Our warm and caring staff is an experienced group of dedicated, early childhood professionals who combine a strong educational background with a love for and appreciation of young children. Together we create a community of life-long learners, with ongoing professional development training in the most current research and philosophies for early learning.
Nicole Francis has devoted her career to working with youth.
As part of the PJCC staff since 2008, Nicole has supported the social, emotional, and intellectual development of children of all ages: first as a counselor at Camp Keff; then, as the founding manager of the Treehouse @ the J afterschool program; and most recently, as the Director of Youth, Family, and Recreation. In these roles, she has supervised the whole gamut of youth programs, from sports leagues, to summer camp, to enrichment classes.
But her PJCC roots extend even deeper: she herself is an alumnus of both PJCC Preschool and Wornick Jewish Day School. Her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, as well as her Master’s in Public Administration from Notre Dame de Namur University, have formed the framework for her own educational growth and development.
Nicole’s family is carrying on the PJCC tradition—her daughter, Aliyah, was a proud student at the school. And Nicole is excited to be a part of this amazing community, helping your own children learn and grow.
Assistant DirectorLauren has quite a heritage in her work with preschoolers. Inspired by her grandmother’s own work and dedication, she readily decided upon work in the field of early childhood education.
A born-and-raised San Franciscan, Lauren’s educational roots run deep in the Bay Area soil. After attending City College of San Francisco, taking every child development course she could, Lauren transferred to San Francisco State University, where her courses cultivated her reflective work and guided her in becoming a more equitable educator. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Child and Adolescent Development, with an emphasis on Early Childhood Education and a minor in Special Education.
Since graduating, Lauren has worked with children of varying needs and family dynamics, ensuring that every child’s voice is heard and receives advocacy. She considers her life work to be a continuous journey of growth and development with the children and families she encounters.
ECE Operations ManagerRenee was born and raised in the Bay Area and started working with young children in high school, coaching at local summer basketball camps. Renee earned her Associates Degree from the College of San Mateo, then transferred to the California State University of Hayward to study Kinesiology. She loves to see the wonder and joy in children as they learn new things about the world around them, and enjoys working with families to ensure everyone’s preschool experience is memorable.
