

Meet The Team
Director
Maria Allis
'My name is Maria Allis. I identify as a Latina woman. I was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil where I graduated as a teacher in 1975. I came to the US in 1981, and I have settled in the small town of Fairfax, Marin County, where I currently live.
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I am a proud mom and grandmother! My younger daughter Mariana, her husband David, and my grandchildren, Santino, Mila, and Dante live in Novato. My older daughter, Joana, lives in San Diego with her wife Raquel.

In my spare time, I enjoy being outdoors in the sun; I like to listen to music, to dance, and to go for walks.
I have been an Early Childhood Educator for over thirty years. Personally, and in my work, I consistently demonstrate sensitivity and humility with regard to issues of race, learning or other abilities, ethnicity, religion, gender, socio-economic group, sexuality or other orientations or cultural markers.
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My experience in public education and inclusive settings has prepared me to embrace and support the varied needs of children and families.​ My professional career has been shaped from experiences working directly with communities in publicly funded licensed Early Care and Education settings, Special Education Inclusion programs, College Laboratory sites, and from teaching and coaching adults.
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My practice is grounded in socio-constructivist and anti-bias education, with a focus on play-based, inquiry-driven curriculum that respects children’s development, culture, and language. I specialize in project-based learning that supports children’s cognitive, social-emotional, and physical growth, fostering a lifelong love of learning.
I hold a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Sonoma State University and completed three UC Berkeley fellowships in Early Literacy Development. I stay committed to professional growth by attending and presenting at conferences and workshops.
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It is an honor to serve as the new Director of Mill Valley Nursery School. I look forward to collaborating with staff, families, and the Board to create an environment where every child can thrive.'