Our San Mateo Team

Hi! I’m Shanu Mathur, proud Owner of Safari Kid – San Mateo and Safari Kid – Redwood City!

What originated from a passion while volunteering at my two sons’ elementary schools over 20 years ago ultimately led to me pursuing my dream of fostering my own early education experience for hundreds of children across the Peninsula area! I am a long-time resident of the Bay Area but have more recently grown to love and admire the Peninsula area – my husband and I just moved to San Mateo from South Bay! Prior to the Bay Area, we lived in Sydney, Australia and before that in various parts of India.

At our centers, I draw from my unique experience / perspective and strive to provide a nurturing and caring environment for the children while bolstering all aspects of their development. I also believe in building a healthy relationship with parents, so you feel like your child is growing in a safe and happy environment. When you combine this with Safari Kid’s holistic mindset to early childhood development and their belief that every child is unique and has their own learning style and pace, I truly believe that all children will be better off having graduated from either center!

In terms of formal education and experience I am skilled across teaching, customer service and project management. Along with my education in child development, I hold a diploma in HR Management from UCSC and a Bachelor’s in Commerce from University of Mumbai.

Look forward to meeting you!

Hi My name is Susan and I’m the lead teacher in the toddler classroom. I have been working with children for 20 years and it has been such an amazing experience teaching and seeing them grow into their own unique way. I also enjoy spending time with my family when I’m not at school.

Hi I’m Miss Lupita, I am one of the Preschool teachers here at Safari Kid. Some of my favorite hobbies are gardening and creating art. I have been working with children for 4 years and it’s been some of the best years of my life. I love being active and making all of the children laugh.

My name is Manisha Loonawat and I am the lead PreK teacher at Safari Kid.

I love working with younger kids because I get to see them grow and develop skills everyday.
My interests are reading, entertaining and traveling with my husband and one very chatty, very happy teenager.

Over the years I have had the pleasure of living all over the world but thoroughly enjoy the perfect Burlingame weather. I love being a part of the Safari Kid community and enjoy learning and growing with my students everyday.

Hello, my name is Kanti and I am one of the teachers at the Safari Kid. I’ve been working with children my whole life; I was basically born into it! I love kids and it fills my heart with joy to watch them grow. I’m also excited to be a part of this wonderful team of teachers at the Safari kids. I believe that kids are our future.

Hi, I’m Magali, the Lead Preschool Teacher at Safari Kid.

It’s truly an honor to be part of such a supportive team, where everyone collaborates to create a
nurturing environment for the children. One of the greatest joys in my 10+ years of working with
children is witnessing their growth, learning, and the way they overcome challenges. They
continue to amaze me every day!

My goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive space where every child can thrive. Outside of
work, I love to travel, explore nature, and capture special moments through photography.

My name is Shelly Weinhauer. I am the director of San Mateo Safari kid. My job is awesome. I get to shape the minds of 21st century learners. I have worked in this profession for over 15 years, and have been the lead Pre-K teacher at Safari kid for a few years before stepping into an administrative role. Teaching in the classroom is something I enjoy the most about my job. Every child is so unique, and that is why I never stop learning as an Early childhood educator. I am an artist as well, and I love painting when I have the chance. Family time is very important to me – I love spending my time with my husband and our 2 boys.