faculty
Experienced Faculty
Karen Le
Executive Director/CEO
Karen has earned a BS degree in Biochemistry, a Minor in Psychology from the University of California, San Diego and a MA in Public Health Administration from University of Southern California. She brings over 10 years’ experience in early childhood education, business and leadership to CECP. Her desire for a quality education for young children has led to the development of three Montessori preschools and the Center for Early Childhood Professionals. She has the ability to encourage and motivate staff to reach their greatest potential as they educate young children and support families.
Sally Proctor
Academic Director Admissions Officer Course Instructor
Sally has been in the field of education for 40 years. She has earned a BA degree from Azusa Pacific College, a Christian Education Credential, a Multiple Subjects teaching credential, and a Site Supervisor Child Development Permit. Sally has taught children from birth through 8th grade as well as parents, early childhood educators, and workshop participants. Through the years Sally has developed specialties in the areas of children with special needs, sensory integration, Title 22 regulation compliance and preschool administration. She is committed to developing quality programs that promote developmentally appropriate education for young children.
Amanda Brown
Course Instructor
Wendy Martin
Course Instructor
Beth McDonald
Course Instructor
Danielle Melendes
Course Instructor
Jamie Patopoff
Course Instructor
Kate Roberts
Course Instructor
Amanda brings a wealth of diverse experience to CECP. Over the past 11 years she has taught elementary school children and held positions of Assistant Director and Director in early childhood education programs. Amanda earned a BS degree in Child and Adolescent Development from Cal State University, Fullerton. Most recently, Amanda has become involved in the home school field educating her own children, writing and editing curriculum, and assisting in the development of a neighborhood home school co-op at the preschool level. Her diverse work is evidence of her desire to provide young children with a quality education in any setting.
Wendy earned her BA degree from Cal State University, Chico and holds a Montessori Elementary Teaching Credential. She specializes in Infant-Toddler programs and child guidance. Wendy has worked in Montessori schools for 15 years, first as a teacher and subsequently as a director. She applied her many years of administrative experience when she directed a new preschool and has enjoyed being part of the growth of a quality educational program. Her commitment is seen when she mentors teachers, supports families, and interacts with the children.
Beth has worked with children ages 2 through 12 years old for 25 years as a teacher, Children’s Pastor, and as an Assistant Director. She earned a BA degree in Elementary Education and a teaching license from Bethel University, Minnesota. She has also been trained in Montessori Primary 3 – 6 years old. Beth provides expertise in toddler programs, developing curriculum, mentoring teachers and day-to-day management of an early childhood education program. Her diverse experience had made Beth a well-rounded educator who desires to see students succeed in all areas of life.
Danielle has 13 years of experience in both public and private education for children from preschool through 5th grade. She has taught in school districts, state preschool, special day classes and faith-based child care programs. Danielle earned her BA degree in Child Development and Family Studies from Cal State University, Long Beach. She also has a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and a Child Development Center Director Permit. Danielle has spent many years working with children with special needs in an inclusion setting. Her goal is to provide developmentally appropriate curriculum for all children so they can be successful in a classroom setting.
Jamie has been teaching toddlers for over 15 years. She has served most of that time as a Lead Teacher and most recently as an Assistant Director. Jamie earned her Montessori Infant Toddler Certificate from University of California, Irvine. She has been responsible for developing an infant-toddler curriculum including a system to successfully potty train young children. Jamie’s experience includes responsibility for a school wide toddler program that included curriculum consistency, mentoring teachers and child evaluations.
Kate is an American Montessori Society (AMS) Certified 3-6 Primary Montessori teacher and has worked in Montessori schools for 10 years. She has held the positions of Lead Preschool Teacher, Program Director and Executive Director. Kate has extensive experience in the administration of early childhood educational programs. She has been in charge of day-to-day operations, implementing curriculum, managing staff, Title 22 regulation compliance, and dispute resolution. Kate has also assisted in developing a special needs program to help integrate children with specific needs within the Montessori curriculum. Kate is a certified trainer for CPR/First Aid instruction.