Our Teachers
ELC Co-Director
Preschool Teacher
Joined Cate: 2019
BA, Cal State University, Northridge – Early Childhood Education
Child Development Site Supervisor Permit
Hi! I’m Mrs. Diamond. I began my journey in the ECE field 17 years ago and have worked at Cate since March of 2019. I graduated from California State University Northridge in 2006 with my BA in Early Childhood Education and a minor in Child Administration, and I also hold a Site Supervisor Permit through the State of California. My husband, Martin, and daughters, Angelina and Luna, and I are lifelong residents of Ventura and find our greatest pleasure is being outdoors; camping, hiking the local trails, or spending time at the beach. Martin and I are avid sports fans and will never miss a game; my heart is in LA with USC, Dodgers, and Lakers. In my free time, you will find me at the farmer’s market or spending quality time with the family!
I am passionate about creating learning spaces filled with thoughtful environments; using a combination of educational materials and natural items for exploring. My favorite children’s book is In My Heart, By Jo Witek. This storyline explores the feeling we hold inside and explains that it is okay to have and express them. I find that spreading love and learning to accept differences is key when enriching young children’s minds and I have adopted the phrase “We spread LOVE” into my daily teaching with them. I cannot wait to get to know you and your family more!
Preschool Teacher
Joined Cate: 2024
BA, Early Childhood Studies, CSU Channel Islands
AA, Child Development, Ventura College
Hello families! I’m Mr. Andrew. I’m excited to get to know you all here at our Early Learning Center. I have worked in education since February 2012 where I started in special education as a paraeducator in Ventura. In the span of just over a decade, I worked with ages ranging from 3 to 21.
My passion for education sparked at a young age seeing my mom shift career paths from law enforcement into education.
Growing up in Ojai, my parents raised me with an appreciation for the outdoors, taking me on trips to national parks where I camped, fished, and hiked. I try to carry that same appreciation and respect for nature into my own teaching experiences with my students whenever the opportunity presents itself.
At the core of my personal teaching philosophy is respect. I strongly believe that the best learning takes place when children feel safe and respected as individuals. I think it’s important to view my students beyond the children they are, but the individual they will grow into.
I currently reside in Oxnard with my wife Ruby and my dog Mochi where we enjoy our beachy neighborhood. I’m always looking for an excuse to go to the movies or a concert so if you have a recommendation or just want to geek out with me, I’d love to chat with you. See you at the ELC!
ELC Co-Director
Preschool Teacher
Joined Cate: 2018
AS, Moorpark College – Early Childhood Studies
BA, Cal State University, Channel Islands – Early Childhood Studies
Child Development Teacher Permit
RIE® Foundations™: Theory and Observation – Fall 2018
I have enjoyed being around children my entire life. I have always taken care of my siblings and cousins since I am the oldest of both. I began babysitting them at a young age but I never imagined this as my career until I graduated high school. I acquired a position at a home daycare in 2010 where I found my passion for this field and knew the direction I would go in my education. I worked at a few other preschools after where I became comfortable in a more structured setting. In January 2018 I established my role here at Cate Early Learning Center and fell in love with the outdoor environment and the philosophy.
I completed the RIE Foundations Course in the fall of 2018, where I learned to be in the moment and to slow down, to really get to know each child for who they are as individuals. I received my AA and transfer degree at Ventura College, then transferred to California State University Channel Islands in pursuit of my BA in Early Childhood Studies, which I completed in 2020. Through my years of experience, I have grown to appreciate play-based and child-led learning with open-ended materials to provide an environment that fosters creativity and intrinsic motivation.
Outside of work I enjoy being outdoors to hike and play volleyball. I have a puppy who likes to do these things with me, Kobe Bean. My husband is a big Lakers fan as you can see based on our dog’s name. We enjoy going to sporting events and cheering on our teams together. To unwind and relax I love to sit in my backyard and read a good book.
Toddler Teacher
Joined Cate: 2024
Child Development Teacher Permit
33 Units in Early Childhood Education
My name is Luz Lopez. I have 19 years of experience working with children. My first job was at La petite Academy. During that time I grew and developed many skills that I use today. After 7 years of working with children I opened up my in-home day care. Working from home, for 10 years, allowed me to raise my children while caring for others. My plan was always to return back to a preschool setting once my son turned 18, that’s what brought me to Cate.
My personal philosophy is based on child led learning. I am passionate about creating a calm and nurturing environment for the children in my care. Fostering their growth and development through independent play and guiding them to reach milestones.
When I am at home I enjoy spending time with my children, grandchildren, and granddogs. I love to take long walks on the beach and go hiking.
Infant Teacher
Joined Cate: 2016
AA, Current Student, Ventura Community College, Early Child Development
RIE® Foundations™: Theory and Observation – Fall 2018
My name is Kaiti. I have worked at the Cate Early Learning Center since December of 2016, when I began my career in Early Childhood Education as a substitute teacher. They liked me so much that I was invited back full-time as a Support Teacher in the Infant-Toddler program after I had my daughter!
