Our Encinitas Teachers
Abbey Arechiga-Rua
Director
Why did you become a preschool teacher?
It was the perfect opportunity at the perfect time. I feel I was able to combine my passions of working with children with my background of theatre for this perfect opportunity.
What do children teach you?
To push my own imagination and look at the world from a different perspective.
How do you know a child is having a really good day?
They've changed their clothes a few times from playing in the water and mudkitchen!
What’s your favorite messy activity?
Oobleck!
Carolyn Zuniga
Why did you become a preschool teacher?
I began babysitting during my first year of college, which led me to realize I loved the magic kids can create. I then added Elementary Education as a second major. After graduating from UCSD, I knew I wanted to take a break from school and gain more experience in a classroom setting. Having spent time in classrooms from TK-12, I felt drawn to preschool-aged students as I was the most comfortable engaging with young students and focusing on the fun of learning as well as the overall development of skills children experience at this age.
What do children teach you?
Children teach me so much about expressing emotion and particularly finding new ways to be kind! Every child has their own unique way of feeling, and all of them do so in a manner that I can always learn from. Asking for help, taking space, or finding ways to self-soothe and regulate are all great methods anyone could benefit from witnessing!
If you were a color, what would you be?
Grass Green
Delaney Meehan
Why did you become a preschool teacher?
I became a preschool teacher because I truly believe changing the world starts with the smallest hearts. The way we speak to children, encourage them, and love them shapes the kind of people they grow up to be. If I can help my students feel confident, kind, curious, and brave, then I know I’m planting seeds for a better world. Every hug, every lesson, every moment of patience is my small way of making a big difference.
What do children teach you?
Children teach me patience, creativity, and how to see the world with fresh eyes. They remind me to slow down, ask questions, and find joy in small moments.
If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?
My superhero name would be “Miss Sunshine,” and my special ability would be filling every room with warmth. I would have the power to turn nervous tears into brave smiles and help every child feel seen, special, and deeply loved.
Ines Vasquez
Why did you become a preschool teacher?
I became a preschool teacher because I wanted to understand how young minds work and how each child’s creativity shines in its own unique way. I love seeing how children create, grow, and reach their milestones, and celebrating every achievement along the way. Most of all, I cherish being a trusted, loving presence in their lives someone who truly sees them, supports them, and loves them for who they are as little humans.
What do children teach you?
To be present and enjoy each moment with them.
What’s your favorite children’s book?
All Piggie and Gerald books! What makes this experience especially impactful is animating each story while guiding children as early emergent readers, fostering their confidence and understanding that they can participate in reading by engaging with the illustrations.
Nathaly Gordillo
Why did you become a preschool teacher?
I became a preschool teacher because I’ve always wanted to see the development of children as they grow up. I find it fascinating and joyous when the children hit their milestones. Seeing them develop their language and communication skills is very wonderful as I can engage conversation with them. Having little ones in my family gave me more of a reason to become a preschool teacher.
What do children teach you?
Children teach me to practice patience and develop the skill to create connections to have a sense of comfort and safety.
How do you know a child is having a really good day?
I know a child is having a really good day when they are full of laughter, smiles, friendliness and is enjoying their time with the teachers and other children.
Nicole Tirol
Why did you become a preschool teacher?
I became a preschool teacher because I believe the early years are the most important in child development and are full of curiosity and wonder. I love supporting young children as they discover who they are and develop confidence through play. Being a part of so many of these first learning experiences is incredibly meaningful to me.
What do children teach you?
Children teach me to slow down and appreciate the process. They remind me to stay curious and continue to look at the world with wonder and joy.
What is your favorite children’s book?
I love Giraffe's Can't Dance by Giles Andreae because it such a heartwarming story that celebrates individuality and confidence. The rhythm of the words and the illustrations make it so fun to read and Gerald's journey is a fun one to follow.
Silvia Tovar
Why did you become a preschool teacher?
I want to become a preschool teacher because I love helping young children grow, learn, and discover the world around them. Early childhood is such an important stage of development, and I want to make a positive difference by creating a safe, caring, and fun environment where children feel supported. I enjoy encouraging creativity, curiosity, and confidence, and I believe that guiding children during their first learning experiences is both meaningful and rewarding.
What do children teach you?
Toddlers can teach me patience, flexibility, and understanding. They remind me to appreciate the little things and stay curious about the world. Their honesty and openness encourage me to be genuine and caring. While I help them learn and grow, they also help me become a more patient and thoughtful person.
What is your secret classroom talent?
My secret talent is having a good eye for spotting when a child needs extra attention and support.
Our Olivenhain Teachers
Elizabeth Santiago Gomez
Why did you become a preschool teacher?
I became a preschool teacher because I truly believe the early years are the most important years. Preschool is where children begin to build their confidence, independence, and love for learning. Being part of that foundation is such an honor. I believed children learn best through hands-on exploration and meaningful experiences. I love creating a classroom where children feel safe, curious, and excited to discover new things.
What do children teach you?
They teach me WONDER because they notice the tiniest things. Everything is amazing to them, and it reminds me to slow down and really see the world.
What is your secret classroom talent?
