Stacey Wong

Educational Background

Bachelors of Science in Child and Adolescent Development, CSUF
Associate of Science in Liberal Arts, Citrus Community College

Position

Master Teacher Infant-Toddler Program (The Nest, Turtle Room, and Butterfly Room)

Experience

I've been working at the Children's Center since 2003.

Philosophy

I believe it is important to provide children with a supportive and nurturing environment in order to enhance their self-esteem. I also believe that learning happens through interactions and experiences.

Greatest Rewards

Having the opportunity to see the children grow physically, socially, emotionally and cognitively.

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Yesenia "Jesse" Beltran

Educational Background

I graduated from CSUF in 1999 with a Bachelors of Science in Child and Adolescent Studies.

Position

Infant-Toddler Master Teacher

Experience

I first began working at the Children's Center in 1996 as a student assistant working with infants and later became a Master Teacher working with preschoolers. I have also worked with children with ages ranging from 5 years to 18 years tutoring them in English and Math.

Philosophy

I believe that children need a nurturing environment in which individuality is respected in order to develop a positive self-concept.

Greatest Rewards

My greatest reward in working with children is seeing their expression of excitement and when they have made a new discovery.

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Maria Garcia

Educational Background

Bachelors of Science in child and Adolescent Development, CSUF
Associate of Science in Liberal Arts, Fullerton College

Position

Master Teacher

Experience

4 years as a student teacher
3 years as the Preschool/Infant Toddler Lead Teacher
1 year as Preschool Master Teacher
First year Infant/Toddler Master Teacher

Philosophy

The environment a teacher creates should be one that is encouraging, loving and full of “work”. A child’s work is their play and should always be respected and developed. Though observation and over all dedication a teacher can build upon a child’s learning and in the end foster independence and high self-esteem.

Comments

I am the proud mom of 2 wonderful children Anthony and Veronica.
In my free time I like to spend as much time with my children as possible. I also enjoy reading, and listening to music.

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Veronica Rosas

Educational Background

I have an A.A. in Liberal Studies from Fullerton College and a Bachelors of Science in Child and Adolescent Development from California State University, Fullerton.

Position

I am starting my second year as Lead in our Infant/Toddler program. Previously was a lead teacher in our Preschool program for two years.

Experience

I first began working at the Children's Center in 2008 as a student assistant working with preschoolers. Shortly after my first year at the center I became a lead teacher in preschool; two years later switched over to Infant/Toddler. Before coming to the center I lead a team of CSUF college students through the Jumpstart early education organization.

Philosophy

I believe that children can be encouraged to learn and grow by providing a foundation of developmentally appropriate experiences/practices in which all children can succeed in a safe and nurturing atmosphere.

Greatest Rewards

My greatest reward in life is my amazing three-year-old daughter (Era), whom keeps me on my toes. Both my husband and I are grateful that she is able to attend the children’s center, and are excited to see her grow.

Brenda Plascencia-Carrizosa

Educational Background

Masters of Science in Counseling (Marriage and Family Therapy)
Bachelors of Science in Child Development

Position

Master Teacher - Garden Room

Experience

I have worked in the field of Early Childhood since 1990 and have been here at the Children’s Center since 1993. I have also had experience with children and adolescents from birth through high school through various internships, jobs, and volunteer experiences in: after school programs, special education, day care and early childhood education as well as through ROP. I teach in the Child and Education Studies department at Fullerton College and from time to time have also taught on campus here at CSUF… and yet, my passion has continued to be working and serving some of our youngest children here in our preschool program at the Children’s Center. I definitely have a passion for children and education and love having the opportunity to work in this program through each passing year!

Philosophy

I believe that learning is a lifelong process that begins the day we are born. Learning happens with every experience and every interaction of every day and for children this involves lots and lots of PLAY! Children learn naturally through their play and by following their curiosity. Teaching happens when we have the opportunity to build off of children's interests and introduce new experiences as well as support each child's individual needs. When this can be accomplished it becomes a dance between the teacher and the child that is filled with wonder, energy and excitement.

Empowerment is often a term associated with adults, but I believe that the early years provide a wonderful opportunity for us to give children the experience of feeling powerful. By offering children choices and including them in activities that they can do on their own, we are able to help them develop a better sense of who they are in relation to our school community.

One of the greatest rewards I receive in teaching is getting to see the children grow and change. I especially enjoy watching the wonder of learning, that moment when a child realizes something new and experience pure wonder.

Greatest Rewards

One of the greatest rewards is the meaningful and deep relationships that I develop with the children, families and staff. I enjoy watching the children grow and change, but I especially enjoy watching the wonder of learning, that moment when the children realize something new and experience pure joy. I also value being able to share multi-sensory as well as musical experiences with the children. It is a great honor to share in the life of each child who is in my care.

Comments

I am married to my husband David who works at Sonora High School and we have a wonderful son, Cesar, who will be starting his first year of college this year at San Francisco State University. I love my family and friends, and love spending time with them whenever I can. I am very involved at our church in Whittier and am often collecting “stuff” for some kind of organization or project. I like playing board games (and brain games/trivia too!), watching movies, reading, swimming and vacationing when I can. I also love to garden, work on puzzles, shop for a good bargain, and absolutely LOVE to sing!

