Ms Lori: Teacher at Brook Knoll Buddies. Welcome to Brook Knoll Buddies! I’m Ms. Lori, the proud founder and teacher of our cherished preschool. Since opening our doors in 2010, I’ve blended my passion for early childhood education with over 30 years of experience working with preschoolers. My journey began in 1994, and each year has contributed to the nurturing environment we offer today.
We believe that play is essential for learning, providing a foundation for exploration, creativity, and growth. Our play-based approach celebrates each child as a unique individual and supports their development through engaging activities.
I’m fortunate to work alongside an incredible team of early childhood educators, each bringing their own wonderful and unique qualities to our program. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of learning from amazing mentors and peers within our community—dedicated to supporting early childhood education—that has greatly influenced and shaped our approach.
Our preschoolers benefit from a rich and engaging environment where they explore our garden, care for our chickens, and enjoy time with our class pet, Tutu the Hamster. With a blend of indoor and outdoor activities, we provide ample opportunities for hands-on learning and discovery.
Ms Eileen: Our Enthusiastic and Compassionate Educator at Brook Knoll Buddies. We are thrilled to welcome Eileen to our Brook Knoll Buddies team! Eileen is an excited new member of the Brook Knoll Buddies team, bringing a strong passion for education and community building. Now in her seventh year in Santa Cruz, she’s eager to contribute to creating a nurturing environment where children can grow and thrive.
Eileen graduated from UCSC in 2022 with a Bachelor’s degree in Community Studies and Education, Democracy, and Justice. This past summer, she earned her Master’s in Education along with an Elementary School Teaching Credential. Her experience spans various educational settings, including work as a swim coach and a case manager at Monarch Services.
With a compassionate approach to teaching, Eileen is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students. She looks forward to bringing her creativity, energy, and love for learning to Brook Knoll Buddies and to building meaningful connections with our little buddies and their families!
Ms. Jia: Our Passionate and Caring Co-Teacher at Brook Knoll Buddies, Ms. Jia is a valued member of our Brook Knoll Buddies team, bringing a deep passion for education that began in her family’s Montessori-style home-based program. With five years of experience in private childcare settings, Ms. Jia is excited to contribute her expertise and help create a nurturing environment where children can build confidence and learn through play.
Her diverse roles as a teacher, aunt, and babysitter have enriched her love for guiding children’s exploration. She has hands-on experience in creating engaging sensory activities that make learning both fun and memorable. Currently, Ms. Jia is working towards her early childhood education credits with aspirations to open her own program in the future.
Ms. Jia’s teaching philosophy is centered on kindness and understanding. She believes that every child learns in their own unique way and at their own pace, and she considers it a privilege to support their curiosity and love of learning. Ms. Jia looks forward to getting to know each of our buddies and their families as they embark on this educational journey together!
Thank you for considering Brook Knoll Buddies. We look forward to sharing this exciting journey with your family, where every day is filled with fun, learning, and discovery!