Meet Our Staff
Miss Karen
Director of Education, Butterfly Teacher
Miss Karen has been teaching preschool for over 15 years! She has worked at Monarch since 2019 first as a Lead Teacher, Assistant Director and became the Director in 2023. She attended the Early Childhood Education Program at OCC.
“I love being able to work with my students in an outdoor environment. It is such an honor to be a part of their lives when they are so young and navigating the world. Being part of a program that has a big emphasis on teaching children how to self advocate is really important”
Miss Sarah
Lead Chrysalis Teacher
Miss Sarah has been at Monarch since 2020 as the Lead Chrysalis Teacher. She studied Early Childhood Education at OCC and has recently completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Childhood and Adolescent Studies at Cal State Fullerton.
“What I love about Monarch is that it gives an opportunity for children to learn through play, to learn independence/autonomy, and to express their creativity/imagination. I love that children are able to learn about nature here and to be empathetic to all living creatures. As a teacher I hope to support all their individual ideas and foster cooperative play.”
Miss Perla
Assistant Chrysalis Teacher
Miss Perla is currently attending the Early Childhood Education program at OCC. She has worked with children professionally since and joined the Monarch team in 2025.
“What I love about Monarch is being able to see the children do on hands work and practice their problem solving skills. I love being able to support them and engage in all their fun and exciting ideas!”
Miss Bekah
Lead Caterpillar Teacher
Miss Bekah has been teaching preschool as a Lead Teacher since 2021 and joined the Monarch team in 2024. She attended the Early Childhood Education Program at OCC.
“What I love about Monarch is it provides a unique space to foster a sense of wonder and love for nature. Having the opportunity to teach outdoors in this special environment is something I cherish!”
Miss Marilyn
Assistant Caterpillar Teacher
Miss Marilyn is currently attending the Early Childhood Education program at OCC. She has worked with children professionally since 2022 and joined the Monarch team in 2025.
“Monarch allows children to learn and explore the world through nature at their own pace. Working with preschoolers is so fulfilling and I love being able to give my students a safe and loving environment to grow socially and emotionally.”
Miss Linda
Floating Teaching Assistant
Miss Linda holds a Master Teacher Permit through the California Teaching Commission. She has over 17 years of experience serving children and families.
“What I love about Monarch is how it is truly child led, allowing me to utilize my skills as a reflective teacher to facilitate learning opportunities that support development and grow resilience.”
Miss Alyssa
Administrator
Miss Alyssa has a degree in Child Psychology and Child Development from USC. She has been working with children as a behavior therapist in a local school district since 2019. In 2022, she joined the Monarch team as the school Administrator and Behavioral Specialist.
“I love meeting all the wonderful families that attend Monarch and play a small part in their journey! Being part of the Monarch team and being able to share its mission of bringing nature based education to children in the local community is so special”