Staff
The quality of care & education your child will receive from our passionate CHALK educators is unparalleled. Each one of our teachers have chosen to make Early Childhood Development their priority!
Every CHALK teacher is a lead teacher. This means they all have, at minimum, a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field. CHALK administrators ALL began as CHALK teachers & progressed to assistant directors, curriculum coordinators and/or directors. Their knowledge & understanding of a child’s developmental stages are the building blocks for the most successful, loving & nurturing environment.
We celebrate and encourage our faculty to continue growing and exploring within CHALK Preschool. Our faculty and staff are continually First Aid and CPR certified. We value diversity and inclusion in our work culture and are proud that our team of college graduates is comprised mainly of women representing many ethnicities.
ADMINISTRATORS
Leslie K
Hello CHALK families! My name is Leslie. I attended UC Irvine where I received my BA in Psychology and Social Behavior. I’m so excited to have transferred to the CHALK in Tarzana from CHALK in Manhattan Beach! I’ve been working with children for the past 14 years and grew my love for teaching through private tutoring and working as a preschool & school-age teacher. I am excited to help guide your children to reach their highest potential by providing a positive learning experience and working through challenges together. I love to see their curiosity flourish in the classroom through learning and exploration.
In my spare time, I love spending time with my husband and our daughter, family, and friends, traveling, and trying new and interesting foods/restaurants. I absolutely love food and love to expand my taste palate. I truly look forward to meeting all the amazing children and their families here at CHALK Preschool in Tarzana!
Ms. Ambre
Hello! My name is Ambre (although I go by Amber) and I have been working with children for over ten years. I received my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Child Development from California State University, Northridge. I have experience working with all ages from Preschool to Elementary. I am fluent in French as well as a little bit of Spanish. I love to incorporate these languages into my lessons. I am so excited to be a part of your child’s educational journey here at CHALK Preschool.
ORANGE ROOM
Ms. Iris
Hello CHALK Families! My name is Iris and I am a teacher in Orange Room. I am very excited for this new journey with CHALK. I was raised in Los Angeles and have lived in Sherman Oaks my whole life. I have 15 years of teaching experience, and the past 12 years have been at Woodcrest. I adore teaching children and I am passionate about their education and growth. I look forward to new adventures with your children in the Orange Room!
Ms. Alysa
Hello CHALK families! My name is Alysa and I am a teacher in the Orange Room. I have been with the CHALK family for two years. I have been working with children for more than 10 years and I have my BA in Elementary Education from Azusa Pacific University. I have experience with ages 6 weeks old to 6 years old.
I really enjoy watching the children develop, grow, and learn throughout the year and I can’t wait to be a part of your child’s educational journey at CHALK!
PURPLE ROOM
Ms. Natalie
Hello CHALK families! I am thrilled to introduce myself — my name is Natalie. I’ve had the joy of working with children for over six years, and my passion for teaching started long before that. From my very first experience working with kids in high school, I knew this was my calling. As a Spanish speaker, I’m passionate about incorporating the language into my teaching.
I am currently pursuing my degree in Child Development, and with years of hands-on experience in both daycare and preschool settings, I’ve learned that teaching is more than just guiding — it’s about connecting with them, sparking their curiosity, and nurturing their growth. I believe every child is unique, and there’s nothing more rewarding than watching them blossom into confident, excited learners. I’m truly honored to be part of this journey with your little ones. Together, we will create a meaningful and enriching experience for your children!
Ms. Jackie
Hello Parents and Families! I’m Ms. Jackie and I am beyond excited to return to CHALK Preschool! I had the pleasure of teaching there back in 2016, and I’ve always loved the warm, creative environment and the way children are encouraged to learn through exploration and play. After earning my B.A. in English Literature from UCSC, I’ve dedicated my career to working with children, fostering their curiosity and growth. Coming back to CHALK feels like coming home, and I can’t wait to reconnect with the community and inspire little learners once again!
YELLOW ROOM
Ms. Shannon
Hello, I'm Shannon! I have AA degrees in Behavioral Science and Humanities as well as a BA in Psychology and Social Behavior. I have been teaching for 2 years and love my job because I love learning! My favorite thing about working in the education field is the ‘light bulb moment’ when a child finally understands or completes a task they have been working on. I'm looking forward to teaching in a new environment here at CHALK Preschool and meeting all of the wonderful families.
Ms. Diana
Hello CHALK families! My name is Diana and I grew up in the San Fernando Valley. I am currently in the process of getting my degree in Child Development. I have been working with children since I was 19 years old. I am fluent in English and Spanish. Watching children grow and develop new skills is so beautiful, and meaningful to me. I look forward to not only teaching but also learning from this amazing group of children, as I proactively assist in setting a solid foundation for their future schooling and growth. I am so excited to teach your children here at CHALK Preschool and I can't wait to meet all of you amazing families!
BLUE ROOM
Ms. Perla
Hello everyone! My name is Perla and I am a 2024 graduate from California State University, Northridge. I graduated with my B.A. in Child and Adolescent Development with an emphasis in Early Childhood Development. I first started in a program with Jumpstart and went on to a Headstart school from there where I was placed as Team Leader! One of the main things that I love about teaching is building a relationship with the students and seeing how you become an important part of their routines and lives. What I am most excited about while working at CHALK is building those relationships with my students and with fellow teachers.
Ms. Kiana
My name is Kiana. I was born and raised in Sacramento and recently moved to Woodland Hills. I have AS in child development and my AA in Social and Behavioral sciences. I am currently obtaining my bachelor's in social sciences with a concentration in Child Development and a minor in Family Relations at California State University of Chico. I have been teaching for 4 years. I have worked in elementary school classrooms all the way to infant rooms starting at 16 months old. I cannot wait to be a part of your child’s development at CHALK preschool!
ASSOCIATE TEACHERS
Ms. Vanessa
Hello! My name is Vanessa. Throughout my educational journey, I have earned an Associate of Arts degree in Social and Behavioral Science. I also have a bachelor’s degree in Child Development with a minor in Family Studies from Cal State, Northridge. I have 9+ years of experience working with children from 2 to 12 years old. I am fluent in English and Spanish. One of the best parts I love about working with children is the excitement for discovery and their wondrous imagination that helps foster interactive experiences. I look forward to getting to know all of your children, supporting their development, and being part of CHALK!