Our Staff

Most, if not all, of our teachers are CPR and First Aid certified. All teachers have at least 12 ECE’s and either hold or are working toward a CDE Permit.
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Meet our team!

Ms. Deidre

Owner & Executive Director

Ms. Deidre, our preschool's Executive Director and co-owner, has dedicated over four decades to early childhood education and childcare, including obtaining her Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education. Her journey began as a young mother relying on a state-funded childcare program to finish her degree in Physics. This pivotal experience deepened her understanding of the importance of accessible education. This experience enabled her to pursue her education and inspired her lifelong commitment to helping families in need.

Today, she works tirelessly to ensure that most students at our preschool receive free or subsidized care. She knows firsthand how essential this support can be and is dedicated to ensuring families in our community have access to the same opportunities she did. Beyond the classroom, Deidre enjoys gardening, cooking, traveling, and crocheting.

Ms. Claudia

Director

Ms. Claudia is a compassionate and visionary leader who serves as the Director of our preschool. She holds an associate degree in Child Development, a Certificate of Achievement in Early Education, and a Child Development Site Supervisor Permit from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Ms. Claudia is pursuing her BA in Child Development, reflecting her belief that learning is a lifelong journey.

As Director, Ms. Claudia is pivotal in establishing a trusting and safe environment where parents feel confident in their children’s care and education. She prioritizes recruiting highly qualified and compassionate teachers to ensure each child receives the best care and instruction. Her commitment to building strong relationships with families is evident in her approach to curriculum development, which includes exposure to diverse cultures and languages and invites families to participate in their children’s education.

Ms. Claudia’s teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that children thrive when given the freedom to explore, make mistakes, and face challenges in a supportive environment. Her curriculum, which promotes hands-on learning and creativity, is designed to meet the needs of diverse learners. In addition to her work with children, Ms. Claudia is deeply committed to staff development. She organizes bi-annual staff training and workshops, fostering continuous professional growth. Her belief in the ongoing learning of teachers is a cornerstone of her leadership.

Ms. Claudia's greatest fulfillment comes from being a positive role model for the children and a mentor to her staff, a reflection of the strong mentorship she received from influential women in her career. Her dedication is evident in her vision for the future of the preschool. She is committed to helping every child in the preschool learn, love, grow, trust, and become exceptional individuals. Her vision is to continue providing a nurturing environment that positively impacts both children and educators, fostering a sense of belonging, learning, and growth for everyone involved.

Ms. Karen

Office Manager

Ms. Karen is an enthusiastic and detail-oriented Office Manager who plays a vital role in supporting the day-to-day operations of our preschool. With an A.A. in Criminal Justice, Ms. Karen brings a unique blend of organizational and communication skills to the team. She excels at keeping the preschool’s administrative tasks in order, from maintaining accurate student files to using her beloved calendar to track important deadlines.

Ms. Karen ensures that communication between parents, teachers, and staff is streamlined and effective, utilizing tools like Procare and Slack to keep everyone informed and connected. She also assists in creating engaging materials like event flyers to keep the community involved.

Ms. Karen’s philosophy is centered around creating a positive, safe, and supportive environment, which allows children to express themselves confidently. Her teamwork and positive attitude help set the tone for the entire preschool. When not at work, Ms. Karen enjoys unwinding through painting, baking, and spending time with her family.

Ms. Jeniffer

Teacher, Tranquility

Ms. Jeniffer is an easy-going and devoted teacher with 25 years of experience in early childhood education. She holds a certificate in child development and has completed child development units, providing her with a strong foundation in nurturing young children’s growth and development. Her philosophy is simple yet profound: “Children learn through play.” She believes that through play, children are able to express themselves, explore their environment, and develop important cognitive and social skills.

Ms. Jeniffer is passionate about creating a respectful and understanding classroom where each child is valued for who they are. Her favorite part of teaching is watching children grow—both academically and personally—as they explore the world around them.

