David Gardella

Nature/Science Specialist – Helen Diller Family Preschool

Youth & Family

David has been a teacher at the JCCSF since 2007. Over the years he has taught both youth and adult art classes through the recreation department, afterschool program, summer camp and during holidays and special events. In 2010, along with teaching art, David developed a gardening curriculum on the JCCSF rooftop for the afterschool program. In 2013 it expanded into the JCCSF Urban Gardening program which included ongoing classes and workshops for a wide range of adult and youth participants. Since 2019 David has been the Helen Diller Family Preschool Nature and Science Specialist. He loves the experience of working with preschool age children and being able to witness their infectious joy and curiosity whenever they are immersed in nature-based learning environments.

Away from the JCCSF, David volunteers with and is on the governing council of the Mycological Society of San Francisco where he directs an annual foray camp in Mendocino along with leading mushroom forays throughout Northern California. During his down time you may find him out on a run, needlefelting monsters, experimenting different ways of cooking and fermenting, and traveling around the bay area looking for new adventures with his son.