Meet the San Ramon Staff
Ms. Kayla, Director of Preschools
I am happy to serve you as YLA's Director. Owning and operating YLA is a dream come true. I knew that I had found my purpose when I studied Early Childhood Education in college and to this day it continues to be my greatest passion to serve the children of YLA and their families. I love to interact and connect with each and every child and family member who comes to our school and to ensure that we give the children the best possible start to their education.
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Ms. Amy, Director of Education and Community Relations
I have a big heart for working with children and have really loved building a program that sets us apart from the average preschool. My passion for Early Childhood Education is best shown through fun little projects I get to plan, prep, and execute with our students. It makes me so proud to see each student grow. My favorite part of teaching is finding new and exciting activities for the children. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, reading, and concerts with my husband. We have three kids Madison (16), Emilie - a YLA graduate (6), and the best pup Dougie! As a family, we love hiking and going to the beach. I have my B.S. in Child and Adolescent Development and M.S. in Education.
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Mr. Joey, Pre-K Prep Teacher
I have been in the education field my entire life. Both of my parents and even some of my grandparents are educators. My career in education started in high school when I worked at my former elementary school in their after school program. I got my Bachelor's degree in elementary education from CSU East Bay. Before joining YLA, I had spent the last 7 years teaching middle school history and supervising the after school program at Tabernacle school. My favorite thing about being in the education field is seeing the joy and excitement in a child’s eyes when they learn something new!
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Ms. Mayara, Preschool Teacher
Hi there! I’m so happy to join the YLA team and bring my experience and passion for working with children into the classroom. I began my teaching career in Brazil and have always felt fulfilled helping children learn and grow. After moving to the U.S. in 2018 as an au pair, I continued working with children and realized this was truly my calling. I recently earned my Associate Teacher Certificate in Early Childhood Education from Diablo Valley College and am continuing to take classes to keep learning and growing as an educator. I’m committed to creating a caring, playful, and inclusive environment where children feel supported and free to explore. In my free time, I love traveling, practicing slackline, and spending time with friends and family.
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Ms. Aileen, Teacher Assistant
I’ve always loved caring for children, even when I was a child myself. That passion grew stronger when I had the opportunity to babysit children of all ages, from infants to preteens, while studying Early Childhood Education at Las Positas and Chabot Colleges. For the past four years, I’ve been a nanny to two incredible kids who have helped shape me as a caregiver and educator. The team at YLA has become my found family, and I’m grateful to work alongside people who share my passion for helping kids grow into their most kind, confident, and brilliant selves. When I’m not in the classroom or with my nanny kids, I enjoy drawing, sewing, and trying new recipes in my kitchen!
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Ms. Sofia, Teacher Assistant
Hi! I'm so happy to be part of the YLA team and to apply what I have learned so far while majoring in Early Childhood Education at CSU East Bay. I have prior experience working with young children, mainly through babysitting as well as volunteering in an elementary school. I plan to further my education over the next few years by earning my teaching credential and continuing to learn from both students and my peers! I love working with kids and seeing how their minds and strengths grow over time - it's an extremely rewarding job that brings me so much fulfillment. When I'm not helping around at YLA, I love a good iced matcha latte, going on hikes and runs, and trying new foods.
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Mr. Zack, Director of Business Operations
Kayla and I have always had huge hearts for children. On my end, I have worked with kids for years in a variety of capacities including coaching youth sports, teaching Sunday School, tutoring, and volunteering with underprivileged children in the foster care system. It has been an absolute joy walking alongside Kayla to help create Young Learners Academy. My role primarily focuses on overseeing the back-end operations of Young Learners Academy, but you'll also see me volunteering from time to time with special events. Outside of Young Learners Academy, my "day job" is working as a local real estate and business litigation attorney.
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Ms. Stephanie, Administrative Assistant
I am so happy to be a part of the amazing YLA team! I support the leadership, teachers, and teacher assistants on a daily basis through a variety of tasks. It brings me joy to see the passion of everyone at YLA and the positive impact they are having on shaping the lives of so many children! In my free time, I enjoy hiking, reading, listening to music, and travelling. :)
