Our Staff

     
Ms. Mickie - Director, Child Development Programs

Welcome to Temple City Early Learning Academy (TCELA)! My name is Mickie Wong and I am the Director of Temple City Unified School District’s Child Development Programs-- preschool and before and after school program, Extended Learning Program (ELP). My passion for working with children led me to earn my B.S. in Child and Adolescent Development, specifically Early Childhood Education from California State University, Fullerton. I further obtained my M.A. in Education from Brandman University, where I studied Administration and Leadership in Early Childhood Education. 

In my experience, I volunteered with the Child Life Department at the Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), I taught preschool in Orange County and was an Assistant Director of a private preschool. In my free time, I enjoy watching the Dodgers, the Lakers, and the Chargers play. I find joy in snowboarding in the winter and spending time with loved ones.
Ms. Gyorcie - Site Supervisor
Hello! My name is Gyorcie Castellanos and I am excited to be TCELA’s Site Supervisor. I have been with TCUSD for six years and have over ten years of experience working with preschool and elementary school students in various settings. I have an Associate of Arts in Teacher Education, am pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Studies, and I hold a Child Development Site Supervisor Permit. I believe play is the foundation for early learning and development and a child’s natural curiosity should be nurtured and encouraged. In my free time, I love to read, hike, and learn foreign languages. 
Ms. Jacqueline - Office Assistant III

Hi, I'm Jacqueline. I'm new to TCUSD but my 5-year old daughter attends a TCUSD school and she absolutely loves it! She and I are very much into chapter/series books at the moment. On the weekends, my family and I try to explore new places to eat, spend time with friends, watch movies, find new adventures and stay active! I look forward to making lasting memories at TCELA!
Ms. Melissa - Office Assistant III

Hello.  My name is Melissa Franco and I am an Office Assistant here at TCELA.  Although I am a new employee with the district, I am not new to TCUSD.  I have 2 adult children that already graduated from TCHS, and still have one child currently attending school here in the district.  I have many, many years of volunteering within the district and previously served on the PTA Board at Emperor Elementary.  In my free time I enjoy reading, watching the Dodgers, and teaching 1st graders in Sunday School. The biggest joy in my life is spending time with my 4 year old granddaughter. 
Ms. Kara - Preschool Instructor (Half-Day)
Welcome to Temple City Early Learning Academy! My name is Kara Reyes and I will be your child’s Preschool Teacher for the school year. I have so many exciting things to share with your children during our time together. I graduated from Citrus College with my Associates of Science in Early Childhood Education and am now pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in Child Development at Cal State Los Angeles. I love learning and I believe education is a life-long process. I can’t wait to share my love for education with my students. I can’t wait to meet everyone!
Ms. Ellie - ECSE Teacher

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!
erica
 Ms. Erica - ECSE Teacher

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.
Ms. Jessica - Preschool Paraprofessional
Hi everyone! My name is Ms. Jessica and I am the paraprofessional at the preschool. I have 3.5 years experience working with preschool and school aged children. I have an A.S. in early childhood education, a B.A. in child development, and am currently a student at CSULA where I am working on my multiple subject teaching credential. Teaching is my passion and I strive to create an inclusive learning environment where everyone is welcomed. In my free time I enjoy listening to music, traveling, and spending time with my family. I am looking forward to setting up a fun, safe learning environment where children can explore, grow, and become lifelong learners! 
Ms. Vivian - Preschool Paraprofessional
Hello, my name is Ms. Vivian and I have my AA degree in Social Sciences and Behavior from East Los Angeles College. I have 7 years experience working with children from infants through 11 years old. I have enjoyed my past experience working in a preschool setting as a Co-Teacher for a TK/Kindergarten class. Previously, I was a Teacher's Assistant for infants and toddlers. I also have worked with preschool and school-aged students with special needs. My hobbies consist of hiking and walking. I have a pet cat named Theo and he means the world to me. In my free time I spent it most with my family. I’m happy to be a part of the TCELA team and can’t wait to meet the staff and the lovely lil friends.