LVCC Faculty
The faculty at Linda Vista Children's Center are specialists in Early Childhood Education. They understand the importance of developing a positive relationship with each child. They have completed early childhood education courses and are experienced in facilitating the growth and development of children from birth to age five. Some staff members hold Master's and Bachelor's Degrees. Others have AA Degrees in Early Childhood Education. Some are continuing their education at the junior college and university levels, and all full-time staff members hold current CPR certification.
Administration
Executive Director
Sandy Ahlstrand
Sandy has been working at LVCC for 8 years and has been working with children for 23 years. Sandy has Early Childhood Education units from Citrus College and Vanguard University. Sandy believes that children learn best through play and lots of hands-on, fun experiences. The best thing about being a teacher for Sandy is watching a child come to our center as a tiny infant and leave as a young child going to kindergarten.
Sandy has been working at LVCC for 8 years and has been working with children for 23 years. Sandy has Early Childhood Education units from Citrus College and Vanguard University. Sandy believes that children learn best through play and lots of hands-on, fun experiences. The best thing about being a teacher for Sandy is watching a child come to our center as a tiny infant and leave as a young child going to kindergarten.
Outdoor Classroom Teacher
Ana Galvan
Ana has been working at LVCC for 14 years and has been working with children for 15 years. Ana has an Associates degree in Child Development. Ana believes children learn best through play in a nurturing environment where they can have the opportunity to play hands on experiences and exploration. The best thing about being a teacher for Ana is the knowledge that everyday is a new learning experience for us all. Ana receives great enjoyment seeing how much they have grown and it makes her heart smile at all their accomplishments.
Ana has been working at LVCC for 14 years and has been working with children for 15 years. Ana has an Associates degree in Child Development. Ana believes children learn best through play in a nurturing environment where they can have the opportunity to play hands on experiences and exploration. The best thing about being a teacher for Ana is the knowledge that everyday is a new learning experience for us all. Ana receives great enjoyment seeing how much they have grown and it makes her heart smile at all their accomplishments.
Administrative Assistant
Patty Flores
Patty has been working at LVCC for 8 years and working with children for the same amount of time, though the last 3 years working in the office. Patty has 15 Child Development units from Pasadena Community College. Patty believes children learn best by using their creativity and imagination in all they do. They need positive role models and positive reinforcement in order to be successful in all they do; children also need a healthy and safe environment with lots of love and nurturing. The best thing about teaching for Patty is seeing the excitement in a child when they have accomplished a new goal.
Patty has been working at LVCC for 8 years and working with children for the same amount of time, though the last 3 years working in the office. Patty has 15 Child Development units from Pasadena Community College. Patty believes children learn best by using their creativity and imagination in all they do. They need positive role models and positive reinforcement in order to be successful in all they do; children also need a healthy and safe environment with lots of love and nurturing. The best thing about teaching for Patty is seeing the excitement in a child when they have accomplished a new goal.
Infant Room
Lead Teacher
Lilia Cisneros
Lilia has been working at LVCC for 6 years and has been working with children for 9 years. Lilia has an Associate's Degree in Child Development. Lilia believes that children learn best by social interaction and exploration. The best thing about being a teacher for Lilia is seeing the smiles on the children's faces when they see you and the look of trust in their eyes when they attempt something new.
Lilia has been working at LVCC for 6 years and has been working with children for 9 years. Lilia has an Associate's Degree in Child Development. Lilia believes that children learn best by social interaction and exploration. The best thing about being a teacher for Lilia is seeing the smiles on the children's faces when they see you and the look of trust in their eyes when they attempt something new.
Associate Teacher
Elena Merling
Elena has been working at LVCC for 12 years and has been working with children for 13 years. Elena has 9 Child Development Units and has attended training conferences. Elena believes that children learn best by positive influences praise and love. The best part of being a teacher for Elena is, knowing that she makes a significant difference in the lives of children and their families.
Elena has been working at LVCC for 12 years and has been working with children for 13 years. Elena has 9 Child Development Units and has attended training conferences. Elena believes that children learn best by positive influences praise and love. The best part of being a teacher for Elena is, knowing that she makes a significant difference in the lives of children and their families.
Teacher
Cynthia Ramirez
Cynthia has been working at LVCC for 10 months and has been working with children for 9 years. Cynthia has her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from UCSB.Cynthia believes that children learn best through repetition, observation, listening, and trial and error. The best thing about working with children for Cynthia is watching the children grow and develop mentally and physically.
