"Every child deserves a champion – an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be. " - Rita Pierson
Ms. Winnie
Director of Administration
I was born in Hong Kong but have spent the majority of my life in San Jose. Prior to working for GPA, I spent 7 years as an Environmental Chemist at a sewage treatment plant ensuring proper treatment and compliance for wastewater and drinking water.
I left my position as a chemist to raise my 3 children, and returned to the workforce in 2011 when I heard about the exciting opportunity to launch a preschool. When I'm not working, I love spending time with my family doing outdoor activities, such as family hikes, trips to the museums, and watching Broadway musicals.
Languages Spoken: English, Cantonese
Credentials:
BA: Integrative Biology
Certifications:
Child Development Program Director Permit
CPR/First Aid
Ms. Marley
Lead Teacher: Soaring Eagles
I was born and raised in San Jose. Growing up, my family and I lived in a house that we shared with my aunts. I loved living there because I was able to grow up with my cousins. My fondest memory is playing hide and seek with them.
I attended San Jose City College and Evergreen Community College to earn my AA in Child Development. I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Child and Adolescent Development from San Jose State University in 2025. I plan to return to SJSU to pursue a teaching credential.
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
Credentials:
BA: Child and Adolescent Development
Certifications:
Child Development Teacher Permit
CPR/First Aid
Ms. Iris
Lead Teacher: Roaring Lions
Hi, I’m Iris, and I am excited to be a part of GPA this school year! I was originally born in Mexico, but my family migrated to the U.S. when I was 3 years old. I have two younger brothers therefore working with children is like second nature to me; and I couldn’t be happier. I hold an A.A in Early Childhood Education, which I received studying at Mission College. In my spare time, I love to go to the gym, run, hike, and box. I am also a leader in a youth group at my parish. Therefore, it’s a blessing that I can serve the Lord by working with his children! I also can’t deny a yummy sweet treat, so I enjoy baking as well.
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
Credentials:
AA: Social and Behavioral Science
AA-T: Child and Adolescent Development
Certifications:
Child Development Teacher Permit
CPR/First Aid
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Ms. Jenny
Associate Teacher
Ms. Natalia
Associate Teacher
Ms. Cathryn
Associate Teacher
My name is Ms. Jenny and I am so excited to meet you all. A little about me: I have two sons and I like bright colors. I adore my job so I do it with all the love in the world. My favorite holiday is Christmas. I love trying different ethnic foods and I love spending time with my family. In my spare time I like to travel and binge watch shows and movies on Netflix. I like to take my kids out for fun activities.
Languages Spoken: English, Vietnamese
Credentials:
Currently enrolled in Child Development courses
Certifications:
Child Development Associate Teacher Permit
CPR/First Aid
My name is Natalia, and I am blessed to be a mom of two. I am currently in my first year at GPA with a Associate Teacher Permit, and I'm hoping to continue making a difference here, as well as continue in my own education. My journey into child development began with a desire to better understand and support my son, who is on the spectrum. I love spending time with my family, Tim Burton movies, and everything Disney.
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
Credentials:
Certifications:
Child Development Associate Teacher Permit
CPR/First Aid
My name is Cathryn. I have been working in early childhood education since I was 26 and have a genuine passion for helping young children learn, grow, and build confidence. I am excited to be part of the Gateway Preschool team and look forward to creating a fun, safe, and welcoming classroom where every child feels supported, loved, and encouraged to reach their full potential.
Outside of teaching, I am a proud mom of four boys who are now grown men and live in different parts of the world. One of my sons proudly serves in the U.S. Navy and is currently stationed in Japan. Being a mom has taught me so much about patience, love, and the importance of supporting children as they grow into the people they are meant to be.
Languages Spoken: English
Credentials:
Certifications:
Child Development Associate Teacher Permit (pending)
CPR/First Aid
Substitute Pool
Ms. Michelle
I was born and raised right here in San Jose. After graduating from Independence High School in 1995 I briefly studied to be a CPA and knew right away that wasn't my calling. I grew up in a large family with 5 brothers and no sister but lots of extended family nearby. I knew I liked working with children and enjoyed it during my junior and senior years of high school as I volunteered in the school's child development center. It came natural to me so I entered the field in the fall of 1999 and have worked at 4 centers since. I earned my child development credits at San Jose City College. I am a mother to one biological child and a step mom to four awesome children. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my husband and family at the beach, an amusement park, shopping and seeking out a new local ethnic food restaurant. Being in a Christ centered school not only allows me to share Jesus with the children but also keeps me accountable in my walk with him.
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
Certifications:
Child Development Associate Teacher Permit
CPR/ First Aid
Ms. Yessica
Ms. Rachel
I graduated from GPA in 2013 and I am returning to work here for the Summer! I have lived in San Jose my whole life and I just finished my first year at UC Santa Barbara. I plan to major in Linguistics and go into Speech Pathology, so I’m excited to start working with this age range! Outside of school and work, I love reading, thrifting, and music.
Language Spoken: English
Credentials:
Currently enrolled in college courses
Certifications: