Our Staff

Our Director

I believe that learning should be play-based and should take place in an environment that not only invokes a sense of wonder and creativity, but also a sense of warmth and security.

Ashley Reyes, Director
My name is Ashley Reyes and I am the Director at Teddy Bear Preschool. I have been working with students, both in academic and in childcare settings since 2007. 
My journey began as a tutor for Kumon: Math and Reading Center, where I helped provide supplemental learning assistance for students from the ages of 3-15 years old. I also have experience working with high school students as I was formerly employed with UC Santa Cruz as an Academic Intern for Monterey High School. This position required a continuity of academic assistance for students from freshman to senior year in the subject of math.
 I was also formerly employed by the International School of Monterey as an after-school aide providing homework help and tutoring for students from 3rd-8th grade.
After ISM, I was able to work as an early childhood educator for Early Development Services for six years. This position allowed me to, not only have the experience and skills that I needed for this position, but also gave me the opportunity to participate in many professional development opportunities, which included receiving specialized training to work with infants and toddlers through Resources for Infant Educarers or “RIE”, founded by Magda Gerber.
I then became a Site-Director for the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program through the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District as well as a Parent Educator for Parenting Connection of Monterey County. 
Currently, I have two Associate’s Degrees, one in Anthropology and one in Child Development from Monterey Peninsula College. I also have a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education as well as a Master’s Degree in Education with an emphasis in Leadership in Early Childhood Education, both from Brandman University.
 
As an educator, I believe that each child has their own personality and should be taught based on their developmental needs and interests. Collaboration with their parents is essential to their learning and does impact the outcome of their development greatly. I also believe that learning should be play-based, in which children will be able to learn fundamentals such as: language development, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, cognitive and social/emotional development through their play. They should do this in an environment (both in indoor and outdoor settings) that not only invokes a sense of wonder and creativity, but also a sense of warmth and security. 

Our Teachers

DEDICATED TO THE GROWTH OF YOUNG CHILDREN

At Teddy Bear Preschool LLC, our teachers are well-educated in the field of child development. They all have college credits or degrees in Child Development. They also stay current with research on brain development and children’s issues by attending conferences, seminars, and in-service trainings. All our teachers are certified in Infant, Child, and Adult CPR and First Aid.  

My passion for working with children began at age eleven, and after attending the college courses necessary and earning my Child Development Certificate, I began the career that I truly love. I have worked with young children for over 23 years, the past 16 of them at Teddy Bear Preschool. It feels great to witness so many "firsts." I get to be a part of their messy, amazing learning process. I get to see their smiles, and most of all, I get to form meaningful friendships with children and see how I can impact them every day!

Ashni Monroy

I have been working with infants and young children for over 30 years, beginning as a volunteer while in high school. My college courses included Child Development and Infant/Toddler. I found my home with Teddy Bear Preschool eleven years ago. I truly enjoy teaching and building strong relationships with the children at our preschool. They never fail to amaze me with their enthusiasm for learning and their capacity for love.

Connie Martinez

I have been working with children since 1988. I have an Associates Degree in Child Development. I have been working at Teddy Bear Preschool for 8 years. Spending time with children and watching them grow brings me a lot of joy. Each day is a new and interesting adventure!

Kathy Mello

I have been working with children for over eight years. I obtained my associates degree in early childhood education development at Monterey Peninsula College and will graduate with my bachelors in human development and family studies, Fall 2020 at California State University, Monterey Bay. I love teaching because everyday is full of surprises. I strongly support child’s social-emotional development because every child is unique and gifted in their own way. I understand that each individual child has their own strengths and weaknesses.

Hanyssa

My name is Veronica Trinidad, and I have been working with children for five years. I have worked with all ages of children from infants through 12 years old. I am 25 years old, and I have my associates degree in Early Childhood Education from Monterey Peninsula College. I plan to attend at CSUMB and maintain my Bachelors Degree in Human Development & Family Services. I am a believer that children learn through play. As their teacher, I want to make them grow and brighten their day by having trust, respect, and to create a great relationship with all of my students.

Veronica

Our TEAM

DEDICATED TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE WHOLE CHILD

Our teachers are genuinely interested in what the children are doing, how they are feeling, and what they have to say.

Teachers bend, kneel, or sit down to establish eye contact when talking with children. Teachers show respect for children’s feelings, ideas, and respond quickly and positively to children’s needs and questions.

Our teachers work in partnership with families to help children develop their full potential.