My name is Crystal, teacher of the Green Class. I have over 10 years of experience in early childhood education, including summer camps, after-school programs, in-home childcare, and preschool teaching. I am also continuing my education in early childhood development through community college courses.

This year has been extra special for me as I became a new mommy! My son has brought so much joy into my life, and I am loving every moment of motherhood. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, and I’m an enthusiastic sports fan—cheering for my favorite football, baseball, and basketball teams from Northern California. If I get the chance to be in a stadium or arena, I’m there! One of my dreams is to visit every professional sports venue in the U.S.

In the classroom, I am passionate about teaching children the importance of kindness toward others and themselves. My goal is to partner with you to keep your child safe while teaching, guiding, and nurturing them each day.

My name is Sandra Carrasco, teacher of the Turquoise class. I am originally from Zinapecuaro, Michoacán, Mexico. I completed my first career as an aviation flight attendant obtaining my license and diploma in 2010. I have currently been living in the Salinas Valley for 9 years, where I began a new path by beginning my studies at Hartnell College in the field of Early Childhood Education. I worked as a teacher's assistant for 3 years at Hartnell Child Development Center. I have been working with children between the ages of 2 and 5 for almost 6 years. I have three sons with whom I enjoy spending my time and doing different activities with them. Among our favorite activities are watching our movies (Marvel and Disney), dancing, singing, cooking and doing artcraft. I like to create memories with my family so we travel when possible. We have driven 36 hours to Mexico to get to my hometown. In the future I would like to visit the Dallas Cowboys stadium and Disneyland. I am excited to be part of the wonderful school community that makes up Good Shepherd Preschool.

My name is Adriana Jasso, the teacher's assistant of the Turquoise. I attended Hartnell College, where I received my AA degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE). I’ve been working in the ECE field for over 4 years. I strongly believe that children learn through play and by providing a positive environment that allows the children to explore and enhance their curiosity. In my spare time, I enjoy baking, crafting, going on road trips, but most of all spending time with my family. It’s going to be a fun year of learning and new adventures. I can’t wait to see what the year has in store for us.

My name is Ruth Menjivar-Allen, teacher of the Red Class. I grew up in Southern California and lived in Los Angeles for 30 years. I lived in Santa Rosa for 7 years before moving to the Central Coast. I have fallen in love with the beauty that surrounds Monterey County and have lived in Salinas for 19 years. I am a proud mother of 2 young adult children and I have 2 cats.

I discovered my passion for working with younger children in high school while volunteering in a preschool for the children of Skid Row. I received my education in Early Child Development in Southern California. I have taught in Los Angeles, Petaluma, and Salinas.

I have been with Good Shepherd Preschool since I moved here in the summer of 2005. I believe in Play based learning and enjoy helping children to become more independent, assertive, and confident. Still, most of all I love teaching children that we are all different and beautiful just as we are and that we all deserve respect and kindness.

When not at work, I enjoy going to concerts, and movies, cooking, and spending time with my children.

My name is Nikki Rodrigues, teacher of the Purple Class. I am so glad you have chosen Good Shepherd for your child. I believe strongly in the play-based philosophy. During the school year, we will focus on kindness, responsibility, confidence, working together, and problem-solving, all while having a great time at school. I look forward to watching your child grow and learn throughout the year. I have grown up in the Salinas Valley and have raised two wonderful children here. I am married and have two dogs. I enjoy all the things this county has to offer: great hikes and amazing beaches. I also enjoy cooking, gardening, and yoga.

My name is Ashley Kinney, and I am the teaching assistant for the Blue Family. I am excited you have chosen Good Shepherd for your preschooler. Teaching children has always been a passion of mine. I love watching little minds blossom and grow as they experience the world around them. Your child’s preschool experience is important to me, and I look forward to teaching and learning with your child through daily enrichment and play. Before working here, I was a stay-at-home mother for 9 years. I graduated from Sacramento State, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies with a minor in Human Development. I have also taken numerous ECE courses at Hartnell and Monterey Peninsula College. When I am not working, I love spending quality time with my husband and sons. I enjoy baking, being outdoors, hiking, and mountain biking. I also volunteer with local animal rescues that focus on spaying and neutering cats.

My name is Raymonda Haddad, and I teach Arabic, French, and assist at the Grange site. I was born and raised in Lebanon; I moved to Monterey since about six years. I completed ECED classes at Monterey Peninsula College, where I also worked at the Child Care Center for four years. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, organizing, and hiking with my two daughters. My passion for children started when I had my kids; I love working with kids and watching them grow up. In Lebanon, I had in-home daycare for about ten years. My favorite part about working with children is helping them grow and develop their cognitive, social, emotional, and motor skills. I believe that each child is unique and their individual strengths. I love to help them discover these strengths and improve their weaknesses.

My name is Heather Hoogendyk, and I am the assistant teacher with the Yellow Class. I am delighted to say that I have worked in the field of education for over 20 years. From teaching infant swim classes to coaching middle school soccer, I have always gravitated toward working with young people. A native of Southern California, I am a fairly recent transplant to the Central Coast. Upon arrival here, time in my child’s preschool classroom soon rekindled a love of interacting with this very special age group. I am very excited to start my second year at Good Shepherd Preschool. When not at work, I enjoy going to concerts and baseball games, being outdoors, or reading a book. I look forward to nurturing a love of learning through play alongside your children. 

My name is Jazmin Murillo, and I am the assistant teacher for the Purple Class. I graduated from Hartnell College in 2019 and received my AA in Early Childhood Education. I have been working in the ECE field for 7 years. I’ve lived in Gonzales, CA, for 23 years, got married, and moved to Salinas, CA. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my Family, traveling, and shopping! I am very excited to work with your child. I am passionate about creating a safe and inclusive learning environment.

My name is  Brittani Medina. I was born and raised right here in Salinas,CA and am thrilled to be part of this wonderful educational environment. My journey in early childhood education began with babysitting, progressing to nanny and day care roles. With a strong desire to pursue a career in this field, I enrolled in courses at Foothill College. My goal is to continue my education and become a lead Teacher. When I'm not at work, I'm a busy mother to four amazing children—three daughters and one son. My husband and I have been together for 20 years. Our home is lively with four cats and a dog, ensuring it's never quiet.Beyond work, my time revolves around my children's activities, from sports like soccer, dance, volleyball, and basketball to engaging in plays and music. We also enjoy spending quality time together and going on mini adventures to try new things. I am truly excited about my role at Good Shepherd Preschool, where I can contribute to the growth and development of young learners in this nurturing and welcoming environment.

Hello! My name is Laura Clark, and I’m thrilled to be the Lead Teacher for the Yellow Class family this year!

I hold a B.A. in Human Development with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education from Pacific Oaks College, along with numerous child development courses from Monterey Peninsula College. My education has shaped my belief in teaching the whole child through hands-on, play-based learning.

I am excited to be part of the warm, collaborative community here at Good Shepherd and truly honored to be a part of your child’s early education journey. My goal is to empower each child to reach their full potential, grow socially and emotionally, and develop a lifelong curiosity about others and the world around them.

I have been working with preschool-aged children since 2008 and was also blessed to spend several years as a stay-at-home mom. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our two amazing children—Audrey (10) and Aria (3). I’m an avid reader with a growing collection of books, especially children’s books! I also love crafting and scrapbooking our family’s adventures.

I can’t wait to see what this school year has in store for us. I look forward to watching your child grow, learn, and create wonderful memories in the Yellow Class!