Team

I grew up in a small town called Oxford, SW of Philadelphia, PA. After graduating, I went to California on vacation and fell in love with it! I decided to stay and pursue further education and a career in Early Childhood Education. I have happily been in the field for 28 years. Teaching has always been my passion, and I am excited to share my years of experience with KINDER MISSION Preschool! I promise to keep your children safe and constantly provide them with the tools and opportunities to explore, instill a lifelong love of learning, and prepare them for the world around them.

Since moving to San Diego in 2011, I’ve been working with kids of different ages. I love being around children and doing various activities with them. Getting to know them and creating a bond with the children is a key part so they can trust me. In the past years, I focused on teaching them, German. I gave them homework and reading materials so that they could practice by themselves. In Kinder Mission, I found everything that I love to do.

Hello, I’m Kiana! I was born and raised here in San Diego. I originally went to college for nursing and decided it wasn’t for me. I thought, what else can I do to fulfill my passion for helping others…and that’s where childcare came in. There’s no better feeling than helping a child grow and progress through their early years of life. I have been in childcare for eight years and counting! I love this field because it’s incredible to watch a  child develop from a little baby to a big 5-year-old and beyond! I myself have 2  daughters, who are 9 and 3, and it’s been the best experience. I’m excited to continue my journey here and give you the best experience with Kinder Mission! I can’t wait to watch your children take on the world and become more amazing than they already are! 

My desire and need to help others, especially your little ones speaks volume. Eager to interact, play and teaching them on how to communicate, learning proper manners while being mindful is key.

I was born and raised in Germany, brought up bicultural and bilingual, speaking German and English at the same time.

I can completely relate with your child as I know how it feels to receive and see the world in two completely different cultures and languages.

Step by step and happily guiding them to connect better with their classmates, environment, friends and family.
Growing up in Germany and majoring my “Abitur” in Music and English, I’ve leaned a great deal on the German culture. While also teaching piano I’ve managed to get a degree in Marketing working at a German ad agency.

In 2006, I moved to the United States for the very first time working for a Software company in marketing and as graphic designer at a global health franchise thereafter.

My multi-culture background allowed me to be successful as a realtor in Houston and thanks to my branding and marketing job I’ve been able to live all over the world: Germany, United Kingdom and the USA.

Success to me is when your child walks out with a smile!

My name is Nura; I am from Germany. I moved to the United States 5 years ago, and now I’m very happy to have the opportunity to work here for KINDER MISSION with children, and it’s so much fun to combine my favorite skills. I’m so excited to work as a support teacher because I love being around children to give them some German language skills. My job as a nutritionist to provide healthy food for the children and the responsibility to keep our school safe and clean makes my day complete. It’s a wonderful journey with KINDER MISSION for me.

I was born and raised in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.

I am happily married and a mother of two kids. I enjoy nature walks, knitting, and art. Being in a mindful state of mind and practicing yoga makes my heart happy. I like to keep learning and always challenge myself to try my absolute best. If a quote could describe me, it would be:

“Be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.” -Maya Angelou

I was born and raised in the LA area but have lived in San Diego for almost five years now. I love reading, writing, hiking, going camping, and going to the beach! I have been teaching preschool-aged children for almost nine years now, and I love it more and more every day! I am passionate about helping children discover the world around them and navigate through life. I believe that learning is both academic and fun, so in my class, we will be learning to write numbers and letters, as well as doing important, hard work through play.

This will be a fun, challenging, rewarding school year, and I look forward to working with and getting to know each of you!

Hello! I’m Marguerite Wallis, and I was born in Palm Desert, CA. I recently moved to San Diego to pursue a career in early childhood education. I love working with children, and it has always been a passion of mine to teach! I am currently going to college online to get my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education! This will be my second year teaching preschool, and I am so excited to create an environment that promotes creativity, independence, and confidence for all of your children!

I can’t wait to start working in the Dino’s classroom this school year. I promise to ensure safety and compassion when working with your children! I’m excited to meet you all!

Hello, I am Ms. Mariela; I was born in LA, CA, and I was raised in Baja California, Mexico. I am very grateful to be able to enjoy two wonderful cultures that have taught me a lot, of which I am very proud.

My passion for teaching helps me develop my work and makes me feel full. I did my studies for a bachelor of science in early childhood education and a master’s degree in education, with which I have worked for 12 years in the area of preschool and kindergarten.

Now, with great enthusiasm and commitment, I join the KINDER MISSION team with the goal of strengthening the children’s skills by helping them in their early, healthy, and happy development. “I can’t wait to meet them to explore, experiment, create, and learn with these amazing children.”

Hi everyone!

My name is Rebecca (AKA Becca); I was born and raised in San Diego. Some of my hobbies include painting, crocheting, sewing, and roller-skating! I am so very excited to be joining the KINDER MISSION team! I absolutely adore and encourage all children’s curiosity, kindness, bravery, and creativity!

In my younger school years, I had some amazing teachers that greatly shaped me into the person I am today, and I strive to produce the same positive experience for your little ones! I can’t wait to meet you all!

Hello everyone,

My name is Meymuna; many of you may know me as Ms. May. I am originally from Ethiopia but have lived in Seattle, Washington, for most of my life. I recently moved to San Diego, California. I graduated from SDSU majoring in child development with the hopes of becoming an elementary school teacher. In my free time, I enjoy the outdoors, such as horseback riding, kayaking, or hiking.

