Kansas State University and has attended LA Valley College for her Early Childhood Education classes. Caisha has a long history of working with children as part of a touring theater group focusing on children’s theater as well as teaching theater classes to kids. She is a mom to 2 girls of her own and brings lots of experience and joy to the classroom. Caisha loves the Dodgers, Disneyland and going to her kids sporting events! Her love of children and joyful nature made for a great fit when she joined us here at TSONS in 2023.

Mia received her B.A. in Sociology with an emphasis in Gender Studies from The University of California Santa Barbara and attended LA Valley College for her Child Development courses. She is enthusiastic and energetic and has worked with all the various age groups here at TSONS. Mia is currently both teacher and parent as her son began the nursery school in 2025! When not teaching or spending time with her son, Mia loves being outdoors. She loves spending her time hiking, camping and going to the beach. TSONS was very excited for her to join our teaching staff in 2017.

Jennifer received her B.A. in both Early Childhood and Elementary Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She began her teaching career in North Carolina where she taught second grade for seven years. After becoming the mother of two sons and moving to California, she discovered TSONS as a parent with her older son in 2000. When she’s not teaching, she enjoys playing the piano, knitting, hiking and reading. Her obvious passion for young children and expertise in early childhood education made her a sought-after substitute teacher, and TSONS was thrilled when she was finally able to join the staff as a full-time teacher in 2008.

Along with receiving her A.A. in Child Development from L.A. Valley College, Naira had previously earned a B.A. in Piano while living in Armenia, and she still has a love of music, dancing and singing. She primarily enjoys teaching in the older classrooms where she can organize activities and projects for the children. She also speaks three languages (English, Armenian and Russian). Naira is the mother of two grown children and brings experience and energy to her work. TSONS was very pleased to have Mrs. Minasyan join the teaching staff in 2000. 

Gretchen has her B.A. in theater from Kansas State University and her Early Childhood Education certificate from Valley College. Before coming to work at TSONS, Gretchen taught pre-school for 5 years. She also taught art and music classes for young children for over 10 years. She is the mom of two older kids who often come help out during our summer program. Gretchen loves to read, do arts & crafts and garden during her free time. With all her experience and joyful approach to teaching, we were all so happy when Gretchen joined the teaching staff here at TSONs in 2019.

Jenny (Mrs. O) received her B.A from the University of New Hampshire and attended The School of Visual Arts and Otis for graphic design and art.  She studied at National University for her Masters of Education and Credentials and later completed her child development courses at UCLA. Jenny began teaching art for various programs throughout Los Angeles soon after she moved here from New York.  Between 2003-2008 Mrs. O was a K-1 co-teacher at an independent school until she became a mother. Her daughter attended TSONS and Jenny first came to us as a parent before we quickly saw her potential as a teacher. After her daughter began kindergarten, she joined our teaching team in 2016.

Rachel holds a B.S. in Radio, TV and Film from Northwestern University. She also received her teaching certificate for Early Childhood Education from UCLA extension along with a ECE Administrative certificate. Rachel began her time at TSONS as a mom when her oldest child started in our Parent & Me program in 2018. All 3 of her children attended our school with her youngest finishing our program in 2023. Rachel was not only a mom, but served on our Board of Directors for 7 years and was one of the busiest volunteers we’ve ever had! In her spare time, Rachel enjoys watching the Dodgers, reading and having fun with her family. She’s been a natural in the classroom and favorite of children and parents alike since joining the staff in 2023.

Victoria has an AA degree in Child Development from L.A. Valley College. She has worked with children her entire life and has both the relevant natural talent and skill to make teaching a perfect match. Mrs. Santiago loves spending time with her sons and husband and especially enjoys magical trips to Disneyland with them. She shares her British heritage with her class through traditions, foods (she loves to bake!) and her lovely English accent. She began the Parent & Me program with her oldest son in 2012 and is thrilled to be a TSONS parent again with her twin boys! TSONS was so happy when she joined the teaching staff in 2013.

Deirdre has a B.S. from Northwestern in Intercultural Studies with a minor in children’s theater. She received her certificate in Early Childhood Education from UCLA. Deirdre first came to TSONS as a mom in 2007 with her oldest child and ended her parent-time here when her third child moved on to kindergarten. She loves spending time reading and watercolor painting. When she’s not doing that, you can find her spending time at Disneyland with her family, playing games and traveling. After knowing her as a parent, we knew she would make an excellent addition to our teaching staff, and she did, beginning in 2013.

Along with receiving her B.A. in Media Arts from UC San Diego, Marjorie also has an AA from Pratt College in Graphic Design and her ECE courses from UCLA extension. Marjorie is the mother of three young children and first came to TSONS as a mom in the Parent & Me program with her oldest daughter in 2018. All three of her children attended TSONS and we knew that we wanted her in the classroom as soon as she was able to join us! In her spare time, she loves making ceramics, playing with her dogs and she also enjoys photography. We were so excited when Marjorie was able to join the teaching staff in 2022.

Jose keeps the school in great working order and always has a smile on his face. In addition, he maintains our beautiful campus, cleans the rooms, fixes things, builds anything the school might need, sets up for every campus function, and is happy to help in any way that he can. Jose is the proud father of three children, all alumni of TSONS. He has been “Mr. Everything” at TSONS since 1993.

Silvia joined TSONS during the pandemic when we needed additional help with cleaning and sanitizing the school. She has been instrumental in keeping everything clean and running smoothly here on campus. Silvia is a wonderful assistant to her husband Jose and is great at keeping things on track when he can’t be here. After sending all 3 of her children to TSONS, she was happy to join our team in 2020.