Michele Masjedi
Meet Michele.
A wife, mother, sister, well-respected Director, and overall BOSS, Michele has been a pillar of our community for over 20 years building and directing early childhood educational programs for young children and helping raise children into young people who can advocate for themselves.
About the Legend
Introduce yourself!
Hi! I am Michele. I am the proud mother of 3 teens, Elijah 18, Ethan, 15, and Eliana 14. I am a dedicated Early Childhood Educator who believes that all children deserve quality care. For the last 19 years, I have owned and operated centers for children 0-5 years old. My goal is to continue to open more programs and share my passion for children and families in our local and surrounding communities.
Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband Yehouda and will celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary this August but have been together for 31 years. We have 3 amazing children, 1 dog that we love like another child and feel that family is the single most precious gift there is. We are blessed to have a large extended family that we hang out with often.
What are you passionate about? What do you love about what you do?
I am most passionate about children and families. However, I also found a love of baking (thanks, Pandemic!) particularly gluten-free baking as my daughter has Celiac Disease. I also love to travel and Netflix & Chill with my family.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My children being so kind, compassionate, well rounded, and loved by everyone they meet.
What inspires you?
Connections! Creating relationships with families and children, watching them grow through the years and succeed on their paths is a rush like no other. There is no guide/rule book for parents. Helping them find joy, grace, and humor in parenting is very important to me.
What is something on your bucket list?
Travel to Israel with my family.
Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
With 2-3 more Centers! Fingers crossed!
What is something interesting about yourself that most people don't know about you?
I am a real-life valley girl! Like "fur sure!" I grew up in the San Fernando Valley.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Time is constant and alway moving. Hang on, the hard times will pass. Hold on to every "good" moment as those fly by too. Be present. Make memories!
Your South Pasadena Story
Tell us your South Pasadena story! How did you come to live or work in this community?
I came to South Pasadena in 2002 to run a child care center and then opened my own in 2004. I have lived here every since and my children were all born and raised here and attended MHS, SPMS, and SPHS. Elijah just graduated, Ethan will continue and Eliana will begin high school this fall.
How long have you lived or worked in our community?
21 years
What words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word "HOME"?
Small town feel in the middle of a big city.
What are some of your favorite restaurants or businesses in South Pasadena?
Mike & Ann's, Heirloom, Tokaro, Jamba, I love the small stores, boutiques, and family-owned businesses.
What is your go-to "happy place" in South Pasadena?
Farmer’s Market
What local landmark, business, organization, etc. feels to you like it captures the South Pasadena spirit?
Misson Street, our Chamber of Commerce, the library and senior center
What is your favorite community event or social outing in South Pasadena?
4th of July or Thursdays-Farmer's Market. I also love the summer concerts in the park.
What are your hopes and dreams for our community?
That as we grow, we think of how we need room to support our young learners in ECE and elementary school. I miss the small classrooms and small-town education feel.
What do you think makes South Pasadena so special?
The people!!!
Some Fun Stuff!
What is the last show you binged? What show(s) are you hooked on right now?
Shrinked. Firefly Lane. Always Law & Order-any version and I love foreign shows.
What are your top three favorite MOVIES?
Grease, Forrest Gump, Pretty Woman
What are your top three favorite SONGS?
I Hope You Dance, Through The Years, and All of Me
What is your favorite band? What is your favorite album?
Anything 80's and 90's
What is your favorite holiday? Favorite season? Or even a favorite date in general?
Hanukkah, Winter, Thanksgiving
Who is your favorite artist? What kind of visual art inspires you?
Claude Monet
Help spread the word and celebrate our Legend! Download the images below to share as posts and/or stories on social media and congratulate our Legend and share their story with our community! Be sure to tag @LegendsofSouthPasadena so that we can give you a shout-out on our social media.
