Meet the Pepper Valley Staff

Hello my name is Mireya Lopez. I have worked with children ages two through twelve since 1999. I really love coming to work every day; I marvel at how much the children grow physically and mentally. My goal is to be a positive influence and to create fun days at school. I look forward to the day the children return all grown up, with happy memories of their time spent at Pepper Valley Learning Center. On the weekends, I enjoy spending time with my husband, scrapbooking, and traveling. 

Miss Michele is the teacher in room 6. She is excellent with the children and has done a fabulous job at creating a strong routine. More to follow.......

Hello my name is Bianca. I have worked with preschool children of all ages. It brings me great joy to see smiling happy children every day. I currently work with the three year old children in room 2. I am amazed by their curiosity and the optimistic outlook they have. On my days off I enjoy spending time with our church youth group, we go on several retreats a year. I also enjoy reading and writing poetry. At the end of any given day you will find me cooking with my mom, delicious traditional Mexican dishes.

Hello my name is Mickey Benton. I have been at Pepper Valley Learning Center since 1989. I have taught all age groups, I am currently working with the three year olds. I believe it is important to prepare the children for the years they have ahead of them in elementary school. Children are like sponges, they pick up on things so quickly and they get so excited about learning. Learning is very rewarding for them, and reassuring for their parents. I spend my days off camping and hiking.

My name is Amanda. I’ve been teaching at Pepper Valley Learning Center since the summer of 2004. I have my Master Teacher Certificate. I am currently working towards my AA degree in Child Development. I have had special training in classroom management, and working with children who have special needs. My prior work experience involved working with children who have special needs and challenging behaviors.

I love working with children of all ages, but my favorite age is the pre – K and kindergarten age. They often remind me to appreciate the simple things in life, like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly. I feel blessed to share precious moments, smiles, and laughter with the children in my class. I hope my academic guidance prepares them for the high demands for kindergarten and elementary school.

On my free time I enjoy camping in the summer and traveling to new and exciting places. I then bring my new experiences to the classroom through art, cooking and music. Creativity is nourished and encouraged in my class, it is part of my daily life. I’m always looking for new and exciting things to do and to experience in my class. Each year I can hardly wait to meet my new class and share our precious time together.

Dear families my name is Andrel Love-Carter. I currently hold an AS and an AA degree in Early Childhood Education; complimented with over thirty years of experience in the field of Child Development. During my career I have taught various age groups from two year olds through Pre-Kindergarten. I have also directed the after school program. I have also had the opportunity to work as an administrator in the front office. My passion is teaching and watching children learn and grow. I love interacting and working in the classroom first hand with the children. I look forward to my work day where I get to do what I love most. I am married and have a daughter and two step-daughters. My husband is a Fire Marshall and works for the City of San Diego. I enjoy spending time with family on my days off.

Hello my name is Jennifer Dillon I have been with Pepper Valley since June of 2001. I’ve always known I wanted to be a teacher and now that I am, I find it so rewarding. What I find unique and special about working with children is that you never know what they are going to say or do next. I spend my days off watching movies, and writing in my journal about my experiences working with children, which I hope to turn into a book some day.

My name is Stephanie Whittaker. I have been at Pepper Valley Learning Center since the beginning of 2007. I have my Bachelors of Arts degree in sociology from California State University of Fullerton. Prior to teaching I worked for the County of Orange as a counselor working with abused and neglected children. I love working with children it is very rewarding and remarkable to watch them change and develop. I enjoy spending my free time with my husband and my family.

Hello my name is Robin. I have been at Pepper Learning Center Valley since 1984. Teaching children is truly rewarding. Children are eager to learn. They enjoy challenging work and activities and they are delighted when they accomplish a goal or task. Children bring happiness and laughter to your classroom. What a way to start and end your day beaming smiles, joyful hearts and loving hugs.

Hello, my name is Sharon Naish!  I have had the pleasure of working with children ages 6 weeks to 12 year olds since 2006.  I find working with children very rewarding, especially when you are able to make a breakthrough in their learning experience!  I believe that it is important to teach the children to enjoy learning and to take pride in their strengths and work on their weaknesses!  My favorite part of my job is listening to the kids, they are so funny and not a day goes by that I do not laugh!  When I am not at work I enjoy spending time with my two beautiful daughters and my family!

Hello, my name is Kristi J and I have been working with children since 2005.  I enjoy working with kids because every day is different.  I enjoy watching the kids learn and love laughing because of the funny things they do.  When I am not at work I enjoy being outdoors and hanging out with family and friends. 

Hello my name is Eneida Alcantara. I joined the staff here at Pepper Valley Learning Center in the summer of 2012, a few months after enrolling my own two children. When I'm not at work you will most likely find me at home doing my chores, playing my piano, or reading a good book. I love learning languages and traveling. Children are amazing. I am in awe at how quickly they can learn and adapt to their surroundings. They are quick to love and forgive. I work with children because everyday is an adventure. 

Imelda is a veteran when it comes to cooking. Raising five children with healthy, good tasting meals that stayed within the household budget prepared her for her future career. Working in various preschools she brings with her sixteen years of experience. She joined the PVLC staff in December of 2010.  She enjoys filling her home with children and grandchildren and spends her free time at church. We hope to have many wonderful meals through out the years together.

Hello my name is Carie and I serve as the Director of Pepper Valley Learning Center. You will find me working in the front office; answering phones, on the computer, or visiting with parents. I have been part of the Pepper Valley Family since the early 80’s. It is a compliment to have students I once taught return with their own children. Time goes by quickly, and children grow up so fast. I feel lucky to be part of your child’s life; during these formative years.