I have recently returned to Ventura College to continue my Early Childhood Education studies. In October 2018, I completed the RIE Foundations course along with my colleagues. I have found RIE to be a good foundation for me as a parent and educator. I value the idea that children, even the youngest infants, are unique human beings and should be treated with respect and not as objects. I pride myself on being able to quickly learn new skills and adapt to any situation. I am very flexible and always open to learning new things, which I think is invaluable in an Early Childhood setting.
My passion for caring for young children began at a young age, from the time that I could care for my dolls and eventually my younger cousin. During grade school, my teachers provided a safe environment which helped me to grow into who I am today and I hope I am able to do the same by helping plant seeds that allow young learners grow.
I am a single mama. My daughter and I spend just about every moment together. We are best buds! We spend most of our free time outdoors going on hikes and finding watering holes to swim in. We enjoy spending our evenings at the beach and eating ice cream. We have recently taken up rock climbing. Aiden likes to “climb” but mostly swings when attached to the harness. For myself, I have an eye for photography, and while I have no professional training, I am the resident photographer at the ELC. I have varied musical tastes, and I enjoy road trips and camping. And while I very much like planning and having a routine (especially as a mama!), I am always up for spontaneous adventures!
Infant Teacher
Joined Cate: 2025
RIE certified
Child Development certificate
Hello, families! I’m thrilled to embark on this exciting journey with all of you here at Cate School! Teaching has been my passion since 2013, and I’ve had the pleasure of working in beautiful Santa Barbara. My own elementary teachers made such a lasting impact on me, and I strive to do the same for my students.
I attended Kern College and SBCC, fulfilling my dream of becoming a preschool teacher. Over the years, I’ve gathered experience from various schools in the area, with a significant background in Montessori education for the past seven years. I hold certifications in Montessori teaching for ages 0-3 and in RIE for infants and toddlers. Each experience has enriched my understanding of early development, and I’m dedicated to continually learning and growing to support your children’s future.
I’m a Carpinteria local, having spent my summers on a 5-acre ranch, caring for my grandfather’s many fruit trees. My first job in high school was at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, where I created lots of wonderful memories.
Now, as a proud mother of two amazing kids—Payton, who will turn 9 in November, and Champ, who is 13—my life revolves around adventures with them. We enjoy picnics at the beach, watching sunsets, and indulging in delicious burgers at The Spot.
I look forward to getting to know all of you and supporting your children’s growth and learning here at Cate!
Preschool Support Teacher
Joined Cate: 2023
AA, Ventura College – Early childhood studies
BA, Current student, Cal State University, Channel Islands – Early Childhood Studies
I have always had a passion for working with young children. I remember being so excited to babysit when I was younger, and when I wasn’t babysitting, I would line up all my stuffed animals and pretend to be teaching them. Being the oldest I’ve always watched over and taken care of my younger cousins and siblings. I knew that I wanted to work with children for a very long time. I just wanted to see if anything else would catch my eye. In high school is when I decided that I did want to pursue teaching. It’s been a beautiful experience so far and I look forward to learning more and more about teaching.
I just graduated from Ventura College with my associates degree in early childhood studies. In early March of last year I started working at Cate. This fall will be my first year working as a primary. I’m excited to see where this year takes me.
Outside of work I love spending my time with my family and friends, hiking, reading, working out, and taking my dog Bruno on walks.
Support Teacher
Joined Cate: 2023
AA, Science in liberal arts
Child Development Certificate
Child Development Teacher Permit
Hello my name is Jeanette. I have worked at the ELC since September 2023. I started my journey at the ELC as an afternoon support teacher and in October 2024 I started working full time. I have really enjoyed working here and getting to know the children and their families. I grew up here in Carpinteria, coming back to work in the city I grew up in has been great!
My passion for Early Childhood began when I started babysitting at a young age. I have always enjoyed working with children. When I was little I would play with my siblings and neighbors and pretend I was the teacher. I am a nurturing person and I have always had so much love for children. My career with children started in 2007 when I was in college and since then I have worked at many different centers. I earned my Associates in science liberal arts along with my child development certificate. I have my teacher permit from California Commission on teacher credentialing.
I love spending time with my family outdoors. We enjoy spending time together like camping, going to the park and playing together, and taking our new dog, Scooter to the dog park!
Preschool Teacher
Joined Cate: 2025
M.Ed. University California Santa Barbara
BA, Early Childhood Studies California State University Channel Islands
Program Honors in Early Childhood Education California State University Channel Islands
I bring over 15 years of experience in education, including a decade in preschool; equipping me to engage diverse learners, align instruction with educational standards, and foster holistic development in supportive, inclusive learning environments.
Before joining Cate, I taught 4th-grade Dual Language Immersion at Canalino Elementary in Carpinteria, history and social science at La Cumbre Junior High in Santa Barbara. I worked at several early learning centers, including UCSB Family Children’s Center and SBCEO Preschool where I collaborated with therapists to implement ABA techniques in an inclusive learning environment, The Carpinteria Children’s Project, and SBCC Orfalea Early Learning Center
I am a Carpinteria local, and enjoy spending time with my wife Olivia, playing recreational soccer, and walking our dog Jack along with our two cats, Pepi and Toulouse, around town.