About Us


Nifty Gems philosophy is one that encompasses the whole child. Our teachings are based on eclectic beliefs that focus on meeting the individual needs of each child. We strive to enhance the child’s learning experience socially, emotionally, academically and physically. This website is designed to provide ideas and activities that make learning fun and exciting. We believe that students need to be challenged at their own developmental level. We have created different avenues for teachers and parents to meet their students/child’s needs through the use of Bloom’s Taxonomy Higher Level Thinking, Howard’s Gardener’s Multiple Intelligences as well as Early Childhood Education philosophies.

Nifty Gems vision is to strengthen curriculum as well enhance instruction in the educational field or at home. For teachers, we want to eliminate stress and assist in helping to create a classroom that is organized with activities that serves a purpose. Through the use of our activities and worksheets, we hope to meet the individual needs of all your students. As for parents, this website will provide step-by-step ideas on how to enhance your child’s social and academic growth from home. We want to provide the tools needed to teach or reinforce what is taught in school. Our vision is to continue to create products that make learning meaningful.

Mary Ann Villuan-Santiago has been an educator since 1991. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in early childhood education. Currently, she obtained her Master’s Degree in Education and is pursuing another master’s degree in the field of child psychology. She worked in a developmental preschool for 8 years, started and directed a preschool for 6 years, and is now working in the elementary level for Los Angeles Unified School District. Mary Ann has worked with Down Hill Publishing (creators of Fonts4Teachers) and has made contributions to their published works. She will also collaborate with Downhill Publishing to provide workshops for kindergarten teachers. She has written and co-written several grants such as the Kirk and Anne Douglas Grant and Fedco grants to help enhance the learning experience for each child at her school. Mary Ann Villuan-Santiago serves as the grade level chair for her kindergarten grade level and acts as a mentor teacher to colleagues from neighboring schools, student teachers and college interns. She is currently working at Limerick Avenue Elementary as a kindergarten teacher. Her goals are to infuse both early childhood education practices with that of the elementary education philosophies. Learning for her should entail experiences that are not only educational but also fun.