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Our Laguna Honda Team

At Meaningful Beginnings, we prioritize excellence by hiring only the best educators in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) field.

All staff undergo a thorough interview process and must pass a Caregiver Background Check, including fingerprinting and clearance, as required by the state of California. Teachers are required to have at least 12 ECE units or be actively pursuing coursework. Those without ECE units are designated as teacher’s aides and work under the supervision of a fully qualified teacher.

Additionally, all employees must provide immunization records, complete a health screening (including a TB test), and maintain up-to-date CPR and First Aid certification. They also complete mandated reporter and pest management training to ensure the highest standards of safety and care.

Our administrators, including the director and assistant director, take specialized training in Health, Safety, Nutrition, and Lead Poisoning Prevention to ensure compliance and excellence in management.

Ms. Luisa

Director of Operations

Ms. Carmen

Director

Ms. Stephanie

Program Coordinator

Ms. Emily

Lead Toddler Teacher

Ms. Malliejo

Lead Preschool Teacher

Ms. Georyana

Lead Infant Teacher

Ms. Achala

Interim Lead Preschool Teacher

Ms. Kristana

Lead Preschool Teacher

Mx. Lane

Infant Teacher

Ms. Serene

Infant Teacher

Ms. Alexis

Infant Teacher

Ms. Kary

Infant Teacher

Ms. Alma

Infant Teacher

Ms. Silvia

Toddler Teacher

Ms. Bianca

Toddler Teacher

Ms. Sheville

Preschool Teacher

Jil

Executive Operations Coordinator

Marie Sanga

Enrollment Coordinator

Marie Sanga

Enrollment Coordinator

Jil Priniel

Executive Operations Coordinator

Sheville Nash

Facility Assistant

Marie Sanga

Enrollment Coordinator

Bianca Lutz

Toddler Teacher Aide

Marie Sanga

Enrollment Coordinator

Julissa Vargas-Mendoza

Lead Infant Teacher

Yvonne Ma

Yvonne Ma

Infant Teacher

Sara Bahadori

Infant Teacher’s Aide

NOTE:

At Meaningful Beginnings, we undergo an extensive interview process and only hire the best educators in the Early Childhood Education field.

Our teacher’s are required to undergo a Caregiver Background Check as mandated by the state of California. All staff must submit their fingerprints and get clearance.

Teachers are required to have at least 12 early childhood education (ECE) units or willing to take classes. If a teacher currently does not have any ECE units, they are considered teacher’s aides and must be under the supervision of a fully qualified teacher. All employees are required to submit immunization records and undergo a health screening including a TB test.

Teachers must also get their CPR and First-Aid certification, complete mandated reporter training and pest management training, and ensure that they stay-up-to-date.

Administrators, such as the director and assistant director, are required to take the Health, Safety, Nutrition, and Lead Poisoning Prevention trainings.

LUISA BAJ

Director of Operations

Working with and becoming a part of a community has always been a dream for Luisa. She worked in museums throughout the Bay Area for years, always in their education department. Through this passion, she found that her favorite audience was children. The way she was able to connect, facilitate, and grow with their innate curiosity became her dream. She wants to bring Art and STEM to children of all abilities and create a community within the classroom where mistakes are part of the learning process, and kids get the opportunity to direct their own learning. She wants her students to be excited to come to school and loves to see the excitement and wonder in their eyes. She is excited to bring her previous experience from the Bay Area Discovery Museum into Meaningful Beginnings and create a community built on curiosity, kindness, respect, and accessibility. Luisa received her dual Masters in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education from Grand Canyon University.

Carmen Chung

Director

Hi, my name is Carmen Chung, and I’ve been working in the education field for over six years! My journey in early childhood education began while earning my Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Adolescent Development from San José State University. It was during my time as a teacher’s assistant at SJSU’s Child Development Center that I discovered my passion for infant and toddler development.

Since then, I’ve had the joy of growing into roles such as Lead Teacher and Educator Coordinator, where I’ve loved creating playful, engaging, and meaningful learning experiences rooted in a holistic approach. A few fun facts about me: I’m a proud San Francisco native, fluent in both English and Cantonese, and always happy to chat about my dog, Charlie! I truly believe every child is capable, curious, and full of potential—and I’m here to nurture that spark every step of the way.

