Meet the Danville 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.

Ms. Amy, Director of Education and Community Relations

Ms. Kelsey, Preschool Teacher

My love for early childhood education sparked when I was in community college taking my first early childhood education courses and only grew as time progressed.  I continued my education at San Jose State University where I eventually earned my degree in Psychology, deepening my knowledge and passion related to child development.  I don’t want my education to stop there, as I believe I continue learning from my students every day!  Prior to joining YLA, I’ve had the pleasure of working in several settings with children, including as a nanny and working in an elementary school. To get to know me a little beyond my love for children and early childhood education, I love reading and watching all things mystery, and I have 5 dogs!

Ms. Clarisa, Preschool Teacher

I have worked in early childhood education for almost 7 years, including experience working with different types of programming such as Montessori-based programming. I love working at the preschool level and watching the children discover who they are and who they want to become, while exploring their unique talents and interests. The opportunity to be a positive influence while enjoying the reward of watching a child grow is what draws me to this field.  When I am not working with young children, some of my favorite hobbies are hiking, yoga, going to the gym, and shopping.  I also love movie theater nights.

Ms. Sara, Preschool Teacher

I love Early Childhood Education! Watching the children progress throughout the year inspires me daily! I received my B.A. in Early Childhood Education from CSU Sacramento with a minor in Deaf Studies, where I became fluent in Sign Language.  When I am not at YLA with the children, I am often on adventures with my husband.  We love to dance, hike, and go on bike rides.  I also play the cello!

Mr. Miller, Pre-K Teacher

I am so excited to be part of the staff here at YLA and to put my early childhood education studies into practice! Teaching preschool has always been where I wanted to start my career in the education field because I see every day as an exciting new opportunity for myself and the students to learn.  I particularly love art, and I am excited to bring my passion to the classroom by helping to develop creative projects for our students to explore and practice their own creativity.  Outside of the classroom, I love hiking on Mount Diablo, reading books, and painting in oil pastels. I am currently in college working toward my teaching degree in fine arts.

Ms. Celina, Pre-K Prep Teacher

I am so excited to be a part of Young Learners Academy. My daughters, Cece (10) and Bella (9), both attended preschool with Ms. Kayla, Ms. Amy, and Ms. Sara, and I was so appreciative of the warm and loving environment they created. I have been teaching for 15 years in the San Ramon Valley School District. I started my career at an inclusive preschool while working on my degree in Child Development. I love working with children and establishing relationships that nurture a positive learning environment. When I’m not in the classroom, my family and I spend time at Lake Tulloch. My favorite things are reading books and walking my handsome dog Ace.

Ms. Nancy, Teacher Assistant

Hi everyone! I am a Teacher Assistant, offering extra support in all of our classes. I am the mom of two boys Ryder (11) and Parker (13) and have worked with children over the last 18 years in different capacities. I love camping, watching my boys play sports, and kitchen dance parties. Chips and salsa are my love language along with caffeine! I studied Child Development at CSU East Bay and always knew this was the field for me!

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.   

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. :)