Our Staff
Our teachers and staff take pride in their commitment to making our program unique and dynamic. Our teaching staff is trained in early childhood education as well as child development and have the appropriate credentials for working with young children. Seabird Preschool teachers are committed to providing an enriching and nurturing learning environment that emphasizes all aspects of development. This includes providing activities and guidance in a play-like setting in order to promote social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth. Our teachers are expected to foster positive relationships with the children and their families, while maintaining professionalism at all times. As specially trained, highly dedicated individuals, our staff takes a passionate interest in educating young children.
Emily Ko
Director
Hi, I’m Emily! I’m excited to continue my journey at Seabird Preschool in my new role as Director, after spending the past couple of years as the Pre-K teacher in the Pelican classroom.
I have always imagined myself working with young children. I truly enjoy watching children grow, develop new skills, and discover the world around them.
I believe children learn and thrive in an environment that is stimulating, nurturing, comforting, and appropriate for their individual developmental needs and abilities. I enjoy creating learning experiences that connect children’s interests with their developmental stages and helping teachers create meaningful opportunities for children to learn and flourish.
In my new role as Director, I look forward to supporting and working closely with the Seabird teaching team, building strong relationships with our families, and creating a strong partnership between teachers and families. I hope to be a supportive resource for our teachers and families and to help create an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported.
I hold a Liberal Studies degree from San Francisco State University, have completed 39 units in Early Childhood Education, and hold a California Site Supervisor Permit. I have worked in a variety of teaching and leadership roles for the past 15 years, which has given me a strong understanding of children’s developmental needs as well as the importance of working in partnership with families and colleagues.
I am looking forward to this new chapter at Seabird and to continuing to support our children, families, and teachers as we learn, grow, and flourish together.
Sadaf Shahid
Teacher
Hi, I am Teacher Sadaf. I am excited to join the Seabird team. I am a Muslim immigrant originally from Pakistan, I speak English, Urdu and Hindi. I call San Francisco home where I reside with my husband and 8-year-old daughter. I received my ECE training in San Francisco City College and I am eager to put all the years of studying and preschool work experience to good use and for the benefit of young students.
I am deeply passionate about expanding every child’s horizon, I see it as my mission to elevate children’s learning experience by positive encouragement, daily discoveries, meaningful interactions and exploration.
From an early age I had passion for working with young children as well as
helping others. My aim as an early childhood educator is to observe how each child develops into a unique individual and learn how to support their holistic growth. I hope to build a love of learning as a strong foundation in children and help them become confident individuals who are able to express themselves.
My friends and colleagues describe me as a friendly, silly, and funny Sadaf. I look forward to meeting Seabird children and families.
For more information in Urdu and Hindi, you may speak with Sadaf.
Tammy Zhao
Teacher
Hi I'm Tammy. I have over 15 years of experience working as a Teacher for toddlers and infants from 0 to 36 months.
I am professional, caring and dedicated teacher, infancy is my favorite age because this is the period of life when most of changes happen within the shortest amount of time. I find it joyful and rewarding to care for infants and see them grow and develop new skills every day.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Child Adolescent Development from San Francisco State University.
For more information in Cantonese, you may speak with Tammy
Amy Huang
Teacher
My name is Amy. I hold a bachelor’s degree and a Child Development Teacher Permit, with over six years of experience working with young children. I’m passionate about early childhood education and love spending time with kids—their innocence, kindness, and curiosity constantly inspire me. I bring enthusiasm, love, and patience to my work, striving to create a nurturing and joyful environment where every child feels valued and encouraged to grow.
Outside of work,I enjoy cooking and spending time with my family,
especially taking my child to the playground and sharing those happy
everyday moments together.
Sandy Jiang
Teacher
Hello! My name is Sandy, and I’m very excited to join Seabird! I have been working with preschool children for the past six years and truly enjoy supporting their growth through play and positive connections. I love creating fun games, playing ball with the children, and helping them stay active and engaged throughout the day. In my free time, I enjoy hiking and exploring nature trails, which inspires my appreciation for the outdoors and hands-on learning. I look forward to being part of the Seabird community!
Brannan Darmawi-Iskandar
Teacher
Hi I'm Brannan. I love working with young children especially with the kindergarten prep class 4-5 years old. I enjoy talking to them about different subjects, getting creative and working on arts and crafts projects, engaging in their pretend play. I have been with the Seabird team since the opening day, I joined as an assistant teacher and grew to lead my own class.
Penguin Teacher
Teacher
