Brianne Naiman

PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR

Hello! I am excited to be part of the Westwood Presbyterian Church Preschool at such a pivotal time. I grew up in Los Angeles and have fond memories of my own early childhood experience. My love of art and admiration for children was the driving force in my decision to go into education. I have worked in education for 16 years, 12 dedicated to young children, teaching art, preschool, mentoring, developing curriculum, and as an administrator. I hold a BFA from California College of the Arts, where I studied illustration and education, and a master’s in early childhood education from Pacific Oaks.

 

It is a great privilege to be guiding WPC Preschool as we continue to serve the families on the westside and honor the mission of the church. I love working with our parents and family members to support a child as they realize who they are and what they are capable of. Part of my continued passion is to ensure that children have the opportunity to be part of a diverse community of learners where curriculum is developed based on the interest of the children and infused with strong community values. In my spare time I enjoy painting, kickboxing and walking Rue, my adorable beagle.

 

Teachers

  • Adriana

    Hi, my name is Adriana Perez and I am excited to start a new year at WPC Preschool and can’t wait to meet all of the families. I have worked for 14 years in early childhood education and I love it! I attended LA Valley College and am currently working to obtain my child development degree. I am a big sports girl and a die hard LA Dodgers fan. I also love Disneyland and spending time with family and friends and Penny (my sister’s dog).

     

  • becky

    Hello! My name is Becky. I have worked in the field of Early Childhood Education for 18 years and it is truly my passion. I have worked both in the classroom as a teacher and as a nanny over the years. I have received my CDA (Child Development Associates) and in 2011 I won a National Child Care Teachers Award. I am currently working toward my degree in Early Childhood.

     

    I live here in Los Angeles with my partner and our 10 year old daughter, Abbey. We also have two fur babies, our cats, Grigio and Oreo. I enjoy doing anything outdoors and/or sports related. I also love to read...anything. My most favorite place is the ocean and I LOVE spending time with my family there every chance we get.

     

    I love working with children because I get to ignite and inspire the love of learning. I get to lead but I also get to follow the direction of a child and see the world through their eyes. A few of my heroes are Dr. Seuss, Dr. Rita Pierson and Mister Rogers and like them, I just want to make a positive impact in the lives of children. Thank you for the opportunity to work with you in the life of your child this year.

     

  • bertha

     Hello everyone! My name is Bertha Juarez. I was born in Veracruz, Mexico and have been living in Los Angeles since I was 10 years old. I am happily married and I am also a mommy to Mila, an adventurous 4.5 year old. In my free time I enjoy recharging my batteries and going on adventures. This past summer has been especially fun and memorable as it was filled with “first” experiences for my little family.

     

    This will be my ninth year teaching at Westwood Pres. I’ve obtained an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education as well as an Associate’s Degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences. I began as a student teacher and was beyond ecstatic to join the teaching team. I’ve been fortunate to co-teach along side several experienced teachers and with different age groups. This year I will be a Green Room teacher. I am very excited for a new school year and for all the adventures ahead.

  • genesis

    Hello, my name is Genesis and this is my sixth year here at WPCP. Children have always brought me so much joy and I look forward to exploring the world with them. This year I’m excited to be teaching in the Blue Room and the Spanish Immersion Program. We have so much fun to explore.

     

    I’m a Los Angeles native and love to explore the city and find new adventures. I spend my free time studying, working out, and bike riding. I also love spending time with my new puppy Elphaba.

  • irma

    Hello, my name is Irma. I am a native of El Salvador and have been living in Los Angeles since 1980. I have been a preschool teacher at WPC Preschool since 1991. I received my AA degree in Child Development at Los Angeles City College. In my free time I enjoy going to the movies, reading, taking long walks and hiking.

     

  • Jeeva

    My name is Jeeva Paxgren. I am a Montessori trained teacher and got my Montessori Diploma from back home in Sri Lanka. Then I got all my child development units from UCLA. I love working with children. I have been in the teaching field for the last thirty years and have been at WPC Preschool for 23 years.

     

    I love reading, nature walks, hiking with friends and traveling internationally to see family and friends. I also have 12 nieces and nephews internationally, and love getting to spend time with them. 

  • lugie

    Hi, my name is Ludmila Smith (Lugie). I’m so happy to be joining the Westwood Presbyterian Church Preschool family! I have been an Early Childhood Educator for 16 years. I love that I get to make a difference in children’s lives daily, to watch them evolve is the greatest motivator and reward. I love their enthusiasm, curiosity and resilience. They are so capable! 

     

    I’m the proud mother of a 22 year old daughter whom I love to spend time with. I enjoy cooking, yoga, meditation, reading and escaping the city on weekends to the desert, the beach or the mountains. I love nature!

  • Lulu

    Hi, my name is Lourdes Ramirez but my friends call me Lulu. I am married and have been blessed with two wonderful children. My daughter Marissa is 20 and my son Johnathon is 21.

     

    I have been working in early education for over twenty years. Teaching is my passion. I feel very fortunate to have experience in working with infants through school-age children. I have a Child Development Certificate, Pre-School Teacher Associate Certificate, Commission on Teacher Credentialing Permit, and thirty-five child development units through Santa Monica College.

     

    My interests include bike riding, hiking, gardening and spending time with my family. I am excited and looking forward to having the opportunity to watch the children grow and learn in the upcoming year. This is my seventh year here at WPC Preschool and I feel very thankful to have found such an amazing place to teach and to be part of this community!

