OUR TEACHERS
Trained and experienced teachers are the foundation of an effective environment at Mesa Verde Preschool. Our teachers have been rigorously trained beyond their studies in the early childhood education, philosophy, principles, and method. They guide children in self-discovered learning through observation, influence, and encouragement to promote development of mind, body, and spirit. Teachers adjust to each individual child’s learning pace and needs, guiding students to explore new topics and accept new challenges. Our teachers’ firm, supportive, and kind demeanor is the key to the success of MVP. They serve as role models of warmth, kindness, peace, and respect, setting clear and consistent challenges in a positive and supportive environment.
At Mesa Verde Preschool, we pride ourselves on hiring a highly experienced staff. Not only are they school educated teachers, they have also had additional higher education and participate in ongoing teacher training and credentialing. Our diverse, international preschool environment is truly a great place for children to learn and grow under the guidance of experienced mentors. All teachers at MVP work together in teams to ensure each classroom environment stimulates and motivates the children’s absorbent minds.
Director
Christina Guerrero
Christina studied at Orange Coast College and earned a certificate in Early Childhood Education. She went into teaching because she loved working with the kids at her church while growing up and wanted to continue working with them in her adult life. Now having taught for 22 years she is the Director of Mesa Verde Preschool and still loves working with children and being the start of their education. Knowing that a part of what she has taught them will stay with them forever.
Infant Teacher
Kirara Alfaro
Kiara is currently studying at Santa Ana College where she is working on her Associates in Psychology degree. She has worked with children for many years as a nanny and is now working for the first time in a preschool setting. She got into teaching to help children in their younger years of exploring the big world. She loves working with children because they have such an adorable innocent curiosity about the world around them.
Infant Teacher
Shelby Marini
Shelby studied at Laguna Technical College and earned a certificate in Early Childhood Education. Since graduating she has been teaching for 20 years. She became a teacher because she loves watching the excitement in a child when they learn (achieving) something new and has continued to teach because she loves babies and watching them grow.
Toddler Teacher
Denise Osborne
Denise studied at Goldenwest College and California State University, Fullerton. She has earned an Associates and Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and has been teaching for 23 years. She became a teacher because she wanted to help children find their joy in learning and challenging their abilities. She loves teaching because it fosters curiosity , encourages asking questions and there is always something new to explore .
Toddler Teacher
Angela Valencia
Angela studied Early Childhood Education at Orange Coast College and has been teaching for 23 years. She loves teaching because she loves working with children and experiencing the joy of seeing them learn for the first time.
Preschool /Pre-K Teacher
Alex Arreola
Alex has studied at Orange Coast College and has earned an Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education, an Associate in Science in Fashion Design and a certificate in Social Media Strategist. Teaching was something he actually fell into and immediately fell in love with. After having taught for 11 years the thing he loves most is encouraging each child to use their voice, teaching each child empathy and responsibility, helping them use their voice for the good of the community.
Assistant
Irene Flores
Irene has studied and graduated with a Bachelors degree from California State University Channel Islands, CSUCI. She is currently enrolled at Orange Coast College working on an Associates of Science degree in Early Childhood Education . She has been working with children for 6 years, ages 4 to middle school. During those years she taught toddler soccer, pre-gymnastics, cooking for kids, dance, and became a substitute teacher for elementary & middle school. She got into teaching to help children see that learning can be done in a fun way. She truly loves teaching because She loves to help others blossom.
Floater
Kathy Gonzales
Kathy studied at Saddleback College and has been working professionally with children for over 35 years. She became a teacher because of her love for children and continues to work in this field because the pure satisfaction it still gives her.
Substitute
Maryel Gonzalez
Maryel studied at Santa Ana College and earned an Associates in Arts degree. In her 15 years of teaching she has worked with children from infants to 8th grade. She went into teaching to inspire young minds. Her nurturing and patience has allowed her to thrive in education.
Substitute Teachers Aid
Angel Marini Jr.
Angel graduated from Columbia College of Missouri and Laguna Tech with a BA in History & Early Childhood Education. He's a father of 5 and has been working with children professionally for 2 years. He decided to go into teaching because of his passion for children. His favorite thing is seeing a child’s face light up with amazement when they discover something new.
Substitute Teacher
Gina Gasparian
Gina has studied at Orange Coast College and UCI. She is currently working on an Associate Teacher Certificate & a Bachelors Degree in Psychological Science. She has been working with children professionally since March 2022. She got into teaching because she wanted to be part of a field in which she could work closely with children and families. She loves teaching because its so much fun getting to know each child's strengths and why they are as people.