:: Beginning Steps To Independence ::

Beginning Steps to Independence

383 Spar Avenue
San Jose, CA 95117

(408)-260-2226
(408)-260-2228 Fax

	Eleonóra (Nora) Tamásné, our Senior Conductor, graduated as a conductor/teacher from the International Peto Institute in Hungary in 1992. Nora comes from a family of teachers and feels her fate was predetermined. “Choosing the Peto Institute was one of the best choices I ever made”. For her first ten years she was running and developing Conductive Education Programs in the United Kingdom. Her special areas of work include Mommy & Me Groups, Pre-School and Kindergarten as well as sessional services for children who attend full time mainstream education. She joined Beginning Steps to Independence in 2006 and has been leading both home and center-based Early Intervention Programs. “I am enjoying the great opportunities to get to know the American culture, education and life. I am also very fortunate to have my son and husband here with me. I love geography and my life-long dream came true when I visited the Grand Canyons and Niagara Falls.”
	Judit Soptei, Senior Conductor, graduated as a conductor/teacher from The International Peto Institute in Hungary. Before coming to BSTII she worked in centers in Europe and in England and as a private conductor. Judit loves the outdoors, the arts and most of all, spending time with her daughter.
	Alicia Chatham, the newest member of our staff, is a recent graduate of Aquinas College in Michigan where she received her BA degree as an Elementary & POHI Teacher. She is also a graduate of the International Peto Institute in Budapest, Hungary where she received her conductor-teacher certification. Alicia’s first experience at BSTII was last year when she interned with us for three months. We are excited to welcome her back full-time in her new role, a qualified conductor/teacher. Alicia is excited to start her new life in California! In her free time she enjoys spending time at the beach, going to concerts, and traveling.
	Sabina Haas, teacher’s assistant, has been at BSTII almost from our inception and will soon celebrate her 10th year with us. She has two young adult children. Sabina has an AA degree in early childhood education and has worked closely with speech therapists and behavioral specialists gaining informal, valuable knowledge. Not the least of her qualifications is the many years of practical hands-on experience as the mother of a child with special needs. When Sabina has time, she enjoys spending time with friends, reading and hiking with her dog.
	Kirsi Niva, teacher’s assistant, is a native of Finland where she received her degree as an Occupational Therapist. Her husband’s job brought them to the US where she has been a full-time mom to two daughters. Since early 2007 she brings her unique skills to BSTII and compliments our team. She enjoys the professional atmosphere at BSTII and a rewarding work with children. At free time she participates in her daughters’ activities, and loves to take long walks with her husband, and their chocolate Labrador retriever.