Meet the Staff

Miss Kathi

 Director of the Preschool
 kldean@CalLutheran.edu

Kathi graduated from CSU, Northridge with a BA in Child Development. She has her MA in Teaching and has performed numerous roles in the Early Childhood Education field over the past 20+ years. She worked for GPCDC/Patagonia for 15 years as a Teacher and Preschool Director. She has worked as an Early Childhood Interventionist. In addition to leading us here at the FFECC, she is also an Adjunct Professor for the Early Childhood Development Department at Moorpark College and loves guiding new teachers in the ECE field. In her free time, Kathi enjoys reading, camping, swimming, and spending time with her family. Ms. Kathi strongly believes in providing our preschool families with positive experiences and environments that will enrich children’s lives, as well as give them the support they need during early childhood.

Mrs. Heidi

 hgiller@CalLutheran.edu

Heidi earned her A.S. degree in Child Development from Moorpark College. She has served as an Early Care Assistant Teacher for the Conejo Valley Neighborhood for Learning, and was honored with numerous awards for her volunteering more than 1500 hours with the Simi Valley Unified School District. Heidi has been married for over thirty years and has two adult sons. She is passionate about Early Childhood Education and is dedicated to ensuring that each and every member of our FFECC "family" feels heard, supported, and loved. Heidi enjoys spending time outdoors and firmly believes that children learn best when immersed in an environment of nature.

Mrs. Yvanna

 yherrera@CalLutheran.edu

Yvanna loves children! She has worked in the early childhood education field for over 15 years. Yvanna has been married to her husband Leonel since 2009. They enjoy spending time with their wonderful son and two lovely daughters. She enjoys reading, attending concerts, gardening and doing crafts with her kids. Yvanna is so excited to be part of the CLU family.

Mrs. Curstin

 caupperle@CalLutheran.edu

Curstin received her Associates Degree from Pierce College and completed the Early Childhood Education program at Moorpark College. Her fun and energetic personality have complimented her passion for teaching preschool for over 14 years. Curstin has lived in Thousand Oaks for more than 20 years with her husband Tim, where they raised their three sons. As a parent, Curstin shares the passion parents have for their children and loves working with our families and their children in a nurturing environment. She enjoys listening to music and cheering for the Dodgers!

Mrs. Gema

 ghayek@CalLutheran.edu

Gema is proud of her career as mom to her three grown children, and recently became a Grandma!  She has a diverse professional history working in the early childhood field, including running her own at home child care business. Gema is a first generation college student. She studied Psychology at Pepperdine University, and achieved her Child Development certificate from Palm Beach College, Florida.  Gema believes sharing her gifts with others is an important part of teaching. And one of her greatest gifts is being bi-cultural, which she shares with our school through incorporating Spanish into the curriculum. Gema has been married for more than 10 years to her husband George, with whom she loves to go on cruises, take walks, watch movies, and travel the world. Gema loves to dance, read, listen to podcasts, design, spend time with family, and collect miniature clocks & owls.

Mrs. Carmen

 cbarbagiovanni@CalLutheran.edu

Carmen attended the Child Development program at Moorpark College and holds her Master Teacher credential. She has taught preschool children for over 20 years and has been working with infants since 2020. Carmen truly loves working with the infants. Helping children and their families is a most rewarding job for her. She enjoys working with children of all ages and is happy to be a teacher at the Fredrickson Family Early Childhood Center!

Mrs. Janell

 jdelre@CalLutheran.edu

Janell attained her B.S. in Kinesiology with a Minor in Child and Adolescent Development. She has been working in the school setting for over 5 years. When Janell isn't at work, she enjoys travelling the world with her husband, and seeking "hole in the wall" restaurants. Janell feels overjoyed to work at our school. She sees children as a garden, not all flowers bloom at the same rate.

Mrs. Christine

 cgrunberger@CalLutheran.edu

Christine has worked in the preschool setting for more than 7 years now. She earned her AA in Child Development and then took time to raise her family. She has been married for over 25 years and has 2 college bound children. Christine is so excited to be here with us the at the FFECC, and to have the opportunity to work with your family!