Cynthia has been working at LVCC for 10 months and has been working with children for 9 years. Cynthia has her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from UCSB.Cynthia believes that children learn best through repetition, observation, listening, and trial and error. The best thing about working with children for Cynthia is watching the children grow and develop mentally and physically.
Associate Teacher
Sally Granieri
Sally has been working at LVCC for one month and has been working with children for 8 years. Sally has her Child Development Associate Degree from the National Credentialing Program: Council for Professional Recognition. Sally believes that children learn by giving them the opportunity to learn through play and respond to their interests by providing varieties of materials and objects to discover, and to offer guidance and enthusiasm and help them build their confidence while learning and understanding new things. The best thing about being a teacher for Sally is the pleasure to see how children thrive in the classroom setting while learning though play, while also interacting with lots of love and a sense of humor. It’s a joy to see a child’s expression when they have discovered something new!
Sally has been working at LVCC for one month and has been working with children for 8 years. Sally has her Child Development Associate Degree from the National Credentialing Program: Council for Professional Recognition. Sally believes that children learn by giving them the opportunity to learn through play and respond to their interests by providing varieties of materials and objects to discover, and to offer guidance and enthusiasm and help them build their confidence while learning and understanding new things. The best thing about being a teacher for Sally is the pleasure to see how children thrive in the classroom setting while learning though play, while also interacting with lots of love and a sense of humor. It’s a joy to see a child’s expression when they have discovered something new!
Associate Teacher
Xuan Ly
Xuan has been working at LVCC for 3 years and has been working with children for over 5 years. Xuan has a Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Studies from Cal Poly University. She also has 24 units of Child Development. Xuan believes children learn best through exposure to people who provide them with a nurturing environment. Children also learn well through exploration. The best thing about being a teacher for Xuan is the satisfaction she gets when watching a child achieve, whether it be taking their first step or pedaling on a bike for the first time.
Xuan has been working at LVCC for 3 years and has been working with children for over 5 years. Xuan has a Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Studies from Cal Poly University. She also has 24 units of Child Development. Xuan believes children learn best through exposure to people who provide them with a nurturing environment. Children also learn well through exploration. The best thing about being a teacher for Xuan is the satisfaction she gets when watching a child achieve, whether it be taking their first step or pedaling on a bike for the first time.
Room 1 Toddlers
Co-Lead Teacher
Susana Mejia
Susanna has been working at LVCC for 5 years and has been working with children for 18 years. Susanna has an Associates Degree in Child Development. She believes that children learn through their own experiences of trial and error, repetition, imitation, and identification. Children learn at their own pace and with their own style. They learn best in a warm and nurturing environment. The best thing about working with children for Susanna is making a difference in the children’s lives, providing them with a safe, nurturing environment and giving them opportunities to make discoveries.
Susanna has been working at LVCC for 5 years and has been working with children for 18 years. Susanna has an Associates Degree in Child Development. She believes that children learn through their own experiences of trial and error, repetition, imitation, and identification. Children learn at their own pace and with their own style. They learn best in a warm and nurturing environment. The best thing about working with children for Susanna is making a difference in the children’s lives, providing them with a safe, nurturing environment and giving them opportunities to make discoveries.
Associate Teacher
Jazminee Romo
Jaz has been working at LVCC for 3 years and has been working with children for over 4 years. Jaz is currently attending college and working on completing her Associates degree. She has more than 25 Child Development units. Jaz believes that children learn best through what they see around them; children pick up what we do quickly. She also believes children learn best through guidance and practice. The best thing about working with children for Jaz is that every child has their own individual personalities and watching the children develop.
Jaz has been working at LVCC for 3 years and has been working with children for over 4 years. Jaz is currently attending college and working on completing her Associates degree. She has more than 25 Child Development units. Jaz believes that children learn best through what they see around them; children pick up what we do quickly. She also believes children learn best through guidance and practice. The best thing about working with children for Jaz is that every child has their own individual personalities and watching the children develop.
Co-Lead Teacher
Karina Gomez
Karina has been working at LVCC for 9 years and has 9 years of experience in a childcare center and 13 years with her own children. Karina has 15 units of Child Development classes from Pasadena City College. Karina believes that children learn best when given lots of experiences in life and making them feel safe in their environment, her favorite is the hands on experiences. The best think about being a teacher for Karina is knowing that she can make a difference in the lives of children and itmakes her feel good to know she has influence on their futures.
