Sofia

Co-Lead Preschool/Pre-K Teacher

I’ve been working with children since 2018, and from the very beginning, I knew the infant classroom was where my heart belonged. There’s something so special about bonding with kids, making them laugh, and being silly right alongside them. I love creating hands-on, engaging experiences that support their growth and help them feel safe, loved, and curious about the world around them. Outside of the classroom, my favorite role is being a mom to my sweet son, Mateo. We love spending time together exploring fun places like the zoo, and I’m always looking for new ways to make memories with him. I’m so grateful to be part of a community where I can bring creativity, warmth, and joy into the classroom every day!

Maddie

Co-Lead Preschool/Pre-K Teacher

Hello! I’ve been working with children for over three years. I’m currently working on AS-T at LBCC. During my free time I like to sing loud in my car and spend time with friends. I’m passionate about helping young learners grow and love seeing their personalities shine.

Emily

Lead Preschool Teacher

I am majoring in Early Childhood Development. I have worked in a preschool environment for three years. I love children so after graduating High School I immediately knew I wanted to pursue this career, I love seeing the smiles on their faces.

Linette

Preschool Teacher

have been working with children ages 6 months to 12 years old for the last 6 years. I am dedicated and educated in working with children in reaching their developmental milestones at their own pace. When I’m not in the classroom, I can be found either working out or spending time with family. I’m excited for my journey at Brella and building bonds with the children in our room.

Ciara

Preschool Teacher

I just recently graduated from Long Beach State University with my degree in Child Development. In addition to working with children I also enjoy anything creative. Some of my favorite hobbies include crocheting and yoga.

Maria

Lead Toddler Teacher

Maria has been working in early childhood education for about 5 years now and obtains her degree in Early Childhood Education. She has work with school aged children and preschool but her passion was always to work with infants. It brings her joy to see them grow and reach their milestone and care for them. When she isn’t teaching she loves to D.I.Y things and be creative.

Kat

Toddler Teacher

Katherine has been working in the Child Development field for 10 yrs. She has obtained an BA in Child Development from California State Fullerton. She is always passionate about teaching children and enjoys putting a smile on their faces! She enjoys spending time with her family, especially her son!

Katie

Toddler Teacher

Hi! My name is Katherine Hildebrandt but you can call me Katie. I am excited to be part of Brella. I have a background in Office Administration and Child Care as well as Teaching. I worked in the Garvey School District as the Assistant Music Director for 5 years. I taught Music, Choir, Glee Club, Musical Theater and Recorder. I earned my Early Childhood Development credits at Pasadena City College and have been a teaching assistant at a preschool. Fun fact, I attended Le Cordon Bleu here in Pasadena and earned my Diploma in Pastry and Baking. I am also a professional musician. I grew up in Altadena and attended school in the Pasadena Unified School District. I was raised by two amazing parents and have two sisters. I love to fish, hike and go to the beach. I have a beautiful one eyed cat named Jellybean.

Ahnieya

Toddler Teacher

Welcome Ahnieya! Bio coming soon :)

Jhoana

Lead Infant/Toddler Teacher

I have obtained my MS in Child Development from La Verne. I have been teaching for 2.5 years starting with toddlers (2-3 year olds) and now infants. I originally was interested in nursing and social work but quickly found that was not for me and chose to work with children to make a direct difference in their lives. Fun fact, I am the oldest sibling with decades in between.

Marisa

Infant/Toddler Teacher

I was born and raised in Los Angeles. When I graduated high school. I knew I wanted to work with children. That's when I decided to major in Child Development. I have worked with Children for over 10 years. My family loves baseball games and going on picnics together!

Gladys

Infant/Toddler Teacher

I started my teaching career in April of 2022 as a teacher assistant. I worked in a classroom that consisted of two to three year old children. After I graduated college, I was unemployed for about a month and a half. That’s until brella came into the picture. I knew I couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity and I was looking forward to this new journey. Something I would like to point out about me is I love driving around and exploring new places whether it is inside of Los Angeles or out. Additionally, I love working with others. I believe a team is better than being solo and the reason to that is because multiple minds bring diverse perspectives to problem solving quicker and better.

Irene

Infant/Toddler Teacher

rene has been working with young children for the past four years and is currently pursuing her degree in Early Childhood Education. Her favorite part of teaching is getting to witness children explore the world around them and grow into their unique selves. She brings a calm, joyful presence to the classroom and loves creating meaningful connections with each child in her care. When she’s not at Brella, you can find Irene reading a new book, knitting something cozy, or spending a magical day at Disneyland. She also loves quiet evenings at home with her cat.

Marilyn

Lead Infant Teacher

Marilyn started as a volunteer at her local preschool in 2017 and at the same time began college for child development. In 2019 she got her first job as a TA for preschool children and worked with the age of 3-6 years for 2 years. Then in 2021 she received the opportunity to be an infant teacher and now is happy to continue caring and helping our little ones with Brella. In her free time she loves spending time with loved ones and going for walks. Fun fact: she enjoys cooking and baking.

Jackie

Infant Teacher

I’m from South Central Los Angeles. I obtained my BA in Child Development from Cal State LA in 2022 and am also currently continuing my education there to obtain a Master’s in Early Childhood/Primary Education. I have been working with young children for about 3 years now. I enjoy working with them as it is exciting to guide them and join them on their journey of learning, exploring, and growing. During my free time I enjoy going to music festivals/concerts or going on Disneyland trips. A fun fact about me is that I like changing my hair color often!

Evelyn

Infant Teacher

Evelyn has obtained her M.S in Child Development from La Verne. She has been teaching for 2.5 years. Evelyn has experience working with toddlers and now enjoys working with infants.She originally was interested in nursing quickly found that was not for her and chose to work with children in order to directly make an impact in their lives. Fun fact, She is the eldest child, with siblings who are all decades apart.

Eli

Infant Teacher

My name is Elizabeth but I go by Eli (EL-ee). I have been working with young children for 7 years and received a Preschool certificate along the way. I’ve completed almost a whole degree of classes as well. I love creating new core memories with children and building relationships with families. Outside of work I love reading mystery/thriller books, going to the gym, laying by the beach and spending time with my family.

Martha

Resource Teacher

I was born in Guadalajara. I love traveling and getting to know other cultures. In my spare time I enjoy hiking and being surrounded by nature. I have been teaching for 23 years and making a difference in a child's life is my passion.

Javi

Music Specialist

have obtained my Bachelor’s in Professional Music from Berklee College of Music. I started teaching in 2020 and am passionate about getting kids to experience music from a young age, hopefully developing a life-long friendship with it. I am a book and movie buff, love physics and fun facts about space.