Our Staff

With just three classrooms, each one of our staff members plays an important role for all the children at the school, not just their own students. Our teachers have varied backgrounds which makes a rich teaching environment. But the one thing they have in common is their love of teaching.

Miss Maria, Preschool Director

Miss Maria started teaching preschool in 1987 while she was attending Loyola Marymount University. She received her teaching credential in 1990 and taught elementary school in San Diego County for 9 ½ years. During this period, she took classes toward her administrative credential from both CSUSM and National University.

Miss Laura, Room 1

Miss Laura has taught at Discovery Preschool since 2008, but her teaching career began in 1996 as an elementary school teacher. She has a B.A. in English and her M.ED in Educational Counseling. She received her teaching credential from Whittier College in 1995. Just prior to teaching preschool, she was a stay-at-home mom to daughters Katherine and Amy, both of whom attended Discovery Preschool.In her spare time, she enjoys travel, books and movies. Twice a year she travels with her family to rural New Jersey, where both she and her husband were raised.

Mr. Peter, Room 2

Originally from England, I came to America when I was 21. My parents and family still live in Manchester. I studied Drama and Theatre Arts in London with the hope of becoming an actor. This ambition brought me to L.A. where for 20 years I lived. Wiser and less inclined to be an “entertainer”; I moved to Long Beach 10 years ago. I began working as a teacher’s aide for special needs children at Riley Elementary School. I have taught now for 3 years at Discovery Preschool and I love every minute of it. Teaching children is my true passion.

Miss Jessie, Room 3

Hello, I am Miss Jessie. I was born in the Azores and raised on Southern California. I have received my teaching certificate in Early Childhood Education from Long Beach City College. I have taught for eight years, six of which have been at Discovery Preschool. I am fluent in Portuguese. My interests include reading, antique shopping and spending time with my family. My husband and I are extremely proud of our two sons. My passion is the well being and education of young people.

Miss Roxy, Room 1

Miss Roxy joined the preschool staff in September 2008. She works in room 1 with Miss Laura. She is a part-time student at CSULB and is majoring in Sociology. She graduated in May, 2010. Her future plans include taking several more courses in early childhool developement.

Miss Cathie, Room 2

Miss Cathie began working at the preschool in September 2004 and has been working with Mr. Peter for 3 years. "I absolutely love working with this age group! They are so inquisitive about everything. They are like little sponges!"
She has lived in Los Altos her whole life. She went to Tincher, Hill Middle school, And Wilson high School. She also attended LBCC and CSULB.Before she strted her family, she worked for LBUSD in both kindergaten and special needs 4th grade.
She has been married to her husband for 27 years and has three children; a son, 27, and two daughters, 23 and 19.

Miss Brenda, Room 3

Brenda has been a member of the staff since September, 2002. She works very closely with Miss Jessie in room 3.
She has lived in Lakewood since 1986 and has been married for 30 years. Before that, she lived on the East Coast were she was born and raised. She has two children, a daughter who is 18 and going to college in the Fall, and a son who will be in Junior High.