SF Roots Forest School

Our Teachers

Meet Our Educators!

DIRECTOR — Lina Cerdena

Hello! I am Lina Cerdena—an educator, a mother, and the founder of SF Roots Forest School. I was inspired by my active five-year-old child then to pursue my dream of creating a program where children can truly blossom, grow, and develop a lifelong love for learning.

My passion has always been teaching and educating children. I come from a family of educators, and I learned so much from my father, mother, aunts, and uncles, whose lives were dedicated to education. I clearly remember how they spent countless hours thoughtfully planning their curriculum. But what I admired most was their dedication to building authentic, meaningful relationships with their students. I have tremendous respect for them and have made it my goal to honor their example in my own teaching practices.

My Connection to Nature

My love for nature began when I was a young child growing up in a small town in the Philippines. I spent my weekends on our family farm, surrounded by fruit-bearing trees and animals such as bunnies, birds, goats, chickens, pigs, and cows.

I remember climbing mango trees, creating kitchen meals with mud, playing in the rain, petting bunnies, and collecting chicken eggs. We also had a river where my childhood friends and I would splash in the water, collect shells, feel the sand beneath our feet, watch birds fly, and simply enjoy being outdoors.

When I look back on my childhood, those memories bring me so much JOY.

Those experiences deeply shaped my understanding of childhood. They taught me that children need time and space to explore, wonder, imagine, take healthy risks, create, and simply be children.

At SF Roots, I want to give children opportunities to experience that same sense of wonder and belonging in nature. I hope that their time with us will become part of the joyful, meaningful, and lasting childhood memories they carry with them for years to come.

Our Approach to Learning

My educational philosophy has been shaped by years of working with young children and by my experiences with Forest School, nature-based education, and Reggio Emilia-inspired pedagogy.

I believe children are naturally curious, capable, creative, and full of ideas. Rather than simply giving children answers, we create opportunities for them to ask questions, investigate, observe, communicate, collaborate, and discover.

Inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy and the idea of the “Hundred Languages of Children,” we recognize that children express their thinking in many different ways—through movement, art, building, storytelling, music, dramatic play, drawing, conversation, and their interactions with the natural world.

Nature becomes an important teacher and classroom at SF Roots. A fallen branch can become a building material. Mud can become a kitchen. A tiny insect can lead to a week of investigation. A puddle can inspire questions about water, weather, movement, and measurement.

We follow children’s interests and use their discoveries as invitations for deeper learning. Our teachers observe carefully, listen closely, document children’s thinking, and create experiences that extend their curiosity.

Most importantly, we value relationships—relationships between children and teachers, children and one another, children and their families, and children and the natural world.

Education & Experience

I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Pangasinan State University in the Philippines, with honors. I continued my education in the United States, majoring in Early Childhood Education at City College of San Francisco.

I have received various certificates of completion in Child Development, including Professional Development and Advocacy, General Child Development, and Administration.

I currently hold a Child Development Program Director Permit, issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. This is the highest permit granted for preschool educators in California and allows me to teach, lead, train, and supervise early childhood programs.

I have spent more than 23 years working in Early Childhood Education in the United States, serving in a variety of roles that have helped deepen and expand my understanding of children, families, educators, and early childhood programs.

From potty training and classroom teaching to mentoring educators, leading teams, developing curriculum, and supervising programs, I have experienced many different aspects of early childhood education. I bring this experience, along with my love for children and nature, into SF Roots.

My Hope for SF Roots

My hope is to create a place where children feel known, valued, capable, and free to wonder.

I want SF Roots to be a community where children can grow through meaningful relationships, hands-on experiences, nature exploration, creative expression, and joyful discovery.

I look forward to the opportunity to co-create wonderful learning experiences with you and your child. Together, I hope we can nurture a community of kind and respectful children, curious thinkers, creative problem-solvers, innovators, nature-lovers, and lifelong learners.

LEAD TEACHER — Riko Cerdena

My name is Riko Cerdena, and the children call me “Teacher Riko.” I am Lina’s husband, father to our son, and the eldest of eight siblings.

I was born in the Philippines and immigrated to the United States when I was six years old. Growing up between two cultures has given me the opportunity to appreciate cultural differences while also recognizing the many things that unite us as human beings.

My journey into education began in an unexpected way. I grew up learning mechanics from my grandfather, who worked as a mechanic for San Francisco Muni, and I initially built my career working with ground equipment and fueling aircraft at San Francisco International Airport.

As the eldest in my family and through my involvement with youth programs at church, however, I discovered a growing passion for working with children and youth. This eventually led me back to school with the goal of becoming an educator.

My first teaching experience was as a classroom teacher at Spectrum Center in Daly City, where I worked with children with special needs for two years.

I later had the opportunity to work at Presidio Preschool in San Francisco, a Reggio Emilia-inspired school with an exceptional outdoor program. It was there that I developed a deeper appreciation for nature pedagogy and learning through the outdoors.

