Deidre Nordel, Executive Director and co-owner of Launch Pad Learning, brings more than four decades of experience in early childhood education and childcare leadership. Throughout her career, she has remained deeply committed to creating high-quality early learning environments where children can thrive, and families feel supported. She holds a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and has dedicated her professional life to expanding access to meaningful early learning opportunities.

Deidre’s passion for early childhood education is rooted in her own personal journey. As a young mother pursuing a degree in Physics, she relied on a state-funded childcare program to continue her education. That experience profoundly shaped her understanding of how essential accessible childcare is for families striving to build better futures. It also inspired her lifelong commitment to ensuring that other families have the same opportunities.

Today, Deidre works closely with the leadership team to guide the vision and mission of Launch Pad Learning. She is especially dedicated to helping families access early education through state and community programs, and she takes great pride in ensuring that many children at the school receive free or subsidized care. Her work reflects a deep belief that every child deserves a strong educational foundation, regardless of their family’s circumstances.

Under Deidre’s leadership, Launch Pad Learning continues to grow as a welcoming, high-quality early learning community that supports both children and the families it serves.

Outside of her professional work, Deidre enjoys gardening, cooking, traveling, and crocheting.

Rebecca Null serves as the Administrator at Launch Pad Learning PMD, where she plays a vital role in supporting the school's daily operations. With more than two decades of customer service experience, along with a background in science and specialized training in computer systems, Rebecca brings a unique blend of technical skill, organization, and warmth to her multifaceted role.

At the heart of the school’s administrative operations, Rebecca manages student records, supports staff onboarding, and maintains key communication platforms, including Procare and Slack. Her attention to detail and commitment to organization help ensure that families and staff experience a well-coordinated, welcoming environment. By maintaining clear systems and processes, she helps the school operate efficiently while allowing educators to stay focused on what matters most: supporting children’s learning and development.

Rebecca is known for her thoughtful approach to organization and problem-solving. She relies on detailed task calendars and reporting systems to manage important deadlines and responsibilities. When she identifies opportunities to improve efficiency, she is quick to explore new technologies and tools that can streamline operations. In one instance, when routine reporting became time-consuming, Rebecca designed automated solutions using formulas and data tables, saving time and improving accuracy across multiple administrative processes.

Rebecca’s philosophy is simple but powerful: every person should bring sunshine to a room, whether by entering it or leaving it. She strives each day to create a positive and respectful environment for both families and colleagues, helping ensure that everyone who interacts with the school feels supported and valued.

Outside of work, Rebecca enjoys reading, cruising on her motorcycle, and gaming.

Telma Rojas serves as a Preschool Director at Launch Pad Learning PMD in Palmdale and plays a key role in fostering the continued growth, success, and strong reputation of the school community. With nearly two decades of experience in early childhood education, Telma brings extensive classroom expertise and a deep understanding of the developmental needs of young learners. Over the course of her career, she has worked with children from infancy through private kindergarten, shaping her thoughtful and well-rounded approach to educational leadership.

Telma’s leadership focuses on empowering teachers, strengthening instructional quality, and ensuring that every child experiences a nurturing and developmentally appropriate learning environment. She approaches curriculum development with a strong commitment to Developmentally Appropriate Practice and aligns classroom instruction with research-based frameworks such as Creative Curriculum. Her philosophy emphasizes hands-on, play-based, and emergent learning experiences that support curiosity, exploration, and meaningful discovery.

She believes that every child learns at their own pace and that educators must meet children where they are developmentally while guiding them toward confidence, independence, and readiness for elementary school. Under her leadership, classrooms are designed to support social, emotional, and academic growth while honoring each child’s unique learning style.

Telma is equally dedicated to the professional growth of her teaching staff. Drawing from her years of classroom experience, she mentors educators through individualized coaching, professional development, and collaborative reflection. She views teachers as lifelong learners and works closely with them to refine their instructional strategies and strengthen their confidence in the classroom.

