About Us
Stephanie Agnew 
A former elementary school teacher, I worked in publishing before the birth of my son in 2004. I opened Happy Baby in early 2005 for many reasons: I love kids and am glad to be working with them again, especially in early childhood. I'm thrilled to bring a quality service to my community.
A student in Child Development, I began graduate school for a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education at fall 2007, at Sonoma State University, which emphasizes play-based, constructivist learning. I am especially interested in the role of nature in children's lives, and how modern children are often disconnected from natural environments. I have a B.A. in English from Mills College, as well. Currently I am implementing Reggio Emilia inspired practices with toddlers, working with their interests to develop our "messy" activities and focusing on our relationship and the relationships they build with each other, as well as studying the effects of documentation and conflict managment. I appreciate and study the work of Bev Bos, Magda Gerber, Alfie Kohn, Howard Gardner, and especially the Reggio Emilia approach. Recently I was appointed to the Berkeley Early Childhood Education Commissioner, allowing me to bring my passion for education to a public forum.
Personally, I enjoy hiking and camping with my family, gardening, reading, yoga, and getting to know the children I work with and their families.
Tracie Vittore
From the time I was 9 years told, I knew I wanted to work in child care. I started babysitting when I was 12 years old and built the skills I need to receive a Certificate in Child Care Occupations. While working as an aid at Bermuda Dunes Learning Center in the Coachella Valley, I completed 8 ECE (early childhood education) units from the University of California, Riverside. Currently, I am a co-teacher at Happy Baby in Berkeley, California and a part-time babysitter/nanny. (For more information about Tracie's babysitting and nanny services, please refer to her website.) I love to sing, dance, and teach children. It is my true passion and purpose and where I feel most in my element. When I'm not working with kids I knit, sew, scrapbook, bake, and do photography.
Josi Rosky
Josi grew up in Berkeley, and now lives in Oakland with her husband, son, and large dog. She graduated from Le Cordon Rouge Culinary School and spent 18 years cooking at restaurants and bakeries around the bay area. After reassessing her life and realizing that she is happiest outdoors and around children, she went back to school and earned her early childhood education units at The Association of Children’s Services in Oakland. She’s worked at a variety of preschool settings most recently Garden Day and Apple Garden Montessori’s. Believing that if a child’s first relationships with teachers are that of warmth and trust it sets the tone for future educational ease.
Marcus Chapple
In 1995 when I first started working with kids I knew I was beginning a career path full of great joy and learning. I have spent the last seven years at Prospect Sierra School working in the afterschool and morning care with young people from the ages of 5-13. Currently I am studying to complete a certification for teaching in preschools and am very grateful for the opportunity to work at Happy Baby Small School. Theexperiences that I have had at HBSS are helping me understand the importance of working with young children and I am very appreciative of all the wonderful interactions and lessons to be had andlearned.
"My daughter Charlotte thrived at Happy Baby, she got really dirty, which meant (to me anyway) that she was allowed to explore at her own pace, to her own interests.”
—Shauna Fithian