Stretch Educators

Michelle Lawton

Michelle (she/her) founded Stretch the Imagination in 2002 with the intention of creating a program where children are free to explore and are given the time to delve deeply into their experiences. Stretch originally started as a program for art, yoga and music. Over the past 14 years, it has developed into a respected preschool program grounded in nurturing children’s development through creativity, inquiry and connecting to the natural world. Michelle is also invested in supporting professional development and encouraging the growth of educators who come to work at Stretch. She believes strongly in the importance of continuing education and recently finished studying with Dan Siegel at the Mindsight Institute in Los Angeles. She continued her own education in 2014/2015 by studying with Jon Young and the educators of the 8 Shields Institute. She is inspired by their work in mentoring, education, and the facilitation of a deep nature connection. Michelle has a passion for connecting children to the natural world and in starting the Natural Classroom in 2010 was a pioneer in bringing children out of the classroom and into nature during their weekly school days. She takes inspiration from working with nature leaders both here and abroad and presents annually at the Children Learning with Nature Conference here in the Bay Area. As a mom and educator Michelle is dedicated to honoring a child’s right to creative exploration, play, and the magic of early childhood.

Sarah Dubin, Curriculum Specialist

Sarah (she/her) joined the Stretch team in November of 2013, as a support teacher in one of the twos classes. She immediately fell in love with working in the classroom and attended City College of San Francisco to obtain her credentials in early childhood education. With a background in the arts, math, and mindfulness, Sarah strives to bring these passions into the classroom and curriculum on a daily basis. Upon returning from maternity leave Sarah joined the administration team to help with Stretch’s extended day offerings. She has since grown into the role of Curriculum Specialist, working with the teaching teams to develop project work and curriculum. When she’s not at Stretch, Sarah can be found with her husband (Alex) and daughter (Stella - Redwood) making art, visiting museums or the botanical gardens, meditating, and most likely eating something delicious.

Adrie

Adrie (she/her) was raised in Lincoln, CA, climbing every tree on her family’s acreage and creating in her grandfather’s woodworking shop. When her daughters – now both in their 20’s – were young, their favorite way to pass summer days was in between tree branches and making mud. Adrie brings ten years of teaching experience to Stretch; she began by teaching Kindergarten for five years at her children's elementary school then to preschool education, spanning Transitional Kindergarten to the two-year-old classes. During that time, she enjoyed backpacking Tahoe, painting school murals, and playing frisbee with her now 11-year-old Border Collie, Angus. When Adrie moved to the Presidio last year, she knew she had found a special place. She loves exploring the park’s trails, museums, and beaches.  

Chris

Chris grew up in California's Napa Valley, where his kindergarten teacher first inspired his passion for education. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts from Sonoma State University in 2010 and began his career in early childhood education in Napa

in 2012. He later moved to San Francisco, where he has spent the past decade building
meaningful relationships with children and families while enjoying all the city has to offer. Chris believes that children learn best through exploration, curiosity, and meaningful play.  
Outside the classroom, Chris enjoys spending time with his wife exploring San Francisco, whether it's riding the city's iconic cable cars, playing pinball, enjoying dim sum, or relaxing at the beach. 

Dan

Dan was born and raised in San Francisco. He has a bachelor’s in American Literature from the University of California, Santa Cruz and a masters in Child Development from San Francisco State University. He’s been a preschool teacher since 1996. He believes in observing, following children’s leads, and then providing support that furthers their discovery and learning. He has 10- and 7-year old children of his own and their sport and school activities comprise the majority of his free time, but he enjoys walking, reading, local sports, and spending time with the rest of his family as well. 

Emily

Emily (she/her) is excited to begin her first year at Stretch the Imagination and has already found it to be such a welcoming place. Before joining Stretch, she taught first grade, where she developed a love for helping children build confidence, explore their interests, and find joy in learning. Emily studied Early Childhood Education and Literacy, Learning, and Leadership at the University of Arizona and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Elementary Education. She is especially passionate about creating an environment where children feel comfortable being themselves, asking questions, and discovering the world around them. Outside of the classroom, Emily loves being outdoors, going on hikes, listening to live music, exploring new places, and spending quality time with her family and friends.

Esme

Esme (she/her) is a Bay Area native who moved to San Francisco after graduating from Chico State University with a BA in Sociology in 2022. In addition to working with children as a camp counselor, nanny, and babysitter since she was 15 years old, Esme has worked as an infant/toddler and preschool teacher for the past three years. As an educator, Esme is passionate about cultivating creative spaces in the classroom for children to freely explore and discover about the world. She believes in treating all children with respect, care, and confidence, and keeps a playful energy to her educational work. When she is not in the classroom, Esme loves to spend time outside exploring the city, hiking, cooking with friends, and seeing live music.

