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Meet Our Preschool  and TK / Kindergarten Team!

We’re proud of our Wild Roots family of dedicated staff and passionate educators.

Exploring Elementary School options?
You can meet our elementary team here.

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Image of Lidia Najera, Center Director

Lidia  Najera

Center Director

GET TO KNOW LIDIA

Lidia has been teaching at Wild Roots since it opened in 2012. She holds her Bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Education from Cal State San Marcos and received her Montessori Assistant Teaching Certificate through the Montessori Institute of San Diego (MISD).

Lidia has a passion for early education and especially loves to work in an environment that focuses on education and development of the whole child. Lidia devotes herself to continuing her education and professional growth and to daily learn and discover alongside the children.

“When one teaches, two learn.” ― Robert A. Heinlein

Image of Margarita Juarez, Program Director

Margarita Juarez

Program director

GET TO KNOW MARGARITA
Margarita has been teaching for 21 years! She has been with Wild Roots Preschool since 2013. She is Montessori trained from The Montessori Institute in Denver Colorado for children 0-3 years, and from the Seton Montessori Institute in Chicago Illinois for children 3-6 years.  Margarita has a passion for teaching young children and preparing the classroom environment. She also enjoys making handmade classroom learning materials.  She believes that a prepared environment will call to young children and bring them great happiness and satisfaction.  She loves witnessing the children grow in confidence and pride through their work in the classroom. Margarita also chose Wild Roots for the early childhood education of her own twin boys, who are now big boys in elementary school!
 
One test of the correctness of educational procedure is the happiness of the child.” (The Absorbent Mind)
Image of Rachel Amaya

Rachel Amaya

Director of Operations

GET TO KNOW RACHEL

Rachel has been working as an early childhood educator for over ten years. She received a degree in Child Development and Education in 2012, and also has degrees in Human Development and Social Behavioral Sciences.  Rachel is also co-owner of 1 Sound Music Co., a music learning platform, and works with her husband to make music education accessible for all.

When not at work, Rachel enjoys hiking, traveling, and going to zoos, museums and amusement parks with her family. She also has a plethora of hobbies and loves being creative in some capacity. She enjoys graphic design, photography, hand-lettering, and creative writing.

For Rachel, there is nothing more wondrous and fascinating than the workings of a young child’s mind, and being a part each child’s molding process is something that she deeply values. She is beyond honored to be a part of the Wild Roots family!

Image of Keleigh Seward, Lavender Teacher

Keleigh Seward

LAVENDER ROOM LEAD TEACHER
(Infants ages 6 weeks to 12 months)

GET TO KNOW KELEIGH

Keleigh has been working in Early Childhood Education for more than 18 years. She holds an Associate of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education. She had eight years of experience teaching in a center based on the Reggio Emilia philosophy before joining the Wild Roots team.

Keleigh has a passion for working with infants and children under the age of two. Watching them grow and helping them to discover new abilities. Her own son is in elementary school and in a Montessori elementary school program. Through his experiences at school she has learned so much about Montessori teaching methods.

Keleigh looks forward to combining her experience in Reggio Emilia and what she has learned about Montessori education in her position with Wild Roots.
In her free time Keleigh enjoys hiking, kayaking and spending time outdoors. She is enjoying her new chapter with Wild Roots and looks forward to watching all the children learn and grow over the years.

Image of Bree Brokebough, Lavender Room Teacher

Breanna Brokenbough

LAVENDER ROOM ASSISTANT TEACHER
(Infants ages 6 weeks – 12 months)

GET TO KNOW BREE
Breanna has been working in Early Childhood Education for the last 6 years and has nannied for 2 years prior. She has received her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. She has worked with all ages during her 6 years of teaching but has decided to focus on infants. During the last 2.5 years, she nannied for a family of 5 boys ranging from newborn to 7-years old!
Although Breanna’s teaching experience started in a non-Montessori setting, she is enjoying learning the differences between all the different types of school settings and philosophies. In her spare time, Breanna enjoys reading and watching baking shows to try and learn some new tricks. She am so excited to start this next chapter here at Wild Roots!
Image of Sarabeth Dunkley, Sage Room Teacher

