Happa Baby School

Head Newborn Teacher (Sloths)

Teacher Anni graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in business administration in 2019. In addition, she completed several Early Childhood Education (ECE) courses at Merritt College, including Teaching Young Children, Child/Family/Community, Child Growth and Development, and Introduction to Curriculum. She also studied Infant and Toddler Care at Penn Foster College to further her knowledge.

While at City College, she participated in a work-study program where she worked closely with children. This experience improved my interpersonal skills and taught me how to communicate effectively with young learners. She engaged in activities that created a supportive environment, helping her understand their needs and strengths. Working with children and seeing their growth and curiosity reinforced her commitment to pursuing a career in this field.

Teacher Anni enjoys listening to various music genres. She also loves diving into a good book, immersing in different worlds and stories, which allows her to relax and make the most of her time. When she wants to unwind, she spends quiet evenings at home, curled up on the couch with a warm drink.

Head Newborn Teacher (Sloths)

Teacher Winnie laoshi started her Early Childhood Education career at the East Bay Academy School in 2018. She received her teaching credential from Merritt College and is committed to continuing her studies and professional development.

Teacher Winnie’s gentle and nurturing characteristics, along with her natural ability to understand a baby’s needs and respond to them effectively are some of her best assets she is bringing to our newborn classroom.

Outside of taking care of babies at work, Winnie enjoys taking leisure walks, watching movies and spending time with her son.

Senior Newborn Aide (Sloths)

Ms Ting is from Guanxi, China, and now lives in Oakland with her husband and three children. Her kids are well-mannered and respectful, a testament to the love and care she puts into raising them. With years of experience caring for her children, who are 11, 12, and 20, she’s honed her skills in meeting both their emotional and physical needs.

She also plays a crucial role in teaching her sister-in-law how to care for her newborn twins. While her husband works to support the family, she has single-handedly managed the household and raised their children, even taking the time to read books and educate herself on child care. With her experience and passion, children in her care not only feel safe and well-cared-for but also enjoy their time with her.

Newborn Aide (Sloths)

Teacher Angel is a proud mom of two and a caring childcare professional with over two years of experience. She has a genuine love for early childhood education and treats every child with the same care, patience, and responsibility she gives her own.

Angel always puts children’s health and safety first, making sure their daily routines are supported in a clean, safe, and nurturing environment. She pays close attention to each child’s physical and emotional needs, and communicates openly with both teachers and parents to ensure every child feels supported and understood.

Angel finds great joy in watching children grow, discover, and thrive, and she’s dedicated to creating a warm, loving space where every child can flourish.

Newborn Aide (Sloths)

Demei is a caring and experienced presence in the classroom.
As a mother of two, she has a deep understanding of children’s needs and emotions. Her own journey of raising her children has given her invaluable, hands-on insight into guiding and nurturing young minds.

With patience and kindness, Demei knows how to comfort, encourage, and inspire each child. Her heart is filled with warmth for every little one she teaches, and she is devoted to creating a joyful, supportive environment where all children can grow and thrive.

Infant Aide (Sloths & Otters)

Before moving to the US, Ellie worked as a kindergarten teacher and also spent time in sales in China. These experiences helped her build strong communication skills and a patient, detail-oriented approach to her work. After becoming a mom, she developed an even deeper love for supporting children’s growth and learning.

Ellie believes every child is unique and deserves to be nurtured with kindness and patience. She loves connecting with children through games, art, and hands-on activities that spark their curiosity and imagination. Her goal is to be not just a teacher, but also a friend and a good listener, walking alongside them as they grow and thrive.

Head Toddler Teacher (Otters)

A teacher with over a decade of experience, Teacher Annie is passionate about building relationships with her students and their families.  She believes children learn best in environments with high-quality environments and relationships with caring adults. Children have a right to feel however they feel, and they thrive when their feelings are validated. Teacher Annie recognizes the importance of socio-emotional development during early childhood.

A resident of Oakland as well as a mother of two, Annie lives with her husband, daughter (a high school senior) and son (a college student).  Traveling, fishing, exercising, and volunteering are some of her favorite pastimes on her off days.

Head Toddler Teacher (Otters)

Teacher Lillian has been a preschool teacher since 2011, with 8 years of experience at Shu Ren International School and 3 years at Chatham Preschool. She earned her Assistant Teacher and Teacher Certificates from Merritt College.

Lillian Laoshi's enthusiasm for nurturing young minds is evident in her engaging and creative approach, whether through play, learning activities, or emotional support. 

Senior Infant Aide (Otters)

Ms Bing is a former private nanny from Guangzhou who has extensive experience in child care. She finds it particularly rewarding to be able to work with young children, especially when she is able to form deep bonds with them and develop a sense of belonging in them. In her years working at Happa, Ms Bing has fostered deep bonds with many young children. These strong connections help children feel valued and understood, promoting their self-esteem and social skills. Additionally, a nurturing relationship can positively impact their cognitive development and overall well-being.  Hiking, exploring new restaurants, and taking road trips with friends are some of her favorite activities.

