Tara Gray
School Director

Hello, my name is Tara Gray, and I have been the director at Cornerstone Children’s Center since 2013. I have more than 30 years of experience in the field of Early Childhood Education as a teacher, lead teacher, and program director. I have an M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education, a BA in Human Development with an option in Early Childhood, and an AA in Liberal Arts. I also hold an Early Childhood Directors Permit with the California Teacher Credentialing Department. I was recognized in 2013 as a Mentor Teacher for the California Early Childhood Mentor Program, and was chosen in 2023 as a Mentor Director.

I believe that children learn best through open exploration of their environment and fun, hands-on activities, and that play should be incorporated into learning. A strong home-to-school connection with families helps ensure support for the whole child and their individual development. Partnering with our families is very important to me. In working with young children, I love being able to experience the joys of childhood all over again by seeing things through their eyes. There is no other profession that I could see myself in besides being an early childhood educator!

I was born in the Bay Area and have lived here most of my life. I am married with two wonderful daughters and greatly enjoy being a grandma. My younger daughter had the joy of attending Cornerstone while I was a teacher here, and my grandson attended Cornerstone from infancy through pre-kindergarten.

Fey Saeteurn
Assistant School Director

With over 24 years of experience in Early Childhood Education, I have held various roles at Cornerstone Children’s Center, including lead teacher, program coordinator, and now Assistant Director. Each position has allowed me to cultivate a deep understanding of child development and the nuances of fostering a nurturing educational environment. My commitment to quality education is reflected in my professional growth and in the relationships I’ve built with students, families, and staff.

My educational background features an Associate of Science Degree in Early Childhood Development, complemented by a Master Teacher Credential and completion of Site Director courses. I am a proud alumnus of Contra Costa College, where I actively contribute as a volunteer mentor to the ECHD program. Supporting Early Childhood students is a role I cherish deeply, as it allows me to give back to the community that shaped my own educational journey and guide the next generation of educators.

I believe that every child can reach their fullest potential in learning. When parents and teachers collaborate, we create a thriving environment that nurtures curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning. I strive to foster this partnership at Cornerstone, ensuring that each child feels valued and inspired to grow, explore, and succeed.

Our Teachers

Along with having a passion for children and years of experience, all of our teachers have completed coursework in Early Childhood Development, consisting of classes in Child Growth & Development, Child/ Family and Community, and Program & Curriculum). Our Nursery teachers are also required to complete coursework in Infant & Toddler Development. All Cornerstone teachers meet the requirements mandated by Community Care licensing for working in the field of Early Childhood Education.

To ensure that our teachers are always ready and able to provide the best possible care, we require that they maintain certification in First Aid/CPR and offer both on- and off-site opportunities for professional growth through workshops and training conferences.