What Telma finds most rewarding about her work is the lasting impact it creates. By supporting both children and educators, she helps build a learning community where growth, curiosity, and collaboration flourish. Her vision is to continue elevating the quality of education in every school she leads, leaving each community stronger, more connected, and better prepared to support the success of its children.

Cindy Martinez is an early childhood educator at Launch Pad Learning PMD, where she brings over three years of experience as both a preschool assistant and teacher. She holds an associate degree in Early Childhood Development and is passionate about creating a positive, supportive learning environment where every child feels valued and empowered. Cindy believes that all children have the potential to succeed when they are given the right tools, care, and opportunities to learn both inside and outside the classroom.

One of Cindy’s favorite aspects of teaching is celebrating milestones with her students and seeing the impact of her guidance when children accomplish something she has taught them. She also loves the joy, humor, and meaningful conversations she shares with preschoolers each day. Her personal philosophy is captured by a favorite quote she received during her first year of teaching: “It takes a big heart to shape little minds.”

Outside of work, Cindy enjoys reading, going to Pilates, painting, and baking sweet treats. A fun fact about her is that she once competed at CIF as a freshman swimmer in the 100-yard butterfly and worked as a lifeguard in high school. Looking ahead, Cindy hopes to one day own a home and start a family. Professionally, she plans to remain in the field of early childhood development, potentially exploring roles as a teacher, social worker, or even an ultrasound technician, while continuing to inspire and support young learners.

Ileana Lainez is an experienced preschool teacher at Launch Pad Learning PMD, where she fosters curiosity, creativity, and confidence in her students. She has completed 24 units in Child Development Education and is currently pursuing her Associate of Arts degree in Child Development. Ileana’s journey into early childhood education began eight years ago when she worked as a food server at a Montessori school. She later became the Food Coordinator for six school sites, and it was during that time that she fell in love with teaching. Inspired by her passion, Ileana transitioned into the classroom, starting as an assistant teacher and, after completing her coursework, became a lead teacher.

Ileana’s teaching philosophy centers on the belief that each child learns in their own way and at their own pace. She focuses on finding the right approach to engage every child, encouraging them to explore, discover, and solve problems through hands-on play. Working with children has taught her that no two days are ever the same, and she loves the energy, honesty, and love her students bring to the classroom. She often reflects on how much she learns from them, saying she sometimes wonders if she is the teacher or the student.

Outside the classroom, Ileana enjoys drawing, crocheting, journaling, and gardening. Guided by her favorite quote, "Do to others as you would have them do to you," she brings empathy and kindness into her work and life. She is also a nurse graduate and describes herself as an eternal optimist who always looks for the positive in every situation.

Looking ahead, Ileana’s professional goal is to complete her Associate of Arts degree and eventually become a site director. Personally, she is excited about creating lasting memories with her grandchildren and enjoying her home, where she continues to nurture her hobbies and passions.

Leonela Estrada is a passionate early childhood educator at Launch Pad Learning PMD, where she leads the Unity classroom. She holds an associate degree in Child and Family Education and brings eight years of experience working with young children. Leonela has a special love for art and incorporates creative expression into her teaching to help children build confidence, independence, and social-emotional skills.

Her teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that every child is unique and capable of learning when they feel safe, supported, and respected. Leonela works closely with families to create an inclusive environment that nurtures the whole child and celebrates each individual’s milestones and growth. One of her favorite parts of working with preschoolers is watching their development unfold and celebrating those small but meaningful achievements.

Outside the classroom, Leonela enjoys reading, continuous learning, spending time with her family, and being outdoors. She also coaches her son’s soccer team alongside her partner, finding joy in supporting children both inside and outside the classroom. Guided by her favorite quote, “Every student can learn, just not on the same day or the same way,” Leonela embraces patience and creativity in her teaching approach.

As the first in her family to graduate from college, Leonela finds inspiration in helping children and families reach their own goals. Looking ahead, she hopes to continue learning and growing—not only professionally as an educator but also personally through her hobbies and passions, staying creative and energized in every aspect of life.