Faith Nomura -Founder
Born in Fukui, Japan, Mrs. Faith Nomura came from a family of educators. In 1964, she founded the Nomura Preschool as a small music preschool with the dream of developing the full academic potential and creativity of Bay Area children. From this initial vision, Nomura Preschool now serves over 120 students from Albany, El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Emeryville, Pinole, Oakland and surrounding communities.
Matthew Clark – Administrator
Matthew Clark combines his expertise in business and his experience as a classroom teacher and coach in his work at Nomura Preschool. Mr. Clark has an M.B.A. from the University of South Carolina as well as a California State Teaching Credential in Mathematics. With the Nomura School since 2001 as a math teacher, PE teacher, business manager, and now school administrator, Mr. Clark oversees the daily operations of the preschool. He brings his passion for education, his ability to accomplish many things at once, and his enthusiasm for teamwork to our students and teaching staff.
Keiko Hernandez-Director
Keiko Hernandez is originally from Tokyo, Japan. She taught at Nomura Preschool for 10 years before moving out of state, and has now returned to teach again after moving back to the Bay Area. She has been teaching preschool for 25 years total. Mrs. Hernandez has a hands on approach to teaching, and especially loves teaching art and science. She strives to instill a love of all living things (big and small) in her students. In addition to this, Mrs. Hernandez also teaches Japanese classes weekly.
Angelica Aleman-Chicky/Kiwi Teacher
Angelica has been with Nomura Preschool since 2016. She is currently attending SF State, where she is earning her masters degree in Early Childhood Education. Angelica enjoys working with children of all ages and currently works in the Chicky and Kiwi classes. Angelica likes to incorporate art and photography in her lessons. She is passionate about early childhood development and loves to encourage others to express themselves through art .
Dawn Douangsawang – Penguin Teacher
Dawn Douangsawang has been teaching Pre-K since 2012, and has been at Nomura Preschool since 2017. She has a BA in Child Development and an MA in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Dawn also has training in the Montesorri method and Montessori teaching experience. She enjoys teaching and preparing children for kindergarten in all developmental domains. Ms. Dawn is fluent in Khmu, and in her free time enjoys cooking, spending time with her family, reading, and shopping.
Nickie Phan – Pelican Teacher
Ms. Nickie majored in Early Childhood at Contra Costa College. She has been working at Nomura since 2016, and is currently teaching in the Ducky Class. Prior to coming to Nomura, Ms. Nickie taught school aged children for 2 years. She loves to teach and help children achieve their goals. Her favorite things to do outside of work include camping and spending time with her family.
Rosita Simon – Garden Teacher
Rosita Simon has been a teacher at Nomura Preschool since 2009. Trained in the Montessori method, she employs a whole child approach to early childhood education. Miss Simon enjoys helping her students develop self-confidence, independence, and a joy of learning through stories, games, and play. A native speaker of Tamil, Miss Simon has teaching expertise in math, science, and language.
Rosi Tabuaniviti – Chicky Teacher
Mrs. Rosi teaches our youngest students in the Chicky Class. With Nomura Preschool since 2009, Mrs. Rosi most enjoys engaging her students in creative activities. She loves working with the Chickies because of their energy and enthusiasm for learning. Every day is an adventure!
Lusi Young – Kiwi Teacher
Focusing on the individuality of each child, Lusitiawati Young uses patience, care, and an understanding of each child’s background and individual needs to create a safe, fun environment. Mrs. Young joined the Nomura School staff in 2008 after working with children for three years at Pacific Academy’s afterschool program. She enjoys cooking, art, and singing, and shares her expertise in origami art with her students.
