Meet Our Staff
Amrita Ghai
(pronounced um-ri-tha)
Founder
Hi, my name is Amrita Ghai and I am the Founder of Curious Explorers Academy. My love for working with children started over 25 years ago when I was working as a nanny. This led me to earn my BA in Child and Adolescent Development and a Master's in Educational Administration.
Since then I have taught preschool and elementary school students and that has solidified my passion for education and shaping our future community. My favorite age group to work with are 3 and 4 year olds because it is a very impressionable age and I want to initiate their love of learning early. I founded Curious Explorers Academy for these reasons and because it brings me great joy to see children happy when they have learned something new.
Through working with elementary school students, I have seen the skills students needed to be successful and our curriculum is scaffolded to give children the tools to thrive.
Diana Alejo
Director
Hi, my name is Diana Alejo. I am the Director of Curious Explorers Academy. I have a strong passion in working with young children. From babysitting to volunteering at preschools for class assignments, it has led to my love and dedication in working with children ages 3 and 4 years old. I have worked in public and private settings within this age group. I enjoy this age where they gain independence in social, emotional and physical settings. It is a wonderful experience as an educator to help them develop the tools they can use in their everyday life. I currently have 29 units in Early Childhood Education from Skyline College and continue to further my own education. I look forward to meeting you all!
Marie Metran
Lead Teacher- Chestnuts
Hello! My name is Marie Metran and I am one of the Lead Teachers at Curious Explorers Academy. I have 26 units of Early Childhood Education and have my Associate Teacher Permit. I have worked in the Early Childhood Field since 2001. My career has taken me on many adventures working with young children and students of all ages. I take pride in my strong work ethic, the love and joy I have working with children, and my years of experience in the field. I value working closely with teachers and staff, the importance of advocating for each other, and the care, commitment, and patience it takes in helping guide children be the best humans they can be. I love seeing their growth, achieving big and small milestones, their creativity, the conversations shared, the fun, and being part of how they observe the world. I am excited to join Curious Explorers Academy and look forward to working with your children and getting to know all of you.
Stephanie Sanchez
Teacher Aid
Hello, my name is Stephanie Sanchez and I am a teacher aide at Curious Explorers Academy. Working with children has been a meaningful part of my life since I was a teenager, beginning with babysitting and continuing into preschool education. I am currently pursuing degrees in Early Childhood Education and Psychology, with the goal of becoming a child psychologist. I believe the early years are a foundation for lifelong learning, and I am passionate about creating a classroom where every child feels safe, supported, and encouraged to grow. I look forward to building meaningful relationships with our students and their families while helping each child develop confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning
Danielle Mallari
Lead Teacher- Willows
Hello everyone! My name is Danielle Rose Mallari, and I have been a preschool teacher since August 2020. I am passionate about early childhood development, and really believe that this age group is so special to work with. I have 15+ ECE units and have been at two other centers before joining CEA. I have also worked with children for over 10 years, from babysitting, to childcare, and also being the Children’s Worship Service Teacher and President at my church. I am deeply moved and inspired by play-based, emergent curriculum, as well as take inspiration from the Reggio Emilia approach. I believe that every child is unique and highly capable of so many things, and being able to support their growth and curiosity in their own individual ways is very important to me. Children feeling safe, supported, and cared for are my goals no matter where I go when I am working with such young ages. Children express themselves in many different ways, and I want to always try my best to meet them where they are and guide them as they continue to explore. While working, I am also continuing my education in the ECE field so I can continue to grow and become a more well rounded teacher. I strive to work together with my co-teachers and families to build a community and environment that is best suited for the children.