Outside of her teaching role, Ms. Jeniffer enjoys crafting, hiking, and camping, which allow her to connect with her creative side and enjoy the beauty of nature. She holds certificates in child development and is working towards completing her education with the goal of earning her BA in the near future.

Through her patient and kindhearted approach, Ms. Jeniffer continues to make a positive impact on the lives of the children she teaches, fostering a love for learning that they will carry with them into the future.

Ms. Sotheara

Teacher, Tranquility

Ms. Sotheara Tep is an empathetic and seasoned educator with more than ten years of experience in the field of early childhood education. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Family Studies and has passionately dedicated herself to fostering young minds through arts and crafts.

Ms. Sotheara's teaching philosophy centers around providing abundant love and interactive learning experiences, which she believes are crucial for children's growth and happiness. Her favorite aspect of teaching is observing children as they reach new developmental milestones.

When not in the classroom, Ms. Sotheara loves to enrich her life through travel and literature. She has lived in many states, which adds to her rich cultural understanding and versatility as an educator. Looking ahead, Ms. Sotheara aspires to open her own daycare facility and buy a house, continuing her journey of growth and dedication to early childhood education.

Ms. Vanessa

Teacher, Tranquility

Ms. Vanessa is a dedicated and compassionate infant teacher with a Bachelor of Science in Child Development and two years of experience in early childhood education. In addition to her degree, she holds a minor in Chicano Studies and a concentration in counseling and family services, which has equipped her with a broad understanding of child development within the context of family dynamics. Certified in CPR, Ms. Vanessa prioritizes the safety and well-being of every child in her care.

Her philosophy centers on being a "second parent" to the infants she teaches, offering them the patience, love, and care they need to thrive during their earliest stages of life. One of the most rewarding aspects of her job is witnessing the significant first milestones of the children—moments of growth and discovery that are deeply meaningful to her.
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Outside of her professional role, Ms. Vanessa enjoys spending time with her beloved dog, who brings her joy and comfort. She is inspired by the motto, "Never be afraid to start over again—new beginnings sometimes bring the best changes to your life," a perspective that reflects her open and optimistic approach to both life and teaching.
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From a young age, Ms. Vanessa knew she wanted to be a teacher, a passion that has driven her since the sixth grade. Looking ahead, she aims to continue refining her teaching methods, developing new strategies that enhance learning for her students. She also aspires to take on more leadership roles, contributing to the growth and success of her fellow educators and the children in her care.

Ms. Ana

Teacher, Tranquility

Ms. Ana is a warm and committed teacher in the Tranquility classroom with a B.A. in Child and Adolescent Development and seven years of experience in early childhood education. Over her six years working with toddlers and one year as a Pre-K teacher, she has cultivated a responsive and individualized approach to teaching. Having started her career in the Infant room, Ms. Ana believes in meeting children’s unique needs through play-based learning, allowing them to explore, discover, and grow at their own pace.

Ms. Ana’s favorite part of working with preschool children is experiencing their diverse personalities and the excitement they bring to learning. She finds joy in nurturing their curiosity and guiding them through their developmental milestones. Her philosophy is rooted in the belief that "It takes a big heart to teach little minds," and she strives to create a supportive and loving environment for every child in her care.

Outside of her teaching role, Ms. Ana enjoys road trips, hiking, and spending time with her husband and dog. Despite her love for travel, she has an interesting fear of driving on the freeway. However, this doesn’t stop her from exploring new places and enjoying the great outdoors. Looking toward the future, Ms. Ana aspires to become a mother within the next five years and hopes to take on a leadership role within the early education sector, continuing to make a positive impact on children’s lives.

