CASTLES - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Preschool Teacher
- INFANT & PRESCHOOL TEACHER
My name is Alma and I've been at Castles since April 2013. I've also been working with children since 2009. With a degree in Early Childhood Education, I hope to make a difference in the lives of children who walk through our doors. My favorite goals to accomplish with preschoolers are: building positive relationships, encouraging children to try new things, help them discover self-identity skills, and create fun ways to learn school curriculum. Other things I enjoy during my time area: photography, cooking, and taking care of my loving pets!
My name is Ashley and I've been working here at Castles since January. I just started working full time along side of Ms. Heather in the 3-4 year old room, which I enjoy very much. I currently commute to Chico from Orland where I live with my boyfriend and his son. In our free time we enjoy fishing, camping, and spending time with our families and friends. I am excited to play and learn with all the children here at Castles!
Job Titles:
- School Age Teacher
- SCHOOL AGE TEACHER & BUS DRIVER
Hello, my name is Christine. I have been at Castles since February 2013. Over my time here, I have worked with all ages and in all classrooms. I currently help with transition times in the preschool in the morning, and then my afternoon shifts to do bus routes & the afterschool program. I have worked with children for many years, and raised 3 children of my own. I love gardening, cleaning, and my cats!
Hello, my name is Katie and I have worked in the Child Development field for almost 15 years! I started working with after school children at a large facility in the Bay Area, where I was born and raised. I moved to Chico to attend Chico State, where I graduated with a degree in Child Development and Psychology. Shortly after I graduated I went to work for the school district, where I worked with children on the autism spectrum. I worked in a specialized classroom for several years. Before I started working with the school district, I started working at Castles where I started with the school age kids. Over the years, my role has changed in various ways. I am now with the preschool age, where I love it! I am also beginning to learn administrative duties as well part of the day at Castles. On the weekends you can and me with my family. I love spending time with my family, especially my niece and nephews, who just moved to Rocklin. If I'm not with my family, you can and me with friends! I love to travel, read, and go to the movies.
Job Titles:
- Infant Teacher
- PRESCHOOL TEACHER - INFANT ROOM
My name is Maria. I was born in Mexico but brought to California at age 11. I have lived most of my life in Colusa County. I am a mother of 5 and a grandmother of 4. I attended and took many classes in Child Development at Butte College before starting at Castles. I worked at another center where I gained a lot of experience with infants and also 3-4 year olds. I love to read to the children and sing because little ones are like sponges. They absorb everything! I am bi-lingual in Spanish, so I try to teach them that language.
Job Titles:
- SUPERVISOR
- TEACHER
- Infant Room Supervisor
Job Titles:
- INFANT ROOM TEACHER
- Infant Teacher
My name is Mouloud and I was born in Tehran, Iran. When I was 25, I moved from Iran to Hamburg, Germany where I met my husband and had my two children. We moved to the United States in 2002 where I pursued my passion in becoming a teacher and joined Castles in 2003. I am grateful to be surrounded by angels every day when I come to work. In my free time I enjoy baking for my loved ones and writing stories.
Hi, I'm Sharon! I grew up in Northern California, made a few trips in between and decided to make Chico my permanent home. From as far back as I could remember I loved caring for others. In 2018 I began college, majoring in Microbiology with the intent of acquiring a job in the medical field. However, in early 2019 I joined the Castles Family and found a new home where I could take my passion to care and transition into teaching. Currently, I am continuing my education in Early Childhood Education to become a teacher here at Castles. In my spare time I enjoy time with friends and family, exploring nature on hikes, and caring for my pets.
My name is Stephanie and I have been with Castles Preschool as the Director since November 2008. I graduated from Chico State in 2006 with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Science & a Minor in Child Development. In the spring of 2008, I earned my Elementary Teaching Credential after a full year of student teaching, split with grades K, 2, and 4. While attending college, I also worked gaining initial experience with children at a preschool in my hometown of Paradise, as well as worked for The Arc of Butte County. In recent years, 2014 & 2016, I had two baby boys of my own. It has been a blessing to be able to have them attend preschool here at Castles, as I work. Each day I enjoying working at Castles with our dedicated staff-which is more like a second family-to enrich the lives of children in our care.
My name is Tiffany Eckhardt and I am so excited to be joining the Castles team once again. I have had the privilege of teaching at Castles for almost 8 years before making the difficult decision to stay at home with my now 8 year old son, Gavin. I am honored to be given the opportunity to come back and continue my love and passion for teaching. I am born and raised here in Chico and first started working at Castles when I began taking courses at Butte College to become an Elementary School Teacher. I soon realized my love and passion for preschool and switched my courses to Early Childhood Development. Castles has not only been a part of my college journey, but has also been a part of my journey starting my life with my wonderful husband, Matt, and becoming a mom myself. It has become more than just a place of work. Coming back feels like coming home.
Hello! My name is Zabrina and I work with the 2-3 year olds. I am currently working towards my child development degree and enjoy both teaching and learning from the children as I continue to grow in my career.