About Us | Glenwood Grove Early Learning

Our team

Educators chosen with care

Every member of our team is hand-selected for warmth, credentials, and a shared philosophy of care.

Elisa "Eli"

Preschool Teacher

Eli joins us from Bright Horizons, where she cared for families all over the Bay Area. She has 20 units of early childhood education and extensive experience with kids of every age, with her sights set on becoming an educator, or one day running her own preschool.

"I'm a bubbly, energetic, and positive person who loves bringing joy and enthusiasm into everything I do. I enjoy creating a fun, welcoming, and supportive environment where children feel comfortable being themselves, learning, and expressing their creativity. When I'm not at Glenwood Grove, you'll find me exploring arts and crafts, reading, playing music, or trying my hand at pottery."

Alexa

Preschool Teacher

Alexa brings several years of experience as a nanny for families across the Bay Area, and she's currently working toward becoming a pediatric nurse, so caring for children isn't just a job for her, it's the path she's building her whole career around.

"I'm an outgoing and caring person who loves traveling, exploring new places, and spending time with the people I love. I've always enjoyed working with children and love creating fun, engaging, and positive experiences for them. I'm looking forward to getting to know each child and being part of their growth, learning, and development!"

Kate

Substitute Teacher

Kate brings six years of experience supporting families with childcare and is currently studying anthropology at UC Santa Cruz. She joins us part-time as a backup teacher, ready to step in so every child's day still feels familiar and consistent.

"I grew up in Santa Barbara and have called Santa Cruz home for the last five years. As the big sister to two brothers, I've always loved working with kids, and it's something that has brought me so much joy and fulfillment. My friends and family are everything to me, and some of my favorite ways to spend free time are surfing, skiing, and live music."

Know a great early childhood educator? We'd love to hear from them at hello@glenwoodgrovelearning.com.

Our philosophy

What we believe about early childhood

Children aren't one thing. They don't grow in just one direction. We embrace balance: intentional teaching in the morning, open exploration in the afternoon, every domain of development given its due.
The earliest years are the most formative. The relationships, routines, and environments children experience now shape who they become. We take that responsibility seriously.
Small group care lets us follow each child. Instead of managing a classroom, we get to know each child's individual development, interests, and pace.
A home-based setting provides consistency centers can't replicate. Familiar faces, familiar rhythms. Children adjust quickly and feel at home.
Parents are partners. You know your child best. We communicate openly and frequently through Brightwheel updates, daily check-ins, and an open door.

Licensing & credentials

Held to the highest professional standards

We meet every requirement set by the California Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing Division, and several practices we hold ourselves to go further.

State-licensed

Licensed by California CCLD as a Family Child Care Home, License #444418123. Inspected, current, and in full compliance.

Safety-certified

All staff: CPR/First Aid certified, mandated reporter trained, immunization verified, and Live Scan cleared.

Digital records

Enrollment, health, and daily reports are managed through Brightwheel, the leading parent communication platform.

Our family

Meet Dana & Dee

Glenwood Grove is a family-built program. Dana and Dee are raising two young daughters in Scotts Valley, just a short walk from Vine Hill Elementary, and the program grew out of what they wanted for their own family: care that honors the earliest years with the warmth of a home and the intention of a school.

Dana is a Santa Cruz native and Army veteran. After years away, he came back to raise his daughters where he grew up. When he's not home with the girls, you'll find him on Scotts Valley trails, running shoes laced up or mountain bike in tow. He's grateful to be raising his family here, and excited to support the families who call Scotts Valley home.

Dee was born and raised in Montana, where her love of the outdoors and making things started early. She earned her MBA and built her career at Google and KPMG, and now works as a consultant. She brings that same blend of warmth and care to her family and to Glenwood Grove. She's a mom to their two daughters, and finds her joy in fitness, travel, craft, and the small daily rituals that turn a house into a home.

Glenwood Grove is the kind of place they'd trust with their own children. That's exactly what they're offering yours.

A second home for every child