Our Staff
Our team of educators is thrilled to be a part of this exciting first chapter of your child’s education. We truly care about the students in our charge and are here to help them reach their goals every step of the way. If you have questions or concerns about your child’s education, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Dr. Marvene Lobato Child Care Center
Dr. Kristi Stewart
Preschool Program Special Education Director
P: (623) 474-7271
Send Email
Biography
About Dr. Kristi Stewart
Education
Experience
Why I Teach
Natalie Barragan
Assistant Director of Preschool Program
P: (623) 474-7275
Send Email
Biography
About Natalie Barragan
Education
Experience
Why I Teach
Melanie Jones
Nurse
P: (623) 474-7260
Send Email
Biography
About Melanie Jones
Education
Experience
Why I Teach
Heidi Feldstein
Teacher
Send Email
Biography
About Heidi Feldstein
Education
MA in special education
Experience
This is my 14th year with Fowler School District, but I've be teaching for 20 years in the Arizona Public School system.
Why I Teach
I love teaching preschool! My students are enthusiastic about discovering their world, and their sense of wonder never ceases to amaze me. I hope that all of my students find their days at preschool filled with this same wonder and joy and that I can help instill within them a love of learning that will follow them throughout their lives.
Teresa Najera
Special Education Clerk
P: (623) 474-7269
Send Email
Biography
About Teresa Najera
Education
Experience
Why I Teach
Patricia Partida
Special Education Secretary
P: (623) 474-7276
Send Email
Biography
About Patricia Partida
Education
Experience
Why I Teach
Natalie Zavala
Teacher
Send Email
Biography
About Natalie Zavala
Education
MA in special education
Experience
I have six years of experience.
Why I Teach
I teach to make a difference in the world. I love working with my students and providing an environment that not only meets their needs but helps them feel safe and supported.
Head Start Program
Elizabeth Camu
Head Start Director
P: (623) 474-7275
Send Email
Biography
About Elizabeth Camu
Education
Experience
Why I Teach
Sandra Mata
Head Start Assistant Director
Send Email
Biography
About Sandra Mata
Education
BA in early childhood, MA in special education
Experience
I have 20 years of experience.
Why I Teach
Helping children grow and learn through experiences has always been my passion! Children are sponges, and our Reggio Emilia-inspired program at Head Start provides children with the opportunities they need to thrive.
Annette Zamora
Head Start Secretary
P: (623) 474-7262
Send Email
Biography
About Annette Zamora
Education
Experience
Why I Teach
Gretta Andrade
DMLCCC Head Start 4s Teacher
Send Email
Biography
About Gretta Andrade
Education
AAS in early childhood education, BA in human services
Experience
I have been working with children for 20 years.
Why I Teach
I teach to make a difference. As an early childhood educator, I have the ability to introduce concepts to young children in fun and creative ways that create a lifetime love of learning. I love that my job allows me to motivate the next generation to continue their education.
Brianna Gaspar
Fowler Elementary Head Start Teacher
Send Email
Biography
About Brianna Gaspar
Education
Working towards BA in early childhood education
Experience
I have five years of experience.
Why I Teach
I enjoy working with Head Start students and love seeing that "light bulb moment" when they make a connection to what they're learning. Learning through play is the best type of learning!
Elizabeth Hernandez
Tuscano Elementary Head Start Teacher
Send Email
Biography
About Elizabeth Hernandez
Education
Working towards an MA in early childhood special education
Experience
I began my Head Start career as a parent volunteer in 1987 when my oldest child was a Head Start student. I so loved the program that I began working as an assistant teacher before advancing to lead teacher. Twenty-four years later, I am now a certified teacher through the state of Arizona and have been at DMLCCC for the last six years.
Why I Teach
Maria Cathy Hernandez
Fowler Elementary Head Start Teacher
Send Email
Biography
About Maria Cathy Hernandez
Education
Experience
I taught preschool in Idaho for three years before becoming an instructional assistant for special education. I then joined the team at the Fowler School District, where I finished my degree and received my teaching certificate. I am now a certified Head Start teacher at the Fowler Head Start Program site.
Why I Teach
I am excited to provide students with a positive learning environment to facilitate their academic, personal, social, and intellectual development. I love working with three-to five-year-olds, encouraging them to become life-long learners.
Rosemary Kanawaty
Fowler Head Start Teacher
Send Email
Biography
About Rosemary Kanawaty
Education
MA in special education with an emphasis in early childhood
Experience
With over 20 years of teaching experience, I've found my home at Fowler Head Start and have been in the classroom here for the last four years.
Why I Teach
I love being an educator and working with children and their families. I enjoy making a difference in their lives and helping them to grow and develop as individuals. To make sure I'm giving my best to each student, I participate in a variety of early childhood education workshops and training.
Vilma Lewis
Sunridge Elementary Head Start Teacher
Send Email
Biography
About Vilma Lewis
Education
Experience
I've been teaching Head Start for many years—the last five with Fowler School District. I'm happy to have found a home at the Sunridge Elementary Head Start site.
Why I Teach
Cynthia Norman
Sunridge Elementary Head Start Teacher
Send Email
Biography
About Cynthia Norman
Education
MA in early childhood education
Experience
I have had ten years with Head Start, seven years at Fowler School District. Prior to becoming a preschool teacher, I taught kindergarten at a Phoenix-area charter school.
Why I Teach
I have a passion for working with young children and love being a Head Start teacher! It is always exciting to come to work and help my students learn through investigation and discovery.
Angela Watson
DMLCCC Head Start 3s Teacher
Send Email
Biography
About Angela Watson
Education
BS in conservation biology, BA in elementary education, MA in early childhood special education
Experience
With 20 years of early-education experience, I have taught preschool through second grade, spending seven years at Reggio Emilia Parochial Schools. I moved to Arizona in 2009 and found a home with the Fowler Head Start program. I'm so happy to be a part of the DMLCCC family.
Why I Teach
I teach to plant seeds and grow ideas. I love to watch children learn and grow in their understanding of educational and life concepts. I believe in constructivist learning, which means my job is a "guide on the side." I help children explore their interests and nurture their ability to learn.