our staff

Rebecca Walsh

Founder and Director

Rebecca Walsh founded Early Childhood Matters after becoming a parent for the first time in 2009 and realizing firsthand how wonderful and humbling-the work of parenting actually was. Rebecca has over twenty years’ experience in early childhood education, a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development (2002) and a Master’s of Arts degree in Religion and Psychology (2006). She loves to share with parents any wisdom and experience she has gained from working as a director, lead teacher, supervisor, parent educator, and teacher mentor in the field of Early Child Development. She also loves to share with parents how to have compassion on themselves during the less-than-graceful parenting moments. She is humbled and inspired to accompany parents on this equally rewarding and challenging journey of parenting.

In 2002, Rebecca co-founded an English as a Second Language preschool in the Czech Republic (Sunny Canadian), developing curriculum, parent-teacher handbooks, and establishing policies and procedures. After returning to the United States, she redesigned the MAS program (Mentoring for Academic Success), a Berkeley-based tutoring program for at-risk youth, and inaugurated monthly parent meetings on a range of topics. After completing her master’s degree, Rebecca took a job as a director of a Head Start preschool in a homeless shelter in San Mateo, and then as a lead teacher, supervisor and art studio teacher at Pacific Primary School, a preschool located in San Francisco.  Since founding Early Childhood Matters in 2010, Rebecca has traveled around the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond (from New Orleans, LA to Melbourne, Australia) working with parents and teachers of young children to help them better understand and support them on their journey to nourish the minds and spirits of tomorrow’s world. 

Rebecca has three young children who challenge her, humble her, and every day deepen her understanding of children and the importance of the parent-child relationship. 

Kellam Eanes

Director of Marketing and Customer Relations

Kellam Eanes has worked in children's media for over 20 years. She holds degrees in Journalism and Mass Communication and Communications Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Project Management Certification from UC Berkeley. She became passionate about Early Childhood Matters after taking multiple classes and benefiting immensely from working with Rebecca in San Francisco. She is an active volunteer at an experiential learning/adventure school and is constantly on the path of learning all she can about early childhood education, play-based learning, and immersive nature play. She is the mother to two very curly children, and now lives the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

Alexis buckley

Facilitator

Alexis has spent her whole life working with children and families, from after school programs and nannying to being a lead teacher and parent educator in a variety of preschools in the Bay Area since 2005. Alexis graduated in 2009 with her masters degree in Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood from San Francisco State University. Since 2010 Alexis has taught at The Little School; teaching pre-k, young toddlers and more recently organizing parent education events. Alexis grew up in Santa Cruz, California and moved to San Francisco in 1999. She believes that children learn through exploration, age appropriate challenges, and loving guidance from caring adults. Holding their hands through the process is a sacred challenge gifted to parents and educators. As the mother of two young sons she understands the need for support and inspiration on a deeply personal level. Her children challenge her to find new and creative ways to meet the needs of growing minds and bodies. Each and every day, they deepen her understanding of child development and the strategies that she teaches to parents.

Refiloe ‘Fifi’ Mofokeng

Facilitator

Meet ECM’s latest addition, Refiloe ‘Fifi’ Mofokeng. Refiloe has been working with children most of her life, from after school care, from volunteering in orphanages, nannying to recently providing one on one support as a school shadow. Originally from South Africa, she brings a rich cultural perspective and a deep passion for supporting young children and their families.with over a decade of experience working closely with children, including neurodivergent kids, she believes that connection, curiosity, and play are at the heart of healthy development. Refiloe has a bachelors degree in Psychology from San Francisco State University. She hopes to attend graduate school in the near future with the goal of becoming a child and adolescent therapist. She is passionate about fostering emotional intelligence, resilience, and confidence in children through compassionate and developmentally informed care.

BELANN GIARRETTO
Parenting Matters Podcast co-host

Belann Giarretto is a seasoned expert in early childhood education with over four decades of experience in the field. Her journey began in the late 1970s, inspired by a visionary psychology professor who emphasized the profound impact of working with young children. Belann's career has included roles as a teacher, director, and parent educator, notably at Pacific Primary, where she served for 27 years.

Throughout her career, Belann has been dedicated to empowering parents with the skills and knowledge necessary to foster healthy development in their children. She has developed and led numerous parenting classes, focusing on practical strategies that enhance the parenting experience and promote children's well-being. Her approach emphasizes the importance of understanding child development and creating a nurturing environment that encourages both emotional and social growth.

Belann is passionate about sharing her insights and experiences through various platforms, including her new podcast, "Parenting Matters," where she collaborates with fellow educator Rebecca Walsh. Together, they aim to provide valuable resources and support for parents navigating the challenges of raising children in today's world. Belann's commitment to education and her deep understanding of early childhood development make her a trusted mentor and advocate for families.