That experience had a lasting influence on my teaching philosophy. I saw how nature could become more than simply a place for children to play—it could become a place for children to investigate, create, problem-solve, collaborate, and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.

After three years at Presidio Preschool, I joined the Helen Diller Family Preschool at the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco. I began as a teacher in their Transitional Kindergarten program, where I incorporated nature education and used Presidio National Park as an outdoor classroom.

I was also given the opportunity to develop the school’s woodworking curriculum, where I taught children how to safely use tools while learning to plan, design, create, and build their own projects.

Through this work, I discovered how powerful hands-on learning can be. When children are trusted with meaningful materials and given the time and space to work through their ideas, they develop not only skills but also confidence, persistence, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.

During my years at the preschool, I also taught workshops on nature pedagogy and woodworking in early childhood settings and mentored new teachers.

Why SF Roots?

Starting SF Roots Forest School with my wife is an opportunity for us to bring together our shared passion for teaching, nature, hands-on learning, and authentic relationships with children.

At SF Roots, I hope to create an environment where children can get their hands dirty, ask big questions, build things, explore the outdoors, take appropriate risks, and learn from both their successes and their challenges.

I believe children learn best when they are given opportunities to do, wonder, create, investigate, and experience the world firsthand.

Being outdoors gives children something a traditional classroom cannot always provide—the freedom to move, observe, explore, and discover.

I am grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside children during these important early years and to help create a learning environment where curiosity is encouraged, creativity is valued, relationships matter, and nature is part of the classroom every day.

At SF Roots, we are not simply preparing children for the next grade. We are nurturing the roots that will help them grow.

Testimonials

We originally met Lina when she was my son’s preschool teacher at a well known preschool in San Francisco. Lina has a magical way with children. She is nurturing, caring, warm and fun. **She is a master in creating child-centered learning experiences **that takes into account children’s individual interests and applies them to lessons or activities. She is a master at creating community within a group, both with her students and parents. My children are always happy after a day with Lina, and I trust her wholeheartedly with my children. She is such a wonderful person and organizes fabulous programs for kids! - Randi S., Parent ; Mom of Mason (4) and Lane (7)

Where do I begin in describing how amazing and magical Lina is for both my kids??  Let me start by sharing that I have known Lina since my son (now 7) was 3 and was fortunate enough to be in the capable hands of teacher Lina at the Helen Diller  Family Preschool.  Lina created a classroom environment and community that was truly special.  It was so important for her to connect with each child in her class and with each family. But she didn’t stop there.  She made sure that the families all connected and to this day, we still get together and in some cases regularly see those families from his first year with Lina.  Her warmth, enthusiasm, and professionalism as a teacher makes her stand out above the rest.  The curriculum which she created was guided by the children’s interests (Reggio-Emilio based) and they dug deeply into topics that sparked joy for the kids.  My son was given every opportunity to explore, build, and grow under her guidance.  

When Lina began doing outdoor vacation adventure camps we were all in!  Since then, we have sent both of our children - Nina - age 3.5 and Sasha- age 7 to explore with Lina and a small group of campers.  The adventures over the years have been completely unbelievable and have all taken place in the city outdoors.  **Lina has helped to instill and nurture this sense of joy and imagination in both of my children. ** **Lina has also helped both my children to become more confident in their abilities to tackle new challenges. ** Every time I pick up one or both of my kids after a day with Lina they are always so engaged and happy that it is hard to tear them away. **Lina is wonderful about sending updates on their adventures and learning.  I have always felt beyond safe leaving my kids in her care.  She is a mom and an educator and the balance is perfect. ** My son often introduces me to places in the city outdoors that I have never visited, but that he has explored with Lina’s group.  He will tell me about the place and then lead me through the ins and outs of it like a pro!  I am always amazed at the activities, games, and conversations that Lina engages them in and that she is able to connect with kids that range in ages from 3.5 (my daughter) to 7 years old at the same time!  Lina is a very important person in both my kids’ lives and will continue to be for years to come.  Both my kids cherish their time with Lina and we feel very fortunate to know her. - Hope V. Mom of Sasha (7) and Nina (3.5)

I have been lucky enough to work with Lina for five years and I count her as a friend. Lina is an excellent teacher: compassionate, thoughtful, organized, fun. The love she feels for her students is visible. She shows them respect and kindness and guides children to build their own caring communities. She brings so much of herself to work each day: her love of nature and music, her incredible work ethic, and a joy that is unstoppable. In our preschool, she** mentored several new teachers and helped them to become competent and confident. ** She is skilled at observing children and teachers and providing them with just the right support. She strives to include** families and caregivers in their children’s learning.**

