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 & education and a wealth of experience that supports all of the families we serve to thrive.
Director
Mrs. Yeni
Master's in Child Development/Doctorate in Education
"Play is the highest form of research." Albert Einstein
Yeni Portillo-Lemus serves as the Director of our preschool, bringing over 20 years of experience in early childhood education, social work, and educational consulting.
Since 2003, she has worked in the field of early education as both a teacher and director, shaping learning environments that foster creativity, independence, and social-emotional growth. Her background in social work and consulting has deepened her commitment to supporting not just young learners, but also their families and the greater community.
In addition to the role at Pine Tree Preschool, she serve as an adjunct instructor of Early Childhood Education at UCSD Extended Studies, where I help guide and mentor the next generation of educators. Her philosophy is rooted in the belief that high-quality early education sets the foundation for lifelong success, and I am passionate about creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where children can thrive through play, exploration, and meaningful learning experiences.
She partners with with families, supports our incredible teachers, and ensures that Pine Tree Preschool continues to be a place where children feel safe, loved, and inspired to learn every day.
Assistant Director/Teacher
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 education 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, helped her get 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.