Karina has been working at LVCC for 9 years and has 9 years of experience in a childcare center and 13 years with her own children. Karina has 15 units of Child Development classes from Pasadena City College. Karina believes that children learn best when given lots of experiences in life and making them feel safe in their environment, her favorite is the hands on experiences. The best think about being a teacher for Karina is knowing that she can make a difference in the lives of children and itmakes her feel good to know she has influence on their futures.
Assistant Teacher
Myrna Diaz
Myrna has been working at LVCC for 1 year and has been working with children for 6 years. Myrna has her Associate Teacher permit from Citrus College. Myrna believes that children learn best through interacting and handling materials and by being around their peers. They also learn by sharing and communicating, with the help of teachers, with each other. The best thing about working with children for Myrna is seeing how much the children have progressed from the beginning of the year to the end of the year. Watching the children’s faces light up when they understand a concept.
Myrna has been working at LVCC for 1 year and has been working with children for 6 years. Myrna has her Associate Teacher permit from Citrus College. Myrna believes that children learn best through interacting and handling materials and by being around their peers. They also learn by sharing and communicating, with the help of teachers, with each other. The best thing about working with children for Myrna is seeing how much the children have progressed from the beginning of the year to the end of the year. Watching the children’s faces light up when they understand a concept.
Room 2 Two Year Olds
Lead Teacher
Susia Carillo
Susie has been working at LVCC for 15 years and has been working with children even longer. She has her Teachers permit in Child Development. Susie believes children learn best by having the freedom to be themselves, allowing them to explore environments and activities hands on. The best thing about working with children for Susie is making a difference in the children's lives and watching them grow and become independent.
Susie has been working at LVCC for 15 years and has been working with children even longer. She has her Teachers permit in Child Development. Susie believes children learn best by having the freedom to be themselves, allowing them to explore environments and activities hands on. The best thing about working with children for Susie is making a difference in the children's lives and watching them grow and become independent.
Associate Teacher
Erin Gonzalez
Erin has been working at LVCC for 2 years and has been working with children for 7 years. Erin has 12 units of Early Childhood Education from Rio Hondo College. Erin believes that children learn best by playing and exploring their environment. The best thing about working with children for Erin is being able to watch a child grow and use the skills that they have learned throughout the year.
Erin has been working at LVCC for 2 years and has been working with children for 7 years. Erin has 12 units of Early Childhood Education from Rio Hondo College. Erin believes that children learn best by playing and exploring their environment. The best thing about working with children for Erin is being able to watch a child grow and use the skills that they have learned throughout the year.
Associate Teacher
Norma Romani
Norma has been working at LVCC for 1 year and has been working with children for 7 years. Norma has 30 units of Early Childhood Education and also has her Child Development Associate Teacher Permit. Norma believes children learn best by playing, hands on activities, exploring, and discovering. Adult support is also very important in children’s learning because they perform best in the social, cognitive, and language development areas when the adult is responsive to their interests. The best thing about being a teacher for Norma is seeing the children at the beginning of the school year and seeing them at the end and noticing how much they have learned, developed, and grown. That is the best reward for any educator.
Norma has been working at LVCC for 1 year and has been working with children for 7 years. Norma has 30 units of Early Childhood Education and also has her Child Development Associate Teacher Permit. Norma believes children learn best by playing, hands on activities, exploring, and discovering. Adult support is also very important in children’s learning because they perform best in the social, cognitive, and language development areas when the adult is responsive to their interests. The best thing about being a teacher for Norma is seeing the children at the beginning of the school year and seeing them at the end and noticing how much they have learned, developed, and grown. That is the best reward for any educator.
Associate Teacher
Olivia Chang
Olivia has been working at LVCC for 4 ½ years, she has been working with children for 6 years and has her Associate’s Degree in Child Development. Olivia believes that children learn best by playing and interacting with each other. The best thing about working with children for Olivia is that she gets to be a kid again and just have fun without having to worry about what people may think.
Olivia has been working at LVCC for 4 ½ years, she has been working with children for 6 years and has her Associate’s Degree in Child Development. Olivia believes that children learn best by playing and interacting with each other. The best thing about working with children for Olivia is that she gets to be a kid again and just have fun without having to worry about what people may think.
