Margaret Hershey

I have been working in the GP infant room for almost 7 years. I have been a lead teacher for almost 4. My passion is child development, specifically in the first 2 years. I am fascinated by the immense growth that occurs cognitively during the first few years of life, and I love fostering and encouraging that growth. I have a bachelors degree from UC Davis and grew up in Fairfax CA.

Iris

I have been teaching for over 13 years. I started as an aide in an infant program then as a lead teacher in their two-year-old room. I came to Golden Poppy as a leopard room teacher in 2014, Bear room teacher in 2015. In 2018 I became the lead teacher in the Lion room where I have been teaching ever since. I love seeing the excitement when my student learns new things. I have a special interest in teaching my students Spanish, my native language. I teach Spanish as an extra curriculum class as well as incorporate it into my regular classroom curriculum. It is so rewarding to see the kids excitement when speaking a second language. I feel very lucky to be able to
have my daughter attend the Golden Poppy. I know she will get a great early learning experience.

Shannon

I started teaching Preschool 28 years ago at a preschool in East Bay. In 1993 I moved to Marin County from Oakland and started teaching at Golden Poppy Pre School in 1993. I have been the lead Transitional Kindergarten teacher in the bear room for the past 13 years. Prior to that I was a classroom teacher at Lion Room and Tiger Room. My favorite part about teaching is about partnering with the parents to provide our kids the ability to learn in a fun exciting environment.

Joanie Deksnys

I love leading the staff team and providing support to parents/children in my role as Director of Golden Poppy. Prior to that, I have been teaching at Golden Poppy for over 15 years, starting as an aide, then a teacher in the Bear Room. I became the lead teacher of the Lion Room in 2005, Leopards in 2009, and the Tigers in 2010, where I have been teaching ever since.

I am proud to have had both of my sons graduate from Golden Poppy and be able to step so seamlessly into grade school. Consistent support and guidance between home and school provide the ideal environment for our children to thrive and become caring, inquisitive, young adults. I have a special interest in the unique temperaments of children and their language development (and therefore a passion for reading that I hope is contagious).