Lina keeps her classroom comfortable and organized. She is dependable and keeps a regular schedule. However, when opportunities to explore come up, she is flexible and invites the children to extend their experiences. She makes connections between children’s interests and the values of our school and the Reggio-Emilia philosophy. Lina worked hard to learn about the culture of our Jewish preschool and has become a regular contributor to our programs. She cares deeply about creating community and offering rich, meaningful experiences to families. -Teresa M., Preschool Teacher

I worked with Lina two years ago (S.Y 2019-2020) at Helen Diller Family Preschool at the Jewish Community Center. She is a great mentor and I love working with her. She is loving and caring with the children. She communicates with parents and colleagues with respect. She is very professional. Our class and I learned a lot from her, I can imagine how much your kid would learn from her as well. She brings the fun learning in the classroom. -Merve P., Preschool Teacher

** Lina is family**. She has been a part of our lives for 4 years; first as our son’s preschool teacher, then as a support system, and now as a guide to develop a love and appreciation for nature. ** Lina is a warm, patient, creative, and kind person**. ** She is able to see the world through a child’s eye, while maintaining the safety and consistency children look to adults to provide.** She not only builds relationships with each child and their family but works to make sure the children foster relationships with each other.** Lina believes her role is to teach the “whole child”, and cares as much about their feelings as their academic skills. We look forward to many more years of spending time with Lina, and believe she is an integral part of son’s on-going develop as a world citizen and complete human being**. -Joslyn B. (parent)

Riko is an amazing human being and educator who applies his love and knowledge of nature to help children become more comfortable exploring and playing in nature while, most importantly, helping the kids build confidence in themselves. Our children simply LOVE Riko!  He has a very** engaging**,** sincere** teddy bear personality that every child can warm up to AND keep engaged throughout a long day of activities. He’s a father himself and knows how to make every child feel special.  He’s a natural storyteller combining his own stories that can be both funny, but also have a** life lesson** in them. Riko’s greatest feedback often comes at pick up when the children may be feeling tired and dirty from a long day of walking and exploring, yet they are excited about the next opportunity to go back out and have another day of adventure with Riko. - Brent and Sylvia V. (parents)

Philosophy

SF Roots Forest School believe in our **R.O.O.T.S VALUES. **

R- Rooted in Value of Respect

We are committed to respect, love and nurture each child in our program. We are committed to nourish and develop their self-worth, self-respect and self-esteem. We are also committed to respect, appreciate and honor our families- their roots, cultures and traditions.

**O- Optimum Life-long Love of Learning **

We believe that the early years of life are crucial in cultivating a life-long love of learning. Children are capable learners and each child grows, learns, and thrives by following their own unique style of discovery. We value play, imagination and experiential learning. Children learn best when curiosities and natural instincts are encouraged. Children will be given space and time to ask questions, research, and investigate in their daily exploration of the world around them to help develop critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities.

Our teaching practice is influenced by play-based, traditional Forest Kindergartens/Forest Schools and Reggio-Emilia philosophy.

O- Oasis of Relationships

We believe that connections and relationships are vital in the development of the child. We are committed to provide an oasis for all the relationships to flourish and grow. Positive and healthy respect for peers, adults, materials and the natural environment will be highly encouraged, nurtured and strengthened at all times.

T- Teamwork and Partnership with Families

We stand committed to partner with families. Educators and families work hand-in-hand in sharing ideas and thoughts in creating a positive atmosphere for the children.

S- Significant World Impact

We are committed in investing time and energy to make a significant impact in the world we live in. We envisioned our children to live and grow as responsible citizens, mindful of the needs of our communities and caring for our natural environment.

Location

SF Roots Forest School is located in nature spaces of the San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park We will be outside all day, in all seasons and weather. As we travel, children freely use their sense of wonder. The children ask questions, investigate and ask more questions. Every experience inspires movement, sensory explorations, dramatic and creative play. The focus is on the journey, not the destination. Each child creates his/her own path to connect with the earth and the natural environment.

Drop off and pick up locations will be directly communicated to the families.

SF Roots Forest School children will be outside in all weather, which can change rapidly in the San Francisco Bay Area, from warm and sunny, too cold and foggy. Kindly, dress your children in layers, with appropriate foot gear and clothing for a safe and rewarding nature experience. If you need references for gear please ask and they will be provided. Thank you!

About our program

The mission of SF Roots Forest School is to be a place where children can be in tune with nature and the world around them. This is a program where the children are given the safe space to explore not only the environment through inquiries and research, but to connect socially and emotionally with their peers and the creatures that live in this habitat. Being in the great outdoors is also an opportunity for the children to run, climb, jump, and play with no barriers. This freedom they have will strengthen their understanding of their bodies, develop problem-solving skills and give them challenges that develop strong self-esteem and confidence.

It is our aspiration and hope that your child experiences the joy of childhood while your child is in our program. We wish that together we’ll build a stronger community firmly rooted in compassion, respect and a love for life.