Sarabeth Dunkley

SAGE ROOM CO-TEACHER
(Young Toddlers Ages 12 – 24 Months)

GET TO KNOW SARABETH

Right from the beginning of Sarabeth’s life she has been surrounded by those who are pursuing knowledge through education. She was born at the Stanford University Hospital, for instance. Although her family moved a lot while growing up (she has lived coast to coast) schooling remained important to her. She has numerous fond memories of things she learned and the teachers who were positive influences on her. Sarabeth also developed a deep love for nature. She has explored forests, deserts, mountains and has been to both the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean.  She particularly loves exploring nature in new places. One of her current desires is to go to New Zealand to see the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Her exploring never stopped, however, her formal schooling did for a time while she raised her three children. She loved teaching them. That is where she discovered her passion for teaching. It was not until her youngest graduated from High school that she, herself, decided it was time to get a college degree and pursue teaching. 

Sarabeth has an Associate’s in Math and Science. She is now focusing her studies on Early Childhood Development and Education. She has worked with children since she was 12 years old as a babysitter. She loves watching children explore and she looks forward to being a part of your child’s learning journey. “The world is our playground.”-Mike Taylor 

Preschool Team

Amber Harper

SAGE ROOM CO-TEACHER
(Young Toddlers Ages 12 – 24 Months)

GET TO KNOW AMBER

Hi, Wild Roots families! I’m Amber, and I am a mother of two, ages 2 and 5 months! I have always had a passion for enriching the lives of little ones as I was a nanny for years before earning an associate’s degree in child development and becoming a preschool teacher. Sports and fitness have always been a passion of mine, even as a kid myself! I played as many sports as I could and even went on to coach, which has now led me here! I am so excited to be a part of the Wild Roots team, and look forward to what is to come!

Portrait of Grace Halling

Grace Halling

SAGE ROOM ASSISTANT TEACHER
(Young Toddlers Ages 12-24 Months)

GET TO KNOW GRACE

“The art of teaching is the art of assisting.”

Grace has helped take care of her two younger brothers since they were born and has always enjoyed being a caretaker for little ones! She is currently enrolled in classes to get her Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education, and her Infant Toddler Certificate. 

Some fun facts: Grace loves to travel and has lived all over the United States. She also learns how to cook and bake new things during her free time. And, Grace has a two year old dog named Tucker!

Portrait of April Zuck

April  Zuck

ROSEMARY ROOM TEACHER
(Toddlers Ages 2 -3 Years)

GET TO KNOW APRIL

April’s passion for children started at the young age of 10. After attending her first year of summer camp, she quickly realized she wanted to become a camp counselor and work with young children. This lead to multiple babysitting jobs and after school programs at the YMCA. She attended Gavilan College where she pursued her education in Early Childhood Development. While attending college, she began working for a recreational preschool in her home town and gained a passion for children’s nutrition and health.

In April’s free time she enjoys spending time with her fiancé while camping, fishing, and hiking. She is looking forward to working with Rosemary Room children, and getting to know each and every one of you. She is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Wild Roots family!

Image of Zuly Segura, Rosemary Assistant Teacher

Zuleima Segura

ROSEMARY ROOM ASSISTANT TEACHER
(Toddlers Ages 2 – 3 Years)

GET TO KNOW ZULEIMA

Zuleima received her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology with a minor in Chicano Studies, and would also like to pursue a Master’s Degree in School Counseling. She has worked with children since she was 15, helping her mom in her home daycare and working for her after graduating high school in 2013. She also helps her mom with the foster children she cares for.

In her free time, she likes spending time with family and friends, going to Disneyland, and enjoying the fun things in life. She came across Wild Roots through a job website and thought it would be an excellent place to start after graduating college. She is especially excited about getting to learn more about Montessori and Reggio Emilia’s philosophies of teaching and how it could help with her journey to becoming a school counselor. Overall, she enjoys her role here at Wild Roots with helping out with the children, and she is very grateful with the staff, partners, and children for being very welcoming.

