Last Friday, a daycare drop-off in Bayview ended in unthinkable loss for a San Francisco family, and investigators are still working to understand how their 3-month-old daughter died. What began as a normal handoff has turned into a painful search for answers that may take weeks or longer to fully unfold.
What Family Members Say Happened
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Gwenisha Terrell dropped off 3-month-old Cya and her older sister at Mama Nida’s Loving Arms Childcare on Kirkwood Avenue around 8 AM. Terrell said she was told a few hours later that the baby had stopped breathing after choking on milk. San Francisco fire Lt. Mariano Elias said responders received a 911 call at 11:18 AM for a child who was not breathing, and the baby was taken to UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Police later said there was no evidence of foul play at that stage.
What Licensing Records Show
San Francisco Department of Early Childhood records list Mama Nida’s Loving Arms Childcare as a licensed family child care home under Anita M. Saulny-Green. The program is also listed in the city’s early learning network under license 384002022.
Another Local Tragedy Has Parents On Edge
Recent child-care tragedies have already left many San Francisco parents feeling wary about home-based programs. Hoodline previously reported on a separate South of Market tragedy this spring, a reminder that each new investigation can leave families waiting in limbo long after first responders clear the scene.
More Scrutiny Is Likely Ahead
The SF Chronicle also reported that Mama Nida’s received two complaints in 2024, but all three allegations were found unsubstantiated and no citations were issued. In the meantime, the Terrell family has launched a GoFundMe to help cover funeral costs, lost wages and counseling as they navigate their grief and wait for official findings.
