Our Staff
Our staff ensures our students have a play-filled, social, and joyful childhood experience, that all children should have. And also, that they have what they need before entering kindergarten.
Meet Our Staff
Sarah Shimkunas,
Program Director
Sarah is a Bay Area native who has been in the field of Early Childhood Education since 2000. She earned her M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education at Teachers College, Columbia University and BA in Child Development from SFSU. She also holds a Program Director credential from the State of California. Prior to SF Tikes Academy, her school leadership positions include Director of a large Montessori toddler and preschool program in San Jose, and Director of an infant-toddler program co-located within a co-working space in San Francisco. Before being a Director, Sarah was a preschool teacher for 5 years and then wrote Montessori-inspired curriculum across seven subject areas for a small chain of Montessori schools in Silicon Valley. Sarah is happiest when she can be hands on, whether it is working in the garden or whipping something up in the kitchen. She loves getting out in nature and enjoying all that the area has to offer, and traveling further afield.
Mayorik Carranza, Teacher
Mayorik was born in Peru, but she has also lived in Los Angeles and in San Francisco for most of her life. She has been a teacher for over 20 years, with preschool children as well as school-aged children. Mayorik has also been involved with teaching children with special needs. She has a certificate in Child Development from CCSF and an Associate Teacher Certificate. Mayorik is also bilingual in Spanish and English. Mayorik previously taught art in the Mission Cultural Center in San Francisco. Mayorik likes to listen to music in her free time as well as running, boxing, dancing and practicing yoga.
April Tortolero, Teacher
April has an AS in Child Development. She has been working with young children for over 3 years. April is bilingual in Spanish and English. She loves working with young children and seeing the “aha” moment when a new concept or skills finally clicks! In her spare time, she loves to read and go on hikes.
Alys Castro Sanchez
Alys has a Bachelor’s degree from her home country of Cuba, and is currently studying Early Childhood Education. She has been in the U.S. for many years and has 10 years of experience working with young children from infancy to elementary school age. Alys is bilingual in English and Spanish.
Milagros Monzon Ruiz
Milagros has an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education, and 3 years of experience teaching young children. She is fluent in Spanish and English. “Teacher Mili” loves working with young children and building on their interests to help them learn and grow. Her favorite things to do with children are painting, dancing, singing and water play.