Ms. Miriam

Teacher, Tranquility

Inspiring and expressive, Ms. Miriam brings her love of creativity and connection to the 2-year-old classroom at LPL North Long Beach. With seven years of experience in early childhood education and a foundation built on an AA degree and an early childhood education certification, she has grown from a childcare worker to a skilled CDC teacher.Ms. Miriam’s teaching approach emphasizes building self-confidence and fostering individual growth, always considering each child’s developmental stage. She especially loves incorporating art and music into the classroom to spark imagination and joy. One of her favorite parts of working with toddlers is witnessing their rapid growth and the small, everyday breakthroughs that mark big milestones in their development.Outside of work, Ms. Miriam enjoys dancing and singing just for fun, spending time with loved ones, shopping, and discovering new types of food. Her professional aspiration is to return to school to earn her bachelor's degree, and personally, she dreams of becoming a first-time homeowner.
Ms. Ana’s favorite part of working with preschool children is experiencing their diverse personalities and the excitement they bring to learning. She finds joy in nurturing their curiosity and guiding them through their developmental milestones. Her philosophy is rooted in the belief that "It takes a big heart to teach little minds," and she strives to create a supportive and loving environment for every child in her care.

Outside of her teaching role, Ms. Ana enjoys road trips, hiking, and spending time with her husband and dog. Despite her love for travel, she has an interesting fear of driving on the freeway. However, this doesn’t stop her from exploring new places and enjoying the great outdoors. Looking toward the future, Ms. Ana aspires to become a mother within the next five years and hopes to take on a leadership role within the early education sector, continuing to make a positive impact on children’s lives.

Ms. Diana

Teacher, Harmony

Ms. Daija

Teacher, Harmony

Inventive and heart-centered, Ms. Daija brings over 10 years of rich experience in early childhood education to the Harmony classroom at LPL North Long Beach. Currently pursuing her Associate of Arts degree in Child Development at Compton College, Ms. Daija has worked as an Assistant Toddler Teacher and as a Substitute Teacher supporting children from a wide range of backgrounds and age groups.Her classroom is a vibrant, hands-on learning space where creativity flourishes. Whether guiding children through making their own playdough, painting with unusual materials, building nature collages, or exploring fun science experiments, Ms. Daija encourages every child to dive into the learning process with joy and curiosity. She also uses music, movement, and games to support motor skills, comprehension, and social development in dynamic and engaging ways.Ms. Daija’s teaching philosophy is grounded in empathy and advocacy. She believes that children deserve to be met with the same respect and understanding as adults, and that being truly present with children is key to supporting their growth. She is passionate about building trust and relationships with her students and sees each day as an opportunity for meaningful connection and discovery.Outside of school, Ms. Daija enjoys nature walks, learning about African American history, and creating lasting memories with her son through visits to museums, theater shows, and amusement parks. A proud former member—and later coach—of the Lakewood High School Drill Team, she brings that same energy and leadership into her classroom. Her long-term goal is to be a teacher who makes a lasting impact, leaving children with joyful experiences and a deep love of learning.
What Ms. Alexis loves most about working with young children is their enormous capacity for love and their big hearts. Their boundless affection and enthusiasm for learning drive her passion for teaching.
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Outside of the classroom, Ms. Alexis enjoys gaming, singing karaoke, spending time at the beach, and hanging out with friends. She also has a unique hobby—collecting Starbucks cups, which she finds fun and exciting.
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Her future goal is to continue delivering the highest quality education to her students, helping them blossom and thrive in their early years of development. Ms. Alexis is committed to fostering a nurturing and engaging environment where every child can reach their fullest potential.

Ms. Princess

Teacher, Harmony

Inspiring and deeply committed, Ms. Princess brings a unique blend of experience, creativity, and heartfelt purpose to the Harmony classroom at LPL North Long Beach. With over eight years of experience working with children from ages 1 to 12, she now begins her first formal classroom teaching role—armed with academic excellence, life experience, and a genuine passion for early childhood education. Ms. Princess holds an AA in Teacher Education, graduating Magna Cum Laude, and is currently pursuing her BA in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University. Her decision to return to school after a nine-year break to raise her family is a testament to her determination and love for learning.