Stephanie Gnean

Infant/Toddler Assistant Director

Stephanie is a San Francisco native, born and raised, who recently joined Meaningful Beginnings as the new infant teacher. She holds an Associate of Science in Social and Behavioral Science and an Associate of Arts in Child Development from City College of San Francisco (CCSF).From a young age, Stephanie has always enjoyed spending time with children, which inspired her to pursue a career in early childhood education. She has a diverse background in childcare, having worked as a nanny for three years and at a Montessori school for a year before joining Meaningful Beginnings.Stephanie finds immense happiness in watching children discover the world around them and feels it is incredibly rewarding to see them develop into their own independent people. She is dedicated to fostering a nurturing and supportive environment where infants can grow and thrive.Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys listening to music and spending quality time with her family and friends. She is excited to be part of the Meaningful Beginnings community and looks forward to contributing to the growth and development of the children in her care.

Emily Pham

Lead Toddler Teacher

Hi! I am a dedicated, nurturing and hands-on early childhood educator with an honors degree in Early Childhood Education! I am fortunate enough to have been able to work with children for over 5 years as a nanny and as a teacher. With my background, I have been able to apply things I’ve learned from my practical experience and from my studies into my care for the children, tailoring the techniques to fit each situation.

Malliejo Asuncion

Lead Preschool Teacher

Meet Mallie, our enthusiastic Lower Preschool Teacher Aide at Meaningful Beginnings. Currently a part-time student at Skyline College, Mallie is actively completing her Early Childhood Education (ECE) units while gaining valuable preschool experience with us.

Mallie’s journey in childcare began at the age of 17 when she started babysitting infants and toddlers up to 6 years old. Her passion for working with children grew as she later joined an after-school program, working with children aged 5 to 12 for nearly three years. As a mother to a delightful three-year-old girl who inspired her interest in preschool education, Mallie brings a personal touch to her professional endeavors.

Her future ambition is to open her own daycare and development center. At Meaningful Beginnings, Mallie is dedicated to providing each child with a positive and meaningful educational experience. She is committed to helping our young learners grow and develop into the future leaders of our world. Mallie’s hands-on approach and personal experience as a mom make her a cherished member of our team and a favorite among the children.

Georyana Morales

Lead Infant Teacher

Georyana is originally from Granada, Nicaragua, and she moved to San Francisco to seek new opportunities for herself and her family. With a degree in Criminal Law, Georyana is now working towards her Associate Degree in Child Development at City College of San Francisco, furthering her education and expanding her professional skills.
As a mother of two beautiful children, Georyana has a deep love for working closely with infants, finding great joy and fulfillment in nurturing their early development. Her commitment to child development is evident in both her studies and her hands-on work with young children.
Outside of work, Georyana enjoys spending quality time with her family, cooking delicious meals, and exploring the beautiful sights of San Francisco. Whether she’s discovering new recipes in the kitchen or taking in the scenic views of the city, Georyana cherishes these moments of connection and relaxation with her loved ones.

Achala Jayagoda

Interim Lead Preschool Teacher

Achala is originally from Sri Lanka (Ceylon) and has worked in Bay Area schools for over 18 years in various roles within the Montessori environment, engaging with children from infancy to kindergarten.

She holds Montessori training from AMI and MMTTC, and has completed additional units in early and adolescent development from City College of San Francisco. Achala is currently working towards finishing her associate degree in child development at CCSF.

Teaching is her passion, and she never tires of working with young children. She understands that the ages from 0 to 5 years are crucial for a child’s development.

Achala is thrilled to join the Meaningful Beginnings environment. Her goal is to provide positive guidance and teaching that will set children on a bright and fun future, helping them value themselves and others.

In her free time, Achala enjoys spending time with her son, hiking, listening to music, traveling, and doing charity work with her family and friends.

 

kristana-torreano

Lead Preschool Teacher

Hi! My name is Kristana and I have been working with kids since I was 13 years old. I started out by babysitting and helping coach the Special Olympics. I was a preschool teacher throughout college, where I graduated with my degree in Child Development, 2 Teaching Credentials, as well as a Masters in Education. I worked in a public school, teaching K-2, for the past 7 years, but am excited to be back with the preschoolers! I love creating a safe and fun environment, where they are excited to come to school each day. I teach using hands-on activities, letting them explore, and encouraging their creativity to shine through!

