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.  

Camila

Camila (she/her) was born and raised in Miami, Florida. She graduated Miami-Dade College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. She taught at preschools in both Miami and San Francisco for several years before joining the Stretch family. She loves bringing a sense of warmth, laughter, fun, and curiosity into the classroom. In her free time, she enjoys exploring all of the beautiful nooks and crannies in California through camping, hiking, and hanging out at her most favorite place, the beach. She loves spending time with friends, enjoying live music, dancing, and adventuring with her beloved dog and partner!

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. 

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.

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.

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 adoula, 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.