David Allen-Hughes is world traveler, philanthropist, and entrepreneur. He has an impressive pedigree, and an even stronger love and respect for children.

David, who started his career around the corner on Shady Lane as 5-year-old lemonade stand “entrepreneur”, is known as a friend to our community. David is the founder of several businesses including multi-location day camps (Camp Doodles), an overnight summer camp (Marin Ranch Camp), as well as The Marin Camp Fair. Additionally, David purchased the once struggling Swirl (FroYo) in San Anselmo in 2017 and quickly turned it into a thriving business. David has sold all of the aforementioned businesses. Thanks to his past experiences, his family follows the rule: “if we see a lemonade stand, we must stop and support”, which also goes along with, “if we can help, we do”.

David is an educator who holds a Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential as well as a Master of Education from Dominican University, and has worked as both an elementary school teacher and principal. Additionally, David holds several Child Development Permits from the state of California including a “Master Teacher” permit, a “Site Supervisor” permit, and the very highest preschool license possible, “Program Director”. Even with all of these credentials and certifications, David is a lifelong learner who has participated in countless Professional Development programs, including international learning trips to the Green School in Bali, Indonesia, as well as a training program in Reggio Emilia, Italy, where he became truly “Reggio Inspired”.

While the education speaks for itself, it is often the intangibles that really help to define one’s experiences. David was born in Africa to a Swiss mother and a British father. He then attended preschool in France before moving to downtown Ross. He attended Ross School, then moved to Mill Valley and finally to prep/boarding school on the East Coast. As an adult, David spent a few years abroad working and studying in Europe, including a stint as a bartender at a nightclub in Aix-en-Provence and then later as an English teacher at the prestigious Lycee Michel Montaigne in Bordeaux, France.

David is a former EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) and Red Cross CPR and First Aid instructor, and used to work on medical response teams at special events and concerts. David also has been certified through the ServSafe Food Safety Manager Program and successfully completed his California Child Care Preventive Health and Safety program certificate. It’s no surprise the #1 rule at The Ross Preschool is “Be Safe” (#2 is “Be Kind”, #3 is "Be Responsible", #4 is "Keep Trying" and #5 is "Have FUN!").

In addition to the preschool, David is actively involved in other aspects of our community. David and his wife, Lily (also from Ross), are often seen enjoying a game of Pickle Ball at the Lagunitas Country Club in Ross, playing at Pixie Park (Lily & David are both on the board of Pixie Park), and more casually romping around downtown Ross and San Anselmo with their sweet, strong daughter (Annabelle, born November 2017) and their son (August, born January 2022). David believes in giving back to his community and is often seen raising guide dog puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind, volunteering with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and offering to help support community events.