As a first-generation college student with a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education, Emily Mendoza always longed for a profession that would support and uplift her community through service and goodwill. Early on in her professional career, she worked in social services at First 5 California where she quickly realized her admiration for young children and their families. Although social work was a rewarding career, Mrs. Mendoza also felt the hardships of this profession and decided to embark on a new career path where she could remain an advocate for children while honoring and supporting the developing child and their families in all areas of development. With the support of her husband, she decided to venture into education and has never looked back.

Mrs. Mendoza has taught in private schools throughout the Bay Area as a preschool and kindergarten teacher before coming to Oakwood in 2016. Since joining the Oakwood community as a junior kindergarten teacher, she has taken on the role of a substitute teacher in elementary grades and also has served on committees that help to maintain Oakwood School’s high level of excellence. Mrs. Mendoza is also a parent of two wonderful daughters in the fifth and sixth grades at Oakwood School.

“I could not be more excited and honored to be part of this remarkable Oakwood team in my new role as ECE Director and to have the opportunity to be part of your child’s educational experience as they embark on their journey towards becoming lifelong learners here at Oakwood School!”