Meet the Early Childhood Educators at Explorer Preschool
Our dedicated and knowledgeable teachers play a key role in what makes the Explorer experience so magical. Not only are they all gifted in making a personal connection with our littlest learners, but they are also full of guidance and support for parents too! In addition to having previously taught students at the elementary, high school, and/or college level, did you know that our teachers got their start at Explorer as parents too? We are extremely fortunate to have such unique teachers with not only a strong professional foundation as educators but also a deep and rich history with the Explorer community!
Annie Deckert
2025 marks Annie’s 30th teaching anniversary at Explorer. She was an Explorer parent for four years before becoming an Explorer teacher in 1995. She is now Explorer’s Director and the Lead Teacher for the Together Time and 2’s classes.
Annie holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, a Master's Degree in Educational Psychology, an Adult Education Credential and a Child Development Site Supervisor Permit. In addition to teaching at Explorer, Annie taught Child Development classes at Mission College and other community colleges from 1999 to 2020. She also serves as the coordinator in the California Early Childhood Mentor Program and teaches a variety of parenting classes and presents workshops at Early Childhood conferences.
When Annie is not teaching, she enjoys reading, playing with her dogs, camping, and hiking with her husband, Marlin. Her daughters (also Explorer alums!), Emily and Audra, are now adults and family get-togethers are always a priority.
Meredith Dinan
Meredith started as a parent at Explorer in 2017 and experienced each class Explorer has to offer with her two children. After falling in love with the wonderful community and high-quality educational program at Explorer, she began substituting in all classes in 2023, which led her to becoming the Lead Teacher for 3’s to 5’s.
Before working at Explorer, Meredith taught elementary school after earning a B.A. from Sonoma State University and receiving her teaching credential from San Jose State University.
When she is not reading, Meredith enjoys adventuring in the outdoors with her family, gardening, and caring for her many animals.
Rima Ramchandra
Rima is the Lead Pre-K Teacher and Assistant Teacher in the 3’s to 5’s class. She began her Explorer journey as a parent in the 3’s to 5’s class and made the transition from parent to teacher in 2023.
Rima holds a Master's in Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood from Melbourne, Australia, and a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and Finance from Auckland University in New Zealand. She started her teaching career in Australia working with Aboriginal communities and minorities. After moving to the United States, she continued working in preschool settings and has 10+ years of experience in this field. She focuses on play as a foundation for learning.
When not teaching, Rima loves to hike, read, and cook. She likes to travel and explore other countries and hopes to continue traveling with her two children once they are older. She is an active volunteer in her son’s elementary school and is the Lead for Project Cornerstone.
Paula Oakes
Paula is the Assistant Teacher in the Together Time and TTh2’s classes. After graduating her now young adult children from Explorer, Paula joined the teacher staff in 2006 and enjoys being a teacher at her children’s alma mater. Her parent experience at Explorer included Together Time, five years as a participating parent, and four years on the Board where she was Chair of Parent Education and the Liaison to the Santa Clara Valley Council (SCVC).
Paula’s classroom experience also includes nine years of teaching high school social studies (including psychology and sociology). She has a M.A. in Child and Adolescent Development from SJSU. Paula also has a BA in Liberal Studies from UCSB and a professional clear credential from San Jose State University. Outside of Explorer, Paula is also an esteemed instructor and program coordinator/advisor at SJSU’s Lurie College of Education.
Kathy Wingo
Kathy is an Assistant Teacher in the 3’s to 5’s and Pre-K classes. With over 15 years of teaching experience, she enjoys teaching at co-ops as it involves the whole family where lifetime friendships are formed among both the children and the parents.
She earned a bachelor's degree in Child and Adolescent Development from San Jose State University and an associate degree in Early Childhood Education and Park Management from West Valley College and a Certificate of Proficiency in Early Childhood Education for Special Education.
She lives in the mountains above Los Gatos with her husband of over 35 years and has two handsome adult sons. She enjoys hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, snowshoeing, camping, bird watching, gardening, and spending time with her family and friends.
Mary McClain
Mary McClain is the Assistant Teacher in the MW2’s and Pre-K classes. Mary started as a parent at Explorer with her son in 2021 and her daughter is now in her fourth and final year. In 2022 she joined the Board of Directors as the Children's Education Chair as well as becoming a part of the staff as a substitute teacher.
Mary has a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies from Santa Clara University and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from San Francisco State University. Before coming to Explorer, she taught second and fourth grade for almost ten years in the San Francisco Unified School District. She has also been a director at a summer camp in Palo Alto for over eighteen years, serving campers ages four to fourteen.
In her spare time Mary can be found at various sporting venues: watching (and sometimes coaching) her kids play soccer, flag football, and baseball. She also loves to watch SJ Giants, SF Giants, and Bay FC games. Reading and playing board games with her family are among her other hobbies.