DeeDee Hanes - Director

My name is DeeDee Hanes and I am the Director at Kids on the Hill Preschool. It is an honor to spend this chapter of my career at KOTH.

I graduated from Oregon State University with a BA in Elementary Education and from Portland State University with a MA in Educational Leadership, Administration and Policy. During my career in Oregon, I was a teacher for various grade levels including preschool through eighth grade, an elementary principal, a preschool director, and a special education director.

I entered leadership in early childhood education when I saw a need as the kindergarten through fifth grade principal in Corbett, Oregon.  A child’s education begins so much sooner than kindergarten and an enriching environment shapes the rest of their educational journey. So, I developed a Play Based preschool program in our school that was embedded in Place Based Learning through the Columbia River Gorge where the children lived.  It was the best nine years of my career! 

After my time in Corbett, I moved to Alaska to be an associate superintendent of instruction for the Matsu-Borough School District. I supervised eleven elementary schools, four of which had preschools, and collaborated with the cabinet to achieve the mission of the district.

My husband, Rick, and I moved to San Anselmo to be closer to our son, daughter-in-law, and our two precious grandchildren. Our daughter was also in San Francisco but has moved back to Oregon to attend grad school. In my free time I enjoy experimenting with new recipes while entertaining friends and family. On the weekends my husband and I seek out day trips through the Bay Area and parts of northern California we haven’t yet explored.

Jackie Giuliani - Teacher (Tiger Room)

My name is Jackie Giuliani. I am the teacher of the Tiger PreK class. 

I live in San Anselmo with my husband, Charlie. We have raised our two children, Nicholas and Chelsea here in Marin. My daughter is in a Masters Program in elementary education and my son is in Forensic Accounting.

I became interested in early childhood education when my own children were very young and in preschool. It was through the work I did in a co-op and other preschools that I found my life calling.

I have a B.A. in History from Sonoma State. I completed my Early Childhood Education coursework at the College of Marin. My early childhood education classes and fieldwork provided invaluable information and experience that broadened my skills as a teacher of young children.

I have worked in many different programs and I feel strongly that a play-based program truly provides the best learning environment for young children. Kids on the Hill is a most beautiful place and supportive community for children. I am so grateful to be a part of it!

Barbi Martinez - Teacher (Tadpole Room)

My name is Barbi Martinez and I am the teacher of the two year old Tadpoles class.

My formal education in early childhood is from coursework I have taken at the College of Marin. To stay current on the latest information on young children’s learning and development I continue to participate in many ECE (early childhood education) workshops and conferences throughout the Bay Area.

I moved to Marin in 1985 as a live-in au pair. I began my college ECE courses at that time and have 30 years experience working in various programs for young children aged 6 weeks to 5 years old.

I live in Greenbrae with my husband and teenage son. When I am not working at KOTH I enjoy being in my garden, going on adventures with my family and cooking!

I believe in providing plenty of playtime for children as they learn the most by hands on experiences exploring their world. My goal as the Tadpole teacher is to get these little ones excited about school and enthusiastic about learning!

Kyra McNicholas - Teacher (Butterfly Room)

My name is Kyra McNicholas and I am the teacher of the three year old Butterfly Class.

 I have worked with children since I was a child myself. My first job was as a neighborhood babysitter, starting at the age of 12. In high school and college I worked as a camp counselor and in my early 20's I spent a few years nannying. I received a BA in Child Development in 2004 and MA in Early Childhood Special Education in 2007, both from Mills College in Oakland. I have worked in the field of early childhood education for 24 years as a teacher, early interventionist, and administrator. I have learned that I am happiest and most fulfilled as a classroom teacher of preschool-aged children. I came to KOTH in the fall of 2020.

I believe that young children learn best through play, and the highest-quality preschool programs work to embed important pre-academic concepts within a child-centric, play-based curriculum. Something that I value deeply about KOTH is our small class sizes and low teacher-child ratios, which make it possible for us to meet every child where he or she is and truly partner with each unique individual as they embark on what will hopefully be a lifelong love of learning.

I live in San Rafael with my husband Matthew and our two rambunctious pug dogs. My greatest passion outside of early childhood education is travel, and it's a pretty safe bet that during any school break I will be adventuring someplace far away. Other interests include gardening, creative writing, and DIY projects around my home.

In two and a half decades of working with young children, KOTH is the most tightly knit, loving and supportive school community I have ever had the privilege to be a part of. I hope that each child and family feels as embraced and celebrated as I do, here in our beautiful little enclave on the hill!

Geniver Gomez - Teacher (Dolphin Room)

My name is Genny Gomez. I am the teacher of the three and four year old Dolphin class.

I am trained in ECE Child Development courses and Montessori education. During my training, I was a nanny for 9 years in Davis, CA with the same family. I then transitioned to a Montessori school and became a head teacher for 15 years. Due to COVID, my husband and I moved to Marin to be closer to his family. At which point, I became an In-home teacher for a wonderful family in Mill Valley.

In 2022,  I embarked on a play based approach to teaching and began working at KOTH. The culture of the school continues to be an amazing experience. My main focus is the social emotional development of the children and developing the whole child through a play based approach. I do this by giving children the skills needed to foster friendships, self regulate, express their needs and wants and contribute to their community. I believe these skills are key to a successful future. My favorite part about being a teacher is seeing a child overcome their struggles and the spark of joy that lights up their face when they succeed.

When I’m not in the classroom I like spending my time on the water with my husband and dogs. My other hobbies include paddle boarding and martial arts.

Dina Cheney - Floating Teacher

My name is Dina Cheney and I am the floating teacher at KOTH. I work with every classroom, child and teacher. I also am the teacher in a classroom when a substitute is needed. In addition, I make sure our outdoor play environment is set up so children can engage in play while learning valuable skills that support social, physical and cognitive development while having FUN.

I’ve been working at KOTH since 2016 and working with children for 20 plus years from infants to pre-K. I was drawn to early childhood beginning in high school when I worked after school in a preschool supporting aftercare. Post high school, I was a nanny for families that had triplets, which was fun since I am a triplet as well. This all inspired me to attend Call Child Development Center Junior College in Santa Rosa for early childhood education where I received my ECE teaching credential. I am honored to be a part of the children’s school experiences at KOTH and support their cognitive and developmental goals.

I live in Sonoma County and love to travel, the theater, films, and to cook and bake.