Staff of Little Tree:

Cindy Silva

Cindy Silva

I’ve worked with children for 22 years, and have been a director of Early Childhood programs in the South Bay Area for 9 years. I’ve gained experience working with children from infants through school-agers.

I grew up in South San Jose, and now live in Morgan Hill with my husband Kenny, our two daughters, Jasmine and Brandi, Jasmine’s daughter, Rileigh, and her fiancé Travis, our two cats, Domino and Tribble, and our gigantic dog, Buddy.

What I love most about teaching is the things kids say! Their honesty is so pure and bold! I love to encourage children to feel safe enough to express themselves.

The greatest teacher in my life has always been my mother. My Mom taught me the importance of being myself. She taught me to be self-reliant and free. (Yes – she was a hippie!) She taught me to be open and accepting of the differences between people and to really love diversity. She is the one who inspired me to become a teacher of children and adults.

My favorite pastime is HOCKEY! GO SHARKS! I also love going to the beach, music, going to the movies, making jewelry, going out with friends, and relaxing and watching a great movie on the couch.

My favorite children’s book is, “I Love You Forever”, by Robert Munsch. I love the way he shows the loving bond between parents and their children.

Ceroya Powers

Ceroya Powers

My name is Ceroya Powers. I started working at Little Tree as a substitute teacher in January 2010, and also helped out during Summer School last year. This year I am co-teaching with Teacher Nita, as well as running our new breakfast club program.

I’m working toward my A.S. in Child Development at West Valley College. I have been working with children of all ages for over 10 years. I was born and raised here in San Jose and I graduated from Santa Teresa High School in 1999.

My favorite thing about teaching children is their curiosity and eagerness to learn.

I was inspired to become a teacher by my grandmother. My favorite thing as a child was going to her classroom every August to help her get ready for the upcoming school year. I learned a lot about teaching and patience from my grandmother and my parents.

My hobbies include being with my family, traveling, shopping, and going to the beach, and of course Disneyland!