     

  • Maira

    Hi everyone, my name is Maira. I am a returning staff member at Westwood Pres. I recently received my bachelor’s degree in Psychology. I am currently pursuing my Master’s in Child Psychology.

     

    During my free time I enjoy spending time with my dogs. I look forward to getting to know you all.

     

  • monik

    Monik C. Jones is the founder and director of Monik’s Creative Movement. She joined WPC Preschool in 2000, as the Movement Education Specialist. This year she will be teaching creative movement and sign language. She will also be supporting as needed in the classrooms. Monik graduated from UCLA with a BA in World Arts and Culture, concentrating in dance, with a minor in Education.

     

    In 2005, she graduated from UCI with her M.F.A in Dance. In 2021 she completed her Child Development Certificate. Monik is passionate about teaching and is excited to continue her journey at Westwood.

  • susana

    Hi! My name is Susana. I have a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education along with associate’s  degrees in both ECE and Liberal Arts. I’m very excited to be joining WPCP. I’ve always loved working with children and enjoy seeing their curious minds at work through exploration and play.

     

    I was born and raised in Los Angeles. During my free time I enjoy exploring the city and doing anything outdoors, cooking or trying new foods, or simply going to a park with my very energetic cockapoo dog. I’m very excited to be teaching in the Red Room and the Spanish Immersion Program as well.

  • zeke

    Hi, my name is Zeke and I’ve been working in early childhood education for over fifteen years. I have a BA in Early Childhood Education from Pacific Oaks College as well as Certificates of Achievement as a Preschool Teacher and Preschool Director from Pierce College. This is my sixth year teaching at WPCP.  

     

    My wife and I have two children. Our daughter, Lucy, graduated from Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington last December and our son, Cole, is beginning his first year of college at The New School in Manhattan.  We love our time together as a family and count each day as a blessing. 

     

    Thank you for the opportunity to be your child’s teacher. I look forward to our upcoming school year together!

Office Staff

  • Emerson

    curriculum specialist

    Hello! I am delighted to join WPC Preschool. I spent my childhood in coastal Northern California, where I played with friends and neighbors in the redwood forest behind my family's home. These early experiences in nature inform my approach to curriculum, which centers children's sense of wonder, adventure, and relationships. My interest in child development began in my 20's while working as a Pediatric and Neonatal RN. Parenting my two young children prompted me to take time away from nursing, during which I discovered that early education was my true calling. I have been teaching since 2010, and have worked with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in a variety of settings. In 2015 I received a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Early Childhood Education from Portland State University, where I also mentored student teachers in the campus child development center. I am passionate about creating welcoming classroom environments where children, families, and teachers are celebrated in our uniqueness and our shared connections. I am grateful to have found WPC Preschool, and am excited to be a part of this community. 

  • heidi

    office manager

    My name is Heidi Rudd and I have found the best job in the world. It was quite a journey to find it. I received my BA in Theater, TV & Film Production and after working at CBS and Sony I became an international travel agent which led to an Operations Manager position at a Meetings & Incentives firm. Although that was fun, I longed for something more. Once I found Early Childhood Education I was hooked. I spent many years at the Goldwyn Children’s Center before coming to WPCP in 2005. As the Office Manager and Enrollment Coordinator, I have the best of two worlds: organizing an office and spending time with parents and children.

     

    I have a wonderful family with two cats, one dog, two children and one husband. Robert, my husband works at USC near where we live. Brennen is a student at USC and Gwendolyn, a WPCP alumna, is a recent high school graduate.

  • priscilla

    office assistant

    My name is Priscilla Glaza and this is my eighth year here at WPCP. I have an Associate’s of Science in Early Childhood Education from SMC and my B.A in Early Childhood Education from Pacific Oaks College. I always knew I wanted to work in early childhood education and I absolutely love my job here at WPCP. Aside from working here in the office, I also get to support in the classrooms as needed. I have always loved getting to know all the children.

     

    My husband and I have two little boys. Theodore is 4.5 and will be in the Blue Room this year. He is one giant ball of energy. Leo is 15 months and we are enjoying getting to see him grow his personality and see how loving and silly he is. In our free time we love being outdoors at the beach, bike riding, hiking, or at Disneyland!

Additional Staff

  • javier

    Maintenance/Handyman

    Hi my name is Javier Torres. I’ve been at WPC Preschool for 19 years and do everything from maintaining the preschool and the church, managing security, and general handyman tasks. My favorite part of the job is interacting and having fun with the children while I work. I have a beautiful wife and daughter and two grown sons. When I’m not working I like to relax at home with my family.

     

  • Lourdes

    Hi my name is Lourdes and I’ve been at Westwood Pres. for almost 20 years. Along with my husband, Javier, I help maintain the preschool and the church, and do shopping for supplies and snack. I love what I do here and I really enjoy seeing the children every day.

     

    Javier and I have a daughter and two sons. We also have two granddaughters, one who came to preschool here. When I am home I love cooking and baking for my family.

  • Joshua

    Joshua Torres started at WPC officially as our back-up custodian this summer. Joshua is the son of Javier and Lourdes Torres so he has years of experience volunteering around the church for special projects and on summer vacations. In his spare time, Joshua enjoys cooking, relaxation, hiking, and all sorts of outdoor activities. You may see Joshua around the Preschool from time to time filling in for his mom or dad!