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Jennie Imatomi

Educational Background

B.S. Child & Adolescent Development, CSUF

Position

Afternoon Master Teacher

Bio

My name is Jennie Imatomi and I am the Afternoon Master Teacher, currently working in Garden Room with children ages 2 ½ - 4. I graduated in 2010 from Cal State Fullerton with my Bachelor of Science Degree in Child & Adolescent Development. I have been a Teacher’s aide, Lead teacher, and now Master Teacher at the center. In the future, I would like to get a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, baking, spending time with my friends and family, and vacationing in Hawaii and Palm Desert. I am currently into outdoor adventures such as: hiking, gardening, and visiting nature preserves. Some things to know about me: I am a huge Lakers fan and I love The Beatles!

Philosophy

I believe that learning is a lifelong process that starts when we are first born into this world. I believe that each child should be able to grow and learn through experiences, which at a young age means play (lots of play!). As an early childhood educator, I believe that learning happens with every experience and every interaction. As a facilitator of learning, I believe that the curriculum should be fun and built off the interests of the children. I believe the environment plays a major part in children’s learning and that children should contribute positively to their own environment to feel a sense of ownership and empowerment. Communication is also a major role when interacting with children. Children need to be heard. Fostering an atmosphere in which feelings and ideas are expressed openly and heard respectfully is an important aspect of my philosophy. Children should be provided an environment that encourages them to be independent thinkers, effective learners and communicators to help build feelings of competence and confidence.

Favorite Quotations

“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” - Theodore Roosevelt

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Cathy Higa

Educational Background

Associate of Science in Early Childhood, Honolulu Community College
Bachelors of Science in Human Development, University of Hawaii

Position

Master Teacher, Rainbow Room - Morning Program

Experience

Master Teacher at the CSUF Children's Center - since 1987 26 years in the Early Childhood field

Philosophy

Children learn with all their senses. It is important to provide a safe and nurturing environment where their individuality is respected and their developing self-esteem is supported. Children feel empowered here.

Greatest Rewards

I love the discoveries that children and adult student staff make here about the world and themselves. The spontaneity of each day and the caring relationships that we develop are precious, fun and the spice of life.

Comments

I love working at the Children's Center. I have been here for 25 years!! I grew up in Kailua, Hawaii and moved to California 25 years ago. I am married to my high school sweetheart, Mike. We have 2 daughters. Frances, 23 years old, graduated from the Children's Center and Cal State Fullerton. Audrey, 19, also graduated from the Children's Center, is now enrolled at Irvine Valley College. Our family dog is named Rusty. He is a corgi and is 12 years old. I am the master teacher in Rainbow Room. I love the delight of each day as we see children, teachers, and families make new discoveries and learn about one another.

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Kelly Dena

Educational Background

Bachelors of Science in Child and Adolescent Development, CSUF

Position

Permanent Lead Afternoon Preschool Teacher – Rainbow Room

Experience

I’ve been working at the Children’s Center since 2009 - 3 years as an Associate Teacher before becoming the Permanent Lead Teacher in 2012

Philosophy

I believe children and their families should have the best opportunities possible in their lives. I want to encourage a safe, happy, and healthy environment where children can grow and explore the word in a variety of ways, while having a sense of independence and high self-esteem.

Comments

In my free time I enjoy being outside: I love to hike, ride bikes, spend time with friends and family, and I love to vacation anywhere tropical. I love dogs and horses (my brother has an adorable Bulldog, who is definitely part of our family). I truly enjoy coming to work everyday; the children’s natural curiosity, enthusiasm, and eagerness to learn has such a positive effect on my own happiness, which allows me to bring the same enthusiasm to their play and learning experiences.

Sonia Nuñez

Educational Background

Bachelors of Science in Child & Adolescent Development, CSUF Master Teacher Permit

Position

Afternoon Preschool Master Teacher

Experience

4 years as a student assistant at the Children's Center before becoming a Master Teacher in 2003
2 years in After School Daycare for public elementary school

Philosophy

I believe children should be able to grow socially, emotionally, physically and cognitively, while accepting the diversity that surrounds them. By communicating and respecting the feelings of others, children will grow, enjoying diversity. In my program I enjoy working closely with my families. I enjoy planning gatherings and times to connect with each other as a way of feeling united.

Greatest Rewards

I love the discoveries that children and adult student staff make here about the world and themselves. The spontaneity of each day and the caring relationships that we develop are precious, fun and the spice of life.

Comments

From an early age I knew I wanted to work with children. While in high school I explored ROP childcare and grew to fall in love with the idea of working with young children and their families. Some of my first experiences include working with school age children in an after school program, working as a tutor and working as a teacher’s aide. As I began my education at Cal State Fullerton in 1999, I soon made the Children’s Center my home. Sunshine Room has always been my specialty and home away from home. When I'm not at work you can find me spending time with my two boys, Matthew and Michael. Their spunk and sweet natures keep me wanting to be the best person and mother I can be.

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