Meet Our
Pepper Valley Learning Center
Staff

Ms. Michelle

Center Director

Hello, my name is Michelle and am the Center Director. I have been part of the Pepper Valley family since June 2012. My career in Early Childhood Education began in August 1993. During the last 20+ years I have been very fortunate to work with children ages 6 weeks to 12 years old. I also have several years experience as a Center Director and licensed home care provider. I am a San Diego native and live in the Clairemont area with my husband and our two sons. Our family enjoys camping, fishing, movie/game nights & watching & playing sports. I enjoy crafting and scrapbooking when I am able to sneak in some me time!

Ms. Amanda

Assistant Director

Hello , my name is Miss. Amanda. I have been a part of the Pepper Valley family since 2004 & I began teaching in 2003. The best part of working with children is seeing their accomplishments as they grow and become ready for Kindergarten. I have a AA in Child Development, a BA in Human Development, and a Masters in Science of Leadership with an emphasis in Education. I taught at Pepper Valley for many years and now I work in the office. I love working directly with the teachers in the classrooms and helping them achieve the vision for their classroom. I support the teachers with developing their skills and curriculum. In my free time I like gardening and collecting rare plants. I also enjoy walking my husky on walking trails and at the beach. I love traveling and seeing new sights around the United States with my small family.

Ms. Jenny

Private Kindergarten Teacher

Hello my name is Jennifer Dillon I have been with Pepper Valley since June of 2001. I am the private kindergarten teacher and am excited to start this new chapter of teaching. I’ve always known I wanted to be a teacher and now 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.

Ms. Brook

Pre-K Teacher

I have been working with children since 2004 and joined the Pepper Valley family in the fall of 2014. Growing up I was always surrounded by little ones. I am one of nine grandchildren and my mother ran an in home daycare so I was always helping out. Working with children is a magical gift that keeps me on my toes. I have transitioned from a two year old teacher to Pre-k. It was a nice change, but I love all age groups. When I'm not working, I enjoy spending time outdoors and on family trips with my loving husband and my two children.

Ms. Bianca C

Spanish Immersion Pre-k Teacher

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 have transitioned from a three year old teacher to Spanish immersion Pre-k. 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.

Mrs. Lacey

Transitional Pre-k Teacher

Hello, my name is Lacey. I am new to the Pepper Valley Family and I am excited to be a part of the team. I have an AA in Social and Behavioral Science with and emphasis in Child Development. I have wonderful ideas to bring to my class in room 10 Pre-k this year. I have been fortunate to be room parent in my children's classes. I love working with children and I enjoy seeing them learn and grow. I have been married to my wonderful husband for 13 years and we have three amazing daughters together. We enjoy spending time at Disneyland, the Beach, and other fun adventures.

Mrs. Bianca S. (Mrs. B)

Sub Teacher

Hello Parents! My name is Mrs. Bianca (aka Mrs. B). I have been part of the Pepper Valley family since April 2019. I have completing my AA in Early Childhood Development. I have been teaching preschool, ages 6 weeks to 12 years old, for over 10 years. I strongly believe that hands on learning and play based learning are the best way for children to be able to fully grasp the concepts I intend to teach them. I love dancing, being silly, art and music as ways of teaching. I love to celebrate each child’s differences and celebrate the diversity in the classroom. When I am not being a teacher, I am a mom to 2 beautiful children of my own. When I am not working I am usually at the river, desert, watching a Disney movie, trying to plan my next trip to Disneyland, or being a tourist in our beautiful city. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your child’s life.

Mrs. Erica F.

3 and 4 year old Combo Teacher

Hi, my name is Erica and I have been part of the Pepper Valley family since January 2017. I began working with children while attending college in 1992, where I obtained my certificate in Early Childhood Education. I am from San Diego and am married with two children. My favorite thing about working with young children is how loving and fun they are, so filled with curiosity and wonder! When I am not at Pepper Valley I enjoy cooking, relaxing at the beach, reading and places that are quiet. I especially love spending time with family and friends.

Mrs. Courtney

Two Year old Teacher

Hello, my name is Courtney Hatton. I have been part of Pepper Valley since May 2019. I have been teaching since 2013. My family and I enjoy going to Idyllwild and watching baseball games, Go Padres! I spend my free time crafting and playing with my boys Bradley and Cooper. The best part of working with children is seeing their smiles when they learn something new.

