Meet Our Staff
Alpana Wadhwa
Executive Owner & Director
Alpana Wadhwa is the Executive Owner and Director of Little Hearts Alameda, LLC, dba Peter Pan Schools. She holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Early Childhood Education and Science, and brings more than 20 years of experience in both education and technology. Alpana believes that children learn best through play, exploration, creativity, and meaningful relationships. Her philosophy is grounded in the joy of watching children discover the world around them through hands-on experiences and everyday moments of wonder. She believes one of the greatest rewards of working with young children is that, while we guide their learning and growth, they continually teach and inspire us in return.
Julie DeMauri
Director of Mariner Square
Julie DeMauri, AA, is the director of Mariner Square Peter Pan Preschool. She earned her AA degree in Early Childhood Education from Chabot College. She has over 40 years of experience with Peter Pan Schools and working for children professionally. Her philosophy is that Children need a safe and loving environment to grow, learn, and thrive. Children must have daily adventures to develop independence, a good self-esteem, and confidence.
Theresa Clement
Director of Academy
Theresa Clement, AA, is the director of Harbor Bay Peter Pan Preschool. She earned her AA in Early Childhood Education degree from Chabot College. She has over 40 years of experience with Peter Pan schools. Her goal is ” To foster positive social-emotional and cognitive development in young children, and at the same time providing them a fun and happy place to learn as well as grow.”
Sarah Hallford
Director of Little Seeds
Sarah Hallford, AA, is the Director of Little Seeds Children’s Center. She has her Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. She has had over 15 years experience as a teacher, 10 of which was as the Pre-K Teacher here at Little Seeds. “I have wanted to be a teacher since the third grade. I cannot imagine a life without being around children. My philosophy is that children need to be able to play; play allows children to take risks, learn more about themselves and others, enjoy open ended exploration, and gives them the ability to make and trust their own choices. The best feeling in life is watching a child have an “Ah-ha!” moment and if I can help foster, and scaffold a child achieve that, then I am truly rich.”