About Us
Mission Statement
Nature Nurture Playhouse is committed to providing nurturing, inclusive, and dynamic environments where children and families are celebrated for their individuality and supported to reach their fullest potential through secure attachments, natural play, and diverse learning experiences. What sets us apart is our innovative holistic approach as we utilize a multi-disciplinary model comprised of various research-based pedagogies and practices.
Values
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: We create an inclusive environment where all families are valued and
respected.
Secure Attachments: We nurture strong emotional bonds between children, families, and caregivers.
Play-Based Learning: We engage children and adults in meaningful, joyful, and hands-on activities that
align with their interests and abilities.
Nature-Based Learning: We emphasize the importance of outdoor play and nature exploration, for
children and caregivers alike.
Child-Led Approach: We recognize children as capable, self-directed learners, utilizing the environment
as the “third teacher”.
Trauma-Informed Care: We ensure a supportive and empathetic approach to all children and families.
Research-Backed Practices: We utilize up-to-date proven methodologies to foster holistic child and
family development.
Affordable Quality Care: We believe affordable quality childcare should be accessible for all families, as
well as social resources and professional support.
Meet the Team
Danielle Dunham
Danielle Dunham
Danielle Dunham
M.S. Human + Family Development
B.A. Child Development
Founder and Director
With a passion for fostering secure attachments, play-based learning, and holistic child development, Danielle Dunham leads our program with dedication and expertise as a child and family development specialist. Danielle has spent the past decade enriching lives as a
M.S. Human + Family Development
B.A. Child Development
Founder and Director
With a passion for fostering secure attachments, play-based learning, and holistic child development, Danielle Dunham leads our program with dedication and expertise as a child and family development specialist. Danielle has spent the past decade enriching lives as a preschool teacher and director, before founding her own family and childcare consulting business and homeschool cooperative. Her professional journey includes extensive work in social services, including family case management at The San Diego Rescue Mission and Father Joe's Villages. Danielle's certifications in trauma-informed care and conflict resolution underscore her commitment to the well-being of children and families as a whole unit. In addition to valuing social-emotional development and whole-family support, Danielle holds credentials in various education methodologies such as but not limited to Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio, Charlotte Mason, and RIE, with an emphasis on play-based and child-led learning. Her commitment is to provide a nurturing environment where children and families are loved, valued, and supported to reach their fullest potential. After having a child of her own in 2022, Danielle has doubled down on her passion for helping parents as she grows through raising a family of her own.
Cynthia Velasquez
Danielle Dunham
Danielle Dunham
B.A. Child Development
Infant Specialist + Parent Educator
With a specialization in infant development and a whole-hearted dedication to supporting families, Cynthia is a real life “Mary Poppins”. Leading with a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development from Point Loma Nazarene, Cynthia has served as an early childhood educator for over a deca
B.A. Child Development
Infant Specialist + Parent Educator
With a specialization in infant development and a whole-hearted dedication to supporting families, Cynthia is a real life “Mary Poppins”. Leading with a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development from Point Loma Nazarene, Cynthia has served as an early childhood educator for over a decade and holds certifications in RIE and Montessori methodologies. With extensive knowledge in infant care topics like breast and bottle feeding, sleep habits, and safety, Cynthia is an excellent support for new mothers and families with infants. She also has experience in program administration, licensing support, and assistant directing. Cynthia is the mother of two beautiful children herself and enjoys spending time outdoors with her family. Her expertise and commitment to the well-being of all families is unmatched, we are so grateful to have her on our team!
Ellie Coburn
Danielle Dunham
Deanna Barton
B.S. Biocultural Anthropology
M.E. Early Childhood Education
Family Specialist + Parent Educator
As an award-winning children’s photographer, a credentialed substitute teacher, an infant nanny, a foster parent to 16 incredible children, and a postpartum doula with more than 50,000 hours of hands-on experience working with children of all age
B.S. Biocultural Anthropology
M.E. Early Childhood Education
Family Specialist + Parent Educator
As an award-winning children’s photographer, a credentialed substitute teacher, an infant nanny, a foster parent to 16 incredible children, and a postpartum doula with more than 50,000 hours of hands-on experience working with children of all ages, Ellie is a powerhouse for all things family related. Academically, Ellie holds Associate of Arts degrees in Psychology, Anthropology, and Political Science from San Diego Mesa College, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Biocultural Anthropology with a minor in History from Oregon State University. Currently, she is also pursuing her Master of Education in Early Childhood Education. Ellie is a certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator with over 475 training hours on topics related to early childhood development, trauma-informed care, and early literacy. Ellie is also the owner and director of a successful home daycare Phoenix House. Phoenix House is her heart project born at the intersection of her lived professional and academic experiences. Ellie is also the mother of two beautiful children. Ellie’s diverse experiences and heart for care are one of our biggest team assets, we are so grateful to have her on our team!
Deanna Barton
Danielle Dunham
Deanna Barton
Associate's Child Development
Doula + Post-Partum Specialist
While actively serving as a preschool and early childhood educator for the past five years, Deanna has grown in her passion for post-partum care and maternity support. She is currently working on achieving her degree in Nursing with an emphasis on midwifery. Deanna is an advocate
Associate's Child Development
Doula + Post-Partum Specialist
While actively serving as a preschool and early childhood educator for the past five years, Deanna has grown in her passion for post-partum care and maternity support. She is currently working on achieving her degree in Nursing with an emphasis on midwifery. Deanna is an advocate for mother-led child birthing and has expertise as a two-time surrogate and mother herself. She leads our team in all things post-partum and doula related, currently working on her doula certification. As a surrogate and mother of a beautiful child herself, she is also well-versed in secure family attachments and development. Deanna’s commitment to patient care and midwifery, coupled with her extensive knowledge in navigating family dynamics and growth, make her an excellent and appreciated member of our team!