Program Director

“My hope is for all children to emerge from childhood as whole and emotionally healthy, as open and trusting, and as joyful and free to be authentically themselves as possible.” – Self

Laura has been in the field of Early Childhood Education since 1993 and has been a program administrator since 1998. She received a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Cal State Northridge. Laura joined the team at the Oxy CDC in May 2017. She loves the fact that the small, tight-knit community at the CDC allows her to be a part of children’s daily school experience, to work closely with and support parents, and to actively collaborate with teachers in creating a dynamic, excellent Preschool program. She loves working with the incredible group of educators at the CDC and is grateful to be part of the Oxy community.

Afternoon Assistant Teacher

“There is no such thing as failure, only learning experiences.” – Unknown

Alyssa Sanchez is a first generation college graduate. She has a B.A. in Child Development from Cal State LA. Her interest in education and teaching was sparked when she was in second grade, and Alyssa has since dedicated her time to tutoring and working with school-age children. She believes that children are the future, and she hopes to create an environment of open communication and respect, so that children feel safe and comfortable to express themselves. She is eager to continue her educational journey alongside her coworkers at the Oxy CDC.

Lead Teacher – Busy Bees

“Allow the child to be authentic, to move, to feel the way they move, appreciating them for what they are.” – Magda Gerber

Dana has been a Preschool Teacher for 4 years. She received a B.S. in Child Development from Cal State Fullerton. She believes that one of her strongest skills is recognizing and fostering the individuality of each child and tailoring an approach to education and discovery that will best help each child learn and grow. Outside of work, Dana enjoys roller skating, collecting antiques, and anything creative or silly.

Assistant Teacher

“Anything that is worth teaching can be presented in many different ways. These multiple ways can make use of our multiple intelligences.” – Howard Gardner

Diana earned her Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Studies from Cal State Channel Islands, and she’s proud to be a first-generation college graduate. She believes in the importance of creating a sense of unity and community within the classroom by encouraging children to share their cultures with each other. She believes that exposure to various cultures is important for children’s development. She is also heavily influenced by the theory of multiple intelligences, believing that every child is intelligent in their own ways and that our role is to support them in amplifying their strengths. Diana has worked with young children for over five years. She is grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow with all the children at the Oxy CDC!

Assistant Teacher

“The world needs a sense of worth, and it will achieve it only by its people feeling that they are worthwhile.”
-Fred Rogers

Erica Almodovar earned an AA degree in Child Development from East Los Angeles College and plans on furthering her education. Her teaching philosophy is based on children expressing their self-confidence through creativity in a learning environment. She believes children learn through their interests and through many forms of play. She is passionate about working with young children and understands the importance of supporting a child’s individual needs. Erica is a mother to a 10-year old son and enjoys exploring nature outdoors and spending time with family. Her journey at Oxy CDC began January 2024, and she is grateful for the opportunity for growth.

Lead Teacher – Terrific Tigers

“The goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child’s own natural desire to learn.” – Maria Montessori

Jasmine earned a Bachelor of Arts in Child Development in 2019 and a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education in 2021, both from Cal State LA. She was granted a Master Teacher Child Development Permit by the State of California Commission on Teacher Credentialing in 2019. She has been working with young children since 2017. Her teaching philosophies are based on the belief that children develop at their own pace and are naturally driven by their own desires.

Assistant Teacher

“Who questions much, shall learn much, and retain much.”– Francis Bacon

Katie received her Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development from Cal State LA in 2023. She believes that a child’s learning environment should be culturally inclusive and appreciate all children’s unique abilities. Witnessing a child’s confidence grow is her favorite part of working in the educational field. She is grateful for how much she has learned since working at the Oxy CDC.

Lead Teacher – Hungry Caterpillars

“Children want the same thing we want. To laugh, to be challenged, to be entertained, and delighted.” – Dr. Seuss

Laura has worked at the Oxy CDC since 1994. She started as a Teacher’s Assistant and fell in love with working with all the age groups. She decided that being an early childhood teacher was her calling. Laura is very grateful for having had wonderful mentors in her past, and she continues to learn from her co-workers who have the same passion for our future. Laura is the proud mother of two daughters. She received her B.A. in Liberal Studies from Cal State Long Beach.

Lead Teacher – Busy Bees

“Observe and listen to children because when they ask “why?” they are not simply asking for the answer from you. They are requesting the courage to find a collection of possible answers.” – Loris Malaguzzi

Robin has worked at the Oxy CDC since 2004. Her passion for working with children was sparked 20 years ago, when she became a student assistant at a Child Development Center during college. She enjoys watching the children’s faces light up as they explore the world around them. She believes children have a voice and have the ability to learn more than we can imagine. She balances her life between being a devoted mom to two children and a dedicated teacher.

Floater Teacher

“Encouraging a child means that one or more of the following critical life messages are coming through, either by word or by action: I believe in you, I trust you, I know you can handle this, You are listened to, You are cared for, You are very important to me.” – Barbara Coloroso

Stephanie has been working with children since the age of 18. She started her teaching career as a Teacher’s Assistant. She started subbing for Lead Teachers and then became a Lead Teacher herself. She has an AA degree in Social Behavioral Science from Pasadena City College, and she has continued attending school at both Glendale Community College and Pierce College. Teaching preschoolers is her passion. Their enthusiasm and eagerness to learn is what she loves the most about this age. She believes that we aren’t teaching just kids. They are little people who we should never underestimate. Besides working at Oxy and going to school, she loves spending time with her family.

Lead Teacher – Hungry Caterpillars

“Children should be seen, heard, and believed.” – Author Unknown

Wendy received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from UCLA in 2019, with a minor in Applied Developmental Psychology. She has always believed every child is deserving of respect and care, capable of teaching us just as much as we are able to teach them (if not more). They remind us to slow down, to be true to ourselves, to feel honestly, and to love deeply. Wendy has had the pleasure of working at the Occidental CDC since February 2021 and feels incredibly grateful to be part of a community that is truly dedicated to the growth, learning, and care of children.