Born from a shared promise as parents.
Stephanie Chan
CO-FOUNDER & LEAD EDUCATOR
For over a decade, I've taught kindergarten right here in Fremont Unified. I love teaching, but working deep inside the public school system showed me how early the institutional pressure starts, and how easily a child's natural joy and curiosity for learning can get lost in a rigid, one-size-fits-all box. I wanted a daily rhythm for my own kid that makes room for emotional resilience, unhurried outdoor play, and feeling safe with the people around them, not just keeping up with academic benchmarks.
I bring that same decade in the classroom to MeadowLab, building a place where every child feels safe enough to be fully themselves and curious enough to keep asking why.
Yesha Bavishi
CO-FOUNDER, EDUCATOR & DESIGNER
I have spent my career using design thinking to solve complex problems. When considering how my daughter’s educational journey would unfold, I knew I wanted a path where she could fully be herself, explore her wild curiosity, and preserve her natural empathy. This initiative grows out of my belief in regenerative living, giving kids the freedom to learn at a natural pace and caring for their whole well-being.
At MeadowLab, I bring that same instinct for taking an idea from question to prototype, guiding kids through design thinking as they learn to notice what others need, try out ideas, and keep improving them. Along the way, they build empathy, confidence, and comfort with making mistakes.
What families say about Stephanie
From parents whose kids were in her kindergarten classroom
“Learning how to be a student, navigate friendships, manage emotions, and feel comfortable being part of a classroom community... Stephanie puts so much thought and care into creating a balanced learning environment where children can grow at their own pace while still being challenged and supported. We’re so excited to see her bring that same philosophy to MeadowLab.”
Jen & Doug, parents of a former student
“She is not a teacher who just teaches ABC’s and numbers... My kids had her as their Kindergarten teacher and it was impressive to see how their English skill and life skill got improved within a year.”
Yuri, parent of two former students
“She was very open to collaboration and helped us carry ideas and techniques that worked at school into our home and vice versa. We always felt like we were a team... We only wish we could have her for every grade!”
Namrata, parent of a former student
“She created a classroom environment that made him excited to learn and eager to come to school every day... He is now thriving in first grade, and much of that progress began with the support and encouragement she provided during kindergarten.”
Dhei, parent of a former student
Living systems, room to grow.
We think of a kid, a community, and the environment as living systems, not things to optimize toward one result. That means providing the right conditions and the right amount of structure, then trusting the kid to grow in their own direction. It's also where the name MeadowLab comes from: a meadow grows on its own, within a natural structure, not because someone planned every plant's position.
Vision
To nurture happy, healthy, and resilient learners equipped to navigate the world on their own terms.
Mission
MeadowLab cultivates slow, intentional learning environments where kids master foundational skills, follow their innate curiosity, and grow into resilient, empathetic human beings.
Our Values.
AGENCY
We choose our own pace. We feel safe to try.
CURIOSITY
We ask questions. We follow what interests us.
COMMUNITY
We learn by doing things together. We belong here.
EMPATHY
We listen and care for each other. We lead with kindness.