SPANISH AND ART

Alberto is highly committed to educating and developing strong relationships with the Vida community by finding connections with students and parents alike. Alberto is currently in school at West Valley College completing his certification in Early Childhood Education.  When he is not teaching, he enjoys reading books of all kinds, but especially those written by Latinx authors. He loves cooking and baking vegan meals and treats, and beyond educating, owns a Vegan Cake Business called "Zarto." Alberto loves being outdoors in nature and finds great joy in being able to teach under our beautiful Sycamore Trees every day.  Alberto leads his classes with compassion and patience and aims to have students explore new cultures, art styles, and mediums while expressing their creativity through language and art.

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EARLY KINDERGARTEN

With a degree in film and five years of experience as a liaison between production and children on set, Lexy brings a unique perspective to education. Her dedication to teaching spans eight years at a private preschool in Malibu, where she not only taught 2-5 year olds but also managed after-school programs focused on science and art enrichment for elementary-aged children. Taking a break, she delved into designing escape rooms, including one tailored for 2-5 year olds, and briefly ventured into the children’s clothing business. However, her passion for teaching drew her back, inspired by volunteering with Vida, where her own child attends. Her diverse background in film, entrepreneurship, and childcare positions her as a dynamic educator ready to make a positive impact.

 

 

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EARLY KINDERGARTEN

Allison was born and raised in Michigan and moved to California at age eighteen. She graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a Bachelors in Communications & Education and Applied Psychology. After graduating, she stepped outside of the US and spent twelve months teaching English in Korea, working with kiddos as young as three and business men as old as sixty five.  Upon her return to the US,  she spent five years in Koreatown working in the preschool setting as well as running the Aftercare program.  Here, she attained her Site Supervisor permit, taking night classes after work.  Allison has been teaching in Early Childhood Education for eleven years now and truly loves her work.  She's run two summer camp programs along the way but Early Childhood Education is where she continues to shine! When she's not working, Allison enjoys spending time with her dog, being in the sun, and working out.

VIDA VALUES AND SEL LEADER

Before joining the Vida family, Stephanie Marlett has enjoyed working (and playing!) with children in many aspects of her life. With a passion for educating young learners, she graduated from Missouri State University with a master's degree in Child and Family Development and received her credentials in Early Childhood Education. Currently, Stephanie is a doctoral student at Old Dominion University in the Educational Psychology program, where her focus of study is on mastery goal orientation and student motivation. Stephanie has previously taught in pre-K and 1st grade classrooms, and served as a physical education coach and socioemotional learning specialist for elementary students. She is dedicated to cultivating a love of learning in all of her students and looks forward to furthering her understanding of the complexities of young children and the curriculum that can best support them. In her free time, Stephanie enjoys writing short stories, volunteering at a local animal sanctuary and exploring tide pools with her children, who share a passion for sea animals

SCIENCE, MINDFULNESS, MOVEMENT

Titicia has been teaching children for over 36 years. She has an ability to connect with children of all ages especially  with neuro-diverse learners. Titicia studied at West Los Angeles College, El Camino, and LA Valley College. Titicia’s favorite activities include martial arts, dance, skating, singing, and musicals. She can be found, researching, reading, hanging with her 16-year-old son, her family and friends, training, and teaching martial arts. She has a great deal of experience with play-based learning and is very passionate about social-emotional development. Titicia is very excited about this coming school year. Her desire is to provide your child/children with support, as she educates and advocates for each family.

She believes each child is a unique individual and needs a secure, caring, nurturing, and stimulating atmosphere in which they can develop, grow, and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially.

 

3RD/4TH GRADE EDUCATOR

Yvette was born and raised in Southern California. She has spent the last eleven years working with children in many capacities, including tutor, mentor, behavioral therapist, and educator. Yvette received a master's and doctorate in clinical psychology prior to earning her teaching credential. She has two adorable kiddos, Jack and Olive, both of whom are lucky enough to attend Vida. She loves camping, hiking, reading, and going on new adventures with her family. As an educator, Yvette is passionate about supporting children's natural curiosity about the world around them, encouraging creativity, and helping her students become lifelong learners. Yvette is so excited to be a part of the Vida community and to watch her students grow! 

KINDERGARTEN EDUCATOR & ADMIN SUPPORT

Ashley grew up living overseas in Japan and moved to California in 2002. Since moving to California, Ashley has had two amazing children, Liam and Alice, who ignited her passion for becoming an Educator. She graduated from Cal State Channel Islands receiving her Bachelor's of Arts in Early Childhood Studies and then attended National university and received her Master' s of Arts in Education with the specialization in US Education in the 21st Century. Ashley has used her knowledge and experience as an educator for over 11 years and continues to find ways to impact the lives of children daily with the intention of consciously being mindful of diversity and inclusion. When Ashley is not working, you'll find her spending time with her children and her dog Sunny, making spontaneous plans with friends, or being outdoors immersing herself in nature. 

5th Grade Educator

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Julie is thrilled to be joining the Vida family. Before settling down in the Los Angeles area, she spent her younger years traveling

and moving around on the East coast. Part of her time spent in NYC was studying art,

history and anthropology at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Upon arriving on the

California coast, she spent her first 5 years utilizing her art skills as a beauty and special

effects makeup artist. When she was ready to start her own family, Julie shifted to

education where she has been teaching and working with children for over 22 years.

Before finding Vida, she worked as a tutor and small group teacher at The Village

School, taught youth art and was an art history curriculum developer for Topanga

Imaginarium Art Studio, was a private small pod elementary head teacher during Covid

years, and was a lead elementary teacher and administrative assistant to the Head of

School at Urban Homeschoolers. However, Julie’s greatest educational achievement

was that she homeschooled all three of her children since birth, happily graduating the

oldest two, and seeing her youngest confidently enter traditional school for the very first time as a sophomore.

When Julie isn’t teaching or tutoring, you can find her at the gym staying fit at her

favorite Zumba classes, hiking the beautiful Topanga trails, helping her daughter’s art

booth at local flea markets, cheering on her oldest son’s band at local gigs, and

watching and discussing all things film with her youngest boy. She also loves painting,

gardening, and big family holidays.