Silvia Ferguson
Director
I have been the Director of Simcha since 2007. I consider myself very honored to be a part of this amazing community and to be entrusted with the responsibility of carrying forward the excellence that has always been Simcha's trademark. We extend a welcoming spirit to all families, no matter what their religious affiliations.

In a moment I will introduce you to our outstanding teaching team, but first a little about myself. I moved to idyllic Santa Cruz in 2004 and instantly knew I was home. Immediately prior to joining Simcha, I worked for three years as a special education teacher for Santa Cruz City Schools. My heart however has always been in directing programs for very young children. I relocated here from Gainesvillle, Florida, where I had spent much of my professional career as the director of an early intervention center for children with special needs from birth to three years of age.

My formal training includes a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Bank Street College of Education in New York. It was there that I was exposed to play-based learning and a standard of excellence. I later completed postgraduate coursework in special education and currently maintain several California teaching credentials.

My informal credentials for being with children include the unparalleled joy of being a mother to two beautiful children. I have a grown daughter, Sierra who remains close. My son Jess, was killed in a car accident in 1995 at the age of seventeen. So I take nothing for granted but continue to love working with children.

Tracy Collins
Office Administrator
I have an Associate of Arts Degree that emphasized business and administrative skills and an Associate of Science degree in Early Childhood Education. I have been a legal secretary, a teacher's aide, a preschool teacher and a preschool director. My husband and I have raised three children, who are grown now. All these experiences have been useful in the Simcha Preschool office.

Hannah Balliet
Pre-Kindergarten Class Teacher
I graduated from California State University, East Bay (CSUH) with Honors in 2000, received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with an emphasis on Child Development. I earned my Early Childhood Education (E.C.E.) units at Cabrillo College, and excellent training, before going on to work as a preschool teaching in Santa Cruz and in the East Bay for more than 8 years.

A few years after marrying my husband, Michael, I moved back to Santa Cruz to open my own preschool program called "La Madrona Day School". There I enjoyed working with the families and building a thriving little school. My older son, Spencer, enjoyed having his mom as a teacher, but once I became pregnant with my second son, Isaac, I decided to close the program and focus on becoming a full time mom.

As a stay-at-home mom, I reached out to other busy moms of toddlers, by offering a low-cost art and craft class called "Krafty Kids".

Once my boys began attending grade school, I deeply missed with with preschoolers, and began teaching part time, before joining the wonderful staff at Simcha Preschool.

I spend my free time volunteering monthly as the Program Coordinator for a community focused out-reach group. When I get the chance, I also love to read, hike in the woods with my sons, and play at the beach Champ, my puppy.

Caitlin Clancy
Preschool Class Teacher
I have been working as a preschool teacher in Santa Cruz since 2006, and am one unit away from receiving my Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Cabrillo College. My passion is working with young children, and I strongly believe that children learn best in an enriching, stimulating environment, and through meaningful play and interactions. I enjoy setting positive limits that acknowledge the child's good intention in order to ensure a safe, nurturing environment. I recognize that parents are the child's first teacher and feel children learn best when parents are involved in their education program.

In my spare time I enjoy biking, hiking, caring for my fish, playing flute, gardening and doing arts and crafts.

Roxy Greenspan
Preschool Class Teacher
I have been an early childhood educator in Santa Cruz since 2006 and I am currently working toward my degree in Early Childhood Education at Cabrillo College. I appreciate the reciprocal learning that happens in the preschool environment and value the lessons that I have learned from children. They have taught me how to trust, support their learning, and be a better teacher. I am excited to be at Simcha for so many reasons; NAEYC accreditation is something I have always admired and I am very happy to be part of a school that holds such high standards. I bring to Simcha my nurturing spirit, creativity, and support for children's growth.

When I am not working I enjoy painting, beading, hiking, and spending time in nature. I am excited to be a part of the Simcha community.

Meagan Hamilton Weber
Pre-Kindergarten Class Teacher
I join Simcha with over twenty years of experience working with children. I earned an A.A. in Liberal Arts from Cabrillo College, a B.A. in Child Development from San Jose State University, and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Bethany University. I always strive to do my best in all that I do, and graduated with high honors from all three of these schools.

Prior to working for Simcha, I owned and operated my own small family daycare for nine years. I have specifically taught preschool for over thirteen years. I have worked with children in many different areas, from orphans in Romania to 1st graders at an elementary school in Watsonville, just to name a few.

I am also a mom to two of my own children, an 8 year old girl, Shealyn and a 5 year old boy, Malakai. In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors with my family, hanging out with friends, and reading. Working with children is truly one of my greatest joys in life. I really look forward to working with the children, families, and staff at Simcha Preschool for my next adventure.

Anja Shandrew
Break Teacher and Toddler Assistant Teacher
I have been working at Simcha Preschool since 2004. I love my position as the break teacher because I meet children in our toddler room and get to spend time with them every day until they graduate from our program. I have a passion for children's literature and discussing anti-bias topics with children. I am completing my Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education at Cabrillo College.

In my free time I enjoy reading, hiking and billiards.

Grace Valdez
Toddler Room Teacher
I have been an Early Childhood Education and Development advocate and educator since 1976. I have worked with children in Before & After School programs on six elementary school campuses as well as four different preschool programs. With children ages 2.5 - 12 years old and their families, I have been given the privilege of engaging relationships and mutual learning.

My fundamental aim is self-education by the children themselves including a special emphasis on encouraging self-esteem through independence and an understanding of social responsibility.

Thank you for welcoming me into the Simcha community.