Amanda Manger, Owner​

I am thrilled to be the owner of 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.

​

Diane Antonelli, Director,
Mentor Teacher, Toddler Teacher 

I have been in the field of education for over 20 years.  I have worked as an administrator and teacher in various ECE settings from Stuttgart, Germany, to Connecticut, to California.  I always thought I would be a teacher, but after college, my family went abroad to Germany.  I began working at a child development center there and that is when I realized early childhood education was my passion. I appreciate the curiosity of the children and their capabilities.  I love watching them learn and forming individual relationships with them. 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.  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.  
I have a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Southern Connecticut State University and hold a CDA at the preschool level and currently hold a California Preschool Site Supervisor Permit.  I enjoy spending time with my five children (and our dog, Pabu) doing anything outdoors.  I also enjoy traveling, baking and reading.

​

Silvia Tovar, Toddler Teacher

I have been working in the field of early childhood education for around 7 years. I always thought I would be doing something in the medical field, but in college I decided to join the early childhood education field. I started working in the MiraCosta Child Development Center and that
is when I realized Early Childhood Education was my passion. I loved the curiosity of the children and education was my passion. I enjoyed watching them learn and forming individual relationships with them. Through my years of experience and education, 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 to provide children with outdoor experiences to develop a sense of respect for our environment. Also, I believe that children learn best when they are part of a community in which they are valued and in which they feel invested. I am so excited to be part of this community and partner with each of you as we welcome your children into this space.

Nicole Tirol, Preschool Teacher 

​Hello! My name is Nicole Tirol and I am passionate about teaching young children. I have been in the field for 10 years and have my Bachelor of Arts in Child Development. I am originally from Southern California, however I also spent 6 years living overseas in Japan which is where my interest in child development began. My husband and I are now settled in North County with our 2 pugs. My husband and I love to travel, find new and interesting places to eat, take leisurely hikes, and I love to photograph it all. When I am not out and about I enjoy simple things at home like reading and crocheting.

My greatest desire is supporting young children so they can feel valued, capable and confident. I value each child’s learning process and their development through exploration and meaningful experiences. My excitement lies in teaching children through emergent curriculum that follows the interests and natural curiosity of the child.  Overall, my goal is to build strong relationships with children and families so I can best support the development and growth of the family unit. I am thrilled to be a part of this amazing community of families and staff at Kids by the Sea.