Alissa Contreras has served as a board member and board secretary since 2025. She joined the board to support the school community and bring her unique perspective as a librarian who works closely with children, fostering curiosity, independence, and a love of learning.
In addition to her professional background, Alissa studied child development to better support her two sons in becoming their true selves. She chose Peregrine School for its emphasis on the Reggio Emilia philosophy, drawn to its focus on collaboration, creativity, and integration of nature and the arts. She believes the school offers an ideal environment for nurturing adaptable, compassionate, and independent thinkers.
Alissa particularly values the school’s use of inquiry-based learning. She recalls one of her son’s classroom projects that began with an open-ended question about catastrophes, which prompted students to explore the concept from multiple angles—personal, societal, and environmental. With no single right answer, the discussion encouraged deep philosophical thinking, offering 8- to 10-year-olds an opportunity to engage with complex ideas in a meaningful way.
Outside of her professional and volunteer roles, Alissa enjoys sewing, embroidery, Pilates, and hiking in Marin County—especially the trails of Point Reyes and Mount Tamalpais.