SF Roots Forest School

Our Teachers

DIRECTOR

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 to design my own program where children blossom and grow.

My passion has always been teaching and educating children. I came from a family of educators. I’ve learned so much from my father, mother, aunts and uncles whose lives were spent in the education field. I clearly remember how they spent countless hours in planning for their curriculum. But what I admired most was their dedication in establishing authentic relationships with their students. I have a huge respect for them and vowed to honor them in my teaching practices.

My love for nature started when I was a young child in my little town in the Philippines. I spent my weekends in our family farm where we had fruit-bearing trees and farm animals such as bunnies, birds, goats, chickens, pigs and cows. I enjoyed climbing up mango trees, doing kitchen play with mud, showering in the rain, petting bunnies and collecting chicken eggs. We also had a river where me and my childhood friends enjoyed splashing with water, collecting shells, feeling the sand on our feet, watching the birds fly and staring at the sun. My recollection of my childhood years brings so much JOY to me. I desire that my students would also make joyful and lasting childhood memories while they are in my care.

I earned my bachelor’s degree in Education at Pangasinan State University, in the Philippines, with honors. I continued my education in the United States and majored in Early Childhood Education at City College of San Francisco. I was awarded with various certificates of completion in Child Development including Professional Development and Advocacy, General, and Administration. I currently hold a Child Development Program Permit, the highest permit granted for preschool educators to be able to teach, lead, train and supervise early childhood programs, issued by the State of California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

Over 19 years of being in Early Childhood Education in the US, I worked in various roles that help me deepen and expand my expertise. I have experiences in every aspect of the school setting from potty training to teaching, leading a team of educators and supervising a program. I am bringing all this wealth of wisdom into my own school.

I am wishing to be given an opportunity to co-create wonderful learning experiences with you and your child and together we will build a strong community of kind, respectful, nature-lovers, logical thinkers, innovators and driven group of children, parents and teachers.

Teaching Experiences:

August 2020- Founded SF Roots Forest School

Lead Teacher @ Jewish Community Center of San Francisco, Helen Diller Family Preschool, August 2009-August 2020

Head Teacher/Assistant Director, Infant-Toddler Program @ Katherine Michiels School, September 2005- August 2009

Head Teacher, Pre-school Program @ Katherine Michiels School, September 2004-September 2005

Pre-school and School-age Teacher @ Latchkey Alternative Center, June 2003- September 2004

Teacher, Special Education Class, General Pershing, June 2003-September 2004

• Various Volunteer Work (Special Education, Public Preschool and Elementary Schools, High Schools and Private Preschools)

LEAD TEACHER

My name is Riko Cerdena.  The children call me “Teacher Riko.” I am Lina’s husband, father to our son Apollos and the eldest of 8 siblings.  I was born in Philippines and immigrated here to America when I was 6 years old.  Since living here, I’ve been fortunate enough to experience both worlds, by noticing its cultural differences and what unites us as humans. 

My life’s journey started with a background in mechanics at our home garage with my grandfather who was a mechanic for San Francisco Muni. I started my career working at San Francisco International Airport with ground equipment and fueling aircrafts but being the eldest in my family as well as a deep involvement to my church youth programs my journey led me to the path of an early childcare educator.  I had gone back to school with the goal of gaining my teaching credentials. My first experiences of teaching were being a classroom teacher in a special needs school called Spectrum Center at Daly City for 2 years.  Afterwards, I found an opportunity to work as a teacher at a Reggio Emilia inspired school in San Francisco called Presidio Preschool in where I learned a lot of Nature Pedagogy with its amazing outdoor program.  After being with this preschool for 3 years, I was offered the chance to work at the Helen Diller Preschool at the Jewish Community Center San Francisco (JCCSF).  In this program, I started off as a teacher in their transitional kindergarten program. My work with the children involved nature education and having the Presidio National Park as our outdoor classroom. I was also given an opportunity to start the school’s woodworking curriculum in which I taught the children safety handling of tools, planning, designing, creating and building projects. I taught workshops about nature pedagogy and woodworking in a preschool environment as well as mentoring new teachers.  I have been a teacher for the Helen Diller Preschool JCCSF for 7 years.  Starting SF Roots Forest School with my wife is an opportunity for us to further our passion in teaching and love for nature and outdoor education.

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 Bay Area. 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.