Meet Kids Konnect Pacifica’s Owner
Jheel Jawharkar
Our Owner’s Story
Welcome to Kids Konnect Pacifica! My name is Jheel Jawharkar, and I am the proud owner of this preschool. As a mom of identical twin 13-year-old girls who once toddled their way through preschool themselves, I've experienced firsthand the magic and the challenges of this special time. After nearly two decades leading product management in the tech world, I made a life-changing decision to follow my heart and start a second career in early childhood education.
For me, this school is more than a place where children learn their ABCs—it’s a community where children feel safe to explore, families feel supported, and lasting friendships are built. I truly believe that preschool should nurture not only kids, but also parents, giving everyone a sense of belonging and connection.
From Tech to Teaching
After almost two decades in tech, I realized that while I was proud of building digital products, I wanted my work to feel more personal and lasting. The turning point came when I asked myself, "Where do I want to make the most impact?" The answer was clear. Supporting children and families during their most important early years. I remember how I felt sending my own girls to preschool. It can be overwhelming, but with the right support, it can also be magical. That's when I decided to purchase this preschool and begin a new chapter.
My tech background has been surprisingly useful in this new career. I've brought with me the principles of building and mentoring teams, creating products that people love, and always looking at problems as opportunities to learn. I also carry a “growth mindset” culture into the school, encouraging teachers and children alike to try, make mistakes, and try again. In tech, curiosity and experimentation were the keys to innovation, and I've carried that here by creating a school environment that celebrates exploration, imagination, and problem-solving. Learning isn't about memorizing facts—it’s about asking questions, discovering answers, and building confidence.
A Foundation of Empathy and Inclusion
As a woman and a minority in the business world, there were times I had to fight to be heard. That challenging experience taught me resilience and the importance of creating truly inclusive spaces. I carry that lesson forward by making sure every child and family feels seen, valued, and respected.
As a mom of twin girls, I've seen firsthand how differently children learn and grow. I've built our school's culture around respecting those differences while also celebrating diversity in all its forms. Inclusion, kindness, and belonging are at the heart of everything we do. My greatest hope for our students, especially the young girls and children of color, is that they grow up believing their voices matter, that they can dream big, and that who they are is enough.
The most rewarding part of running a preschool, compared to tech, are the little moments. Watching a toddler find their voice, a child write their name for the first time, or friendships form on the playground—those moments are more meaningful to me than any corporate milestone I ever hit.
My educational philosophy can be described in three words: Curiosity. Community. Confidence. I hope families will remember this as a place where their children felt safe, loved, and encouraged to explore. Just as importantly, I want it to be remembered as a community where parents built friendships, shared experiences, and felt supported on the journey of raising young children. My dream is that this school plants the seeds of confidence, connection, and curiosity that last long after preschool.