Mrs. Arianna
Two year old Teacher

Hi my name is Arianna and I am new to PVLC! I have been working with children since 2017, as well as continuing my education in Early Childhood Development. I am newly married to my husband Roger and we have two amazing children, Kayleigh and RJ. We enjoy going on trips to the ocean and going on the family boat. In my free time, I enjoy watching Grey's Anatomy, and hanging out with family. The best part of working with children is seeing their faces light up at new projects and hearing them laugh with all of their friends. I'm so thrilled to be working here.

Ms. Samantha
Teacher/ Classroom Sub

My name is Samantha. I have been teaching since 2023. I plan to continue my education in child development. On my free time I love watching movies, gardening, and spending quality time with my son Asher and my cat Opal. My favorite part of teaching is the role I play in teaching/ developing skills and witnessing the kids practice those learned skills.

Mrs. Imelda

Chef

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.

Ms. Hedy
Three year old teacher

Hi Everyone!
I'm Hedy Moore and I'm very excited to be enhancing your child's learning experiences here at Pepper Valley. I've been here since March 2022. I'll do my very best to keep them safe, happy, engaged, having fun, learning positive social skills and excited about learning. I have a Masters in Elementary Education, BA in Art and an Early Childhood Education Certificate. Previously, I had extensive career at Lakeside Union School District in Special Education for 20 years with mostly children birth to 5. Then, I worked at Barona Tribal Preschool for a couple years. I have two wonderful and married daughters that both inspire students everyday teaching. I have two grandkids and one on the way. (My grandson goes to Pepper Valley). I also have a sweet rescue dog, Sadie, from Thailand. It's such a joy working with children... the laughter, excitement, wonder and playfulness. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to encourage and nurture your child in their amazing learning adventure!

Ms. Daleyna
School Age Teacher

Hello Everyone. I have been part of the Pepper Valley family since February 2023. I currently work with the school-agers in our after school program. I plan on teaching preschool and I am very excited to continue my education to become a preschool teacher. I spend my free time with my family and eating lots of delicious foods. I also enjoy reading or catching up on my favorite TV shows and wakeboarding. The best part of working with children is building strong, loving, and trusting relationships. Creating those connections will allow the students to feel safe and comfortable enough to want to break out of their shell and be themselves.

Mrs. Anna
School age Teacher/ Three year old Teacher

My name is Anna Bolden. I have been at Pepper Valley since May 2023. I've been teaching for about 5 months but prior to that I provided private child care for military families and served as the Secretary of the Family Readiness Group for the USS Carl Vinson. I have a background in Child Development, Deaf Studies, and American Sign Language. In my free time I enjoy music, hiking, and spending time with my family. I really enjoy working with children and I'm so happy to have the opportunity to teach all of your kiddos!

Ms. Jenna
Classroom Sub/Break Teacher

Hello Families. I discovered my love for teaching when I was 15 years old. I have worked with children from infancy to 12 years of age throughout my 23 years in the child development field. I love talking with children and watching them discover new things and ideas of their own. Children are extremely smart. I believe it is important to incorporate both hands on and play based learning. Additionally, I have found music is important in aiding in the learning process for children. When I'm not at working, I enjoy being part of the Drama Ministry at my church. I also like reading, writing, music and hiking.

Ms. Christine
Seasonal Sub

My name is Ms. Christine, I have been with Pepper Valley for many years. I come in and help during school breaks and summer. During the school year I work for Lakeside School District in their special needs program. I enjoy running in marathons and working out, staying active is important to me. I have one son who is now working for the school districts. I love spending time with my family and friends in my free time.

Ms. Sylvana
Teacher/ Classroom Sub

I'm Ms. Sylvana I have been working at Pepper Valley since 2017. I enjoying traveling and I also work for the school district, when I'm not at Pepper Valley. I also do volunteer work that I enjoy as well.

Carie

Co-Owner

Hello my name is Carie and have been with Pepper Valley Learning Center for 38 years. In 2004 I purchased Pepper Valley along with Monica Powell. You will find me working in the front office when I am not helping care for my grandchild. 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.

Monica

Co-Owner

Hello, I’m Monica and I work in the front office of Pepper Valley Learning Center. You can find me busy in the front office, or visiting the children in the classrooms. I have the privilege of working with children. If I could do anything for the children that attend our school: It would be to establish the love of learning. Children can learn through movement, taste, sound, feel, sight and even in the silence of a quiet room. Life is full of lessons and I can’t wait to see what the day will bring as I share it with the staff, parents, and children of Pepper Valley Learning Center.

Meet Our Pepper Valley Learning Center Staff