Meet Our Teachers & Staff
Creating an inclusive, playful, caring, stimulating, and secure early learning environment for our students, our dedicated teachers bring invaluable skills and expertise to Ross Valley Nursery School. Their depth of caring and understanding creates a solid foundation for each child's individual experience at school. In addition to teaching credentials, the staff's combined advanced education includes ECE certifications, as well as membership in the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Bernie McCarthy
Director
With 13 wonderful years at RVNS in various roles, including Senior Class Head Teacher, Junior Class Head Teacher, PreK Teacher, Junior Teacher, and Assistant Director, Bernie comes to her position as RVNS Director, a seasoned educator and a leader.
An early childhood educator by profession, she is also a mother of two amazing children who live close by in Novato. Born in Manchester, England, she is one of seven children raised by devoted parents who also happen to have been associated with education throughout their lives. They gave her strong wings to fly..
The 2023-2024 school year will mark her 44th year in education, including teaching in international schools in the Middle East and Africa for 25 years, and the last 18 years in Marin. When she came to Ross Valley Nursery School she knew had come “home” and this was the beautiful school where she belonged. From that very first day, the Ross Valley Nursery School community became her extended family.
Bernie says, “your children inspire us every day with their resilience, curiosity, spontaneity, growth and laughter and we are honored that you have put your trust in the teachers and staff at Ross Valley Nursery School to nurture and guide them each day. It gives us the greatest pleasure to welcome you and your children to Ross Valley Nursery School…where feelings count, joy is shared, sadness is comforted, and the tiniest accomplishments are celebrated.”
Barbra Hawkins
Assistant Director, Junior and Senior Head Teacher
Barbra has been with RVNS since 2015. Born in Manila, Philippines before moving to California at 20, she has a BA in Psychology and is fluent in Tagalog and English. She is a member of the National Association of Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and currently lives in Novato with her husband, two children, and their fur baby, Summer. She loves to be outdoors enjoying beach days with family, riding bikes with her daughter, and catching bugs with her son.
Lisa Abdulla
Junior Teacher, Senior Teacher, PreK Teacher
This will be Lisa's fourth year at RVNS teaching in all three classes and we are excited to have her back. She has been an Early Childhood educator for over 25 years and lives in Greenbrae with her family. She looks forward to meeting the new children, their families and seeing all the younger siblings of the children who are currently at RVNS or have just left for kindergarten.
Gabrielle Lanting
Junior Teacher, Senior Teacher, PreK Teacher
Gabrielle received her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Studies from Sonoma State University. She was born and raised in Marin County and has a background in Behavioral Therapy and most recently worked at a preschool in San Francisco.
Gabrielle loves cooking, staying fit, exploring outdoors and especially spending time with her family and friends and she is very excited to be part of the RVNS team and is looking forward to getting to know all of the RVNS community children and families.
Melissa Nicholas
Junior & Senior Teacher
This is Melissa's fifth year teaching at RVNS but her roots here run deep. Born and raised in Marin she has been a part of the RVNS family since she herself attended. After earning her B.A. in Environmental Studies from Sonoma State University and working in the air pollution field for nine years, she and her family moved back to Marin to be close to family and friends. Melissa lives in Novato with her twin teenagers, husband, dog Blaze, and seven chickens. She enjoys spending her free time outdoors, in the garden and with friends and family - and is eager to bring her excitement for learning, play and science to Ross Valley.
Lisa Woods
Junior Teacher, Seniors Teacher, PreK Head Teacher
Lisa received a B.A. in Liberal Studies from Chico State University and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Dominican University. She has worked as an elementary school teacher, Preschool Teacher, and Preschool Director for over 17 years throughout Marin County. In her downtime, she loves spending time with her son and husband, hiking, and cooking/baking. She is also a huge bay area sports fan and can always be found cheering on the Giants, Warriors, and 49ers! She is so excited to be a part of the RVNS community.
Meaghen Blakely
Junior Teacher & Seniors Teacher
I studied early child development at the College of Marin and San Francisco City College. I have focused on sensory needs and advocated for people with special needs. I have two boys, a 3rd grader at Bacich and an 8th grader at Kent. I love my community here in Kentfield, and I’m happy to raise my children here. I also work part-time at the Bay Area Discovery Museum and love the outdoors, hiking and swimming. I’m honored to work at RVNS and can’t wait to form a bond with all of the little ones.
Carolyn Terry
Office Manager/Admissions Coordinator
Carolyn’s three children all attended RVNS many years ago. She has very fond memories of her time as an RVNS parent. While working part-time in the office,she loves to hear the little voices of the students as they are enjoying their school day. When not at school she can be found hiking the beautiful hills of Novato with her husband and lively yellow lab.