Kellie Garing ~ Preschool Director and Owls Teacher
Kellie is excited to return for her 8th year teaching at LCP. She started as a parent in the 3-Day class with her daughter in 2016 and immediately fell in love with the play-based learning environment. She lives in Rocklin with her husband Chris and their two kids, Jack and Kate.
Kellie is honored to return as Co-Director and looks forward to another year of working alongside Amy. Kellie has completed over 30 units in Early Childhood Education courses at Modesto JC, Chapman, and Sierra College. Kellie recently received her certificate in Early Childhood Program Administration and Management. She is particularly passionate about open-ended, messy art and creative, hands-on exploration. When she’s not teaching, Kellie loves to travel throughout California with her family.
Her favorite thing about LCP is the feeling of being a part of a supportive community. She loves that our preschool allows a teacher to get to know the whole family, not just the child.
Stefanie Zoccoli ~ Ducklings & Eagles Teacher
Stefanie is happy to return to LCP for a second school year. Many years ago, she began looking for a play-based program for her young children, and that is when she discovered the magical world of parent participation preschools. The experience of watching her children, and their peers, learn and grow through play, is where she found her calling to be an early education teacher. She is excited to start her 7th year of teaching. Stefanie values the many benefits of a cooperative preschool, and thoroughly enjoys seeing both children and parents thrive in the unique environment that it offers.
Stefanie graduated from Sacramento State University with a BA in Liberal Studies (Health & Wellness concentration), and has completed several Early Childhood Education units. She is a Certified Positive Discipline Early Childhood Educator, and currently holds a Program Director Permit through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
When not teaching, you can find her going on adventures with her husband (Chris), two children (Nicko & Gia), and sometimes their family dog (Zoey).
Amy Anderson ~ Administrative Director
Amy is happy to support Loomis Community Preschool as the Administrative Director. This will be her 6th year in this role. Amy first attended LCP with her daughters, Natalie and Delaney (now college students!), and then returned with her son, Henry, in 2015.
For her, LCP is the perfect combination of open-ended play, nurturing teachers, and welcoming community. She enjoyed hands-on volunteering in the classroom and serving on the parent board in various roles. Her favorite preschool activities are pretend play, collage, and taking story dictation with the kids.
Amy has a BA in Psychology from Whitman College and an MA in Education from Chapman. She has taught Kindergarten and 2nd grade, and is now in her 16th year of homeschooling. Amy enjoys reading, sewing, crafts, and spending time with her family.
She loves her continued involvement with LCP, especially assisting the teachers and parent board, introducing new families to the magic of LCP, and answering any and all questions!
Melissa Runes ~ Assistant Teacher
Melissa is thrilled to join the LCP staff this year as an assistant teacher. Over the past three years, she has been deeply involved as both an LCP parent and a board member, gaining a profound appreciation for the play-based approach that LCP offers. Melissa’s connection to LCP runs deep, as she frequently attended events as a child with her aunt, a former director and teacher at LCP.
Currently, Melissa is pursuing her associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education at Sierra College and is eager to continue learning and growing within the classroom setting. Outside of her work and studies, Melissa enjoys traveling, exploring new cuisines, and spending time in her garden with her husband, John, their daughter, Luna, and their dog, Moose.