Karen McArthur  —   Director / Butterfly Teacher

“Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive that is youer than you.”
– Dr. Seuss

I am so excited to be working with you and your children this year at Monarch Preschool. My teaching career has been blessed with working for over 15 years with children from 2 to 6 years of age. I worked for the Coastline Community College Parenting Program as lead teacher, as well, for many years.

In my spare time, I like to travel just about anywhere! I also love to go camping, cook, and take my dog, Courage, to the beach. I absolutely love the outdoors — it’s my happy place. I am truly looking forward to supporting your children and watching them grow.

Alyssa Paterson  —   Program and Enrollment Administrator

After graduating with a B.A. in Child Psychology and working under renowned child development experts at USC, I continued my work in Special Education in the school district. Over the last 7 years I have worked closely with teachers, students and their families identifying causation of behaviors as well as implementing and teaching mental health and positive behavior strategies.

In my spare time I enjoy traveling, baking, reading and spending time with my awesome family! I have always had a passion for purposeful work and I couldn’t be more excited to be working at a school as magical as Monarch. I look forward to getting to know all of you and your beautiful families!  

Haley Reid  — Caterpillar Teacher

“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.”
– Fred Rogers

My name is Haley and I am currently working on getting my Bachelors in Psychology at Long Beach State University and well as taking classes in Childhood Development to broaden my education with children.

I love being around children, and seeing them grow. I’m so excited to be working in this community with your child and learning alongside with them.

In my free time I like to surf, play volleyball,  and travel

Sarah Davenport  — Chrysalis Teacher

Hello! My name is Sarah and I am so excited to be a part of the Monarch community. I am currently a student at Orange Coast College and I am planning on broadening my education to become the best teacher I can be.

Family is very important to me and I love spending time with my loved ones. I have two younger siblings and a fraternal twin sister. I enjoy drawing, reading, and hiking, or simply just being outdoors, exploring nature, and appreciating animals and plant life. I am a visual learner and I love doing artistic activities.

Making new discoveries with children and scaffolding their learning are big passions of mine. I like to play and have fun — creating a joyful and creative environment for children is very important to me.

I am here to help out in any way I can and give support when needed. I love everything Monarch Preschool stands for and I am honored to be a teacher here.