Huntington Beach City School District

Mrs. Anna Chen | Preschool Instructor 

Ms. Anna has worked for HBCSD since 2022.  She currently holds an Associate of Arts Degree and Preschool Lead Teacher Permit from Orange Coast College.  Ms. Anna believes that each child learns in their own unique way, and understands it is her responsibility to provide ample opportunities where children can discover and become confident in their ability to learn.  She also believes children learn through hands-on experiences. 

Permit: Child Development Master Teacher

Mr. Sheldon Stires | Substitute Instructor

Mr. Sheldon has worked for since 2019.  He has earned an Associates of Arts Degree in Elementary Education, and is currently attending Arizona State University in pursuit of a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Educational Studies.  Mr. Sheldon believes all children should have an equitable access to education regardless of any unique circumstances.

Mrs. Kellie Gamboa | Instructional Assistant

Kellie has worked with the HBCSD since 2023. She has earned a Bachelor’s Degree in American Studies, with a Minor in Spanish from Cal State Fullerton. Kellie also holds an Associate in Arts Degree for both Interdisciplinary Studies and Social and Behavioral Sciences, as well as a Certificate of Completion for Early Childhood Teacher. 

Permit: Child Development Site Supervisor Permit

Angelica Ortega | Instructional Assistant

Emily Thorpe | Instructional Assistant

Ms. Emily has worked in the field of education for nearly six years, with experience supporting children from 6 weeks to 6 years old. She began her journey with the Huntington Beach City School District in September 2025 and currently serves as an Instructional Assistant. Emily is passionate about early childhood education and values the opportunity to grow and learn alongside the children she supports each day. She finds great joy in building strong, meaningful relationships with her students and is dedicated to nurturing their development, confidence, and lifelong love of learning—both in the classroom and beyond.

Mrs. Sara Fletcher | Preschool Instructor

Ms. Sara has worked with HBCSD since 2012 and has been in the field of education since 1995. She has earned an Associate of Arts degree from Orange Coast College, as well as a Bachelor of Arts and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Throughout her career, Ms. Sara has worn many hats in the field of early learning, including Preschool Director, Curriculum Coordinator, and Lead Teacher. Ms. Sara understands the importance of providing a caring, nurturing, and safe environment that invites children to engage in meaningful and purposeful activities that foster social, emotional, and pre-academic skills, supporting their success in future school experiences. She looks forward to partnering with families to create a wonderful school experience for each child.

Permit: Child Development Site Supervisor

Mrs. Shari Blaich-Kawai | Preschool Instructor

Ms. Shari has worked for HBCSD since 2012.  She holds an Associate of Arts Degree from Orange Coast College where she also earned a Certificate in Early Childhood Education.  Ms. Shari is currently enrolled at Ashford University, where she is completing a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education.  While pursuing a higher education, she was Scholarship Grant recipient from Future Teachers of America.  Ms. Shari believes it is an honor to share in the excitement when a child discovers for themselves all that they are capable of, all that they can dream, and all that they can master. 

Permit: Child Development Site Supervisor

Mrs. Jenny Stires | Instructional Assistant

Permit: Child Development Associate Teacher

Melissa O’Donnell | Instructional Assistant

Melissa brings a strong educational background paired with extensive hands-on experience working with children of all ages, including over ten years in special education. Throughout her career, she has developed a deep understanding of child development and the importance of meeting each child where they are. Melissa is passionate about nurturing young learners and supporting them as they explore, process, and make sense of the world around them.

Melissa believes that every child learns in their own unique way and is dedicated to coming alongside each child to support their individual growth, learning style, and overall well-being. Creating a safe, inclusive, and positive environment where children feel valued and confident is at the heart of her teaching philosophy. It brings Melissa great joy to witness the curiosity, excitement, and sense of accomplishment that shine in children’s eyes as they discover, learn, and thrive in a loving and supportive classroom community.

Yen Nguyen | Instructional Assistant

Yen holds a B.A. in Business Administration and three A.A. degrees in Child Development, with emphases in Preschool, Infant/Toddler Care, and School-Age Care and Recreation. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education and continuing her studies to earn additional ECE certifications.

Yen chose early childhood education because of her deep passion for supporting children’s growth and making a positive difference in the lives of children and families. She believes every child is unique, naturally curious, and learns best through play, exploration, and meaningful interactions. Inspired by children’s continuous learning, Yen is committed to ongoing professional growth.

She is happy to be part of the Preschool Academy at Perry School and values building strong partnerships between schools, families, and the community to support children’s academic success and life readiness.

