Inside Portola
The Team
Aylar Sharafkhanian
Founder & Teacher
Hi, I’m Aylar, the founder and owner of Portola Daycare.
My journey to opening Portola Daycare wasn’t a traditional one, but it was one that truly followed my heart. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego), and later completed my master’s degree in Human Resource Management at the University of Southern California (USC). After spending several years working in the corporate world, I realized that although I had achieved the career I had worked so hard for, it wasn’t where I felt I truly belonged.
I’ve always loved working with children, and I knew I wanted to build a career that allowed me to make a meaningful difference in families’ lives. That realization led me back to school to study Child Development and pursue my passion for early childhood education. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Since opening my licensed in-home daycare, I have had the privilege of caring for so many incredible children and watching them grow into confident, curious, and kind little individuals. Every milestone, every new friendship, and every smile reminds me why I chose this path.
Selma Ghotbinezhad
Assistant Teacher
My journey with children began as an elementary school teacher, where I discovered my passion for helping children build confidence, develop new skills, and enjoy learning. I later gained hands-on experience caring for newborns, infants, and toddlers, which taught me that every child grows and learns in their own unique way.
As a toddler teacher at Portola Daycare, I create meaningful learning experiences through play, including music, stories, art, nature, sensory activities, and imaginative games. My goal is to support each child’s language, social skills, creativity, independence, and confidence in a warm and nurturing environment.
Watching children reach new milestones is one of the most rewarding parts of my work. I am passionate about building trusting relationships with children and their families while helping create joyful memories during these important early years.
Niusha Amiri
Art Teacher & Face Painter
As an art teacher with over a decade of experience since 2010, I have always been passionate about helping children express themselves, build confidence, and discover the joy of creativity.
My teaching style focuses on creating fun, hands-on, sensory-rich experiences where children can explore colors, textures, materials, and their own imagination in a safe and encouraging environment.
I believe art is so much more than a project to take home. It helps children learn how to make choices, solve problems, take creative risks, and feel proud of their ideas.
My goal is for every child to feel supported, inspired, and excited to create. I truly believe that art helps children build courage, self-expression, and confidence skills they will carry with them far beyond the classroom.
I’m so excited to share this creative journey with your children and help them grow through the beauty and joy of art.
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Sandy Haisha
Clay Instructor
Hello! My name is Miss Sandy, and I am so excited to share my love of clay and creativity with the children at Portola Daycare.
I have over 20 years of experience working with young children in Montessori schools and preschools. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of helping children learn, grow, and express themselves through hands-on experiences. I truly believe that art is a wonderful way for children to build confidence, strengthen fine motor skills, develop patience, and let their imagination shine.
My clay classes are designed to be fun, engaging, and age-appropriate, giving every child the opportunity to explore, create, and take pride in their own unique masterpieces. There is nothing more rewarding than watching a child’s face light up as they bring their ideas to life.
I look forward to creating, learning, and making wonderful memories with your little ones!
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