Associate Teacher
Janie Ho
Janie has been working at LVCC for 2 years and has been working with children for 9 years. Janie has her Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts, Teacher’s permit, Site Supervisor Permit and 40 units in Child Development. Janie believes that children learn best by exploring the areas around them using all their senses. Children need a comfortable environment where they can learn through hands on experiences and interact with objects and people. The best thing about working with children for Janie is being able to guide them with exciting activities. The best thing knows that their trust has been earned when they smile at her or run up to her with open arms. She also enjoys bang a part of the children’s growth, such as, physical and cognitive changes from the first day of school to the last day of school.
Janie has been working at LVCC for 2 years and has been working with children for 9 years. Janie has her Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts, Teacher’s permit, Site Supervisor Permit and 40 units in Child Development. Janie believes that children learn best by exploring the areas around them using all their senses. Children need a comfortable environment where they can learn through hands on experiences and interact with objects and people. The best thing about working with children for Janie is being able to guide them with exciting activities. The best thing knows that their trust has been earned when they smile at her or run up to her with open arms. She also enjoys bang a part of the children’s growth, such as, physical and cognitive changes from the first day of school to the last day of school.
Room 3 Three Year Olds
Lead Teacher
Yvonne Enriquez
Yvonne has been working at LVCC for 9 months and has been working with children for 16 years. Yvonne has 15 Child Development units. Yvonne believes that children learn best through play and hands on experiences and activities. Children learn best when activities are meaningful and relevant, when they can make choices in the materials they will work with and how they will use them. The best thing about being a teacher for Yvonne is the impact she has on the students. The students look thou and she feels it’s her job to be a positive influence on them. She also enjoys watching the children grow from the first day of school in September to the end of the school year.
Yvonne has been working at LVCC for 9 months and has been working with children for 16 years. Yvonne has 15 Child Development units. Yvonne believes that children learn best through play and hands on experiences and activities. Children learn best when activities are meaningful and relevant, when they can make choices in the materials they will work with and how they will use them. The best thing about being a teacher for Yvonne is the impact she has on the students. The students look thou and she feels it’s her job to be a positive influence on them. She also enjoys watching the children grow from the first day of school in September to the end of the school year.
Assistant Teacher
Ana Pineda
Ana has been working at LVCC for 6 months and with children for the same amount of time. Ana has a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology and Spanish. Ana believes that children learn best through play and that if you make things fun, they learn! Children also learn through example and model what they observe. The best thing about being a teacher for Ana is seeing the growth of the children. It is great to see that they have learned and are able to do something they could not do before.
Ana has been working at LVCC for 6 months and with children for the same amount of time. Ana has a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology and Spanish. Ana believes that children learn best through play and that if you make things fun, they learn! Children also learn through example and model what they observe. The best thing about being a teacher for Ana is seeing the growth of the children. It is great to see that they have learned and are able to do something they could not do before.
Teacher
Servando "Junior" Vega
Junior has been working at LVCC on and off for the past 2 years and has been working with children for 4 years. Junior has a Bachelor's Degree in Archaeology and some Child Development units. Junior believes children learn best through hands-on experiences and keeping their minds occupied with something fun. The best part about being a teacher for Junior is the funny things children sometimes say.
Junior has been working at LVCC on and off for the past 2 years and has been working with children for 4 years. Junior has a Bachelor's Degree in Archaeology and some Child Development units. Junior believes children learn best through hands-on experiences and keeping their minds occupied with something fun. The best part about being a teacher for Junior is the funny things children sometimes say.
Pre-K Four and Five Year Olds
Lead Teacher
Veronica Portillo
Veronica has been at LVCC for 8 years and has been working with children for 20 years. Veronica currently holds a Site Supervisor Permit and has an Associate Degree in Child Development. Veronica believes children learn best through exploration, it takes trial, error and discovery for true learning to occur. The best thing about working with children for Veronica is experiencing new adventures through the eyes of the children.
Associate Teacher
Christianna Tashjian
Christianna has been working at LVCC off and on for 9 years, she left to go to school and came back. She has been working with children for 10 years and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Family Studies from Eastern Kentucky University and an Associates Degree from Pasadena City College. Christianne believes that children learn best through play, too often we forget play for children is working and learning, children learn best by being kids. Christianna's favorite thing about being a teacher is seeing the children develop and learn new concepts and ideas.
Christianna has been working at LVCC off and on for 9 years, she left to go to school and came back. She has been working with children for 10 years and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Family Studies from Eastern Kentucky University and an Associates Degree from Pasadena City College. Christianne believes that children learn best through play, too often we forget play for children is working and learning, children learn best by being kids. Christianna's favorite thing about being a teacher is seeing the children develop and learn new concepts and ideas.
