ABS MOUNTAIN CAMPUS TEAM

I am the proud founder of Au Beau Séjour Preschool. Born and raised in France, I am fluent in French, Spanish, and English. I earned my DEUG Sciences Humaines et Sociales and Licence Sciences de l’Éducation (BA in Education) from the Université de Lille, where I also gained hands-on experience working with preschool and school-age children as a teaching assistant (éducatrice).

After moving to Southern California, I taught at La Petite École, a French immersion preschool, as well as at Anneliese’s School, where I taught French language and culture through California’s curriculum, integrating Social Emotional Learning, Positive Discipline, and creative arts. During this time, I continued my studies at Grossmont College (San Diego) and Saddleback College (Orange County), earning my Supervision and Administration degree to qualify as a preschool director.

My journey then took me to the Bay Area, where I co-created Au P’tit Monde in East Palo Alto. For four years, I worked closely with teachers to build a safe, nurturing, and joyful learning environment for children.

In 2018, I found the perfect preschool building in Oakland and, on October 23rd, Au Beau Séjour French Preschool officially opened its doors! Despite the challenges of the pandemic, I remained committed to expanding our community. In July 2021, we proudly opened ABS Mountain Campus to welcome even more students and families.

In January 2022, I welcomed my own beautiful baby boy, who now attends ABS himself! It fills me with joy to know that I built this program to give every child the keys to success… and now, one of those children is my son.

Looking ahead, I am excited to be preparing the opening of our third ABS campus in Oakland, which will welcome children as young as 3 months old into our ABS French Infant & Toddler Program. Our goal is to open ABS Grand Campus by early 2026, and we can’t wait to share this new chapter with our community.

I am deeply passionate about education and about creating a nurturing, joyful, and inspiring place for children to learn and grow. That’s why our school is named Au Beau Séjour—which means “A Beautiful Stay.” Those words capture exactly what I want every child and family to experience at ABS.

Chloé was born and raised in Normandy, France. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics at the University of Rouen, specializing in teaching French as a foreign language.

After graduation, she moved to California, where she spent two years as an au pair caring for two young children in a Franco-American family. This experience confirmed her love for working with children and nurturing their growth.

In 2016, Chloé taught French at the University of Prince Edward Island in Canada, where she enjoyed sharing her language and culture with university students. The following year, she returned to California and began supporting children with learning differences, working closely with each child to build confidence and provide individualized strategies for success.

Chloé joined Au Beau Séjour in 2019 as an Assistant Teacher in the PS class while simultaneously earning her Early Childhood Education teaching certificate. She soon became the Lead Teacher of the TPS class at ABS West Campus, where her passion for teaching and strong classroom leadership flourished.

In 2021, as ABS expanded with the opening of our Mountain Campus, Chloé earned her administration credential and stepped into her current role as Campus Director. She is a dedicated and supportive leader who empowers her team with positivity and guidance, while remaining deeply committed to teaching and providing children with the tools for success.

Chloé is grateful to be part of the Au Beau Séjour community, where she can combine her love of teaching with her mission to share French language and culture. She believes that a child’s first educational experience is profoundly important and strives to make preschool a joyful, enriching, and lasting foundation for lifelong learning.

Zohra was born and raised in Algeria, North Africa, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from the University of Algiers. She went on to teach PE at a middle school in Algeria for 10 years before moving to California with her two sons in 2017.

In 2021, Zohra joined the ABS team as a fully qualified teacher. By 2023, she became an ABS Master Teacher after completing her Early Childhood Development certification. With her solid expertise and dedication, she was appointed Head Teacher at our ABS Mountain Campus in 2024. Zohra’s supportive leadership and strong commitment consistently uplift our teaching team, while her care and attentiveness ensure the well-being and safety of every student.

Zohra believes that the early years of education are a crucial time when children begin to trust others beyond their families, discover new cultures, and truly start exploring the world around them. She values the responsibility of shaping young lives and sees teaching as a way to inspire positive change that can benefit both present and future generations.