Ms. Princess’s educational philosophy is rooted in respect, creativity, and play. She believes that preschoolers thrive in child-initiated, play-based environments that foster independence, trust, and joy. Her classroom is a place where imagination and movement are celebrated—where every child is treated as a capable, whole person. She views teaching as a partnership among students, educators, and families, and enters each day with positivity, high expectations, and an open mind.

Outside the classroom, Ms. Princess leads a vibrant life as a wife, mother, and artist. She has crocheted since age 19 and has turned this craft into a heartfelt mission by making comforting octopi for NICU babies, helping preemies feel safe while supporting their parents through challenging times. She also enjoys spending time outdoors, diving into thriller novels, and working toward her personal and professional dreams.In the future, Ms. Princess plans to pursue a master’s degree in early childhood education and launch a family business with her husband—laying the foundation for long-term success and generational growth for their children. Her guiding light comes from educator Mary McLeod Bethune: a belief that our youth carry great promise, and it is our job to evolve in ways that help them shine.

Ms. Lucy

Teacher, Harmony

Ms. Janet

Teacher, Quest

Ms. Janet is a dedicated and caring teacher in the Quest classroom with an A.A. in General Studies Social and Behavior and a B.A. in Psychology. With over three years of experience in early childhood education, Ms. Janet specializes in language development and believes in teaching with the philosophy of treating each child as if they were her own. Her passion lies in shaping children's cognitive, social, and emotional development, and she takes great pride in fostering independence, creativity, and a solid foundation for future learning.

Ms. Janet loves working with preschool children because it allows her to play a significant role in their growth and development. She finds joy in seeing them acquire new skills, express themselves creatively, and grow more confident and independent. Creating a nurturing, supportive environment is central to her teaching approach, as she strives to inspire curiosity and build a strong foundation for each child’s success.

Outside the classroom, Ms. Janet enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, hiking, and shopping. Her involvement in her church nursery allows her to continue supporting young children in a community setting. A proud first-generation college graduate from a Hispanic household, Ms. Janet is driven by her faith, finding inspiration in the biblical verse, “For I know the plans I have for you... plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).

Ms. Janet’s personal and professional goals revolve around helping individuals, families, and communities improve their well-being and overcome challenges. She is passionate about empowering people by providing access to resources and support so they can achieve their goals and lead fulfilling lives.

Ms. Irma

Teacher, Quest

Ms. Irma is an enthusiastic and creative teacher in the Quest classroom with 8 years of experience in early childhood education. She is currently pursuing her Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education, and her areas of specialization include language development and art. Ms. Irma’s teaching philosophy emphasizes hands-on learning, as she believes children engage more fully and learn more effectively when they are actively participating in activities rather than passively completing worksheets.

Ms. Irma finds her greatest joy in helping children grow and develop each day. She loves seeing the progress her students make and feels rewarded when they achieve new milestones. Her classroom is a space where creativity and curiosity are nurtured, and she encourages children to explore and express themselves.

Outside of the classroom, Ms. Irma enjoys a variety of hobbies, including camping, arts and crafts, and traveling. She especially loves spontaneous adventures, such as going strawberry picking. Her favorite quote, "You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take," reflects her adventurous spirit and her approach to teaching, encouraging her to take risks and embrace opportunities.

An interesting fact about Ms. Irma is that she has a pet turtle, which adds a unique touch to her life outside of work. Looking to the future, her goal is to complete her AA degree in Early Childhood Education and continue making a positive impact in the lives of young learners.

Ms. Claudia

Teacher, Quest

Ms. Vivian

Teacher, Quest

Ms. Bernice

Teacher, Quest

Ms. Sunntrar

Teacher, Unity

Ms. Sunntrar is a compassionate and observant teacher aide with an Associate Degree in Human Services from Long Beach City College. With over five years of experience in early childhood education, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a calm, supportive presence to the classroom. Her previous role as an Early Learner Instructor at Think Together helped her develop a strong belief in the importance of child-led activities. She finds joy in observing how children respond to new experiences, which allows them to grow at their own pace and fosters their independence.

