Susanne Powers – Outdoor Classroom (Co-Head Teacher)

Susanne was born and raised in Pleasant Hill. She earned her BA at Cal State East Bay and then completed her Montessori Training through Contra Costa College. She began teaching at DVMS in 1998, leaving briefly only to complete her education. Susanne enjoys teaching young children and creating new activities for them, especially in an outdoor and creative environment. In her spare time, she loves hanging out with her husband, son, and two dogs.

Nelita Antezana – Outdoor Classroom (Co-Head Teacher)

Nelita has been teaching children in the Bay Area for the past 15 years and previously owned her own preschool in Lafayette. When she is not working with children, Nelita loves traveling, hiking, and singing.

Katy Conlan – Outdoor Classroom (Assistant Teacher)

Katie grew up in Moraga and attended Chico State University, where she earned her degree in Art. When she’s not at DVMS, Katie loves spending time with her two nieces, playing fetch with her black lab (Star), and teaching children swimming lessons (which she has been doing for over 30 years)!

Katy Conlan – Extended Care Teacher

Katie grew up in Moraga and attended Chico State University, where she earned her degree in Art. When she’s not at DVMS, Katie loves spending time with her two nieces, playing fetch with her black lab (Star), and teaching children swimming lessons (which she has been doing for over 30 years)!

Uma Lokavarupu – Extended Care Teacher

Uma has a Bachelor of Arts degree. The experience of volunteering in her son’s preschool sparked an interest to pursue childhood education. Uma completed an Associates Teacher Certification and has been teaching in Montessori schools since 2014. She loves interacting with the children, helping them learn. In her spare time, Uma enjoys gardening, yoga and taking walks.

Katie Moreno – Movement Teacher

Katie graduated from UC Santa Cruz in 1999 with a Bachelor Degree in Psychology and a minor in Education. Prior to being a part of the DVMS family, Katie taught at a preschool and worked with children at a mental health counseling agency in Sitka, Alaska. She also worked at a group home for adolescent girls in Seattle, WA. Katie received her Yoga teacher certification in 2006 while living in Southern California and then began her career as a yoga instructor. Katie always hoped to return to a school setting. The opportunity to be the Movement Teacher at DVMS presented itself at the perfect time and perfectly combines the work she has done with children and teaching yoga. Katie continues to teach yoga classes and loves her role as the DVMS Movement teacher. Katie is a native to Lafayette and lives in Walnut Creek with her husband, two kids, three dogs, and two cats. She loves animals, being outdoors, and spending time with her family.