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.

Hi everyone my name is Edith Martinez, and I am thrilled tobe the center director here at Launch Pad Learning in Palmdale.

I was born and raised in Los Angeles. I am the youngest ofthree children, but I have an exceptionally large family, so I have always hadsomeone to talk to and spend quality time with. I have two beautiful youngadult children Jacob and Emma who are my greatest treasures of my life. I amalso a dog mom to two very loved dogs Baxson and Milo.

I have over 23 years of experience working and servingchildren and families I started as a kindergarten teacher in 2003 working in aprivate Catholic school in Los Angeles a few years later I began working atSaint Ann's maternity home as an infant and toddler teacher and quickly becamea master teacher in the young early start program in 2010 I became an assistantdirector and shortly after a center director for KinderCare Learning Center Andmost recently was the instructional coach at Bright Horizons at the Universityof Southern California where I oversaw the program for children ages 2 through 6.

I have my Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology fromMount Saint Mary’s University. I am excited to take on more schooling in theFall semester as I am working on my master's in counseling psychology with anemphasis in Marriage Family Therapy and Spanish certification from Mount SaintMary’s University.

In my spare time I enjoy concerts, movies, traveling, findingnew coffee shops which I like to explore with my daughter. She will be moving toSan Francisco in the Fall where she will be attending school. When I staycloser to home, I enjoy attending both Rams and Dodger games with my son. Howlucky am I to say I have a favorite son and a favorite daughter! I enjoy goingto Disneyland and cooking delicious meals for guests.

I am eager to get to know everyone here at Launch PadLearning and build community with teachers, students, and families. The motto Istrive to live is “I am here to build confidence for life.” Please stop by andspeak to me I am happy and willing to help.

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.

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.