Our Staff - Noah's Ark Preschool
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Shireen Panjwani
Director
Hello, I am Shireen Panjwani, and I am absolutely thrilled to embark on this exciting chapter of my journey as the director of Noah's Ark Preschool and Extended Program.
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My passion for education has been a guiding force in my life since 2001, and I have dedicated my career to creating enriching and nurturing environments for children to learn and grow. As the director of Noah's Ark, I am honored to have the opportunity to shape young minds and facilitate their development.
At Noah's Ark, our mission is to provide a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment where children can not only learn but also thrive. We believe that each child is a unique individual, and we are committed to fostering their intellectual, emotional, and spiritual growth.
Our program is infused with Christian values, emphasizing love, kindness, and compassion, which serve as the foundation for all our educational endeavors.
I am excited to work alongside our dedicated team of educators and staff to ensure that every child who walks through our doors experiences the wonder of discovery, the joy of learning, and the support they need to reach their full potential.
Together, we will continue to make Noah's Ark a place where children can explore the world around them in a fun, loving, and supportive community.
I am truly blessed to be a part of this incredible educational journey at Noah's Ark, and I look forward to getting to know each child and family as we embark on this adventure together.
Thank you for entrusting us with the privilege of nurturing and guiding your child's growth and development.
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Here's to a wonderful and enriching experience ahead!
Felicia Adams
Teacher
I have proudly served as a preschool teacher at Noah's Ark Preschool for 7 wonderful years. Guiding and nurturing young minds has been an enduring source of fulfillment in my life. My journey into preschool education began with a deep passion for imparting the joys of learning, fostering kindness, and nurturing respect for others in these impressionable young hearts.
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In addition to these fundamental values, I have also been privileged to share the teachings of Jesus and the boundless love He offers with the children entrusted to my care. Instilling these values alongside academic knowledge has been a rewarding mission, one that I hold close to my heart.
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I firmly believe that our children are the torchbearers of our future, and through love and thoughtful guidance, they can conquer any challenge and learn the most valuable lessons life has to offer. Noah's Ark Preschool has provided a nurturing environment where these beliefs can flourish, and I look forward to many more years of inspiring, educating, and loving the wonderful children who walk through our doors.
Christie Torres
Teacher
Hello, I'm Christie Torres, and I have the privilege of being the teacher for the delightful Lil’Owls class here at Noah's Ark Preschool. My journey into early childhood education has been a lifelong passion, and I find immense joy in helping children grow and learn through exploration, self-directed play, and creative art.
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My affinity for working with young children began early in my life when I started babysitting at the age of 11. Although my college aptitude test suggested a different career path as an accountant, I believe that destiny had other plans in mind. I embarked on my preschool teaching journey 43 years ago, starting as an aide and gradually working my way up to becoming a dedicated teacher within just two years.
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One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is the opportunity to share the love of God and His word with the children in my care. Being a part of Noah's Ark Preschool, a Christian school, allows me to do just that, and I am truly grateful for this wonderful opportunity. Here's to many more years of nurturing young minds and helping them discover the beauty of both the world around them and the teachings of our Creator.
Aria Nelson Green
Teacher
Hello, my name is Aria Nelson-Green and I am honored to be a staff here at Noah’s Ark. I am a college student who is studying Early Childhood Education. It has always been my passion to work with kids ever since I started babysitting at the age of 10, my journey with working with kids has taken me through a plethora of jobs such as tutoring, babysitting, and even being an afterschool program supervisor for LAUSD. It wasn’t until my time here at Noah’s that I was positive that being a preschool teacher would be the perfect fit for me! I love being able to help and also watch the kids grow, learn and create new friendships and bonds and I love even more being apart of it and helping them along the way.
Madonna W. Calimquim
Teacher
Hello, my name is Ms. Donna and I am teaching the three year old class. I have 23 years of experience in working with young children. I began my journey as a college aide then para educator with the Long Beach Unified School District. Although education was not my initial choice as a major career path, as I progressed and started working with the Pre-Kindergarten group at an elementary school where I was given the opportunity to do my practicum at head start and Long Beach City College’s Child Development Center.
I can proudly say I have found my calling in working as an early childhood educator. Teaching has been a rewarding experience for me. Through the years, I have developed meaningful relationships with colleagues, students, and their families. Providing a safe, comfortable and compassionate environment that supports and encourages growth and development intellectually, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, is my goal. I strive to make a lasting impact in shaping our community and bright futures.
Heather Saint
Teacher
What I cherish most about my role as a teacher at Noah's Ark Preschool is the sheer joy of witnessing a child's radiant smile and their genuine happiness. It warms my heart to see children fostering friendships and connections with one another, both through conversations and playful interactions. Above all, what truly fills my heart with fulfillment is knowing that I have the privilege of making a meaningful impact on a child's life, helping to shape their growth and development in positive and lasting ways.
Becky A. Ashley-Honda
Teacher
Hi, my name is Becky Ashley-Handa. Starting out of highschool I went to college to obtain my Early Childhood Education degree. When I graduated I started teaching at a Montessori School. I’ve been teaching for over 30 years now. I’ve thought in private, state funded and home preschools in my over thirty years of teaching.
I’m married and have tow grown children; a boy and a girl. My daughter has followed in my foot steps and is a preschool teacher too. I’ve been married for 27 years.