Magic Calm-Down Cloud – I can transform big emotions into calm with a hug or a deep-breath exercise.
Heather Allen
Why did you become a preschool teacher?
I believe it one of the most important roles we can play in lives of children and future generations. It is my great honor to take part in the development of these magical humans.
What do children teach you?
They teach me about presence; magic and hope.
What is your favorite children’s book?
Frog and Toad treasury. The adventures and friendship of frog and toad are timeless and classic.
If you were a color, which one would you be?
Rainbow (all of them!)
Karla Gonzalez
Why did you become a preschool teacher?
I became a preschool teacher because of my genuine love for children and my desire to make a meaningful difference in their early years. Supporting young learners as they build confidence, curiosity, and emotional understanding fills my heart and gives my work deep purpose. Create a safe, joyful space where children feel valued and celebrated is something I care about profoundly.
What do children teach you?
Children teach me to how to approach life with wonder, resilience, and enthusiasm. They remind me that growth happens in small steps and that love, patience and compassion are the foundation of every strong relationship.
If you were a superhero, who would you be?
My superhero name would be Guardian of Giggles and my special ability would be emotional alchemy.
Kelly Materiale
Why did you become a preschool teacher?
I love watching children grow & learn. They are so wise, funny and have the biggest hearts!
What do children teach you?
So much! Patience, understanding, caring towards others & creativity. Love learning things through children's eyes.
What is your favorite children’s book?
Super Goldfish. It has a great message that they're all in this tank together, just like our preschool.
How do you know a child is having a really good day?
The joy & happiness on their face and extra bounce to their step.
Kristin DuPee
Why did you become a preschool teacher?
I love watching children learn and grow and thrive. I feel honored and blessed to be a part of their early journey and to get them excited about learning!
What do children teach you?
The simplicity of life, genuine acceptance, and to be present in each moment!
What is your favorite children’s book?
My favorite book to read the children is called The Book with No Pictures by B.J. Novak. It is magical because even though there are no pictures the kids stay very engaged and I love to be silly and make them all laugh!
Maideli Guzman
Why did you become a preschool teacher?
I became a preschool teacher because I want to be the voice for all my children in the classroom. I want to make sure they know they are so special, valued, respected and loved. Their childhood stage feels like such a short time, I want to make sure they always have the best time when their at school and feel safe and loved!
What do children teach you?
There’s so many things I learn from my children everyday. One of the biggest lessons would be not to take the even the tiniest stuff for granted and always find joy in any situation whether it’s sunny or cloudy. There’s always a positive side in every situation. Another one would be to always be patient and really learn to listen to what they are telling me.
What is your secret classroom talent?
Rave DJ! I’m always in charge of making my children’s playlists for dance parties. Especially on Fridays. Our club name is “The ninja turtle rainbow dance club!”
Miho Matsubara
Why did you become a preschool teacher?
I love working with children and wanted to be part of their first big milestone—starting school.
What do children teach you?
Their imagination and creativity never fail to inspire me.
What’s one word your students might use to describe you?
Energetic
If you were a superhero, who would you be?
My superhero name would be Captain Imagination. My special ability would be turning everyday classroom moments into creative adventures where children can explore, play, and learn.
Selena Ruiz
Why did you become a preschool teacher?
I became a preschool teacher to make a positive impact on children’s lives while also sharing in the joy and fun of their everyday experiences. I love building meaningful relationships with each child and creating magical moments that make learning exciting and memorable.
What do children teach you?
The children constantly remind me to never stop playing, to keep exploring, and to find wonder in the smallest moments. They show me that the tiniest joys are often the most meaningful, and that curiosity and joy should always be part of our everyday lives.
What is your favorite children’s book?
My favorite book to read to my students is Waiting Is Not Easy! by Mo Willems. I love it because the children can really relate to how hard it is to wait for something they’re excited about, just like Gerald. What makes it magical is watching their faces as the story unfolds—the anticipation builds, and when Gerald’s surprise is finally revealed, their sense of awe and excitement is incredible. It becomes a shared moment of joy that makes the story truly come alive.
Our Leadership
Amanda Manger
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.
Casey Falkner
Casey and her husband Matt love living life with their two kiddos Ivy and Clayton, community + a couple of chickens.
Casey loves building bridges in the community, between corporate and philanthropic worlds, between kiddos in need and our greater extended family.
Casey knows peace in the outdoors, enjoys planting seeds and exploring new places with her family... also cruising the coast in the 1964 Ford Falcon convertible (she bought it at age 16!).
Erin Lane
Erin first began at Kids by the Sea as a mom. After witnessing three kids thrive under the beautiful teachers and leadership of Kids by the Sea, she decided she wanted to always be a part of the community.
With a background in business and entrepreneurship, she began working with Amanda in 2014 and has never looked back. With the opening of the Olivenhain location, Erin has been able to utilize her background in sustainable food systems and community development. She is excited to see what great opportunities can come out of the Community Space and KBTS as a whole.
In her free time, she enjoys exploring every possible new restaurant, traveling the world, and running around with her very busy children. She has made Encinitas home with her family for over 14 years and doesn’t take one day for granted that this beautiful town is where she can call home.