Our Staff

Meet Ms. Mickie, the Director of Child Development Programs at Temple City Unified School District! With a heart full of passion for working with children, she holds a B.S. in Child and Adolescent Development from CSU Fullerton and an M.A. in Education from Brandman University, where she focused on Administration and Leadership in Early Childhood Education.

Her journey began with a meaningful volunteer experience at the Child Life Department at CHOC (Children’s Hospital of Orange County), where she fell in love with helping kids thrive. After teaching preschool in sunny Orange County and serving as Assistant Director at a private preschool, she found her perfect fit at TCUSD. Now, she joyfully oversees our amazing preschool (TCELA), the tuition-based before and after school program (ELP), and the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP with RAS).

In her free time, she enjoy watching the Dodgers, the Lakers, and the Chargers play. She also finds joy in snowboarding in the winter and spending time with loved ones.

After spending over 20 years in the finance industry, I made a meaningful transition into early childhood education—a shift inspired by both my love for numbers and my deep-rooted passion for working with children. Today, I have the joy of being part of a preschool environment where I apply my analytical skills, attention to detail, and organizational expertise in creative and engaging ways that support young learners. As a parent of three, I understand firsthand the importance of nurturing curiosity, patience, and growth in a child’s early years. My professional journey may look a little different, but it brings a unique perspective to this program—one that values structure, problem-solving, and fostering confidence in every child. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, trying new foods, watching and playing sports, and most of all, spending quality time with my family. Joining TCELA has been an incredibly warm and welcoming experience, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such a supportive and inspiring program.

Hi! My name is Ms. Ellie and I’m the Early Education Special Education Teacher at TCELA! I received my teaching credential from CSULA and I am currently working on my Masters in Early Childhood Special Education and will be done by Spring 2023! I have over 7 years of experience in the classroom and as an ABA Therapist. I love what I do and believe that early education lays the foundation for all students to succeed and conquer! In my free time I like to shop, travel, and spend time with my family!

Hi! My name is Ms. Erica, and I am the new special education teacher at TCELA. I've worked and volunteered in special education for 5 years. I received my A.S. in Early childhood education at Fullerton College. I earned my B.S. in Child Development, ECSE credential, and am currently completing my Master's in Special Education at Cal State Fullerton. I love learning, and supporting children’s love of learning by fostering their interests and incorporating play. In my free time, I enjoy watching movies, crocheting, and hiking.

Hello! My name is Ms. Marlene and I am one of the Special Education Teachers at TCELA! My journey in education began as a paraprofessional for a TK classroom as an undergraduate student. I attended Cal State LA where I received my B.A in Communication Disorders, my teaching credential, and my Master's degree in Special Education. What I enjoy the most about TCELA is helping children explore their potential and curiosity through fun learning environments. During my free time, I like attending sports events, concerts, and watching movies.