Our Teachers

Mandy Jackson

Toddler Teacher

Teacher Mandy joined Westside for the 2005-2006 school year as both the MW and TTh toddler teacher after many years of working with children. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interior Design from San Jose State, she worked in the design field until she had her own children. She and her husband, Don, also a teacher, have raised 3 sons: Jason, Jacob, and Jamey and are are now proud grandparents. When her youngest started junior high Mandy went back to college, majoring in Early Childhood Education (ECE), so she could continue to do the kind of work she loves most - interacting with children. After completing an additional 27 units of ECE she received a Certificate of Specialization in Early Childhood Education. Mandy did her student teaching with toddlers at Evergreen Valley College Child Development Center and discovered the many rewards of teaching that age group. When the opportunity to teach the toddlers at Westside became available it was a perfect match of teaching methods, parenting style and learning through play philosophy. Her past experiences as a parent and designing environments that are inviting and comfortable help to create a classroom environment that is not only comfortable, accessible and age appropriate but also, positive, accepting and nurturing. Mandy strives to make every child in her classes feel special, safe and loved.

Sandy Sweitzer

Threes Teacher

Gomathi Jay

Pre-K Teacher

Lisa So

Director

Lisa joined Westside as a teacher for the 2008 - 2009 school year. She joined Westside in 2004 as a parent in the Parent and Me class with her son and her daugher just finished the Pre-K Class last year. Her son is now at a parent participation Charter School and entering 2nd grade and her daugher just entered kindergarden at the same school. Lisa is a graduate of San Jose State University with her Masters in Social Work and a graduate of UC Davis with her B.A. in Sociology. She worked at various non-profit agencies as a Social Worker, Program Manager and Volunteer Trainer. She took a brief hiatus from working when she decided to start her own family and found her way to Westside through another family who also sent their children to Westside. Lisa shared the Fundraising position on the board with our former 2008 - 2009 President, Gina for two years (2006 - 2008). Over the past 5 years Lisa has grown to love the Westside community and the value they hold for cultivating children in a positive and nurturing environment. Lisa also enjoyed the interaction she had with other parents; learning from one another, leaning on each other and creating friendships with them as well. When Lisa found out about the opportunity to become part of the teaching team she excitedly went back to school. Lisa is so delighted that she was chosen to be a part of this inspiring team of teachers. She feels that this school is a very special place because of the admirable group of parents who join and run the school. Lisa is looking forward to growing, nurturing, and caring for her students and also to making connections with all of the parents.