Our Team

We INSPIRE. We MOTIVATE. We CARE.

The backbone of our program, what we stand for and the driving force behind us is implemented by our dedicated staff members and what they each bring to our program. ACE staff are readily available to encourage our students in this process of creative learning. The vision of our program embraces the ideas and creativity brought forth by our staff. We are committed to our children and believe that as educators we are an important role model to the children and families we serve.

Meet Our Team!

Eve Daskalakis
Owner/Executive Director

Contact Eve

My passion for kids can be traced back to when I was just a kid myself. As a teenager, I volunteered my summers through our local recreation department working as a camp counselor in addition to volunteering as a Greek Dance director. It was at this young age that I knew this was my passion and potentially my future. I started to envision owning my own childcare program and this soon became a dream of mine. In 2001 I attended Skyline College to obtain my Certificate in Early Childhood Education. In 2008, I began working in the San Carlos community as a teacher. From the day I started, I felt an instant connection and was finally in a job that I belonged to, felt passionate about, and one where I could make a difference in a child’s life. After being a teacher for 5 years I was promoted to Site Director and held this position for 8 years. As a director, it is my mission to provide quality childcare in an environment where children feel safe, at home, loved, accepted, and enriched each day. I am excited and overjoyed that my childhood dream of opening my own program is now a reality. I am proud to offer a quality childcare program built on my personal philosophy of putting the unique needs of each child first.

Directors and Teachers

Victoria Ruiz
Director at Arroyo

I have been working in the ECE field for 10 years and in the San Carlos community for eight. I am currently a student at San Francisco State earning my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education as well as my Minor in Special Education. Each day I find something new that I love about working in this field, I look forward to meeting you all!

David Jimenez
Assistant Director at Arroyo

I have been working in the San Carlos community for the last 6 years. I have a Bachelors Degree in ECE and a Minor in Special Education from SFSU. I am passionate about my work because I love what I do, especially when it comes to sports. I love to promote a team environment and value the relationships I have built with the children and families in the San Carlos community.

Addysen Palos
Teacher at Arroyo

I have always had a passion for working with children that started through nannying at the age of 14. I love aiding in a child's growth and exploration by making connections and supporting their interests and ideas. I have obtained my Early Childhood Education Certificate and am currently pursuing my Bachelor’s Degree. Looking through the lens of a child is refreshing and inspiring and I am so excited to be a part of this program.

Nick Puccinelli
Director at Arroyo

Ever since I was a teenager volunteering as a Coach at summer camps, I discovered that I wanted to work with children. I am currently majoring in Early Childhood Education, and have six years working in the childcare field, four of those years in the San Carlos community. I have always loved baseball and I enjoy creating fun sport-oriented activities while working to build confidence and team-work skills.

Amber Chen
Teacher at Mariposa

At a young age, I realized my love for working with kids. Throughout middle school and high school I spent my summers working at local day camps. I have been working in the San Carlos community for the last four years. I am correctly working on earning my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education and Bachelor Degree in Psychology. I enjoy baking and spending time with my family.

Elyse Yousef
Director at Mariposa

Working with children has been my passion for 15 years. I have worked in the San Carlos community for the last four years. I attended Cañada College where I earned an Associates Degree in Biology as well as Early Childhood Education. I enjoy creating Art and STEAM curriculum because it allows children to expand their way of thinking. I enjoy spending time with my husband and two kids.

Sophia Daskalakis
Teacher at Arroyo

I followed in my moms footsteps and share her love for working with children. I have spent two summers working in the San Carlos community at summer camps in addition to nannying for family friends. I am currently enrolled and pursuing my Certificate in Early Childhood Education. From a young age I have always loved science and I am excited to incorporate this into the program.

Erika Hillhouse
Teacher at Arroyo

I have always loved working with children in different areas such as refereeing sports, volunteering as a library tutor, and babysitting. This past summer I enjoyed nannying in San Carlos for an amazing family! I have obtained my Early Childhood Education Certificate and am currently pursuing my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. I love spending time with my family and exploring project-based learning activities and crafts.