Staff at Westcliff Early Learning Academy
Staff at Westcliff Early Learning Academy
Monica Heredia
Director, Westcliff Early Learning Academy
Moved by the uninhibited curiosity and enthusiasm that young children express for learning, Monica Heredia has dedicated her life to early childhood education.
Since 2009, she has worked as an early education administrator, curriculum developer and supervisor. A graduate of Loyola Marymount University, Monica worked in children’s television, then returned to college to get her early childhood director certificate. She has developed preschools in Malibu, Huntington Beach and Newport Coast and strongly believes that the genuine lessons of preschool go far beyond learning numbers and letters to include social and emotional development. These are the years children learn compassion, self-efficacy, empathy, independence, and confidence.
Monica is filled with gratitude when surrounded by the joy and wonder expressed by children discovering themselves and the world around them.
- Earned an Early Childhood Director Certificate endorsed by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
- Member of the National Association for the education of Young children NAEYC
- Held leadership roles in both public and private educational institutions.
- Possess extensive expertise in implementing the Reggio Emilia approach.
- Skillfully assists families in navigating Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
- Spearheaded the creation of an educational cohort to support families during the pandemic.
- Graduate of Loyola Marymount University
- Worked in Education since 2009
- Developed several preschools in Southern California
- The most unusual item within an arm’s reach of me is a pile of overdue library books that I’m not ready to let go of yet.
- Someone asks me to give a sudden and abrupt speech about any topic for at least 15 minutes straight. I’d like to talk about Early Childhood Development.
- The first record/tape/CD I ever owned was Nirvana Unplugged.
My most useless special talent is the ability to skateboard and roller skate. - The bravest thing I’ve ever done was a bungy in New Zealand.
- The most famous celebrity I’ve ever met is Jennifer Lopez and Johnny Depp, but not at the same time.
- My craziest injury happened when I broke my leg at Disneyland when I was 12 years old.
- My go-to font is Times New Roman.
- My greatest (non-serious) irrational fear is opossums.
Lianne Ochoa
Early Childhood Teacher
- Has 25 years of experience in early education
- Taught Dance and Theatre programs in the past
- NAEYC member
- Reggio Emilia Advocate Membership
- I have known my best friend for 30 years
- I am the middle child in my family
- Most of my family is from England
- I mostly listen to country music
- The hobby I could never give up is traveling
- If I could only eat one food for the rest of my life, it would be Mexican food
- The most beautiful place I’ve ever seen is Capri in Italy
- I have visited seven countries and my favorite was Italy
Tammy Hoang
Early Childhood Teacher
Ms. Tammy brings her passion for early childhood education to the preschool classroom. With four years of experience in preschool special education, she has honed her skills in supporting children’s progress and implementing positive behavior strategies.
Ms. Tammy holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Massachusetts Boston, a foundation that enriches her understanding of child development and behavior. Her commitment to early childhood education shines through her child development credential, earned through coursework in early childhood education. In addition to English, Ms. Tammy is fluent in Vietnamese.
As a dedicated educator, Ms. Tammy’s mission is to create a warm, nurturing, and engaging environment where children can flourish. She is driven by the desire to instill a love for learning in each child she teaches, and her goal is to nurture their curiosity, creativity, and confidence as they embark on their educational journey.
But it’s not just about academics, she places great emphasis on fostering cooperation, teamwork, and kindness, ensuring that her classroom is a place where children not only grow academically but also as kind-hearted individuals ready to embrace the world of learning.
- Bilingual in English and Vietnamese
- Has her BA in psychology
- Worked in early education at Tustin Unified School District
- If I could have any superpower, it would be the ability to instantly feel and understand the emotions of young students. This helps me to connect with them on a deeper level and provide the right support when they need it.
- My perfect day would start with a cup of coffee and end with a sweet dessert.
- If I could live anywhere in the world, it would be anywhere with beaches and waves.
- My favorite comfort food is rice porridge.
- If I could only eat one food for the rest of my life, it would be noodles.
- The most beautiful place I’ve ever seen was Halong Bay.
- My friends would describe me as caring.
- When I was a kid, I wanted to be a teacher when I grew up.
Cindy Kim
Early Childhood Teacher
Cindy Kim has been a preschool teacher since 2014. She completed child development courses at Cerritos College, as well as at California State University, Fullerton. Cindy is still taking classes to further her education and better herself to new and different teaching methods. Since the age of 16, Cindy has taught at her church as an after school homework teacher and as an ESL teacher at the church’s summer school.
“I have always wanted to be a teacher since I was a little girl because I love watching kids grow and learn. I love watching their eyes light up when they get something they didn’t get before. I believe teaching every age is important, but the bond and security children learn from a young age helps them be better students later on.”
- Bilingual in English and Korean
- Won teacher of the year award in 2018-2019
- Worked as an assistant director position at early learning facility
- I spend most of my free time… playing with my daughter and taking her to different parks.
- I would love to learn how to… make amazing sushi because I love sushi
- I have seen the Harry Potter Series too many times because… it’s my favorite movie and the movie I watch when I am stressed or when winter comes around
- I have been with my spouse for 7 years but married for 6 years
- I have 1 child. My proudest moment as a parent was… watching Emma share with others and give so much love to other kids even to some kids she had just met at the park
- My friends would describe me as… organized
- I have known my best friend for 21 years
- Most of my family is from South Korea. Our ancestors were Korean
Sign-Up For Our Priority List
Learn more about our unique programs, enrollment spots, and tuition. Fill out the interest form, call or text (949) 867-7985, or email us. We will be opening soon.
Terms and Conditions: By submitting this form, you are giving your express written consent without obligation for Westcliff Early Learning Academy to contact you regarding our educational programs and services using e-mail or phone, including automated technology for calls to the phone number(s) provided.
Sign-Up For Our Priority List
Learn more about our unique programs, enrollment spots, and tuition. Fill out the interest form, call or text (949) 867-7985, or email us. We will be opening soon.
Terms and Conditions: By submitting this form, you are giving your express written consent without obligation for Westcliff Early Learning Academy to contact you regarding our educational programs and services using e-mail or phone, including automated technology for calls to the phone number(s) provided.
Parent and Me Classes
Come explore together
New sessions coming soon
Our Parent and Me program offers a rich and supportive learning environment for infants and toddlers. Participants are involved in circle time, group activities including songs, playing instruments, dramatic play, puppets, bubbles, and group discussions.
Classes are designed to assist children and caretakers in developing sign language, sensory exploration, and muscle coordination. Social, emotional, physical and cognitive growth is fostered through a balanced, developmentally based program.The best part is you can be there to enjoy your little one laugh, tumble, and engage while we provide a setting for them to grow!
Parent and Me Classes
Come explore together
New sessions coming soon
Our Parent and Me program offers a rich and supportive learning environment for infants and toddlers. The best part is you can be there to enjoy your little one laugh, tumble, and engage while we provide a setting for them to grow!
