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, 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.