Meet our team
The caring faces behind Building Kidz of Mission-Hayward
Our team pours heart, training, and lifelong passion into every child who walks through our doors.
Owner
Monika Sharma
Hi! Im Monika Sharma, Owner of Building Kidz of Mission, in the heart of Hayward, CA. Throughout my 20+ years of experience supporting young children and teachers, my primary goal has been shaped by a simple fact that all children deserve to learn and grow in an environment where they feel understood. By engaging in active play and joyful social interactions, I have helped countless children redefine their relationship with learning by building a foundation for inclusivity and promoting curiosity. I hold a Degree in Early Childhood Teaching and a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management. This blend of academic involvement and subsequent experience has enabled me to connect meaningfully with children from diverse backgrounds and those with varying health needs, implementing the highest standards of practice in early childhood education. My journey in Child Education began in 1998 in New Delhi, India, where I taught English to Elementary-aged students, in addition to designing and implementing age-appropriate curricula. At this point, I came to truly value the importance of early literacy and language development, which supports a childs intrinsic motivation to learn. After noting the impact of my evidence-based practices, I began mentoring fellow educators on instructional strategies and coordinating international academic partnerships. My commitment to child development continued in Alberta, Canada, where I worked as a Mathematics and English instructor for about 10 years. I relocated to the San Francisco Bay Area in 2014. I have remained in awe of the beautiful California weather and the vibrant food scene-especially after realizing my love for tacos! My two wonderful children have grown up here and have pursued their Bachelors degrees in California institutions, and my husband works in the Oil and Gas industry as an engineer. As a family, weve always been outdoor enthusiasts, whether it be hiking, camping, backpacking, or long road trips-you name it! Every day, I strive to instill the open sky spirit in our classrooms by giving our children the freedom to explore, engage with purpose, and build confidence at every step.
Director
Dawn Gaddini
With 38 years of dedicated experience in child development, including 20 years as a center director, I bring a deep understanding of early childhood education and strong leadership to any role. I excel in building lasting, trust-based relationships with both children and families, drawing on decades of hands-on involvement. Passionate about inspiring growth and fostering development, I am skilled in multitasking, prioritizing responsibilities, and leading teams with compassion and efficiency. My extensive background and commitment to excellence make me a valuable asset in any child-focused environment. Im very knowledgeable about all the subsidy programs. Im certified in the CACFP. I also possess excellent computer skills.
Join us
Love children? You’ll fit right in.
We’re always looking for warm, dedicated people to grow our Mission-Hayward team. Turn your passion into a career that changes little lives every day.
See center openingsMeet the team in person
Schedule a tour and see the warmth of our Mission-Hayward center for yourself.