Respectful Care, Rooted in
Experience & Philosophy.
Meet our team and learn about the philosophy guiding Cherry Ridge.
Donna Hogeland Stusser
Founder
Cherry Ridge Family Daycare is the fulfillment of a lifelong journey in Early Childhood Education—one that began with my very first job in high school as an associate at Four Seasons Daycare in Philadelphia, PA.
Over the past 40 years, I have pursued extensive training that makes this work deeply fulfilling, including earning a Waldorf teaching certificate. I am a candidate to become a Pikler® Pedagogue (pikler.hu).
Throughout my career, I’ve worn many hats: postpartum doula, preschool teacher, live-in and daytime nanny, full-time mom, and homemaker. I facilitated parent-infant and toddler classes at Summerfield Waldorf School for 20 years.
What continues to awe me is the deep connection the children form with one another and the joy they experience simply being together. It brings me great pleasure to share my home of 28 years with the Cherry Ridge daycare families.
Maya
Educator
As both a dedicated caregiver and a mother of a teenager, Maya brings a blend of professional experience and personal insight to her work with children. She finds great joy in supporting young children as they grow, explore, and discover the world around them.
Her journey in childcare spans over 30 years. She specializes in one-on-one caregiving, including former international work as an au pair. She also has experience assisting with the Roots and Shoots program at Summerfield Waldorf School.
Outside of Cherry Ridge Daycare, Maya is a professional seamstress and enjoys reading, walking, spending time with loved ones, and volunteering on handwork projects and class trips through her daughter’s school.
Fernanda
Educator
Bio Coming Soon!
Charlotte
Educator Trainor
Charlotte’s work is rooted in the belief that every child deserves to be seen, heard, and understood, and that the quality of the relationships around them shapes their sense of safety, self, and belonging. She work alongside those closest to children—parents, families, early years settings, practitioners, and wider communities—supporting them to cultivate environments where children can truly thrive. At the heart of her work is deep, attuned connection, grounded in the principles of the Pikler approach.
Charlotte’s journey with Emmi Pikler’s work began in 2018, when she first integrated Pikler ideas into her own childcare setting. This gave Charlotte a lived understanding of how respectful care, autonomy, and slowing down can profoundly shape children’s experiences. Since 2023, she has extended this work through consultancy, training, and hands-on support, including international collaboration and delivering training in Respectful Care. She is currently completing her final thesis to become a Pikler Professional. Living in Cumbria, UK, nature plays an integral role in both her life and practice, offering endless opportunities for connection, regulation, and wonder.
Our Philosophy
Respectful Care & Natural Rhythm
Inspired by the work of Dr. Emmi Pikler (1902–1984) and the Pikler Institute in Hungary, we practice and embody respectful caregiving, ensuring children feel secure in their connection to their caregivers. Pikler’s approach closely aligns with the R.I.E. philosophy of Magda Gerber.
We honor each child’s journey toward becoming an independent and confident self, encouraging self-initiated play, healthy movement, and the freedom to explore.
Our program also reflects Waldorf values, nurturing a deep relationship with the natural and spiritual worlds. Toys and playthings are chosen thoughtfully to gently educate the child’s senses.
Each day, we cultivate a profound sense of joy and wonder as we spend time together, discovering the natural world around us.
"In the child - and even in the infant - there is, by nature, an inexhaustible and ever increasing interest in the world and in himself (herself)"
-Dr. Emmi Pikler
General Information
The Essentials
We are a California State Licensed Large Family Daycare
License Number 493010295
Focusing on the care of infants and toddlers, ages 4 months to 3 years.
Nestled on a ridge between Sebastopol and Occidental, on the ancestral land of the Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo tribes.
We are primarily an outdoor program where children eat, sleep (some, but not all), and play surrounded by birdsong, gentle breezes, sunshine, light rain, and fresh air. We take regular walks and tend to our gardens, harvesting seasonal fruits and even enjoying edible herbs and flowers.
Hours
Monday through Wednesday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Tuition
Please inquire here.
Note
All children must enroll for all three days, but you can create a schedule that works best for your family.
Handbook Link
Downloadable PDF of Cherry Ridge Handbook