With her knowledge, passion, and dedication, Zohra is proud to be part of the ABS community and finds joy in watching children grow, learn, and thrive each day.

ABS MOUNTAIN TEACHERS & STAFF

Ramatoulaye, known as Rama, was born and raised in Senegal, West Africa. At twenty, she embarked on a journey to Japan to immerse herself in its rich culture, which inspired her to live abroad. After completing her baccalauréat in accounting and beginning studies in business management, her passion for Japan led her to learn the language and culture before moving there in 2010. In Japan, she worked with non-profit organizations as a French-Japanese translator and life coach.

In January 2021, Rama moved to the United States with her husband, and they are blessed with a 14-month-old child. Driven by her love of languages and helping others, she became a certified medical interpreter in French and worked remotely with Total Languages on the East Coast.

Rama’s passion for children and social-emotional development led her to shift her career toward early childhood education. She completed her Early Childhood Development studies at Mission College and joined the ABS team. She is thrilled to be part of ABS, a nurturing and diverse environment where children can grow, explore, and thrive. Rama is dedicated to giving her best every day to support the growth, well-being, and development of her students.

Kahina was born in Algeria and is fluent in four languages: French, English, Arabic, and Berber. She earned her Baccalaureate in Experimental Science in 2011 and went on to complete a Master’s degree in Biology.

In 2017, Kahina moved to California to build a new life and bring her skills and passion to early childhood education. Her background in management has strengthened her sense of responsibility and organization: qualities she considers essential when working with young children.

Kahina’s teaching philosophy focuses on fostering autonomy, engaging the senses, and prioritizing the interests of each child. Since September 2022, she has earned 12 ECE units and is a fully qualified teacher. She is committed to continually expanding her knowledge and expertise in early childhood education.

Kahina is delighted to be part of the ABS team and looks forward to welcoming her students and their families!

Merielle was born in California and grew up moving across several states in the U.S., which sparked her curiosity and love for travel. She discovered her passion for working with children through part-time nanny work and seven years in a daycare in Oakland. Her interest in teaching deepened while teaching English abroad in France to elementary school students.

Merielle earned degrees in Linguistics, French, and Education from UC Berkeley and has since transitioned her career toward preschool teaching. She loves learning something new every day—whether it’s discovering creative ways to teach lessons alongside her colleagues or exploring new ideas and facts.

Merielle is dedicated to creating a fun, nurturing, and welcoming environment where children can thrive, learn, and build social connections with their peers and educators.

Ceylan was born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey, where she attended a French school until the age of 19. She earned her BA in Economics in Turkey and moved to the U.S. in 2008 for graduate studies. After receiving her MA in Development Economics from Yale University, she worked as a research economist and later in fundraising for an education non-profit. She relocated to the Bay Area in 2015 with her husband.

Ceylan has always loved working with children, tutoring them in French and English during college and leading dance classes for kids. Her passion for early childhood education grew after becoming a mother, particularly during the year and a half she homeschooled her daughter due to COVID. Inspired by this experience, she pursued ECE classes at UCLA and earned her Teacher Certificate in Early Childhood Education with 24+ ECE units.

Ceylan is thrilled to be part of the Au Beau Séjour family, where she has the privilege to guide young children in their learning and growth while witnessing the magic of their curiosity, imagination, and creativity every day.

Hiba was born and raised in Algeria, where she earned a master’s degree in English Language and Literature from the University of Algeria. With over five years of experience as an EFL teacher, she has developed a strong passion for working with young children, nurturing their curiosity, and fostering a love of learning.

When moving to thie US, Hiba worked at Les Bout’chou French Daycare, where she further developed her skills in caring for young children while immersing herself in American culture.

She has been delighted to join ABS Preschool since 2024 and is eager to make a positive impact on her students’ lives while contributing her experience and enthusiasm to the ABS team. Hiba has since earned her Early Childhood Education certificate to further advance her career.