Outside of the classroom, Ms. Sunntrar enjoys spending time at the beach, relaxing with music, and diving into a good book. She has a deep affection for panda bears, an interest that reflects her gentle and curious nature. Ms. Sunntrar draws inspiration from the motto, "If it makes you happy... do more of that," a mantra that guides both her personal and professional decisions.

Ms. Sunntrar’s future aspirations include traveling the world and backpacking through Europe, as she loves to explore new cultures and broaden her perspectives. Professionally, she aims to transition into an administrative role within the educational field, where she can continue making a positive impact on young children and their development from a leadership position.

Ms. Liliana

Teacher, Unity

Ms. Liliana is a compassionate and experienced Teacher, armed with a BA in Spanish Literature and Linguistics, an AA in Early Childhood Education, and a Teacher Permit for Site Supervision. Her seven-year journey in early childhood education, including as an Assistant Director, underpins her expertise in literacy and language development, social-emotional growth, and physical education.

Ms. Liliana's teaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of making children feel loved and secure, believing this is crucial for their learning and development. She delights in the excitement children show when learning new things and values the playful moments that remind her of her own childhood.

Outside the classroom, Ms. Liliana is an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoys running, hiking, and camping. She also relishes the excitement of live music and sporting events. Inspired by the words of Chief Seattle, “Take only memories, leave nothing but footprints,” she aims to leave a lasting positive impact on her students. Ms. Liliana is also ambitious in her professional goals, aiming to pursue a master's degree to further her career, while personally, she seeks to travel and push her boundaries with new experiences.

Ms. Tierra

Teacher, Unity

Compassionate and dedicated, Ms. Tierra brings a heartfelt approach to leading the Unity 4 classroom. With a BA in Child and Family Development and more than seven years of experience—ranging from assistant teacher to lead teacher—she has worked with children as young as 6 months to 5 years old. Ms. Tierra’s teaching philosophy centers on creating a loving, secure, and inclusive environment where every child feels safe, valued, and excited to learn. She encourages growth through interactive activities and believes in treating each child with the same patience and care she gives her own.Ms. Tierra delights in the joy and energy that preschoolers bring each day, finding happiness in both their milestones and their playful personalities. When she's not in the classroom, she enjoys roller skating, going to the beach, getting her nails done, and spending quality time with her son. A member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., she is also passionate about community and service.Fun fact: Ms. Tierra has been a pescatarian for six years! Her long-term goal is to become a preschool director and to one day launch a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families with children who have disabilities.

Ms. Jeylynn

Teacher, Destiny

Ms. Jeylynn Beavers is an imaginative and resourceful teacher at our preschool, with a solid foundation in child development, obtained through 26 units of specialized study. Her journey in early childhood education began over three years ago as a Co-Lead teacher, following several years as a professional nanny. Ms. Jeylynn's deep-rooted passion for teaching started in her childhood, assisting her mother in her home daycare from the young age of 16.

In the classroom, Ms. Jeylynn excels in integrating arts and creative storytelling, believing that these elements are essential in developing young minds. Her teaching philosophy centers on the significant impact early education has on children’s expectations and experiences of school, aiming always to inspire and positively shape these early educational encounters. Ms. Jeylynn's favorite aspect of teaching is witnessing the remarkable growth that occurs in preschoolers, finding immense joy in their developmental milestones.

Outside of her professional role, Ms. Jeylynn has diverse interests ranging from roller skating to engaging in Anime and cooperative video games. This blend of activities highlights her creative and adventurous spirit, although she describes herself as an introverted homebody looking to embrace more adventurous and outgoing experiences in the future. Her personal motto, inspired by the saying, "Teaching is the one profession that creates all other professions," encapsulates her belief in the transformative power of education. Additionally, Ms. Jeylynn is a collector of funko pops, adding a playful and unique twist to her vibrant personality.

