Amanda Manger, Director, Owner

I am thrilled to be the owner, director, and a teacher at Kids By The Sea.  The moment I walked into Kids By The Sea, I could tell what a special place it was: a true neighborhood play-based preschool built upon fabulous teachers and families.  I have always dreamed of owning a place like KBTS and it has been so exciting to build upon its amazing foundation.  It is of utmost importance to me to support families (which is why we offer flexible schedules, form close partnership with families, give you many ways to be involved in our school, and many opportunities to connect). I want KBTS to be a community hub.  
As an educator, I am passionate about educating the whole-child, providing deep learning experiences through project work, and giving children the time and space to play.   I have lived in Encinitas since 2013 and am so happy to be putting down roots here with my family (my husband Jeremy and my two children, Sydney and Jake).  I have worked in early childhood education since 2000, when I graduated from Dartmouth College with a BS in Psychology.  I have my Masters in Education from Bank Street College, and have been lucky to work as a teacher and administrator in such diverse places as New York City, Addis Ababa Ethiopia, and Portland, Oregon.  
In my spare time, I enjoy reading, traveling, exploring outside (especially at the beach), and spending time with friends and family.

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Jennifer Medina, Asst Director, Teacher
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Hello! My name is Jennifer Medina and I’m thrilled to be your Preschool Teacher and Assistant Director at Kids by the Sea. I have been teaching preschool for over 10 years in North San Diego area. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education and a background in Culinary Arts.
My passion is to teach young children. Each day I am amazed by the fact that with every child I interact, I have the unique opportunity to touch his or her  life. The highlights of my days at work are when I see a child's eyes light up as they learn or try something new. When they suddenly are able to make the letters in their name, or do something they weren't previously able to do, I get as excited as they do. When a child suddenly takes an interest in project work, reading, rhyming and building friendships, it makes every day feel like the most important in the world.
I have been married for 19 years to my best friend and have 2 amazing children. In my spare time I enjoy spending time at the beach with my family, cooking and taking road trips. I love working at KBTS and can't wait build our vision of the future.  ​

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Diane Antonelli, Lead Toddler Teacher

I have been working in the field of early childhood education for over 15 years.  I have five amazing children of my own who keep me very busy. We live right here in Solana Beach and love doing anything outdoors and having family time.  Also, I find myself spending tons of time shuttling children around and spectating at their many sporting events!  
I always thought I would be a teacher, but after college, my family went abroad to Germany.  I started working at a child development center there and that is when I realized early childhood education was my passion. I loved the curiosity of the children and their capabilities.  I loved watching them learn and forming individual relationships with them. Eight years ago, I followed my family to Solana Beach where we have settled and raised our children.  Through my years of experience and recent studies I have come to believe that having a deep respect for each individual child is at the heart of every good program.  I believe we need to provide every child with the time and space to develop at his or her own pace.  I feel strongly that learning is everywhere.  Children do not only learn in the confines of a classroom. We need provide children with experiences outdoors and develop outdoor learning spaces.  Children learn best when they are part of a community in which they are valued and in which they feel invested. I love being a part of the KBTS community and partnering with each of you as we welcome your children into this space.  

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Perla Perez, Teacher

Hola! My name is Perla Perez. I was born in Mexico and migrated to the United States when I was 12 years old. I recently graduated from California State University San Marcos with a degree in Sociology with an emphasis in Children, Youth and Family. During my undergraduate studies I worked at MiraCosta College Child Development Center where I was able to apply what I learned in my classes. I also gained valuable experiences in child development and was able to work with a mentor teacher to help me reflect and become a better teacher. 
I love working with children and building relationships with them. I believe it is very Important to build relationships with parents as well. I enjoy teaching children through play and guiding their experiences to help them grow. At the same time, children constantly help me to grow which leads me to become a better teacher for them. 
In my free time I like to spend time with my family, and go to the beach. I am very excited to have the opportunity to work with your children and get to know all of you and your families. 

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Silvia Tovar, Teacher

Hello! My name is Silvia. I am a responsible, caring, and hardworking person. In my free time, I enjoy reading novels, and nonfiction books, I like to observe the sunset, listen to light/old music, and work for a better future. I recently received my A. A in child development, and I am currently working to transfer to CSUSM. Before coming to KBTS, I volunteered at the Child Development Center at MiraCosta, and Mission Elementary School in Oceanside. I was also an intern at the MIracosta CDC. I enjoy working with children because every day I learn something new from them. They have a lot of interest in learning and exploring the environment around them; I enjoy being a person who can support their interest and curiosity to learn new things. I am looking forward to meeting your children, supporting their interests, and acquiring new knowledge with them.