

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.'

Michele Little
Lead Teacher & Alumni Parent
I am a dedicated classroom teacher and parent educator with a BA in Psychology and Sociology from Western Washington University and an MSEd in Early Childhood Education from Hunter College. I am also a certified kids yoga instructor, and I love integrating movement and mindfulness into my work with children. With additional professional credentials in family systems and conflict resolution from Cornell and Temple University, I bring a compassionate, evidence-based approach to supporting families during their critical early developmental years.
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In 2018, I moved to Mill Valley with my husband and two children. I enjoy paddle boarding, skiing, yoga, and hiking—activities that reflect my belief in balance, wellness, and lifelong learning. I am deeply committed to my community, volunteering for my children’s schools and serving as a board member and coach for Mill Valley Softball, where I focus on fostering teamwork, confidence, and leadership.