Staff

Rina Woodfin is a seasoned and certified Early Childhood Educator and Director.  She has been teaching at MSP since 1993 and directing since 2002.   Besides being a gourmet cook, Rina appreciates listening to Jazz and classical music.  She has greatly enhanced the cohesiveness of the staff team with organization, dedication and her delicious baked goods.

Sharon Lee is a certified Early Childhood Educator and has been teaching at MSP since 1993.  She is a graduate of Sook Myong University in Korea, in Art.  This is the 7th year that Sharon co-teaches the Roo class.  She is wonderful and warm with toddlers and creates strong bonds with them, inspiring trust and affection.  She is calm and skilled in helping these toddlers transition through the separation process.  She is fluent in Korean.  Her excellent Korean cooking brings special warmth and laughter to our staff team.

Candace Martinez is a certified Early Childhood Educator. She taught here at MSP in 2001 and has also taught and directed at our sister school Little Sprouts in Oakland. She has a natural love of children and sets loving and kind boundaries with children in her care. She loves singing with children and has a song for everything. Candace has one child, Julian, who is a year old. Candace enjoys walking her dog, hanging out with friends and family, and exploring different restaurants and cafes. 

Monica Pelucchi is a certified Early Childhood Educator.  She has been teaching at MSP since 1996.   Monica works diligently, patiently, creatively and flexibly with children.  Her teaching combines love & humor with developmentally appropriate limits.  She has a contagious enthusiasm and enjoys the outdoors and social gatherings.  Monica is a dedicated teacher at MSP and a loving wife and mother to her husband and two children.  She is a great cook and baker.  She is Italian and speaks her language fluently.

Jill Wang has a BA in Public Communications from American University in Washington, DC where she also took Early Childhood Education classes. She has been teaching at MSP since 2007. Jill has two kids - both graduates of MSP; they now attend LeConte Elementary in Berkeley where Jill is the PTA President. She also teaches Sunday School at Church Without Walls. Jill is thrilled to be teaching at MSP and sharing her love of children and God. Jill loves to read, take long walks, bake, and camp with her family.

Vicky Brodt is a certified Early Childhood Educator.  She is in her 7th year of teaching at MSP.  Vicky also works with children’s ministry at Berkeley Covenant Church.  She brings a diverse and rich training in Early Childhood Education, along with her creativity, to the classroom.  Also a certified horticulturist, she enjoys gardening, quilting, and spending time with her two kids; Sean (15) and Chelsea (7).  She produces the MSP newsletter “Seedling”.

Monica Eng has Early Childhood units.  This is her first year at MSP, but she has years of experience working with toddlers and older preschoolers.  Monica values the importance of creating a positive atmosphere that would nurture a child’s growth and love for learning.  She works well with a team and appreciates the dynamic of being mentored and in turn mentoring others.  Monica has four children and is intentional about spending quality time with her family. 

Meri Thwaites is a certified Early Childhood Educator and Director.  She has been teaching at MSP since 1986 and has years of experience teaching the Pre-K class.  Meri is warm-hearted, hospitable and humorous.  She welcomes children and families into her life and keeps them in her spirit.  She shares her gift of music and singing in the classroom and combines welcoming warmth with loving/healthy boundaries with the children.  Meri is grandmother to her first grand-daughter Johana.

Lorelei Agbayani is a certified Early Childhood Educator and has a BA in Communications. This is her first year at MSP, but she has experience working with children ranging from infants to sixth grade. Her playful, gentle nature makes children feel safe and loved. Lorelei also enjoys learning about different cultures and languages. She is looking forward to getting to know the children and families in the Mustard Seed community. 

Kristen Matarazzo is a certified Early Childhood Educator and has a B. S. in Fine Arts.  She is in her 5th year of teaching at MSP.  She taught Karate to children 4 - 11 year-olds at the Academy of Martial Arts.  Kristen is a keen observer of children.  Children feel an instant comfort with her and she balances humor with the setting of healthy boundaries.  She is sensitive to provide activities that both encourage and challenge children to discover their potential.  She is a leader and a ready public speaker.  She enjoys reading, having coffee with friends and laughing. 

Helen Wu is a certified Early Childhood Educator and Director.  She has a B.A. in Art and Psychology and is currently working toward her Master of Fine Arts Degree.  She has taught at MSP from 1989 to 1996 and co-directed the preschool from 1996 to 1999, before moving on to become the Children Ministry Director at a local church.   Having raised her two sons to adulthood, Helen holds a deep passion for nurturing children and helping them to cultivate their multi-faceted potential.  With her warm and loving nature, she brings a nurturing presence that children can readily sense in the classroom. 

Myrna Shadley has a B.A. in Education.  She has worked in Early Childhood Education since 1980, both as a teacher and Director.  Myrna is also our Resource Specialist.  She is in her 6th year at MSP.  She is delighted to be part of the Mustard Seed community and enjoys getting to know the children and families in the Rabbit class.  Myrna is a mom to six children and grandma to three.  She enjoys gardening, spending time at the beach and being with her family.