Meet Our Staff
Amrita Ghai
Director
Hi, my name is Amrita Ghai and I am the Owner and Director of Curious Explorers Academy. My love for working with children started over 10 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
Lead Teacher
(On Maternity Leave)
Hi, my name is Diana Alejo. I am one of the lead teacher at 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
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.
Michelle Ibarra
Teacher Aid
Hello, my name is Michelle Ibarra and I am a part time teacher aid at Curious Explorers Academy. I have enjoyed working and being with children for a long time especially ages 3 to 5. I have worked as a nanny and enjoyed seeing how much a child can improve on self help skills. I believe this age is where children can have the most developmental milestones such as in the way they play, learn, speak and behave. I hope to help them explore and work on becoming more independent with their own way of thinking and moving. I am currently attending CSU Sacramento working on achieving my B.A. in Child and Adolescent Development. Can’t wait to meet you all!
Epiphany Castro
Lead Teacher
Hi there. My name is Epiphany and I’m so pleased to meet y’all. Born and raised in Berkeley, California I studied musical theatre and thru many creative roads, I began teaching in 1999. I adore children, dogs, art, and music. My greatest joy outside of my husband, son and 2 dogs is … TEACHING! I’m also a vegan since 2010 and my favorite hobbies are cooking, knitting and gardening.
Maria Llamas
Teacher
Hello my name is Maria llamas,
I am a dedicated individual with a passion for early childhood education. I am currently pursuing a degree in the field. My motivation stems from personal experience as a parent of two sons, one of whom has autism. This has inspired me to believe in the importance of early learning, shaping my commitment to creating inclusive and nurturing environments for young minds. I look forward to the opportunity of impacting the lives of young learners.
Meet Bailey!
We are a dog friendly school and Bailey comes to school a few days a week. He is a long haired mini dachshund who loves treats, naps and snuggles. He is just a puppy and learning how to be at school just like our students.
Follow his adventures on Instagram @baileytheburrito