Infant Aide (Otters)

Ms. Tang is originally from Jilin Province, China, and moved to the United States in 2021. Her genuine love for children led her into the field of early childhood education, where she has gained many years of hands-on experiencecaring for little ones. We’re thrilled to have Ms. Tang join our newborn classroom (Sloths), where her warmth and dedication will shine.

Ms. Tang has one grown child who lives and works in Berkeley. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, hiking, and dancing with friends, filling her days with joy, movement, and connection.

Infant Aide (Otters)

Ms. He is originally from Fuzhou, China, and now lives in the Oakland Hills with her daughters and three of her four beloved grandchildren.

With many years of hands-on experience, Ms. He has a natural gift for understanding babies’ needs—whether they’re hungry, tired, or just need a little extra comfort. Her gentle and caring presence quickly puts infants at ease and makes them feel safe and loved.

At home, Ms. He enjoys cooking for her big family and loves trying out new recipes to share with those she loves.

Infant Aide (Otters)

Ms Hua began her teaching journey in China, where she received her training at Taishan Teachers College. Originally from Guangdong, she now lives in Castro Valley with her husband, and together they have three college-aged children.

Ms Hua takes great pride in nurturing young minds and inspiring a love for learning. She brings warmth, dedication, and a deep sense of care to her classroom every single day. She is passionate about supporting each child’s growth and creating a welcoming environment where they can thrive.

Outside the classroom, Hua Laoshi loves taking road trips with her family and friends, cherishing those special moments of adventure, laughter, and connection.

Head Preschooler Teacher (Moose)

In addition to her years of teaching experience, Teacher Wu brings an unsurpassable positive attitude to the classroom.Her playful and optimistic attitude makes her genuinely excited to interact with kids.  Kids are drawn to her consistent enthusiasm and cheerful nature. 

Teacher Wu lives in Oakland with her husband and two daughters.  The elder girl is in her senior year at UCB, whereas the younger attends high school.  While they are not working, they enjoy playing badminton and swimming together. Aside from teaching her daughters the value of hard work, she also teaches them the importance of giving back to the community. She hopes to inspire them to make a positive impact on the world. 

Assistant Head Preschooler Teacher (Moose)

Mandy Laoshi lives in Oakland and is the proud mother of an 18-year-old son who is currently attending university. She is passionate about education and finds great joy in working with children.

As a lifelong learner, Mandy Laoshi is always seeking opportunities to expand her professional knowledge and skills. She is especially skilled at observing and listening to children, working to understand their unique interests and needs.

Her teaching philosophy emphasizes cultivating good moral character and positive behavior, while encouraging children to take confident steps in their growth and development.

In her free time, Mandy Laoshi enjoys listening to music, cooking for her family, and taking peaceful walks.

Preschool Teacher (Moose)

Teacher Coco brings years of experience as a preschool teacher in China and has also worked as a teacher assistant at Head Start. She has been living in the Bay Area since 2017, where she and her husband reside in Alameda, raising three young children, with their youngest in Kindergarten. A dedicated mom, Teacher Coco will be working part-time at HBS while continuing her studies in early childhood education at Merritt College. Her passion for learning and nurturing children shines through in all she does.

Preschooler Teacher Assistant (Moose)

Teacher Eva, as a mom of a four-year-old, deeply understands how curious, imaginative, and unique each child is. She loves noticing their little sparks of wonder and supporting their growth through play, exploration, and joyful moments.

Eva is passionate about creating a warm and welcoming environment where children feel safe to be themselves, build confidence, learn to share, and discover the joy of working together. She believes every child holds limitless potential, and with gentle guidance and encouragement, they can blossom step by step into their best selves.

Outside the classroom, Eva enjoys spending time with her family, exploring new parks, listening to music, and trying out fun DIY craft projects.

Head Preschooler Teacher (Rhinos)

Shumei Laoshi is originally from Taiwan and moved to the United States 15 years ago with her husband of 28 years. A former teacher at GMIS and Little Tree, she brings with her many years of Montessori teaching experience.

In addition to her background in early childhood and Montessori education, Shumei holds a degree in dance from the National Taiwan University of Arts. Her leadership in the performing arts—especially in singing and dancing—is truly inspiring.

Shumei is also an active member of her church community and participates in numerous volunteer projects. In her free time, she enjoys walking and exploring different neighborhoods around the Bay Area, as well as traveling and experiencing local culture through art and nature.

Preschool Teacher Assistant (Rhinos)

Ivy is currently pursuing coursework in Child Development (CHDEV), building a strong foundation in early childhood education. Previously, she worked as a social worker in China, where she gained valuable experience supporting children and families.

This background has given her a deep understanding of children’s developmental needs and the essential role the environment plays in their growth. With her cross-cultural experience and ongoing professional training, Ivy is excited to join the Happa team in creating a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment for young children.

Administrative Assistant

Born and raised in Hong Kong, Villia brings over 11 years of experience in administration and event coordination. She is passionate about working in early childhood education and finds great joy in watching children grow and develop.

In her free time, she enjoys practicing yoga, reading, traveling, and rock climbing. She is always eager to learn new things and stays active both physically and mentally.