Safia was born and raised in Algeria. She earned her Law degree in 2005 and received a Certificate of Proficiency in Advocacy and Law in 2006. Early in her career, she worked as a literacy coordinator, gaining valuable experience teaching reading and writing skills to adults.

In 2013, Safia moved to the United States, embracing a new life and learning to navigate diverse cultures. She began working as a preschool teacher at a Mandarin Child Development Center, where she broadened her understanding of different cultures, foods, and languages. She later taught toddlers, preschool, and Pre-K students at an American preschool and spent over two years teaching art, an experience she greatly enjoyed.

After taking two years to care for her young son at home, Safia joined Au Beau Séjour as a Moyenne Section teacher. She is fully certified in Early Childhood Education and obtained her AA certificate to advance her teaching expertise. Safia is passionate about supporting each child’s growth, creativity, and love of learning.

Thinhinane, known as Tina, was born in Algeria, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Algeria. During her summer breaks, she worked as a teacher’s aide in a daycare center, discovering her passion for working with children. This early experience taught her patience, responsibility, and the joy of helping children learn and thrive.

In 2018, Tina moved to the United States and initially worked as a sales assistant, gaining valuable teamwork and customer service skills. Following her true passion, she transitioned to early childhood education and has since completed 12 ECE units, becoming a fully qualified teacher.

Tina is committed to continually expanding her knowledge and skills in early childhood education. She is delighted to be part of the ABS team since 2022, where she can help nurture and inspire children in a supportive and engaging learning environment.

Samia grew up in Algeria, where she graduated from college and taught in middle school for a year. 

She moved to California in 2010 and after working in an office setting for a few years; she decided to switch back to teaching. 

After getting her teaching certificate from Merritt College; she enrolled in an early childhood education program at SFSU while working at ABS. She is fluent in English, French, Arabic and Berber. 

Her goal as a teacher is to continue serving children by creating positive partnerships with the parents and caregivers; and by adapting teaching methods and materials to meet the childrens' interests and needs.

She feels fortunate to be part of the ABS team where she can apply her teaching knowledge, and adapt it to the needs of each of her students.

Alma was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and moved to France with her family at the age of 4. With dual nationality, she grew up immersed in French language and culture, completing all her schooling in France and earning her baccalauréat degree in international business.

Her love for working with children began early through babysitting. Fascinated by how every child is unique and naturally curious, Alma enjoyed seeing how learning can be joyful and full of exploration. Following this passion, she moved to Oakland as an au pair, caring for two young children in a Franco-American family.

Beyond childcare, Alma also gained meaningful experience working with individuals with mental illnesses. She supported them in daily life while organizing fun, sports, and cultural activities. This experience deepened her sense of patience, empathy, and attentiveness—qualities she now brings to her teaching.

In September 2023, Alma began working as an infant and toddler teacher before joining our ABS West Campus team. After welcoming her own baby boy and spending some time back in France, she is excited to return to ABS.

Alma is eager to accompany children through this important stage of their development, helping them learn, grow, and flourish in a nurturing environment.

Without Mark and Arturo, our preschool wouldn’t be nearly as beautiful! They are truly talented creators who have built so many of the spaces and tools our children use every day, from picnic tables, cubbies, and shelves to our chicken coop, planters, and storage.

In addition to their craftsmanship, Mark and Arturo also share their love of nature as our Garden Teachers, guiding children in discovering the joys of gardening and caring for the environment.

Liliana and Deysi are our wonderful chefs, bringing fresh and delicious meals to our students and staff every weekday! They love incorporating herbs from our garden and vegetables grown and harvested by our students, turning them into healthy, tasty lunches.

After preparing breakfast and lunch each morning, Liliana and Deysi also take great care in cleaning and disinfecting our preschool every afternoon. Thanks to their dedication, our school stays fresh, welcoming, and spotless every day.

A big merci to Liliana & Deysi for nourishing both our bodies and our environment with so much care!