Meet the Staff

Broadway’s teachers come from many backgrounds, each with a wealth of experience and a passion for Early Childhood Education. Our dedicated team is committed to fostering a supportive community where children, families, and teachers thrive as they come together to learn and grow.

Diana Davis

Director

Diana has been at Broadway Children’s School since 2008. For the first eight years at BCSO she was a teacher in both Rainbow and Sunshine programs, then took on the additional role of site supervisor in 2016. Diana became the School Director in 2018.

Prior to and during her time teaching at Broadway, Diana worked for a family taking care of their two boys from infancy into their teens. She was also employed shortly out of college at a center where she supported and taught severely emotionally challenged children in a school which focused on social emotional growth.

Diana holds a BA in German from Fordham University and is continuing her studies in the field of Early Childhood Education Administration at Merritt College.

Diana feels it is a privilege to be with children and their families during the early years of coming together in a learning community. She has a passion for teaching and modeling kindness to the children in hopes that this will have a ripple effect as they move throughout their communities. Diana is expanding her horizons by adhering to a Growth Mindset philosophy of learning.

Jennifer McManus

Assistant Director | Teacher, Rainbow Room
When her child moved on to kindergarten from the Rainbow Room, Jennifer wasn’t ready to leave Broadway–so she didn’t! She joined Broadway’s Extended Care staff in Fall 2005 and the Rainbow Room teaching team the following year. Jennifer has been the Assistant Director since 2018. Jennifer has a B.A. in History from Boston College and her Early Childhood Education units from Merritt College. She has attained a Site Supervisor credential from the State of California. Jennifer delights in fostering children’s natural curiosity and joy, from the initial discovery of worms in the dirt box to the sweetness of first friendships. She shares her passion for stories and storytelling with her students whenever she gets the chance!

Cirila Call

Teacher, Rainbow Room

Cirila earned an education degree from Hunter College, City University of New York. It wasn’t until her own children attended at play-based co-op preschool that she realized how much she enjoys working with preschool aged children. She is currently studying Early Childhood Education at Merritt College.

Cirila is excited to be at Broadway Children’s School. She believes that children learn through play, observation and exploration. She hopes to support each child and their family as they work together to develop a love of learning; about themselves, others, and the world around them.

Natalie Deremiah

Teacher, Rainbow Room

Natalie received a B.S. in Child Development with a minor in Psychology from California Polytechnic State University. The “learn by doing” motto on campus allowed her to apply what she was learning in a real life setting. At Cal Poly she worked in the Preschool Lab on campus and fell in love with teaching little ones. She has attained a Site Supervisor credential from the State of California.

Natalie understands the importance of nurturing and teaching young children skills that they will carry forward in life. She is excited to work with children and watch them learn and grow in the classroom. Natalie strongly believes in Broadway’s play-based philosophy and loves to expand on children’s interests in the classroom. She is passionate about yoga movement and speaking positive affirmations. Natalie likes bringing these ideas into the classroom whenever possible.

Mari Dávalos

Teacher, Sunshine Room

Mari is from Quito, Ecuador, and has been involved in early childhood education since her three children (now 14, 18, and 19!) started preschool. She realized during this period that working with young children is her true vocation and has been teaching in preschool environments since 2000. She has experience with play-based models, Montessori methods, and academic programs, as well a Spanish-immersion preschool. Her teaching philosophy is an amalgam of the best elements of these approaches. She finds great joy in being with young children, listening to their feelings and ideas, and sharing encouragement and guidance.

Mari believes that working at Broadway Children’s School is an ideal opportunity for her, as she believes a play-based experience makes for the best preschool environment, and she can also have a chance to introduce children to her native language.

Ive Cardozo Silva

Teacher

Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Ive’s hometown in Brazil is where she first discovered her love and passion for working with kids. Since 2002, she has been volunteering with children vulnerable to inequity, crime and poverty.

Upon moving to the US in 2015, Ive made the transition to working with youth full time, serving children ages one through four in daycare centers. Ive also worked as a nanny in the East Bay. During this time, she gained important experience and developed an even greater love for her chosen career path. Afterward, Ive went to school to learn more about Early Childhood Development.

Her purpose led Ive to her goal: pursuing a bachelors in Early Childhood Education, and dedicating herself to a community and program that she believes in. “Above all,” she says, “I feel honored and grateful for following my purpose as a teacher, and being part of this wonderful community is a privilege.”

Lisa Klyce

Teacher, PACT

Lisa Klyce first walked through the doors of Broadway Children’s School in 2002 as a parent in the PACT program and never left. Her children are members of the classes of ’05 and ’08. She has been a substitute teacher at Broadway since 2006. In 2015, Lisa became a teacher in the PACT program.

Lisa received a B.A. in Child Development with a minor in Family studies from Humboldt State University. She holds a California State Child Development Site Supervisor Permit.

Lisa is passionate about teaching children and supporting families. Working in this field truly fills her heart and soul.

Jessie Kael

Business Manager / Teacher, PACT

Jessie came to Broadway as a parent in 2015. She served in a variety of volunteer capacities including Board Chair during the time that each of her three children were enrolled at Broadway. She joined the staff as the Business Manager in July of 2020 and began teaching the following year. Jessie has always been inspired by Broadway’s teaching philosophy and core values, as well as by the supportive, collaborative community of teachers, families, board members, and leaders.

Jessie has a BA from UC Berkeley in American Studies with an emphasis in Education and Social Change, and she has worked in the field of education since 2007. Working alongside Broadway teachers ignited a new passion for early childhood and parent education, so Jessie returned to school to fulfill the requirements for a Child Development teaching permit. She enjoys the balance of classroom and admin work. Jessie especially loves digging in the dirt and reading stories, both at Broadway and with her own children at home.