Holly Shaw-Faria

Educator

Holly is a dedicated educator with several years' experience working with children ages 0-6, and the mother of an energetic toddler who keeps her grounded in the curiosity and wonder of early learning. She witnessed Science is Elementary's mission firsthand when its staff taught in her Transitional Kindergarten classroom and, impressed by their approach, was thrilled to join the team in August 2025.

Holly's path to Science is Elementary began at a Reggio Emilia-based Child Development Center in San Jose, where she taught while earning her Bachelor's degree in Child and Adolescent Development from San José State University. The opportunity to research and implement learning theories directly in the classroom ignited her passion for high-quality early childhood education. She went on to earn her Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential and MA in Education, then began teaching Transitional Kindergarten.

Holly's passion for education is rooted in the belief that all children deserve a welcoming and nurturing environment—one that encourages hands-on learning, curiosity, experimentation, and growth.