Mrs. Tammy Tang | Preschool Instructor

Ms. Tammy has been an educator with HBCSD since 2017 and brings over a decade of experience in early childhood education. She has been working with young children since 2013 and is passionate about creating a nurturing, engaging, and positive learning environment. Her love for both fashion and education inspired her studies at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) and California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Liberal Studies. As a proud mom of three, Ms. Tammy brings patience and warmth into her classroom while encouraging creativity, confidence, and curiosity in every child she teaches.

Permit: Child Development Master Teacher

Ms. Joanie Deckert | Instructional Assistant

Ms. Joanie joined the team at HBCSD Preschool Academy in 2023. She attended Coastline College, earning an Associate of Arts Degree in the fields of Human Services, Social Behavioral Sciences, and Arts and Humanities, and additionally earned a certificate in Educational Studies with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education. As of 2025, Ms. Joanie holds a Site Supervisor Permit and continues her education at Reach University to obtain a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies. Ms. Joanie is enthusiastic about applying her knowledge and skills to nurture and educate students in the classroom.

Permit: Child Development Site Supervisor

Mrs. Sara Parisi | Instructional Assistant

Permit: Child Development Master Teacher

Angie Castaneda| Substitute Instructor

Mrs. Molly Kiefer | Preschool Instructor 

Ms. Molly has worked with HBCSD since 2007.  Ms. Molly has participated in several higher education courses emphasizing in Early Childhood Education.  Being a mommy and a teacher are the only jobs she envisioned having as a young girl.  She enjoys every day working with her students, and is hopeful to have many more years with the Preschool Academy.

Permit: Child Development Associate Teacher

Mrs. Rachel Dufresne | Instructional Assistant

Ms. Rachel joined the Huntington Beach City School District in December 2022. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development from California State University, Long Beach. Rachel is passionate about early childhood education and is dedicated to creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where young children feel supported to grow, explore, and thrive. She believes in fostering positive relationships with children and families and in providing meaningful learning experiences that encourage curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

Permit: Child Development Site Supervisor Permit

Ms. Natalie Marquez | Instructional Assistant

Permit: Child Development Master Teacher

Rochelle Nguyen, Early Childhood Education Director

Rochelle Nguyen brings over 19 years of experience in early childhood education to her role as Director of Early Childhood Education for the Huntington Beach City School District. She has served as a preschool teacher, assistant site supervisor, supervisor, and director, giving her a well-rounded understanding of early learning programs.

Rochelle holds a Master’s degree in Child Development and a Program Director Permit. She is dedicated to creating nurturing, inclusive, and high-quality learning environments that support children’s social, emotional, and academic growth.

As Director, Rochelle collaborates closely with families, educators, and district leadership to ensure programs reflect best practices in early learning and family engagement. She believes the early years lay the foundation for lifelong learning and is proud to lead programs that foster curiosity, confidence, and a love of school.

Beth Young, Preschool Supervisor

Beth joined HBCSD in 2011 as a lead teacher and later advanced into the preschool supervisor role. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and currently maintains a Director’s Permit.

Beth also works as our Learning Link teacher, facilitating a Parent & Me class for children ages 0–5. Learning Link is a family-centered early learning program that supports young children’s development through play-based experiences while empowering parents and caregivers with strategies to support learning at home. Beth incorporates her experience as a preschool teacher by intentionally designing developmentally appropriate activities that promote social-emotional growth, early language development, and fine and gross motor skills. She models effective teaching practices, guides caregivers in meaningful interactions, and creates a welcoming environment where families feel supported and connected.

In recognition of her dedication and impact, Beth was named one of Parenting OC Magazine’s Top 10 Employees of Orange County Schools in 2021. She is committed to creating high-quality, nurturing learning environments and values strong collaboration with educators and families to support children’s growth and success during their early years.

Jocelyn Carbajal, Early Childhood Technician
 

Jocelyn has been a valuable member of the Huntington Beach City School District (HBCSD) since 2018, serving in a variety of roles as an Early Childhood Technician, with a particular focus on supporting families throughout the enrollment process. Her dedication, professionalism, and commitment to service were recognized when she was named HBCSD’s Classified Employee of the Year for 2025.

Committed to staying current with best practices in early childhood education, Ms. Jocelyn recently earned a Child Development Teaching Permit from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. As a mother of two, she takes great pride in supporting the children and families of the HBCSD community and brings both compassion and expertise to her work each day.