The caring faces behind Building Kidz of Daly City

Executive Director

Zeel Desai

Hello, My name is Zeel, and I am the operating owner of multiple Building Kidz School Locations.

Caring for children has always been my passion. With over 10 years of experience working with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in both childcare and home settings, I am dedicated to creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where every child can learn, grow, and thrive.

As a mother, I understand the importance of trust and strive to provide the same love and care I would want for my own child. With a background in Child Development and Special Education, along with CPR and First Aid certification, I am committed to supporting each child’s unique development while building strong relationships with families.

Helping children reach their full potential and caring for children is more than a career—it’s a lifelong passion.

School Director

Raeli Aguirre

With over 30 years dedicated to early childhood education, Raeli Aguirre brings deep heart, hands-on experience, and leadership to Building Kidz. She began her journey directly in the classroom, teaching every age group under five, from infants to preschoolers, before serving as Director at the Daly City site for 20 years. Raeli has been an integral part of this exact school community for three decades, guiding its growth through every era and caring for generations of young learners.

Her favorite part of the job is helping to create warm, welcoming classroom environments where children thrive, as well as mentoring directors by sharing her decades of experience. For Raeli, early education goes far beyond administration: she treats every staff member, child, and family as a true extension of her own.

Her lifelong commitment is to ensure that every center she oversees feels like a safe, nurturing, and inspiring second home.

Director

Genevra Christenson

I graduated from UC Davis in 1991 and have been working in the field of Early Childhood Education since 1992. For more than three decades, I have had the privilege of helping young children learn, grow, and build confidence through meaningful experiences.

The very best part of teaching is watching a child’s world expand as they discover something new each day. Whether it’s mastering a new skill, asking a thoughtful question, or celebrating a small accomplishment, it is incredibly rewarding to know I get to be a part of those special moments. I believe every child is capable of amazing things, and I strive to create a classroom where curiosity, kindness, creativity, and a love of learning can flourish.

The most rewarding thing about being a Director is that you help to shape the entire little ecosystem – one that children, families, and staff feel every single day. I love helping create a place where people grow and then witnessing the growth from every angle.