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).
Barbra Hawkins Director
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: 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 26 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: Senior Head 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 Head Teacher & Senior Teacher
This is Melissa's sixth 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: Head PreK 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 18 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 and Senior 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 4th grader at Bacich and a High Schooler. 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.
Christine O’Connor: Junior and Senior Teacher
I have spent the past 34 years teaching at a local preschool in Marin., where I was able to teach in all the different classrooms. I attended the early childhood program at College of Marin, and San Francisco State. I live in Novato with my husband where we raised our two children. My daughter is a sophomore in college and my son is studying to become a firefighter EMT. Although I have many years of teaching under my belt, I still believe that I have so much more to learn. I’m really looking forward to working at Ross Valley Nursery School. I’m excited about contributing to the school and learning from other teachers.
Michelle Torres: Junior and Senior Teacher
Melinda Martin: PreK Teacher
Angelica Weil: PreK Teacher
Jenna Blaise: Office Manager/Admissions Coordinator