Pacifica Co-op Nursery's Catherine Miller

When the Pacifica Co-op Nursery School hosts its 36th Springfest event at the end of the month, it will also be celebrating its new director, Catherine Miller. An educator in early childhood development for the past 19 years, Catherine has been using her energy and insights to bring the joy of learning to children and parents alike.

"The Co-op is a very special preschool. It's a community of families who come together at school to share ideas and walk this parenting path together," Catherine says. "That's why I love it here."

Before joining the Co-op seven years ago as an assistant director, Miller was director of a large San Bruno preschool and owned her own childcare business. After attending the Co-op with her second son, she realized that she had found a place that was in alignment with her philosophical belief that, as the expression goes, "it takes a village to raise children." For her, the Co-op was that village.

"In past generations, parents had extended families living close by to lean on for support and child-rearing advice. That situation is exceedingly rare now, especially in the Bay Area," she said. "Here at the Co-op, we've created a type of extended family that's more than just a social network. Co-op families really rely on each other."

Indeed, Co-op families often swap babysitting, go on a camping trip every June, and make lifelong friendships. The main attraction for many parents is the schools' emphasis on experiential learning and social development. Since the preschool is a non-profit, it relies on this annual event to raise funds for school improvements and programs.

Miller will be attending Springfest, along with the other teachers, parents and anyone from the community interested in participating. Highlights include a live auction, silent auction, live band, and wine tasting. Springfest takes place on March 29 at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Center.

For more information, please contact Christine Duncan at 650-355-4465, or visit www.pacificacoop.org