Teachers & Staff

Bernie McCarthy: Director

With 14 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 2024-2025 school year will mark her 45th 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.”

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: Junior & Senior 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 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 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 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.

Anita Silva: PreK Teacher

My name is Anita Silva and I have been fortunate and blessed to be teaching in the Early Childhood field as a teacher for twenty eight years. Why I chose to study Early Childhood in college is because I truly enjoy nurturing and teaching preschoolers. My philosophy is that each child is unique, therefore they learn and thrive at their own pace. I have one grown son that is a teacher as well. I love animals and nature. In my free time outside the classroom I enjoy reading, bike riding, camping, gardening, yoga, traveling, and cooking/ baking. I love spending time with my son, family and friends.I am excited about teaching at RVNS, and building relationships with the children and their families. I am looking forward to be joining the teaching team, and anticipating lots of learning and fun times! Here is one of my favorite quotes: “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love” - Mother Teresa

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.