Hello I’m Ana! I was born and raised in San Diego, I’m a jack of all trades, master of none. I began my teaching career in Elementary but truly came to love teaching when working at a preschool. I have been a teacher for the past three years and have enjoyed every last minute of it! I’ve always found it very rewarding to see my students come into their own and grow each and every day. I am more than excited for the school year that lies ahead and happy to be a part of Kinder Mission.

Hello! My name is Maya Difrancesco. I am 22 years old, born and raised in San Diego, California. I have been teaching for five years and love it more and more every day! I love being active outdoors; some of my favorite hobbies are hiking, surfing, or just finding a nice relaxing patch of sun! I am very excited to be part of the KMP team and can’t wait for an awesome year!

Hi, my name is Lucy Valencia.

I enjoy working with children and have been in the field for twenty years. I hold a Teacher License credential and have taught special education. In addition, I worked at UCSD for two years. I’ve learned so much throughout my career. My achievements are to continue to strive and make a difference in young children’s lives. My hobbies are hiking, traveling, cooking, going to the beach, playing tennis, reading, and spending time with my family.

Hi everyone! My name is Ashley Arce; I was born and raised in San Diego. I graduated from San Diego State University, majoring in child development. I enjoy spending time with family, watching movies, and love music. I’m excited to be a part of the Kinder Mission team! As someone going through this walk of life, I strive always to keep learning and grow as a person. I can’t wait to get to know the team and all the miracles (children)!

My name is Maria Castellanos. I am 33 years old and was born in Mexico City but raised in San Diego, California. I’ve worked with children from an early age since my mom was a licensed daycare provider. I have a toddler of my own who is a picky eater, so I am constantly looking for new recipes that are nutritious but still kid-friendly, and I am so happy I now have the role of Nutritionist Specialist. I love doing arts and crafts and anything Disney. Thank you for welcoming me, and I can’t wait to meet you all!

Hi! I’m Frankie. I was born & raised in Oakland, CA, and moved here to San Diego in 2017 to attend UCSD, where I attained my bachelor’s in Sociology with a minor in Education Studies. In my free time, I like to bake, go to the beach, color, tend to my plants, and use my sewing machine. I started working with children at 14 and have loved every minute of their infectious energy and creative minds. My love for cooking & baking came from me watching my mom when I was little. I now have the pleasure of cooking for Kinder Mission children and can’t wait to experiment & create healthy new recipes that are kid-friendly.

Hello my name is Surya, I grew up in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

I moved to San Diego 15 years ago and have 2 children.

I am very happy to be part of the Kinder Mission Team to support children during their exciting educational journey, to see them thrive and be successful.

Hello Kinder Mission!
I have always been described as an energetic, bubbly person. My middle name is Joy, so I had to live up to the name! I learned German on a student exchange and am so excited to be able to share the language with others. I have been in improv for most of my life, which aids me in coming up with creative fun games for any situation:) Thank you for sharing this amazing children with me!

Sincerely,
Jenn

Born in Vienna, Austria, I have taught German to many children throughout my career and it still amazes me how children, with their inquisitive attitude, can stimulate an interesting learning experience. I thoroughly enjoy helping them to complet their “must do” homework and reinforcing the meaning of German words. I love hearing their laughter at the playground and educating them toward being a good and caring “buddy” citizen. I am proud to participate in in the Kinder Mission’s after school program and intent to keep utilizing my previous knowledge to benefit the children at Kinder Mission.

Hi ! I’m Anna Martinez. I am a recent graduate from UC San Diego, where I majored in Neuroscience and minored in Education Studies. I have had the pleasure of with kids in a variety of settings ranging from in home tutoring, babysitting, and clinic-based ABA services. I’m excited to continue working with kids and being able to create fun learning experiences each day 🙂

Hi everyone! My name is Sophia and I’m a recent graduate of San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Arts in German. I grew up in a handful of places around the United States as well as Japan due to my dad’s career in the Navy, so I have always loved traveling and exploring new places. I have been learning German for about nine years and attribute my progress to the amazing teachers and professors. They made learning German interesting and exciting, and my goal is to do the same for the kids that come to Kinder Mission.

In my spare time I enjoy running, painting, and taking day trips to the beach or hiking trails with friends.

My name is Armando Rivera, I’m a Marine Corps Veteran and I’m currently studying Civil Engineering at Cuyamaca College and I’m hoping to transfer to SDSU soon.

Teaching is something I learned to enjoy during my service in the Marine Corps where I taught a variety of courses, such as Land Navigation, Map Reading, Leadership Seminars, and Radio Operation, to name a few.

I spent the first 7 years of my life in Switzerland to which I owe my fluency in German. I’m very excited to be able to use my German language skills and to help others improve.

See you soon,

Armando

My name is Esmeralda Paulina Moreno but like to go by Esmie. I’m half Cuban and half Mexican, born and raised in San Diego. I myself had after school instructors which I will remember for the rest of my life. Tis the reason why I am here today. I am an empath and around kids is when I am and can be the best version of myself. I like to create the same environment for everyone around me. I am a love bug who is passionate about singing, dancing and expressing my creativity throughout everything I do!

My name is Silvie. Since retiring from the airline industry, I have served as a volunteer for child, nature and sports organizations. I love being involved in creating educational environments. As a native German speaker, I take special pride in teaching the German language. At Kinder Mission I support students with their language homework, and practice speaking and reading on a daily basis. It its beautiful seeing them improve and grow. Kinder Mission is a wonderful place to teach and learn. I am very happy being part of the instructor team. Please feel free to say hello when you see me on campus =)