Harry

Harry was born and raised in San Francisco. He worked at Stretch as a Sequoia teacher during the ‘23-‘24 school year before gaining additional experience with elementary and middle school students. During this time, he developed a strong understanding of the foundational skills Pre-K students need to thrive in kindergarten and beyond. While he valued working with older students, Harry discovered that his true passion lies in early childhood education. He is dedicated to fostering social-emotional growth and helping young learners become confident, kind, and engaged members of their school community. Outside the classroom, Harry enjoys hiking with his dog, visiting the San Francisco Zoo, and playing tennis with friends.

Jodi

A Bay Area native and the oldest of 5, Jodi (she, they) first began teaching at age 15 and has been working with young children (and the grown-ups who love them) for many years. With a Master’s degree in Education from San Francisco State University (concentrations: Early Childhood Special Education and Equity and Social Justice), Jodi is passionate about helping learners of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to connect with themselves, with others, and across differences. For fun, Jodi enjoys exploring SF with friends, reading, and treasure-hunting in book and thrift shops.

Lola
Lola (she/they) was raised in Vacaville, California and moved to San Francisco to go

to school. While pursuing her bachelors in Child Development she worked at SF State’s lab
school childcare center. While there she had the privilege to work with children as young as
5 months all the way through preschool age. They find child development extraordinarily
fascinating and believe that Early Education is truly a special time in a child’s growth and
learning. Wanting to learn more she pursued a Masters degree in Education at SF State,
specifically studying what factors drive teacher burnout. In their spare time Lola enjoys
watercolor painting, printmaking, skateboarding and snowboarding!

Luca

Luca is 25 years old and originally from Milan, Italy. He was born and raised there by his Italian father and American mother, and grew up speaking both Italian and English. For the past four years, he has worked in different schools in Milan, and is now moving to San Francisco to begin this exciting new chapter. He loves working with children of all ages because he believes you can learn from them almost as much as you can teach them. He strives to create an environment where every child feels safe, supported, and encouraged to challenge themselves, giving them the confidence and space to learn, grow, and explore.

In his free time, he enjoys playing sports such as soccer, basketball, and beach volleyball. He also loves meeting new people and making friends, while equally appreciating quiet moments spent birdwatching or hiking in nature. He is very excited to begin this new adventure and looks forward to meeting all the children and families in our school community.

Mav

Mav (they/them) was raised in Sacramento, CA as the older sibling to four brothers and sisters, who helped them realize their passion for teaching. Ever since their first job helping their mom at her tutoring agency at 15, they’ve worked as a nanny, camp counselor, gymnastics instructor, and preschool teacher before joining Stretch earlier this year. Mav is committed to creating an environment where children feel safe and respected and are able to have fun exploring their interests and building relationships with themselves and others. In their free time, they love to be in nature, practice yoga, and create music with their friends and are currently pursuing a degree in Child Development.

Stephanie 

Stephanie (she/her) was born and raised in the Bay Area. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in
Sociology with a minor in Ethnic Studies from the University of Colorado Boulder, where she developed a lifelong love of the outdoors. After returning to the Bay Area, she worked as an elementary support teacher, led after-school programs with the Boys & Girls Club, trained as a doula, and, together with her husband, raised two sons, now in high school and college. Both of their sons attended nature based, Reggio inspired preschools, an experience that further deepened Stephanie’s appreciation for child-led learning. Stephanie has a certificate in Early Childhood Education and is passionate about working with preschool aged children. She strives to create a safe, trusting, caring environment where children feel a sense of belonging, free to explore, wonder and grow. Outside of school, Stephanie enjoy spending time with her family and friends. She finds joy and renewal in nature, especially while exploring the trails and beaches of Point Reyes.

Tessa 

Tessa (she/her) was raised in Walnut Creek with four siblings and many pets. She graduated from the University of California, Davis with a degree in Environmental Science and Management with a focus in Ecology, Biodiversity, and Conservation. While in school she was a swim instructor and nanny, which cemented her love of working with children and inspired her to become a preschool teacher. She took a gap year after college to live in New Zealand and work on farms and started working at a preschool in Oakland upon her return home. Tessa is passionate about helping children develop their connection with nature, explore their passions, and learn through play! Outside of school she likes hiking, swimming, reading, and creating art.

Vic

Vic (they/she) is so excited to be joining Stretch this fall after completing their student teaching here over the summer (2026). Vic is currently working towards a graduate degree and credential in Early Childhood Special Education at San Francisco State University. Prior to this summer, Vic has worked as a Nanny in San Francisco for over five years, as well as supported children and adults with disabilities around the Bay Area in educational and vocational settings. Vic believes all children deserve compassionate education that is respectful and meaningful to their interests, preferences and their families' desires and culture. When Vic isn’t studying, they’re probably camping by a river or cooking something tasty with their loved ones! 

Yare

Yare (she/her) is excited to join Stretch the Imagination and has truly enjoyed becoming part of such a warm and welcoming community. She is currently studying Child and Adolescent Development at San Francisco State University. With experience in childcare, ABA therapy, and pediatric dentistry, Yare has developed a passion for supporting children's growth, confidence, and individual needs. She hopes to create a classroom where children feel safe, supported, and excited to learn through play and creativity. Outside of work and school, Yare enjoys Pilates and exploring San Francisco.