Ms. Tatiana

Teacher, Destiny

Meet Ms. Tatiana Torres, our nurturing and experienced Lead Teacher at the preschool, with a robust background spanning 9 years in early childhood education. She holds a Teacher Permit and has earned a certificate as a Medical Assistant, showcasing her dedication to both education and health.

Ms. Tatiana approaches teaching with a philosophy centered on kindness, aiming to see and celebrate every small and significant growth in her students throughout the year. Her favorite part of working with preschoolers is witnessing their developmental progress and sharing in their joyous discoveries. Ms. Tatiana is passionate about arts and crafts, enjoys immersing herself in books, and draws daily inspiration from the belief that "happiness is where you are."

Active in her community, she is committed to supporting families facing language and cultural barriers, reflecting her personal journey and aspirations. Her goals are deeply personal and professional, striving to provide the support she once wished her own family had received and continuously seeking self-improvement.

Ms. Leland

Teacher, Destiny

Ms. Christina

Teacher, Floater

Ms. Christina is a warm and dedicated floater teacher with an impressive 23 years of experience in early childhood education. She holds an AS-T degree from Long Beach City College and a teacher permit, and her extensive career includes 15 years as an infant/toddler lead teacher and 8 years working with two-year-olds as both a lead teacher and floater. Ms. Christina’s teaching philosophy is centered around the belief that children learn best through play, and she finds tremendous fulfillment in witnessing her students achieve milestones she has helped them reach.

Outside of her work in education, Ms. Christina is deeply committed to spending quality time with her loved ones. She enjoys indulging in delicious food, listening to good music, traveling, and singing. A leader beyond the classroom, she also facilitates a Sunday Bible study group called "The Remnant," where she shares her faith and provides guidance to others.
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A proud graduate of LBCC with honors, Ms. Christina values the personal achievements she has accomplished throughout her life. One of her most cherished roles is that of grandmother to her two-year-old granddaughter, Pearson. She is inspired by Maya Angelou’s powerful words, "People will never forget how you made them feel," and strives to live by this philosophy in all aspects of her life. Ms. Christina’s ultimate goal is to continue showing up in all of her roles—both professionally and personally—to make a lasting and positive difference in the lives of those around her.

Ms. Mylene

Teacher, Floater

Calm, creative, and caring, Ms. Mylene brings a heartfelt approach to her role as Infant/Toddler Floater at LPL North Long Beach. With 5 years of experience supporting children in both after-school programs and preschool classrooms, she is currently pursuing her teacher’s permit to further grow her skills in the field she loves.

Ms. Mylene is especially passionate about art and language development, and her teaching philosophy centers on creating a supportive, nurturing environment that focuses on each child’s emotional and developmental well-being. Her favorite part of working with infants and toddlers is building trust, providing comfort, and offering a joyful space where little ones feel safe to explore, grow, and form meaningful connections.

Outside of the classroom, Ms. Mylene enjoys beach outings, thrifting adventures, and spending quality time with her family and pet bunny. She is bilingual and hopes to add American Sign Language to her toolkit, with the goal of making her classroom even more inclusive. Looking to the future, Ms. Mylene aspires to travel the world and inspire as many children as possible through compassion, creativity, and care.

Staff photos provided by Picture Perfect Photos

Our Staff

Ms. Deidre

Ms. Claudia

Ms. Karen

Ms. Jeniffer

Ms. Sotheara

Ms. Vanessa

Ms. Ana

Ms. Miriam

Ms. Diana

Ms. Daija

Ms. Princess

Ms. Lucy

Ms. Janet

Ms. Irma

Ms. Claudia

Ms. Vivian

Ms. Bernice

Ms. Sunntrar

Ms. Liliana

Ms. Tierra

Ms. Jeylynn

Ms. Tatiana

Ms. Leland

Ms. Christina

Ms. Mylene

Contact Launch Pad Learning NLB