Lane Baj

Infant Teacher

Lane, a trans-nonbinary person who uses they/them pronouns, is dedicated to providing the utmost care as our newest Infant Teacher Aide. Growing up and in the present, Lane always found themselves happiest when looking after the neighborhood kids and friends who now have children.
They are new to the Bay Area, having spent the past decade living in Chicago, IL. There they earned a Bachelor of Arts Cinema Studies & Sciences from Columbia College Chicago. Though new to childcare & education, Lane has always had a core passion to provide arts education for all children. While studying, they wrote, produced, and directed a short documentary, “BIGART, little kids”, showcasing the Columbia College program, known as, BIGArt, that provided after-school art programs to numerous Chicago public schools. They then went on to become a union member of Local 476 Studio Mechanics in Motion Picture and Television of Chicago for the past several years. They have worked on a number of shows and movies on Apple, HBO, Hulu, Marvel, NBC, and Netflix. Lane is working to further their education with children & youth in pursuit of bringing more 2SLGBTQIA education into classrooms and working to earn a fellowship with Filmmakers Without Borders.

Serene Woo

Infant Teacher

Serene is from South San Francisco and has been working with children since she graduated high school. She is currently working on getting her bachelor’s degree in Child and Adolescent Development with a concentration in Early Childhood Education & Care. She is dedicated to making the classroom a safe nurturing place for all students. In her free time, she is with friends and family and trying new places to eat around the Bay Area.

Alexis Nontha-Vaughan

Infant Teacher

Hi, I’m Alexis Nontha-Vaughan—though most people call me Lex!
I’m an artist and a student at City College of San Francisco, and I bring a creative, patient, and nurturing approach to childcare. I grew up in Singapore and spent my teenage years in the Bay Area, giving me a rich blend of cultural experiences that shape the way I connect with families and children.

While much of my professional background comes from the food industry—from serving to managing restaurants—I also have extensive experience with childcare and come from a family of educators. I love working with kids, supporting their growth, and creating a safe, fun environment where they can explore and learn.

In my free time, you’ll find me making art, tending to my plants, hiking, reading, or spending time with friends.

I’m excited to bring care, creativity, and reliability to the families I work with!

Kary Cao

Infant Teacher

Kary Cao is a dedicated mother of two children who has always had a deep affection for kids, which fuels her passion for her current job. She has been a valued member of the Meaningful Beginnings team for over a year. In her role as a teacher’s assistant, she is primarily responsible for caring for babies in the Starfish room. Kary finds immense joy and fulfillment in her daily work. She eagerly looks forward to each day, as taking care of the babies is the most important part of her job. She finds it incredibly rewarding to watch the babies grow and change at every stage of their development. For Kary, each milestone and every new skill learned by the babies is a source of excitement and satisfaction. Her commitment to providing a nurturing and supportive environment for the babies is evident in her attentive and loving care. Kary’s role is not just a job to her; it is a vocation that allows her to make a significant impact on the lives of the children she looks after, helping them to thrive during their crucial early years.

Alma Cardenas

Infant Teacher

I was born and raised in Michoacan, Mexico. I came to the United States to give my children a better life. In my free time I like to go to the gym. I love cooking for my family.

Silvia Garcia

Toddler Teacher

Hello everyone, my name is Ms. Silvia, and I’m thrilled to be the new Toddler Teacher at Meaningful Beginnings. I’d love to take a moment to share a bit about my journey with you.

I grew up in Fremont, in the East Bay, and began my career in the healthcare field, working as a medical assistant for 15 years. Eventually, I followed my heart and opened an in-home daycare in Las Vegas, where I spent five years caring for children. Upon returning to California, I decided to further my education at Theoria Technical College to pursue my dream of becoming a preschool teacher.

During my time at La Petite Academy in Pleasanton, I discovered my passion for caring for infants and toddlers, which became an incredibly fulfilling experience for me. My dedication to this field even earned me the honor of Teacher of the Year in my first year. I’m also a proud mother of a 19-year-old son, and yes, I miss him being little!

