Jennifer is a master’s and teaching credential candidate in Early Childhood Special Education whose path began with a single course at City College of San Francisco. That initial interest steadily grew into a deep commitment to understanding how young children learn, connect, communicate, and thrive.

During her final semester as an undergraduate in Child and Adolescent Development, a minor in Special Education changed her career direction. Encouraged by Professor Jetta to pursue graduate study, Jennifer took the leap, graduating, becoming a mother, and returning to school with a toddler at home and an even clearer sense of purpose. Her experience as both educator and parent has shaped the way she understands early learning, family partnership, and the importance of responsive, relationship-centered support.

Jennifer’s commitment to the field has been recognized throughout her academic career, most notably when she was invited to introduce Mayor Daniel Lurie at a State of the City event. Speaking about early learning and family affordability, she underscored how essential early childhood education is to broaden public conversations about equity, access, affordability, and community well-being.

At the heart of her work are the beliefs that differences are not deficits, children are capable and communicative, and meaningful learning happens through responsive play, observation, and genuine human connection. This belief guides her approach to inclusive practice and to honoring each child’s strengths, needs, family context, and ways of engaging with the world, especially in inclusive early learning environments.

Jennifer looks forward to partnering with families, educators, and communities to ensure that every young child, regardless of how they develop or where they come from, is met with the support, belonging, and care they deserve.