MESA VERDE PRESCHOOL
Creating a Brighter Future
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, where she earned her certificate in Early Childhood Education. Her passion for teaching began at her church, where she loved working with children and discovered the joy of helping them learn and grow. That early experience inspired her to pursue a lifelong career in education.
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With over 22 years of teaching experience, Christina now serves as the Director of Mesa Verde Preschool. She treasures the opportunity to be part of the very beginning of each child’s educational journey, knowing that the lessons and love she shares will stay with them for years to come. Christina continues to find joy in guiding young learners, helping them build a foundation of curiosity, confidence, and kindness.
Infant Teacher
Angela Valencia
Angela studied Early Childhood Education at Orange Coast College and has been teaching for 23 years. Her love for working with children shines through in everything she does. For Angela, teaching is more than a career—it’s a joy and a calling. She treasures the moments when a child learns something new for the very first time and feels grateful to play a role in those milestones. Angela’s heart for children and dedication to their growth make her classroom a place filled with warmth, encouragement, and discovery.
Infant Teacher
Debbie Strickland
Debbie studied Early Childhood Education at Orange Coast College and has dedicated more than 37 years to nurturing and guiding young learners. Her passion for teaching began with a simple love for children and has grown into a lifelong calling. Debbie finds joy in watching children discover new skills, ideas, and confidence in themselves. To her, every day in the classroom is an opportunity to make a difference in a child’s life, and she treasures the privilege of helping them learn and grow.
Toddler Teacher
Denise Osborne
Denise studied at Golden West College and California State University, Fullerton, where she earned both her Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Early Childhood Education. With over 23 years of teaching experience, she has dedicated her career to helping children discover the joy of learning while challenging themselves to grow.
Her passion for teaching comes from a deep belief that learning should spark curiosity, encourage questions, and open the door to new discoveries every day. Denise feels honored to play a role in each child’s educational journey and loves creating a classroom where children feel inspired, supported, and excited to explore the world around them.
Toddler Teacher
Merlin Lemus
Merlin studied at Santa Ana College, where she earned an Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts and Child Development. She has been working in the field for a year and is continuing her education to expand her skills, knowledge, and passion for teaching. Merlin loves being a part of children’s growth and finds joy in watching them discover something new each day. One of her favorite parts of teaching is doing activities alongside the children, which often brings back fond memories of her own childhood. With her dedication and warmth, Merlin is excited to continue growing as an educator while making a difference in the lives of her students.
Transitional Toddler Teacher
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.
Preschool /Pre-K Teacher
Alex Arreola
Alex studied at Orange Coast College, where he earned an Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education with specializations in Infant & Toddler, Child Development Curriculum, and Child Development Administration. He also holds an Associate in Science in Fashion Design and a certificate as a Social Media Strategist.
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Teaching is something Alex happily “fell into”—and after 22 years in the classroom, it has become his life’s work and greatest passion. What he loves most about teaching is encouraging children to find and use their voices, helping them grow in empathy and responsibility, and guiding them to use their voices for the good of the community. For Alex, every day in the classroom is an opportunity to nurture not only a child’s mind but also their heart.
Preschool/Pre-K
Teacher
Shelby Marini
Shelby studied Early Childhood Education at Laguna Technical College, where she earned her teaching certificate. For the past 20 years, she has dedicated her career to guiding and nurturing young learners. Her passion for teaching began with the simple joy of seeing a child’s eyes light up when they discover something new, and that spark continues to inspire her every day. Shelby especially loves caring for babies and treasures the opportunity to watch them grow, learn, and flourish in their earliest years.
Floater
Kathy Gonzales
Kathy studied at Saddleback College and has been dedicated to working with children for over 35 years. Her journey into teaching began with a simple but powerful love for children, and that passion has only grown stronger throughout her career. Kathy finds deep joy in guiding, nurturing, and watching children discover the world around them. For her, teaching is more than just a profession—it is a calling that continues to bring her pure fulfillment each and every day.
Teachers Aid
Annika Martinez
Annika brings over a decade of experience working with children to our classroom. She studied at Goldenwest College and Theoria Tech College and holds a ServSafe certification, while currently pursuing her CDA/ECE credentials. A proud mother of an 18-year-old, Annika has been teaching for over two and a half years, driven by her passion for helping children explore, learn, and grow. She loves witnessing their curiosity, sense of wonder, and the joy that comes with discovering new things—moments she considers the heart of teaching.
Substitute
Maryel Gonzalez
Maryel studied at Santa Ana College, where she earned her Associate of Arts degree. With over 15 years of experience, she has had the joy of working with children ranging from infants through 8th grade. Maryel chose the teaching profession to inspire young minds, and she continues to find joy in helping students discover their potential. Her nurturing spirit and patient approach create a supportive environment where children feel safe, valued, and encouraged to grow.