Dani Biondi

Head Teacher

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 eldest cousin in the family, which made me the natural babysitter.

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 as well as 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 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. I’ve been here ever since, working a little more each year until I became the Director.

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.