Staff Bios

Karen brings many years of expertise to children's care. Since 1991, her dedication to continous improvement has resulted in the progressive, accredited center SCC is today. While most of her time these days is devoted to areas such as teacher development, curriculum support, and facility upgrades, she is always involved with the children, parents, and teachers. Prior to this, she operated a home-based preschool. Karen holds a M.S. degree in biology and an A.A. degree in Early Childhood Education. 

Gladys' extensive background working with young infants and toddlers makes her the perfect interface for prospective parents and teachers. She has been with us since 2002.  She has 16 units in Early Childhood Education, and has completed 3 years of College in El Salvador.

Alma, who co-teaches Pre-kindergarten, has been delighting our children since 2000. She co-developed and implemented our popular Spanish Immersion Circle Time enrichment program, for our preschool programs, earlier this year. She takes special pride in teaching about living things through planting seeds, and the children's garden. She holds an AA degree in Early Childhood Education, and a Child Development Site Supervisor Permit from the State of California; and is working toward a B.A. degree.

Carol brings to us a rich teaching experience. Previously she was a kindergarten teacher for the local school district. Carol likes to use cooking projects to introduce the children to nutrition, and ethnic foods. She also takes special pride in teaching about living things through planting seeds, and the children's garden. BA degree, Elementary Teacher Credential from the State of California.

Nelida has taught all age groups here, since 2004. In addition to teaching in the 3 Year-Old Preschool classroom, she co-developed and implemented our popular Spanish Immersion Circle Time enrichment program and provides teacher support and training. Her background includes teaching pre-school in Peru for many years. She has Child Development Site Supervisor Permit from the State of California and holds a BA degree in Education.  

Jessica is a newcomer to SCC, since May 2011. She co-teaches the 3 Year-Old Preschool with Nelida. Jessica has a BA from UC San Diego in Human Development, with a minor in Health Care-Social Issues. .

Shorikka This year Shorikka will be teaching in the Toddler Preschool classroom. Shorikka has been with us since May 2009. Formerly a youth camp counselor, Shorikka brings much spirit to the classroom. With a BA in Recreation from Cal State East Bay, and a Child Development Site Supervisor Permit from the State of California, she is also working toward a Master’s degree. 

Alexis has worked with children in a number of different positions, from childcare, to summer camp counselor, to arts & crafts director, and before / after school programs, for the better part of 20 years. She spent 5 years teaching in infant/toddler classrooms on the east coast prior to moving to California in 2007. Alexis' experience with children includes raising 3 children of her own. Alexis brings a vibrant teaching style, as well as a nurturing, loving attitude & tons of energy into the 2-year-old classroom. Alexis has completed 12 units of E.C.E. credits and continues work towards her A.A. degree in Early Childhood Education. She has been teaching at S.C.C. since May 2007.

Isabella co-teaches the Young Toddler classroom with Sandra. Her background working with children includes a public school setting, a Montessori school, and as a private nanny. Currently she is a student at Canada College, working toward her AA degree. She has completed 13 units of Early Childhood Development coursework.

Sandra enjoys teaching youngsters of all ages. She co-teaches the Young Toddler Program (also known as Toddler Option) with Isabella. She has an ECE Certificate, and is earning her AA degree. With SCC since 2008. 

Loyda loves being with children. Currently she is our Floater Teacher, and has worked in all our classrooms and age groups  since January 2005. She has a Teacher's Permit from the State of California, and has completed sixteen units of Early Childhood Education.

Evelyn brings a wealth of experience in early childhood education, and she enjoys caring for the youngest toddlers. Evelyn has many years of experience working with young children. Evelyn is working on her AA degree; has certificates in Early Childhood Development, Family Development, Community Health,  and a Teacher's Credential from the State of California. At SCC since April 2007.

Manuela offers intriguing toys within easy grasp for her young set. She loves to play music and read nursery rhymes. Her area is designed to help crawlers achieve balance in learning to stand, and beginning to walk. Manuela has many years experience. ECE certificate. At SCC since 2007. 

Amparo offers colorful puzzles and manipulatives to stimulate growing minds. To support language development, she maintains a cheerful ongoing conversation with the little ones as they learn about the world around them. She's a graduate of the ECE certificate program at the American College of Early Childhood Education in San Francisco. At SCC since 2003. 

Amelia has been with us since 2008. She is especially gentle and ensures the newborns get plenty of good sleep and positive interaction throughout the day. Yes, under her tender supervision, even our tiniest ones here get to make art projects! 18 units of Early Childhood Education.

Maria Luisa.  She helps to fill in wherever needed to assist the other teachers with breaks, days off, and special projects. Maria Luisa has been with us for many years and has taught at all age levels. She's a graduate of Canada College's ECE Certificate program, and she continues her education by regularly attending workshops.

Kathy helps out as needed, on a part time basis , in the infant room. She has been a dental hygenist for a number of years, and she is currently a student of Early Childhood Education.

Marcy has been a classroom teacher with us for many years. Currently in the infant room, she provides extra support with the Learning Games program for infants. She's a graduate of Canada College's Early Childhood Education program.