Image of Niki Brady, Willow Room Teacher

Niki Brady

WILLOW ROOM LEAD TEACHER
(Primary Program)

GET TO KNOW NIKI

Niki is very excited to once again be a part of the Wild Roots Team! Niki has multiple Associates degrees from Riverside Community College in Early Childhood Education, Social and Behavioral Science, and Health Science. After graduating from RCC she transferred to Cal State San Bernardino to receive her Bachelor’s degree in Applied Anthropology and a certification in Museum and Archival Sciences. Niki has been working in various areas and levels in the educational field for over 10 years. She has been a tutor, an after school program director for the Moreno Valley Unified School District, a substitute teacher for The Val Verde Unified School District (grades TK-12) and a cultural museum intern and educator for the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians. Niki has been trained in Montessori and Reggio-Emilia theory and practices under various teachers and experts in the 2 years she worked as Atelier teacher at Wild Roots. 

In the future Niki is looking forward to using all her experience, training and education to make more captivating and enriching educational experiences in museums for children as an Education Specialist. 

Outside of teaching Niki enjoys spending her free time having spontaneous adventures with her friends, visiting museums, crafting, creating, drawing, painting, visiting theme parks, and continuing her never ending search for finding the yummiest and most interesting foods in the area. But most of all, Niki enjoys spending time spoiling and loving her dog and fur baby of 11 years Freddie.

Image of Monica Coleman, Willow Room Teacher

Monica Coleman

WILLOW ROOM CO-TEACHER
(Primary Program)

GET TO KNOW MONICA

My name is Monica and I have a Bachelors degree in psychology with a minor in Child, Adolescent, and Family Studies received from California State University, Bakersfield. I have worked with children since I was 12 years old. I volunteered at a children’s reading center during middle school and later became a trainer for my city’s local cheerleading squad in highschool. I coached girls ages 5-8. I quickly realized my passion was working with children. I would like to pursue a masters degree in counseling to accomplish my dream of becoming a children’s therapist. Watching children grow and prosper during these critical stages of development is something I am honored to be part of. I am amazed with  Montessori and Reggio Emilia’s philosophies and seeing the positive outcome it has on children. It gives me a different outlook on teaching and I’ve learned different ways to approach and assist children when learning to navigate through their emotions and education. 

Outside of teaching, my hobbies include going to the movies, shopping at local small businesses, spending time with my four sisters, being outdoors and seeing all the beauty it has to offer, and exploring new food and dessert places all over Los Angeles! 

Portrait of Lauren Chaarani

Lauren Chaarani

WILLOW ROOM ASSISTANT TEACHER
(Primary Program)

GET TO KNOW LAUREN

BIO COMING SOON

Image of Katrina Miller, Wisteria Room Teacher

Katrina Miller

WISTERIA ROOM LEAD TEACHER
(Primary Program)

GET TO KNOW KATRINA

Katrina holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Grand Canyon University, an Associate Degree in Child and Adolescent Development, and an Associate Degree with Transfer in Early Childhood Education, both from Mt. San Jacinto College. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and plans to graduate in November 2022.

She has been in the educational field for six years and has a myriad of teaching styles she has become familiar with. While Katrina excels in Reggio Emilia, she has also worked in the Thematic, Montessori, Emergent, and Waldorf teaching styles. She has worked in a range of centers, from Private to Native American Family Care. Katrina is a loving, and caring educator who specializes in STEAM activities, specifically the sciences, and her love and enthusiasm for inquiry fosters curiosity in her students. She matches her high-energy personality with a love of learning and passes both down to the kiddos she has in her care.

When Katrina is not working, she spends her time with her two kiddos and husband out in nature. They are an active family playing soccer, karate and participating in Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts. They also enjoy gardening, camping, fishing, hiking, and swimming. She loves a challenge and is excited to be joining Wild Roots!

Image of Rachele Loftus, Wisteria Room Teacher

Rachele Loftus

WISTERIA ROOM CO-TEACHER
(Primary Program)

GET TO KNOW RACHELE

Rachele is originally from New Hampshire and moved to California in 2007. She is a mother of an 8 year old daughter and a little rabbit named Oreo. She has studied Dance Pedagogy & Performing Arts at the Hartford Conservatory College from 2002-2004 after graduating high school.  She spent 6 years teaching dance classes to all ages 2 1/2 to adults after graduating from college in 2004.

