I have been lucky to know Nicole since before Nia House. I mean, long before. We met in the nineties at Henry J. Kaiser, Jr. Elementary School in Oakland, when the scrunchies were large, the pants were low, and we were all wearing out cassette tapes of Boyz II Men's Cooleyhighharmony in knock-off Walkmen. Nicole and I were both seriously studious, seriously silly kids whose force-of-nature moms were divorcing dads named Michael. We were fast friends and our families have been family ever since.
Even in elementary school, Nicole was something extraordinary. When we graduated, our class got to vote on the "salutatorian." As I remember it, this honor was not explained to us in the usual way -- as some kind of runner-up to the academic Valedictorian (for which Nicole was definitely in the running) -- but rather as the best, most good, kind and admirable human being. On this one thing, our class of crazy tweens was unanimous: there was only Nicole.
When she started teaching at Nia, Nicole would regale our families at Christmas with stories of the kids' antics, cracking us up with the tractor-beam eye-movements she used to recall the littles to their best selves. Little did Tom and I know that before long two of those ingenious little Nia House critters would be our own.
Witnessing her adult power as an educator, and also as an artist, I think it comes down to this. Nicole is a supernatural phenomenon: she is in this world, but not of it. This situation is literal: she has one foot in the world that ought to be, and her calling as a teacher and as an artist is what links our broken reality to the just and gorgeous one that humans and other earthly beings can and must create together, in the company of their ancestors. In working with our children, Nicole is raising up citizens of that other world. And she is imparting daily lessons for their frazzled parents in the sustenance of beloved community in the meantime. She still has my vote for best human being, and I have no higher praise than to say that my heart is easy when my children are in her hands. If only all children could receive such apprenticeship; what a world would we have then.
-Amanda J Goldstein
Dear Nicole,
The light and wisdom within you touch everyone's soul who is around you. What an incredible journey these 20 years at NH must be and I feel honored to have you as my mentor and to celebrate this remark with you!
Ayako
I came to Nia House during the expansion and what an amazing journey it has been, I can thank Nicole for that! Nicole’s unwavering dedication has transformed Nia House into more than just a school-it’s become a living embodiment of Montessori principles under her guidance. Her profound knowledge of Montessori education isn’t just academic, it’s a passion that radiates through everything she does. She brings an infectious energy and wisdom that elevates everyone around her. Her legacy isn't just in the twenty years she's dedicated to this community, but in the countless lives she's touched and the educational environment she's helped cultivate—one where both children and teachers thrive in their journey of discovery.
Nicole, I honor you for the space that you hold for others. I have a deep gratitude for your dedication to the community. You are truly one of a kind and I thank you for all the wisdom, joy, and laughter you have brought into my life, my children's lives, and those around you. You are truly loved and appreciated!
-Sambo Nhey, Assistant Lead Teacher
Congratulations on 20 years of shaping soooo many little humans! O’Brien, Evan and I estimate at least 500 Nia House families have been touched by your dedicated commitment to developing future adults to be rooted in critical thinking skills, independence and confidence. We love you, Nicole!
-Loris, O’Brien, & Evan
Nicole has that “I’ve been doing this work for fifteen lifetimes” vibe. She has a supernatural understanding of a child’s mind on a cultural, emotional, intellectual, and neurological level, and we feel lucky beyond words that she can share that understanding with us, as parents. Nicole’s work shapes lives, families, and entire communities. We love you and thank you Nicole!
-Chrissie, Chris, Bay & Marie
Nicole gracefully floated into Nia House as a 20 something young one, and immediately expanded her love for all with such warmth and a drive to be the best human she could possibly be. Her pursuits led her immediately to Montessori training, learning and mastering Dr. Maria Montessori's classroom presentations, new songs to sing and recipes to cook. She worked with the teachers, children and parents, expanding her knowledge and compassion all along the way. She was so driven to do the best she possibly could and started with her community bonds.
As Nicole's friend and colleague, I have been inspired by her ongoing drive to create a classroom culture and a school culture of peace, understanding and learned skills of genuine peer support. I see Nicole's face light up as she offers presentations to children who practice and repeat until they develop their own mastery, then they show Nicole their progress with an incredible brightness that she reflects back. Together, as a team, Nicole and her students beam with excitement as they grow over the years. Nicole knows in a place of deep intuition that the skill building in the three to six age range impacts people's lives for their lifetimes. She is not solely teaching children, but rather humans whose neural synapses are literally growing with her support- connections that will serve these humans and impact society deeply.
Not only is Nicole my friend, colleague, confidant and teachers, she is also my child's former teacher. I had the privilege of observing Nicole's class also as a parent and celebrating my own child's cognitive, social, emotional and physical growth with Nicole's leadership. These many lenses of connection with Nicole deepen my respect and love for her.