Mrs. Milly

 malamillopech@CalLutheran.edu

Milly recently earned her B.A. in Early Childhood Studies from CSU Channel Islands.  She has worked at the Moorpark College Child Development Center, where she found her passion for working with children.  She loves to create a warm, welcoming, and inclusive classroom environment where children can explore, learn, grow, and have fun.  She has been married for over 9 years and has a 2-year-old daughter.  During her free time, she loves to spend time with her family and go to Disneyland!  Milly is excited to join the FFECC team!

Mrs. April

 Preschool Teacher
 aprilsproles@CalLutheran.edu

Mrs. April has always had a passion for working with kids. Since high school, she has been dedicated to child development and nurturing their character, curiosity, and interests. Returning to an Early Childhood Center feels like coming home for her.  April and her husband are proud parents to two daughters in elementary and middle school. They enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and going to the beach, as well as attending their kids' sports and Girl Scout events. April also enjoys a bit of leisurely running.  With a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education from CSUN, she has experience working with families in the foster care system and in transitional kindergarten classrooms. April is excited to join the Fredrickson Early Childhood Center and believes their philosophy will support the well-being of all children.

Miss Taryn

 Preschool Teacher
 tarynallen@CalLutheran.edu

Miss Taryn earned her Associate of Science degree in Early Childhood Development from Moorpark College and has worked in the field of child development for seven years. Her experience includes teaching roles at Camp Amgen and Temple Etz Chaim. She has worked with families from diverse cultures and backgrounds and believes that children thrive in a nurturing environment where they feel safe and heard, as well as connected to nature.  Born and raised in Thousand Oaks, Taryn enjoys reading, going to the gym, listening to music, trying new recipes, hiking, and listening to podcasts. She loves spending time with her family when she’s not working. Taryn is excited to join the Fredrickson team!

Mrs. Susan

Susan joined the FFECC team in 2021, as a substitute teacher throughout the school.  She has twenty-eight years of experience working with young children in a variety of positions: as a teacher, a coordinator for children’s weekend and summer programs, and a children’s event planner. Susan greatly enjoys her many years as a resident of Ventura Country with her husband and son. She enjoys the natural beauty that only God can create, as well as the colors, textures, and diverse styles of people and art. Cooking, traveling, swimming, volunteer work through church, and hanging out with her special dog, family, and friends, keeps her busy when not at work.

Miss Jordyn

Jordyn is has lived in Newbury Park her whole life and recently earned her B.A. in Early Childhood Studies from CSU Channel Islands. She previously worked at the Moorpark College Child Development Center while simultaneously earning her A.S. degree. Jordyn has also spent time working with young children at Camp Amgen and Flory Moorpark State Preschool. One of her favorite things about being an early childhood teacher is being able to work closely with so many amazing children and families! Jordyn is so excited and looks forward to working alongside all the awesome teachers and families at the Fredrickson Family Early Childhood Center!

Mrs. Sophea

Sophea (pronounced with a P) has been working with young children her entire life. She earned her A.S. in Early Childhood Education at Moorpark College, and is currently in the process of obtaining her B.S. Sophea is empathetic, patient, kind, and always has a positive outlook. She is passionate about encouraging children to develop their cognitive, motor, and social skills, and helping each child to reach their full potential. When she is not working with children, Sophea enjoys sewing, cooking, and gardening.

Miss Vivian

Vivian immigrated with her family, from China to the United States, in 2016. She earned her college degree in China, and she is currently studying Early Childhood Education at Moorpark College. Miss Vivian has volunteered in local community childcare programs that serve ages 7 months to 4 years old. She also teaches preschool age children at the Thousand Oaks Chinese School. Miss Vivian loves children very much and believes that they are the source of happiness and vitality in life.

Mrs. Sofia

Sofia has had a long, dedicated career at the FFECC. She was a teacher with us for over 10 years before retiring from CLU in 2020 and has happily returned as a substitute teacher. She has strong roots in the Conejo Valley, having lived here since 1969, and is very committed to helping her community. Sofia has built a beautiful life surrounded by her family, friends, and the hobbies that she loves.