After moving to California, she took a new passion in Child Development. She started taking ECE units in Child Development at Mesa Community College. She has worked in the field of Child Development for about 15 years. She started my journey at the San Diego French American School in Ja Lolla, California an emersion program where they taught French and Spanish in pre-school, elementary and middle school. She was able to learn about the French culture here in America, and even learned a little bit of the French language.  Originally, she started in the 3 year old classroom but focused on the 2 year old classroom the majority of my tenure. She also did lots of summer camps at the San Diego French American School in the both the pre-school and elementary side. She started at Wild Roots Holistic Learning Center In November of 2021 and has enjoyed working in the Hazel classroom.

She moved to Temecula from San Diego in 2021 with her family to start a new life here in the suburbs. She loves spending time with my family and friends, going wine tasting, gardening, and watching movies.

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Abidjan Elyse

WISTERIA ROOM ASSISTANT TEACHER
(Primary Program)

GET TO KNOW ABIDJAN

My name is Abidjan-Elyse most people call me Abby. I was born in San Antonio, TX and grew up in Oceanside, CA. I’ve been teaching for about ten years. In my time of teaching. I’ve been able to travel to different parts of the world. I spent three years in South Korea working on Osan Air Force base as an Art teacher to youth. I’m excited to learn more about the Montessori approach and hope to incorporate it into my own curriculum. In the future, I would like to finish out my bachelors and go abroad to teach and study art.

When I’m not at work I enjoy painting, reading, listening to music, working on my 1988 Harley Davidson and going for long walks to somewhere pretty in nature. I’m currently pursuing my bachelor’s in fine arts, and like to make mini films with my niece on the weekends.

“Art should be something that liberates your soul, provokes the imagination and encourages people to go further.” -Keith Harring

Image of Melissa Madrigal, Hazel Room Teacher

Melissa Madrigal

HAZEL ROOM LEAD TEACHER
(Kindergarten Program)

GET TO KNOW MELISSA

Melissa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Art History from Arizona State University and an Associates of Art and Humanities from Palomar College. She is currently enrolled in child development courses and working towards her California Teaching Credential to advance her career in early childhood education. Melissa loves helping children learn using fun, visual and kinesthetic approaches.

Melissa’s teaching background provides a unique opportunity when combined with Montessori and Reggio Emilia philosophies. She has experience with sensory, pictorial, and hands-on immersive learning which she enjoys incorporating in educating our kinder and transitional kinder students as they transition to the world of academic learning. Her passion for knowledge creates an imaginative classroom environment that nurtures and fortifies a lifelong enthusiasm for learning. Melissa is also a mother of two beautiful girls who have taught her patience, kindness, and how to communicate effectively with children.

Image of Penny Tayara, Whole School Assistant

Penny Tayara

WHOLE SCHOOL ASSISTANT
(Infants to Elementary)

GET TO KNOW PENNY

Penny has worked overseas with children ages three years old through eight years old as an ESL teacher for many years. Penny also has experience as a homeroom teacher in the four year old classroom at an International Baccalaureate school (which is much like a Montessori system). Penny has also worked at an afterschool program right here in Temecula for a couple years, and is now so happy to be here at Wild Roots! As a new member of the school, in the past months the children have made her feel proud, silly, elated, and most of all loved! She is excited to feel more of the same throughout the coming year!

Image of Lexi Sturgeon, Sports Coach

Alexus Sturgeon

SPORTS COACH
(Young Toddlers to Primary)

GET TO KNOW ALEXUS

Originally from South Florida, Alexus made her way all the way to SoCal due to being stationed at Camp Pendleton. A mother of two beautiful girls, and as a sibling of 8, taking care of others has always been a part of her life. She served in the Marine Corps for five years, and has been devoting her life to early childhood education ever since. Alexus is currently enrolled in the Early Childhood Development: Child and Family Services program at Palomar College. Alexus is dedicated to ensuring that each child will feel empowered and learn how great it feels to do things on their own! She is here to nurture, support and guide her students each and every day, and she is committed to making your each child’s experience productive, stimulating and fun! 

Alexus loves to spend time gardening with her family, and watching old films with her husband! She is also a Certified Medical Assistant 🙂 

Looking into Elementary School?
Be introduced to our wonderful educators and staff!