Teaching with Nicole has always been a gentle, joyful dance and one that I've now enjoyed for 20 years. Through the exuberant classes to the most peaceful and quiet classes, from behavioral challenges to behavioral celebrations, Nicole remains poised and loving. It is a true honor to continue learning and growing with Nicole. May her dance continue for years to come and may we all hear her voice sweetly echoing across Nia House's yard.
-Eve
Congratulations Nicole on 20 years of teaching at Nia House! We're so grateful for everything you've done for all the families and children over the years, including ours. You are such an important part of Dashiell and Aria's lives and we continue to be in awe of how you model Montessori values for ALL of us!
I remember when we told you Dash wouldn't nap and you said "we'll see about that." He didn't really nap. But you found a way to redirect him and pretty soon he was rubbing backs and doing chores during nap time! And when it came time for little sister to join the toddler room, he was ready to step in and help her transition to Nia House. That's just one example of how you have helped lay the foundation for our children to care for themselves, for others, and for the world around them.
Thank you Nicole for all you do - we love you and appreciate you!!!
-OJ, Sonya, Dashiell, & Aria
One thing that I really love and appreciate about you Nicole is your willingness to go above and beyond for your students, even after they've left Nia House. Stephen soaked up everything that you poured into him while he was there and you continued to do so even after he left. Your willingness to always partner with us and ensure that Stephen was always seen and respected and loved has made such a lasting impact on him. He is proud of who he is in large part because of you. Thank you for holding him close and being the BEST teacher he's ever had! Congrats on 20 years!
- Monica Parran
I have many fond memories of Nicole, but there is one in particular I would like to share. Every single morning Nicole would kneel down and great each kid with a handshake or a hug, I preferred a hug. Then they would walk inside and get ready for the day. But I was a special child who loved to braid hair, and Nicole was a kind patient woman who loved little kids. She has these beautiful long locs that are perfect for beginning braiding, premade sections! So after my hug I would stand behind her and braid her hair until the greeting time was over. This is something I loved doing and I’m so glad I had an amazing teacher like Nicole
Matiz, 8th Grader
You have been monumental to our girls educational journey. Congratulations on 20 years of dedication and continued success. May love, peace and prosperity, continue to shower you in the years to come! We love you we love you we love you and our forever grateful for your existence!!
-Pilar, Brandon, Brazil and Xochi
Dearest Nicole,
Wishing you a happy 20th work anniversary!
I feel so lucky in my life that I met you in class 16 years ago. I was so impressed by your presentation on Montessori education that I came to Nia House.
Your leadership and mentorship are truly appreciated. Here’s to many more years of incredible moments together.
-Hye-In
I have had the immense privilege of knowing Nicole since high school where we first met and we’ve remained close friends ever since.
We met in our schools’ weight training class around age 14 and I immediately liked her. She was so clever, and she made me and everyone in the class laugh with her witty sense of humor. She was also brilliant, racially and socially conscious, and well-informed in a way that most 14-year-olds (and most adults) are not. As we grew older, she challenged my preconceived notions and opinions in a way that helped me become more open-minded and insightful. She taught me many lessons, not just about social and political issues, but also about life and the world. And it’s not just me who Nicole has taught so many valuable lessons. Nicole challenges others for the better too, so long as they are open-minded and confident enough to receive the gems she drops.
Over the years, I came to see that Nicole was, and still is, one of the most wonderful, amazing and phenomenal human beings on this planet. She is extremely intelligent, inspiring, kind, compassionate, and generous. She is also honest, trustworthy, and loyal, and her charisma and positive energy are contagious in the best kind of way. Everyone she encounters sees these character traits in her as well – she brings light, joy, and insight everywhere she goes.
Nicole has the rare quality of being highly intellectual and analytical, while also being incredibly artistic and creative, as well as relatable, empathetic, down-to-earth, and mindful. She is perceptive, in-tune and in-touch with the thoughts and feelings of others. She can connect with people of all types of ages, backgrounds and identities. Nicole is the person I go to when I need sound, reliable, thoughtful advice, and she never fails to deliver.
Anyone whose child has had the opportunity to spend time with Nicole, knows that she is a true natural with children and she brings out the best in them. She knows how to tap into their best inner selves and empowers them to manifest their highest potentials.
Evy has been so comfortable with Nicole since she was only a few weeks old. Evy says “Cole, Cole” as we approach Nia House in the mornings. Nicole is always able to bring a smile to Evy’s face no matter what kind of mood Evy is in.
I am so grateful to have a friend like Nicole, and that she is part of Evy’s life, as I know every Nia House parent is grateful to have her as part of their children’s lives. Thank you, Nicole for being your marvelous self and congratulations on 20 years at Nia House!
-Julia Deutsch