Creekside Village School's Philosophy & Owner Background

It is our philosophy that parents are the primary caregiver to their children. The school provides a complimentary extension to that parental care. We believe young children thrive when they feel loved, safe, and respected by the adults who care for them. By providing an environment that is stimulating, rich, and carefully planned, the children are exposed to more than learning colors, shapes, and rote memorization.

We encourage active play, free expression and problem solving.

Children need to explore their thoughts, use their imagination, and make things happen. Our goal for the children is for them to like themselves, gain a feeling of self-worth, enjoy socializing with others, and feel empathy and understand others. It is through this involvement with their surroundings that children will experience the importance of language, science, and friendship..

Miss Hanne and Mr. Dave are the owners of Creekside Village School. They are local to North Marin County and live in Novato. They enjoy their work at the school and are committed to the city and the children. Creekside Village School is the only school they own and so they have a "hands-on" involvement with the children and the staff daily.

Hanne grew up in Germany and emigrated to the US where she and Dave met in Wisconsin. She received her Bachelor's of Arts in Art Education from San Jose State University (SJSU) in 1988 and received her Masters in Early Childhood Education / Child Development from SJSU in 1997. She has fulfilled all requirements to be an infant and child-care director.

Hanne has 4 years direct teaching experience working with children from infant through pre-K ages. In addition, she was the curriculum coordinator for three-, four-, and five-year-old children. At Creekside Village School, she is the school director and provides guidance and coaching for the staff, helps them with curriculum development, and creates a warm and loving environment.

David has an engineering degree and became an engineering manager at a Silicon Valley computer company. He has twenty years management experience of both professional and non-exempt employees. He has left the world of high-tech to manage the business part of the school - and to help out with light maintenance, etc.

Hanne and David were minority shareholders (40%) from January 1993 to February 1995 at a Child Development Center in Cupertino, California. Hanne served as Education Director; David served as Director of Operations. During their tenure as shareholders, the enrollment grew from 70 to 90 and the staff grew from 12 to 17. Recently, they left to find their own school - in beautiful Marin County - and were fortunate to find Creekside Village School available.