Co-founder/Director

I'm Geoff Ramsey-Ray, co-founder and director of Village Playgarden, known to the children as Papa Geoff. The school was founded in 2008 by myself and my late partner, Kikanza Ramsey-Ray, whose vision and inspiration continue to shape our community today. With over 30 years of experience in education, nature camps, nonprofit leadership, and community organizing, I remain deeply committed to child-led, play-based learning rooted in connection and care. As a father of three grown children and a lifelong advocate for gentle, nature-centered education, I’m honored to support families in these foundational years. I’m fluent in Spanish, and I enjoy pottery, horseback riding, photography, and carpentry.

Waldorf Mentor Teacher, Parenting class teacher

With over 30 years of experience in child development—especially in sensory integration—I bring a deep love of creativity, connection, and early childhood education to Village Playgarden. I became a certified Waldorf teacher in 1999 and have taught at both the Santa Monica and Pasadena Waldorf Schools. For ten years, I owned and led A Place to Create, an art school for young children in Atwater Village. I’ve also taught at Pasadena City College and led community arts initiatives through the Armory Center for the Arts.

I love exploring many different art media, especially weaving, and I cherish time outdoors with my dog, Cleatus. I’m honored to be part of the joyful, thriving community here at Village Playgarden.

Lead Teacher

I've been an early childhood educator for over 30 years. After starting at a small Montessori school and spending a decade as a lead teacher in a mainstream preschool, I found something truly special at Village Playgarden in 2010. I immediately felt at home with the land and the Waldorf-inspired approach. I was mentored by Kikanza for 10 years and have been a lead teacher since 2020. I continue my Waldorf studies with guidance from Molly Cleator and find deep joy in growing alongside the children each year. Supporting their natural rhythms and wonder is the heart of my work. I love dance, yoga, and traveling with friends and family. My perfect day includes my son Gabriel, the beach, and my Husky, Maze.

Childcare Center Director, Lead Teacher

I'm Jasmine Starr Partida, director and teacher at Village Playgarden. I hold a B.S. in Child Development from San Diego State University and have spent the past decade teaching in play-based preschools that nurture the whole child.

I've been part of the VPG community for four years, and as a mother to an almost six-year-old son, I feel honored to walk this parenting journey alongside you. I am fluent in Spanish, and in my free time, I enjoy yoga, journaling, and quiet moments with my family.

I look forward to welcoming you and your little ones into our warm and joyful community.

Administrator/Bookkeeper

I hold degrees in Business Management and Psychology, and earned my M.A. in Child Psychology from Pepperdine University. For five years, I taught children ages 3–6 at a Reggio-inspired school in Glendale, and I’m grateful to now bring my love for nurturing young children to Village Playgarden. I'm a devoted mother of three boys and stay active in our community as a school volunteer, team mom, and scout leader. When I’m not in the classroom, I love hiking with my dogs and camping with my family.