We are a network of parents, educators, caregivers, play advocates, space collaborators, technologists, researchers, community organizers, and artists trying to create the world we believe in. We believe these care spaces are essential to the survival and well-being of parents and children. These micro-communities would enable each community to design the circles in their, way overarching with our common set of beliefs. This would generate local coordination, trust, and employment in the local community.
We are connecting the puzzle pieces. And these are the people running the show in various ways.
We are deeply grateful to our collaborators, people believing in us, and all the love and support from the parents who believe in what we do.
Samantha Infeld- A mom, mentor to Parents’ Nook, and a NASA engineer.
Christina Assirati: A mom, an early childhood educator in RIE and Waldorf Philosophies, and an initial supporter and mentor to Parents' Nook.
Tanaya Vikrant - A mom, Co-founder of Parents’ Nook, and Computer Engineer by profession in earlier life before becoming a mom.
Linda Barcellos: Teacher Lin has worked with children in gardens and nature spaces for more than 20 years.
She earned a BS Degree in Recreation & Leisure Studies with a Therapeutic Focus from CSUF. She has worked for City Parks & Recreation and Boys & Girls Clubs. She has facilitated gardening groups for home-school groups. And, she has facilitated her home-based child development program for more than fourteen years. She is CPR & First Aid Certified. Her home-based garden site is licensed by California Social Services.
Teacher Lin joined the Nook as a cofounder and mentor. She is an avid supporter of the Nook process.
Meet our Lead Facilitators at various public Nooks:
Alithea Bohannon- Thea is an experienced mom with a background in early childhood education, music, and arts. She is also studying to be a postpartum doula and is very passionate about working with kids. She loves Nooks and joined as the Lead Play Facilitator for the OMCA Nooks.
Meet Sarah: Hello! My name is Sarah; I’m a stay-at-home mom for a wonderful and spirited son named Benedict. I’m excited to meet you all at the Nook. I have a background in child development and speech pathology. I’ve worked as a play teacher and preschool prep teacher at Gymboree for 4 years and then as a Reggio Emilia play facilitator at Golden Gate Art & Nature for almost a year during the pandemic. I’m excited to help facilitate play with new littles at the Randall Museum and form great connections for myself and my son