Ms. Deidre, the Executive Director and co-owner of our preschool, has dedicated over four decades to early childhood education and childcare, including obtaining her Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education. Her journey began as a young mother relying on a state-funded childcare program to finish her degree in Physics, a pivotal experience that deepened her understanding of the importance of accessible education. This experience not only enabled her to pursue her education but also inspired her lifelong commitment to helping families in need.

Today, she works tirelessly to ensure that the majority of students at our preschool receive free or subsidized care. She knows firsthand how essential this support can be, and she is dedicated to making sure families in our community have access to the same opportunities she did. Beyond the classroom, Deidre enjoys gardening, cooking, traveling, and crocheting.

Ana Alcaraz serves as the Director of Launch Pad Learning PMD, bringing with her 17 years of experience working with children and families across diverse settings. She holds an Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education, a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education Administration, and a Master’s degree in Organizational Management. Over the years, Ana has held various roles, including preschool teacher, kindergarten teacher, and preschool director in both private and public schools, as well as a social worker supporting children and families.

Ana’s passion lies in working with children ages 0–5, and she places a strong emphasis on fostering healthy social-emotional development as the foundation for lifelong success. Her teaching philosophy centers on hands-on, real-life experiences, building on each child’s existing knowledge while showing empathy, care, and individualized support. Her favorite part of working with preschoolers is watching them make connections, reach milestones, and grow excited about learning.

Beyond her role at the preschool, Ana enjoys gardening, hiking, and spending time with her family and their five dogs. One of her favorite quotes, by Maya Angelou, captures her outlook on life and teaching: “Try to be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.” She and her husband are active members of their church, and Ana is proud to be the first in her family of five siblings to graduate from college and earn multiple degrees. A self-proclaimed Disney enthusiast, she continues to follow her passion for early childhood education while aspiring to one day become a mother and continue making a lasting impact on children and families.

As Administrator at Launch Pad Learning PMD, Rebecca Null is the administrative backbone of the school. She brings over two decades of customer service experience and a science degree, along with specialized training in computer systems, to her multifaceted role. Rebecca oversees student records, supports staff onboarding, maintains communication platforms like Procare and Slack, and ensures that every administrative detail contributes to a well-run, welcoming school environment.

Her organizational strategies rely heavily on detailed task calendars and report tracking systems, helping her meet critical deadlines with efficiency. She’s also the go-to person for exploring new programs and technologies that can improve how the school operates. For example, when routine reports became time-consuming, Rebecca created automated solutions using formulas and tables, saving time and improving accuracy.

Rebecca believes every person should bring sunshine to a room, whether it’s by entering or leaving, and she strives to be the one who brightens the day. Her philosophy emphasizes respect, positivity, and creating a supportive environment for both staff and families. When she's not at work, you can find her enjoying a good book, cruising on her motorcycle, or 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.