Papa Jim

Owner

I have been a Daly City resident for over 40 years. I started the Latchkey Alternative Center in September 1984 with just nine students. Today we have more than 60 students between our preschool and school-age programs. It is my great pleasure to be working with such dedicated and caring teachers. Latchkey has grown into a loving, safe, education center with a bilingual Spanish component.

We are so fortunate to have a positive relationship with the Jefferson Elementary School District. Since we are located on site at Franklin D. Roosevelt Elementary School, we can work closely with the teachers to ensure that our preschool program gives your child the skills they need to be successful in Kindergarten. We have a cooperative relationship with the administration and staff at FDR and have held many collaborative events, such as fleas markets, fundraisers, and school assemblies.

I have three children of my own and seven grandchildren, but I am still often referred to as “the biggest kid of all.” I truly enjoy working in this field because the kids always keep me smiling!

Nicole Feldman

I came to Latchkey in 1991. In my almost 31 years of experience working with the children, families, and amazing staff here, I have come to love so many aspects of this field. I will continue to work hard to provide a fun educational environment for all the children; a safe, comfortable drop off for families; and a place where staff members can work and grow during the time they spend with us.

Mr. Matt

My name is Matt Feldman Romero aka Mr. Matt as the kids call me. I was once a Latchkey student myself in 1991. Being the son of Nicole and the grandson of Jim, Latchkeys founder, I went from student, to aide, to now helping manage the businesses day to day operations. I pride myself on being a funny, caring and uplifting teacher, dedicated to putting a smile on all our students faces. I am the protector on our campus while also being a loving, empathetic figure for our little ones. I have one son, his name is Bodhi, a German shepherd mix. My hobbies include ALL sports, woodworking, stretching and yoga. I greet every parent with a smile and every child with a high five.

Sonia Capulla

Preschool Lead Teacher
Holds a BSC in Management and Midwife Degree

I am proudly born and raised in the Phillipines. I currently live in Daly City. I studied at Union College in the Phillipines and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce along with a Midwifery Degree from San Pablo College. After raising my children, I took a position at Latchkey and completed a course in Early Childhood Education at Skyline College. I enjoy cooking, cleaning, and most of all, spending time with my husband, four children, and my father.

I believe that patience, flexibility, and love are the most important skills to have when working with children who have bright imaginations!

Anita Fuller

Morning Teacher
Holds an AS in Nursing and Surgical Technology

I am a teacher by nature as a mother of three and a nurse of over 29 years. Due to an injury, I left the medical profession and entered the teaching field.

I have worked with Latchkey since 2013 and for the Jefferson Elementary School District in Special Education for the last four years.

Children inspire and ignite with imagination through a loving and disciplined surrounding. I strive to be a teacher of compassion, love, and fearlessness.

Rosely Marquez

Afternoon Teacher
Holds a BA in Child Development

I graduated from San Francisco State University in May 2018 with a Psychology Degree with a minor in Early Childhood Education. I come from a large tight-knit family, so I am used to a loud and busy environment. Working at Latchkey has taught me a lot about patience and leadership. I have experienced both personal as well as professional growth.

Ann Hazelton

Administrative Assistant

I was born and raised and still living in San Francisco. I love the ocean, so when driving to work, I get enjoyment seeing the ocean from the top of the hill.

I handle most aspects of the back office work. I enjoy coming to Latchkey and being greeted by the sweetest little faces you can imagine. Being at Latchkey is like being a part of a family and you always feel welcome.

Donna Siu

Substitute and Volunteer
Primarily oversees Alternate Payment Plans

Michele Harris

Site Director and Pre-K teacher, since 1989
Holds a CA Site Director Permit and AA in Education

For over 40 years, I have dedicated my life to early childhood education — not as a job, but as a calling. I understand how young children truly learn, not only in theory, but through decades of hands-on experience, continued study, and consistent classroom results. At Latchkey Alternative, my classroom is guided by a Vygotskian, whole-child approach that recognizes learning as social, emotional, and developmental — not a race to worksheets or performance pressure. Children are not rushed. They are built. In my classroom, it is always both: Play and Structure. Wonder and Skill. Creativity and Accountability. Children explore, imagine, question, and create. They also learn how to complete tasks, regulate themselves, solve problems, follow through, and take pride in finished work. They understand that freedom and responsibility grow together. My teaching is anchored in confidence, kindness, self-regulation, voice, and independence. From the very first day, children are taught that they matter — their thoughts matter, their words matter, and their effort matters. Learning is not something done to them. It is something they actively own. Out of this lifelong work, I developed the RevolutionaryYOU philosophy — a framework designed to empower children to think deeply, communicate clearly, act responsibly, and grow with purpose. RevolutionaryYOU is not a slogan. It is a mindset that teaches children their voice carries power, their choices carry weight, and their presence carries value. I do not simply prepare children for kindergarten. I build the foundation for lifelong learning, emotional strength, accountability, leadership, and self-belief. This is the standard in my classroom. Children feel seen. Challenged. Respected. And capable. They want to be here. Because they are not treated as small. They are treated as capable, growing individuals who are learning to stand up for themselves. And when children are taught this way — they rise.

Ms. Kirsha Barlow

I started my own family daycare in 1991. I then attended CCSF where I received my AA degree and a certificate in ECE. I have been a Pre-School teacher and Lead teacher for over 30 years. My husband and I have 4 children together and 2 grandchildren. I began teaching to follow my passion of helping children learn and grow. There is so much joy and suspense in the journey of teaching. I love to read, walk my dog at the beach, and take family vacations. I also enjoy cooking. It is more than just preparing food ; It is a profound passion that serves as a creative outlet and a way to connect with children. Cooking is also a way to create memories and spread joy with the art of combining science and preparing “love” on a plate. 

coco Brandt

Hello, I’m Ms. Coco! I grew up in Pacifica and have worked for Latchkey for a year now. I love getting to know all the kids and learning together. I am passionate about art, yoga and respecting nature and all its creatures. It is so amazing getting to share these with the kids and make learning fun!

Lorraine Murphy

I was born and raised in Scotland. My family includes my husband, two teenage boys and Yorkie Poo called Charlie Adams. I started working at FDR in 2014/2015 and have worked in many different classrooms during that time. This is my third year working in after-school and I am loving working at LAS. This year, I really enjoy having my own classroom. My goal as your child’s teacher is to have a safe, welcoming and fun space that supports academic success and fosters creativity through stimulating, fun and engaging curriculum. I appreciate open communication and am available to discuss anything I can accommodate you/your child through the Brightwheel app.