Three students pose together next to a constructed block figure

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
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Biography

About Dr. Kristi Stewart

Education

Experience

Why I Teach

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Natalie Barragan
Assistant Director of Preschool Program
P: (623) 474-7275
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Biography

About Natalie Barragan

Education

Experience

Why I Teach

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Melanie Jones
Nurse
P: (623) 474-7260
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Biography

About Melanie Jones

Education

Experience

Why I Teach

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Heidi Feldstein
Teacher
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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.

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Teresa Najera
Special Education Clerk
P: (623) 474-7269
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Biography

About Teresa Najera

Education

Experience

Why I Teach

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Patricia Partida
Special Education Secretary
P: (623) 474-7276
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Biography

About Patricia Partida

Education

Experience

Why I Teach

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Natalie Zavala
Teacher
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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.

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Head Start Program

Elizabeth Camu
Head Start Director
P: (623) 474-7275
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Biography

About Elizabeth Camu

Education

Experience

Why I Teach

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Sandra Mata
Head Start Assistant Director
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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.

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Annette Zamora
Head Start Secretary
P: (623) 474-7262
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Biography

About Annette Zamora

Education

Experience

Why I Teach

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Gretta Andrade
DMLCCC Head Start 4s Teacher
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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.

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Brianna Gaspar
Fowler Elementary Head Start Teacher
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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!

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Elizabeth Hernandez
Tuscano Elementary Head Start Teacher
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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

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Maria Cathy Hernandez
Fowler Elementary Head Start Teacher
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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.

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Rosemary Kanawaty
Fowler Head Start Teacher
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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.

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Vilma Lewis
Sunridge Elementary Head Start Teacher
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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

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Cynthia Norman
Sunridge Elementary Head Start Teacher
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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.

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Angela Watson
DMLCCC Head Start 3s Teacher
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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.

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