Teacher
Nancy Aguilar
Nancy has been working at LVCC for almost 2 years and has been working with children for the same amount of time. Nancy has some Child Development units and is attending school to acquire more. Nancy believes that children learn best through interaction. The best thing about being a teacher for Nancy is learning new things about each child and getting to be a part of the children's milestones.
Nancy has been working at LVCC for almost 2 years and has been working with children for the same amount of time. Nancy has some Child Development units and is attending school to acquire more. Nancy believes that children learn best through interaction. The best thing about being a teacher for Nancy is learning new things about each child and getting to be a part of the children's milestones.
Associate Teacher
Sharice Endow
Sharice has been working at LVCC for 5 years, she has been working with children since 1994. She has completed 45 ECE units at Pasadena City College. Sharice believes children learn best through repetition and positive role modeling from parents, teachers and caregivers. Adults need to be aware of the impact they have on children with their language, facial expressions and overall attitude that they project towards children. The best part of being a teacher for Sharice is getting to know the children as individuals, watching them grow from infancy to Pre-K. The milestones they have accomplished, she also enjoys being able to play and teach at the same time.
Sharice has been working at LVCC for 5 years, she has been working with children since 1994. She has completed 45 ECE units at Pasadena City College. Sharice believes children learn best through repetition and positive role modeling from parents, teachers and caregivers. Adults need to be aware of the impact they have on children with their language, facial expressions and overall attitude that they project towards children. The best part of being a teacher for Sharice is getting to know the children as individuals, watching them grow from infancy to Pre-K. The milestones they have accomplished, she also enjoys being able to play and teach at the same time.
Associate Teacher
Daisy Pineda
This will be Daisy's first year working at LVCC. Daisy has been interning at children centers for 3 years. She received her B.S. in Child and Family Development from San Diego State University. Daisy believes that children learn best through experiences as well as in being surrounded by a positive environment. She also believes that children learn best through communication. The best thing about being a teacher for Daisy is the ability to learn new things from the students; getting to know each of their possibilities, as well as helping them become caring individuals by being a positive role model.
This will be Daisy's first year working at LVCC. Daisy has been interning at children centers for 3 years. She received her B.S. in Child and Family Development from San Diego State University. Daisy believes that children learn best through experiences as well as in being surrounded by a positive environment. She also believes that children learn best through communication. The best thing about being a teacher for Daisy is the ability to learn new things from the students; getting to know each of their possibilities, as well as helping them become caring individuals by being a positive role model.
ASCC Floater Teachers
Associate teacher
Grace Caballes-Leyden
Grace has been working at LVCC for 4 years and has been working with children for 8 years. Grace has a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. Grace believes that children learn best by being accepted for who they are and the different ways that they succeed. The best thing about working with children for Grace is that she loves everyday with them and enjoys watching their progressive growth.
Grace has been working at LVCC for 4 years and has been working with children for 8 years. Grace has a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. Grace believes that children learn best by being accepted for who they are and the different ways that they succeed. The best thing about working with children for Grace is that she loves everyday with them and enjoys watching their progressive growth.
Teacher
Kelli Schumaker
Kelli has been working at LVCC for 2 years; she has been working with children for 12 years and has 6 units of Early Childhood Education. Kelli believes that children learn best through experience and exploration of the world around them. Her favorite thing about working with children is seeing the children grow and change throughout the year.
Kelli has been working at LVCC for 2 years; she has been working with children for 12 years and has 6 units of Early Childhood Education. Kelli believes that children learn best through experience and exploration of the world around them. Her favorite thing about working with children is seeing the children grow and change throughout the year.
Teacher
Vanessa Moranchel
Vanessa has been working at LVCC for almost 2 years. She has been working with children for 10 years, 8 of those years teaching grammar school. Vanessa attended Glendale Community College and Rio Hondo College. She has some Child Development units. Vanessa believes that children learn best through example; children imitate what adults do, so setting a good example leads children to grow and be successful.
Vanessa has been working at LVCC for almost 2 years. She has been working with children for 10 years, 8 of those years teaching grammar school. Vanessa attended Glendale Community College and Rio Hondo College. She has some Child Development units. Vanessa believes that children learn best through example; children imitate what adults do, so setting a good example leads children to grow and be successful.