The caring faces behind Building Kidz of Pacifica – Oceana

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.

Regional 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

Christine Mercado

My name is Christine Mercado and I am the Director of Building Kidz in Oceana Pacifica. I began working with the company in 2018 in the Infant and Toddler classroom in Building Kidz South San Francisco. I then transitioned over to Building Kidz Oceana Pacifica in 2020 to teach the Twos program and moved to teach the Threes program in 2021. I am thrilled and motivated to work with the staff and children in my role as Director. My educational background includes a degree in Early Childhood Education and Allied Health from Skyline College. Ive been in the Early Childhood Education field for over 10 years, accumulating valuable experience in working with children and families in a classroom setting. Throughout my teaching career, I have explored different age groups including infant/toddler and preschool. I am passionate about instilling confidence in children and being able to contribute towards their lifelong love for learning. I am humbled by the opportunity to watch the children under my care grow and learn. I am dedicated to creating an environment where children feel safe, loved, and cared for. I am equally passionate about being an effective leader to my peers by striving to be authentic, trustworthy, and optimistic in all aspects. I am dedicated to continuing to gain knowledge about the field of early childhood. During my free time, I love to spend time with my husband and our two girls creating lasting memories together.