Meet our teachers
Angela Livermore
I live in Oakland with my husband and two crazy kids (both Highlands Alumni). I am a Bay Area native, born and raised in San Francisco. I’ve enjoyed being around kids ever since I can remember. Growing up, I was the oldest cousin in the family, which made me the natural babysitter.
I’m even known to some as a “Baby Whisperer.”
After graduating from Lowell High School I moved down to San Diego for college. When I took “Intro to Child Development,” I knew I had found my path! I immediately found a job at a preschool, and I also started a program at the local Junior College to become a preschool teacher. It took a while due to my full-time job during the day and taking classes at night, but I earned an Associate’s Degree and a Certificate in Child Development from Grossmont College in San Diego. I worked in San Diego as a preschool teacher for 10 years at Congregation Beth Israel, with a very successful babysitting business on the side. During this time, I met my future husband; we dated for a couple of years, got engaged, and moved back to the Bay Area. Once back, I worked as a nanny for a couple of years until my first child was born.
When I began to look for a preschool for my son, the idea of a Co-Op sounded like a great way for me to get back into the classroom. By the time my son was in his second year at Highlands I was offered a part-time job one day per week. Sixteen years later, I’ve been here ever since, working a little more each year until I earned the job of Director.
Director
Danielle “Dani” Biondi
Preschool Teacher
Growing up in the Bay Area, I have developed a deep appreciation for creativity, movement, and the power of connection through my community. These core values have helped shape my life and career as an educator. My focus in education began as a behavioral therapist for children with ADHD and autism, where I developed my passion for advocacy and support for diversity. This experience has given me a profound understanding of individualized learning, emotional regulation, and the importance of creating inclusive environments where every child feels seen, valued, and cared for depending on their needs.
As an artist, I love incorporating creativity into the classroom, encouraging self-expression and exploration through various hands-on projects and interactions. As a certified yoga instructor, I bring mindfulness and movement into my teaching, helping children develop body awareness, focus, and emotional resilience from an early age.
Working with young children is a constant source of inspiration for me. They remind us to be curious, present, and open to learning every day. I believe in fostering a nurturing and engaging space where children feel safe to explore, grow, and develop a lifelong love for learning in an accepting and open environment.
I am honored to be a part of your child’s early years and to support them in discovering their unique self and excelling beyond their wildest dreams.
Tracy Herrera
Art and Movement Teacher
I moved to this beautiful Golden State from Idaho many years ago, and I currently live in Oakland with my husband, Jason, and sons, Jake and Jonah. We were a Highlands family for 4 years and I'm super grateful that I get to continue on as a teacher; it's such a fun, warm and nurturing environment.
I love all things movement - running, walking, hiking, dancing, roller-skating, stretching and climbing. One of my favorite things to do is take adventure walks in new places. Fun fact: I started walking at 10 months old and I haven't stopped.
My professional background is in Textile Production and Development and I have worked in numerous creative capacities in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Oakland.
I’m thrilled that at Highlands I get to combine my two passions of creativity and movement to enrich the lives of kids.