FACULTY & STAFF
All of our Teachers and Aides are dedicated, qualified professionals. They have all acquired the necessary educational courses in Early Childhood Development, with many attaining graduate degrees. To see a detailed biography please click on the Teacher’s name.
Tyler Longpre, Director and Owner
Tyler began working at Valley Vista Preschool back in 2002. She continued working throughout high school and college, leaving to teach fourth grade at a local private elementary school in 2014. Tyler continued to work at the school during summers as she was needed, continuing her ties to the school and her friendships with the teachers. She purchased the school in 2018 and became the Director. Tyler holds a California state multiple-subject teaching credential and a degree in Communications. As a teacher and a mother to twin boys, Tyler understands the value and importance of a quality preschool program to encourage success in elementary school and beyond.
Anna Marie Villasenor, Pre-K Teacher
Anna Marie was a part of the original staff that started Valley Vista in the year 2000! After receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development from Cal State LA, she taught first grade at a local private elementary school. She returned to Valley Vista in 2005 and has taught many age levels. Anna Marie is married and has a daughter in high school. She has two Golden Retriever dogs and enjoys being a Water Polo Mom!
Jessica Chen-Moreno, 3’s Teachers
Since 2000 Jessica has been an integral part of the Valley Vista Staff. She started as a classroom aide and is currently a lead teacher in the Three-Year-Old classroom, as well as the on-site director for the afternoon program. She attended Cal State Long Beach where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and a minor in Early Childhood Education. She is married to her high school sweetheart and lives in Glendale.
Laura Ortiz, 3’s Teacher
Laura earned a degree in Journalism from Cal State Northridge and received her Early Childhood Education from Glendale Community College. She and her husband joined the Valley Vista family in 2004 as parents of twin 4-year-old boys, Louis and Tristan, and a 1-year-old daughter, Lexi. When Lexi began Pre-K in 2006 Laura joined the teaching team as a classroom aide. She says, “Preschool had a profound impact on my children’s lives; they truly thrived. I’m honored to be a teacher here and give that experience to other children.” Laura grew up in Glendale and now lives in Sunland with her family and two Labradors.
Heidi Sicka, TK/Kindergarten Teacher
Heidi Sicka was born and raised in Pasadena, California. She knew from an early age that she wanted to pursue a career in the field of education. She earned two Early Childhood Education Certificates from Pasadena City College and UCLA, a BA in Early Childhood Education from National University, and is currently pursuing a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education from Loyola Marymount University. Over the past 30 years in the field Heidi has taught preschool and kindergarten. She is dedicated to providing a nurturing environment to her students that promotes social, emotional, and academic growth. She lives in Pasadena with her two yellow lab fur babies Harley and Copper.
May Chen, Teacher’s Aide
May joined Valley Vista in the fall of 2012. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in 1998 and completed her Master’s Degree in English Language Teaching in 2020 from Assumption University in Bangkok, Thailand. She has taken her Early Childhood Education courses from Glendale Community College. May is married and has one daughter, an alumnus of Valley Vista, and lives in La Crescenta.
Magnolia Aguirre, Teacher’s Aide
Maggie joined the Valley Vista team in the fall of 2018. She has over fifteen years of experience working with children and families in the La Crescenta and La Canada areas. Her prior roles include college tutor, private secondary school substitute, and SAT, AP, and ISEE test prep site co-director. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Cal State, Los Angeles, and is currently pursuing her Early Childhood Education. Her passion for education stems from her own love of learning. She believes that teaching and learning is a collaborative effort from both the educator and the student. Teachers learn just as much from their students, as students learn from their teachers daily. Some of Ms. Maggie’s favorite things include children’s literature, sushi, coffee, and learning about different cultures through music and foods.
Jessica Spishak, Teacher’s Aide
Jessica joined the Valley Vista crew in 2016. She first heard about the school through family whose children attended. Growing up, Jessica often babysat young children and loved the opportunity to learn and grow with them. Jessica loves snacks, having fun with the kids, and being herself, so VV is the place for her!
Whitney Craig, Afternoon and Classroom Aide
Whitney has spent most of her life at Valley Vista, first as a student, then a child of a staff member, and finally as a team member herself! While her mother worked here, Whitney spent many afternoons volunteering and helping around the school, knowing that she would eventually become a teacher herself. After graduating high school in 2014, she officially began working at Valley Vista as an afternoon and classroom aide. She graduated in 2019 from Cal State Northridge and is pursuing a teaching credential to further her passion.
Morgan Pollard, Afternoon and Classroom Aide
Morgan joined the Valley Vista team in 2019 after a recommendation from a good friend. She graduated high school in 2019 as well and is pursuing her education in Early Childhood Development at Pasadena City College.
Happy Teachers Grow Students Here!