Ms. Cheri
Director

Hello! I am blessed to serve as Director for our children, families and staff here at Downtown Orange Preschool and the First United Methodist Church of Orange.

My career in Early Childhood Education began in the year 1998. My academic background includes a Bachelors degree with a focus on Early Childhood Education, Human Development and Business Administration. Personally, I enjoy reading, crafting, and spending time with my family and friends. My husband and I are parents to two adult children and we are grandparents to two amazing boys. It brings me great joy to witness young children develop emotionally, academically and spiritually while in our care.

Welcome to Downtown Orange Preschool, you have come to a very special place.

Ms. Dayana

My name is Dayana Fabiola Bautista. I am the oldest and the only girl in my family.

I have a younger brother with Autism. Growing up I was a second teacher to my brother, and my passion for teaching was born. I began taking preschool ROP classes in high school and Early Childhood Education classes in college. I have earned my Associates degrees in Child Development, Social Behavior and Social Science.

I am also a Mother to a baby boy. As a Mother, I am very excited to share my experiences that I have learned in school and continue to learn and grow with the children.

Ms. Desiree

My name is Ms. Desiree. I have been teaching Preschoolers for 23 years. I have taught all age groups. My favorite verse is Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a child in the way he should go. When he is old he will not depart from it.”

I have been married to my husband Richard, for 27 years. We have 4 boys. Their name are Silas, Jonah, Roman and Asher. Our favorite vacation spot is Maui, Hawaii. My love language is quality time. My heart is blessed and full when I get to spend time with my family, friends, and loved ones. I have one pet, he is a rabbit and his name is Chungus. He is the king of our house.

Ms. Jessica

Hi! My name is Jessica Flores, but my friends and family call me Jess. I am the youngest and the only girl out of three. I have twin older brothers.

I am a person who maintains patience and a nurturing attitude with children. I am fond of seeing children’s perspectives and reactions to different things. In high school, I dedicated my time to volunteering with children, and once I began college, I developed my interest and took Early Childhood Education classes. I have now earned my Associates of Arts degree.

I have a niece and nephew that I have cared for and looked after. I enjoy spending time with them and watching them grow and progress in all developmental areas. It is such a heartwarming experience to become the person they gravitate towards, feel safe with, and love.

I love arts and crafts, reading, listening to podcasts, hiking, the beach and hanging out with friends and family. I look forward to working with your children and seeing their growth.

Ms. Jomara (Joejo)

HI! My name is Jomara. However, some people call me Joejo because it is easier.

I have an Associates degree in Anthropology from Long Beach City College, and my Bachelors Degree in Linguistics from Cal State University Long Beach.

I started my career in Early Childhood Education in 2022. I am currently taking Early Childhood Education courses. My experience at Great Foundations Montessori has created a new perspective working with children that I would like to grow.

My favorite part of this career is seeing the milestones the children reach. I am excited to see this at Downtown Orange Preschool. I love new experiences that help me grow my perspective of life. I love roller skating and learning more about how language works. Most importantly, I love spending time with my family.

Ms. Krista

My name is Krista Zuniga. Thank you to the families and staff for the warm welcome.

I began working with toddlers in 2000. Eventually that turned into working in infant rooms, for after-school programs and in every age of preschool. I've had the pleasure of working for some of the larger preschool chains as well as the opportunity to work within several non-profits.

I most recently come to you from a Headstart Program where I made home visits, and worked closely with mental health, and disabilities coordinators.

Ms. Marla

Hello, my name is Marla Herzog and I have been teaching preschool for 40 years. I have an Associates Degree in Nursery School (Preschool) Education. Over the years I’ve worked in both religious and non-religious schools. I find that I enjoy working at a religious school more as I love teaching about God and Jesus.

In my spare time I enjoy going to the gym and working out, I enjoy the machines but my favorite thing is to do is water aerobics. I also enjoy going to the movies and Christian concerts with my friends. I am looking forward to working with your children this year.

Ms. Raeann

Hello, My name is Raeann McNamara and I am very excited to join Downtown Orange Preschool and bring to it my joy of teaching young children. I have been an Early Childhood Educator for over twenty years. My education and my early teaching years began in Bakersfield, CA at a church much like this one. I love to be able to integrate faith with education.

I am married and have four adult children and six grandchildren. I love to read, watch movies and play word games. I also love being outdoors whenever I can. I enjoy hiking and spending time in my garden soaking up some sunshine. I look forward to sharing my love for stories, art, nature and the wonderment of exploring new things with your children, and I am blessed for this opportunity.

Ms. Suzy

I was born and raised in Southern California. I have received a Bachelors Degree from Cal State Long Beach and my Early Childhood Education units from Theoria Technical College. I started working in a Faith Based Preschool in 2015 until 2022. I am a proud aunt of eleven nieces and nephews and have always loved being around children. I also enjoy baking, crafting and spending time with my family! My husband and I have one dog, Gretchen and we love going on adventures with her!