MEET OUR AMAZING Pine Tree Preschool STAFF
We are honored to have a fantastic team at Pine Tree Preschool. Our staff have a passion for the field of Early Childhood Development and a wealth of experience that supports all of the families we serve, to thrive.
Director
Mrs. Ada Cabrera-Velasquez
Master's in Child Development
"Free the child’s potential, and you will transform him into the world.” - Maria Montessori
Ada Cabrera-Velasquez is an Early Childhood Educator and Adjunct Instructor at Los Angeles City College. She earned her AS-T in Early Childhood Education from LACC in 2015. Later, she pursued her B. A and M.A in Child Development from California State University, Los Angeles.
Prior to becoming an adjunct instructor at LACC, she began her career as a mentor for high school students. Later, she got hired part-time as a Career Liaison/Presenter at LACC in the Child and Family Studies Department. As a Career Liaison, she helped college students choose career pathways in ECE/CD field. In addition, she offered guidance, support, and mentorship to ECE/CD students. As a presenter, she hosted workshops that helped college students become workforce ready in the field of ECE/CD. At the same time, she also worked part-time as a preschool teacher at Pine Tree Preschool. Ada loved working in the classroom, where she implemented developmentally appropriate practices for young children and their families. Now she is currently the Center Director at Pine Tree Preschool. Therefore, she will do her best to continue the legacy of success established at Pine Tree Preschool by building a stronger relationship with every family, student, faculty, staff, and community partner. Finally, her educational and experience trajectory has helped her become more passionate about the field, and she wants to continue to make an impact on children, families, and students wishing to pursue a career in ECE/CD.
Assistant Director
Ms. Mariela
“A child's life is like a piece of paper on which every person leaves a mark”
-Robert A. Heinlein.
Mariela Velasquez began her journey in Early Childhood Education at Los Angeles City College and earned her Associate's Degree in 2018. Then, she pursued her career at California State University, Los Angeles, and obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Child Development in 2020.
Before starting to work at Pine Tree Preschool, she was a student teacher at Joy Picus Child Development Center. Mariela's experience as a student teacher led her to get hired at Pine Tree preschool as a substitute teacher in the Summer of 2020. Later, she got promoted to lead teacher for the older toddler classroom. Mariela's leadership skills, dedication to the field of ECE, and experience in the classroom, she got promoted to Assistant Director in the summer of 2022. She aims to continue growing in the field of ECE and applying developmentally age-appropriate practices with young children.
Teacher Assistant
Ms. Kathia
Kathia Morales-Guatemala is an Early Childhood Educator at Pine Tree Preschool and a California State University Los Angeles student. She earned her AS-T in Early Childhood Education at Los Angeles Trade Technical Community College in 2018. Later, she transferred to Cal State LA to pursue her Bachelor's in Child Development and will obtain her degree in December 2022. Kathia began her education career after receiving her AS-T in Early Childhood Education.
She got hired as a part-time Teacher Assistant at Pine Tree Preschool. As a Teacher Assistant, she supports and assists teachers in planning and preparing developmentally appropriate daily activities. As an assistant teacher, she provides a safe and nurturing environment for the children. She is also working on obtaining her B.A in Child Development to become a Lead Teacher. Her education and experience in the Early Childhood Education field have helped her become more fascinated with the field. She wants to continue to grow as an educator and assist children and their families.
Lead Teacher
Ms. Alissa
Alissa B. Coreas is an Early Childhood Educator at Pine Tree Preschool. Alissa earned her Bachelor's Degree in Child Development from Mount St. Mary's University in 2018. A year later, she pursued her Master's Degree in Education with a focus on Early Childhood and Primary Education from California State University, Los Angeles.
Alissa has been in the ECE field for approximately five years. She has worked with various developmental age groups; infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. As an Early Childhood Educator, Alissa strongly believes that building a positive and safe learning environment should be established in the classroom; by developing a trustworthy relationship between the child and educator. Moreover, guide children in an emotionally and developmentally appropriate way. Secondly, nurture each child's individual and personal identity by acknowledging, embracing, and respecting each child's unique way of learning. Lastly, Alissa highly advocates that children and their families need to feel supported to create meaningful connections with themselves, their peers, and the greater community.
Alissa enjoys observing how each child approaches certain situations differently. She values children's unique way of thinking and navigating peer relationships (how children play, interact, and express themselves). Currently, she works in the toddler classroom as a Lead Teacher. In addition, Alissa will continue to advocate and learn more about Early Childhood Education.
Lead Teacher
Ms. Giselle
Giselle Colindres is an Early Childhood Educator and a student tutor in the Child and Family Studies department at Los Angeles City College. In 2019, she earned her AS-T in Early Childhood Education and an A.A. in Child Development from LACC. She transferred to California State University, Los Angeles, receiving her B. A in Child Development. She is in her second year of graduate school to pursue her M.A. in Child Development.
Before her employment at LACC, Giselle worked as a teacher’s assistant with children from kindergarten to fifth grade for approximately six years. Once she began working at LACC, she worked as a program assistant, offering staff support by splitting time between meetings, creating program events, answering emails and phone calls, and assisting students. Giselle continues her employment as a student tutor and provides students with an understanding of essential ideas, theories, and concepts within the ECE/CD field. Now, as a full-time Lead Teacher at Pine Tree Preschool, she applies her knowledge and practices in her classroom, where she can create a thoughtful and appropriate approach for every child. As a Lead Teacher, she is eager and determined to be a positive influence and build a strong, healthy relationship with her students.