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!
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.
Infant-Toddler Teacher
Joined Cate: 2016
giselle_dasilvamartins@cate.org
BA, Cal State University, Channel Islands – Early Childhood Education
Since the time I was very young, I have always been a natural caregiver. My baby dolls were always with me, and I would ask my parents’ friends if I could hold, change, or feed their babies. When I was about 10 years old, I began my informal career through volunteering at my parents’ church and babysitting. I had my first professional job in childcare when I was 18, and began taking Early Childhood courses at Ventura College. From there, I transferred to CSUCI in pursuit of my BA in Early Childhood Studies. After I graduated Cum Laude, I moved to Washington state where I continued my career in preschools, eventually moving up to a Program Director position. As part of my professional development, I also took part in their statewide program titled, “Early Achievers,” which ensures that preschool educators are trained in programs that highlight the importance of teacher-child interactions, and the importance of classroom environments and materials chosen. One of my favorite parts of teaching is following the children’s lead and creating learning activities based on their interests, such as a favorite book, toy, or animal in their home life. After moving back to California, I was fortunate to gain a position here at Cate ELC in January 2016. This past winter, I completed the RIE Foundations course and learned the value of slowing down in my interactions with children, and the importance of waiting. While I enjoy working with children that are preschool age, I am finding that my favorite classroom is with the infant stage. The best part of working with children is being able to witness the formulation of thoughts and ideas, as well as the pride each child feels when they gain mastery of a new skill.
Outside of work, I am a dog mom, an artist, a road tripper, a daughter, a sister, and an aunt. I am learning to live in the moment, and to lean into the goodness of life!
Infant-Toddler 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-Toddler Teacher
Joined Cate: 2018
AA, Current Student, Santa Barbara City College, Early Childhood Education
Child Development Associate Teacher Permit
My name is Morgan Sperry. I am honored to have been working at the ELC as a Support Teacher since August 2018. I have been working with children for fifteen years in childcare centers and as a nanny. I attended Santa Barbara City College where I completed my student teaching and earned 43 Early Childhood Education units specializing in infant and toddler development and I also hold a Montessori Diploma from North American Montessori Center School.
I have a passion and love for working with children because of their wonder and curiosity of the world around them. I enjoy sharing my interests in nature, animals, and art in the classroom through different activities and curriculum. I enjoy seeing the world through the eyes of a child and reliving those precious moments with them as if it was the first time for me. Working with children is not the easiest profession but it is incredibly rewarding in so many ways and that is why I am passionate about spending my days with them. I am so grateful to be a part of their daily lives and to be able to learn and grow with them.
I was born and raised in Santa Barbara and moved to Carpinteria in 2015 with my husband and daughter. My husband, Scott, and I have been together since 2002 and got married in 2012 (only took 10 years!). My daughter, Skylar, an ELC 2020 graduate, will be starting her kindergarten adventures this fall. We recently added a new member to our family by adopting a dog; her name is Nyra. We named her after our favorite camping spot. Nira Campground is deep in the beautiful Los Padres National Forest. In my spare time I enjoy doing outdoor activities with my little family such as: camping trips, hiking, biking, and spending days at the beach or river swimming and catching some rays. I also enjoy gardening and have quite a growing collection of plants at home; although my husband is the one with the green thumb! On the weekends you can find me taking in the beautiful view of our town on the trail or in nature somewhere nearby.