Being a teacher fills my heart with joy. Watching children grow, explore, and smile at daycare brings me immense happiness. Building strong relationships with families is also incredibly important to me.

Outside of teaching, I enjoy hiking, being outdoors, reading, traveling, practicing yoga, and following sports. The 49ers, Warriors, and Giants are my favorite teams! Most importantly, I cherish spending time with my loved ones, family, and friends. I’m genuinely excited to be part of Meaningful Beginnings, and I look forward to meeting you all!

Bianca Lutz

Toddler Teacher

Hi, my name is Bianca Lutz. My background started in retail, but my passion for working with kids led me to childcare, where I’ve worked as both a live-in nanny and a full-time au pair abroad. Outside of work, I’m happiest outdoors hiking, biking, running, or practicing yoga. I also love reading, writing, creating art, and enjoying all sorts of music with friends. These interests naturally inform the way I connect with children, allowing me to bring both presence and creativity into their daily experiences.

sheville-nash

Preschool Teacher

Hi, my name is Sheville Nash, and I’m from Jamaica. I enjoy helping keep spaces clean, safe, and organized. I’m reliable, hardworking, and take pride in making sure everything runs smoothly for everyone around me.

Jil Priniel

Executive Operations Coordinator

Hi, my name is Jil, and I’ve been with Meaningful Beginnings for two years as the Executive Operations Coordinator. In my role, I support our leadership team and ensure that our operations run smoothly so our centers can continue providing exceptional care to children and families.

Outside of work, I love riding my motorcycle and exploring new places—whether it’s discovering hidden gems, taking scenic routes, or simply enjoying the freedom of the open road. Adventure, connection, and meaningful experiences are what inspire me both personally and professionally.

Marie Sanga

Enrollment Coordinator

Hi, I’m Marie, and I’m the Enrollment Coordinator at Meaningful Beginnings. I help families navigate the enrollment process and ensure a seamless experience from inquiry to enrollment. My role allows me to connect with families, support our team, and contribute to the smooth operations of our centers.

 

Before joining Meaningful Beginnings, I managed administrative tasks, document organization, correspondence, and team scheduling—skills that help me stay organized and proactive in my current role.

Julissa Vargas-Mendoza

Lead Infant Teacher

​​Hello, my name is Julissa Vargas-Mendoza. I am an Infant Teacher at the Meaningful Beginnings Development Center at Laguna Honda. I am currently studying for degrees in Child Adolescent and Development and Nursing. I have volunteered with after-school programs in high school, as well as with San Francisco State University’s Early Childhood Education Center. As a young child I have always been around other children in my family, and absolutely love being around children hence my studies in child development. I look forward to working with infants and their families, and learning how I can help our youngest children succeed and grow, every day!

Yvonne Ma

Infant Teacher

Yvonne is the infant teacher at Meaningful Beginning Center. Yvonne joined the field of early childhood education by chance and fell in love with working with children. Yvonne takes ECE units course from City College of San Francisco and over three years of experience in childcare, she works with children with different ages, from 6 months to 4 years old. However, it was her desire to witness the milestones of babies and support their growth that she chose to become an infant teacher. Yvonne is passionate about working with babies and helping them grow and develop independently in a safe and nurturing environment. She enjoys tapping toys with babies to make sounds and singing songs with them. In her spare time, Yvonne likes window shopping and enjoys taking walks in the pathway with her family.

Sara Bahadori

Infant Aid

Hello! My name is Sara and I am an Infant Teachers Aide at Meaningful Beginnings. I am studying Business Administration at San Francisco State University, and I have a goal of opening my own daycare in the future! Before Meaningful Beginnings, I worked for a child care agency with ages ranging from under one year old all the way to 5th grade. I grew up in San Diego, and there I spent a lot of time volunteering at preschools, as well as at schools for children on the spectrum. I consider myself to have a lot of patience with everything, especially kids.

To me, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing babies I teach grow into independent kids with minds of their own. It is important that kids are able to explore by themselves, so I have taken on a Montessori-like approach in teaching. My main goal while teaching is to emphasize the importance of setting personal boundaries, as well as learning how to respect others. After all, these kiddos are the future of our society, so I believe it is my priority to instill respectful values at a young age. I hope you join us at Meaningful Beginnings!

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