Welcome!! We are so excited to begin a new school year. It’s always nice to see old friends return and meet new ones, too. If you have any questions throughout the year, do not hesitate to speak to your teachers or stop by the office. To kick off the school year we have included the following introduction of our wonderful and loving staff.
During this year, as your child brings home paintings, you may find yourself thinking, “Good grief! What IS this!?”
Remember… art work is an expression of language. Many times a child won’t be able to verbalize what it is that he/she has painted. Please observe how your child’s art work develops as the school year progresses.
Many children will repeatedly paint one color over another. This is the child’s way of exploring the medium. Also, some children will start out with a specific idea in mind and then, gradually, enclose and change every figure on his/her paper. In other words, some of these paintings have a completely different painting UNDERNEATH!
Please enjoy your child’s art as his/her own self-expression. Give him/her a place to display this work, preferably at your child’s eye level. Some may be suitable for a gift to a relative! Help your child develop an appreciation of self and the unique quality of his/her own artwork by appreciating and enjoying the efforts.
Parent and Me Class
Cara Cagan
I am a Pepperdine graduate and have taught at the elementary and high school levels. After a long career in advertising, I returned to education. I have taught Transition, Parent and Me and Group 3, and I look forward to a fantastic 17th year at WHCCNS!
2 Year Old Transition Program
Jenn Newhart
This is my eleventh year in Transition. I have four children who are all alumni of WHCCNS. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from California Baptist University and in December I will be graduating from the University of San Diego with a Master’s Degree in Education. We have such an exciting year planned and I am grateful to be working alongside such wonderful and capable teachers.
Maribel Gonzalez
I’m excited to be starting my fourth year here at WHCCNS, and to be with Miss Jenn and Miss Bridget in Transition. I can’t wait to come see how much the children grow and develop throughout the year!
Bridget Genis
I have been a part of WHCCNS for 5 years, and I feel so lucky to be here! My twins, Emma and Ryan, will be in Room 2 this year. I look forward to many more happy, fun, and creative years at WHCCNS!
Sara O’Donnell
I have been a parent at the preschool for a few years, and am excited to be joining the staff this year in the Tuesday/Thursday Transition class.
3 Year Old Program
Katy Bugenhagen (Group 1)
I am very excited to to be back for my third year. I am a graduate of Medaille College and have taught dancing to children for the past 17 years. I look forward to all the wonderful activities and fun in this upcoming year with Miss Caroll and Miss Miranda!
Miranda Riddle (Group 1)
I am thrilled to be joining the WHCCNS family for my third year. I’m so excited to get back to work and play with my “Little Ones,” and can’t wait to get to know all of their unique personalities. I’m ready for another fantastic year!
Carroll Flores (Group 1)
This is my third year teaching at WHCCNS and I am excited to teach alongside Miss Katy and Miss Miranda. I’m mommy to two amazing children, Maya and Diego, and am married to my equally amazing husband of 23 years, Alan. I am looking forward to another great year with your precious children. Here’s to playing, learning and growing!
Sarah Betancourt (Group 2)
I have been with WHCCNS for the past 9 years. It is my responsibility as a teacher to continuously provide interest and patience as well as a warm and loving environment in which the children feel safe, confident and free to learn and grow. I am very excited about the upcoming year!
Amanda Lopez (Group 2)
I am happy to be here for my fifth year. I have two daughters who are graduates of the preschool. I am very excited for the new school year and look forward to working with your little ones.
Sue (Group 2)
4 Year Old Program
Cara Cagan (Group 3)
I am a Pepperdine graduate and have taught at the elementary and high school levels. After a long career in advertising, I returned to education. I have taught Transition and Parent and Me, and I look forward to a fantastic 16th year at WHCCNS!
Robin Hawley (Group 3)
I am so happy to be a Group 3 teacher again this year. I have worked at the Nursery School for 15 years. I studied Child Development at CSUN, and have taught in a variety of schools, preschool through high school. Preschool is my favorite age to work with because every day is a new, exciting and fun-filled day! I am looking forward to a wonderful school year.
Nicole Oswalt (Group 3)
This is my 14th year teaching at WHCCNS. I have two sons. Cole is in his first year of college and Garrett is a junior at Agoura High School. We are also raising my fiances’ granddaughter who will be starting in Transition in November. I am looking forward to teaching in the four-year-old room.
Kerry Bublitz (Group 4)
I’ve been a teacher at the nursery school for 27 years and a lead teacher in the Pre-K class for the last 18 years.
We have some great units we study throughout the year including our starting units on the ocean, shapes and colors, and on nutrition and healthy bodies. We’ll also explore the alphabet’s beginning sounds starting in January. The children especially love the units on space, dinosaurs and artists.
I look forward to a fun year getting to know your children and seeing them grow throughout the year into confident 5-year-olds ready to take on life!
Joanna Salas (Group 4)
I am excited to start my sixth year at WHCCNS. I have been working with preschool aged children for thirteen years and I love it! I have a BA from CSUN and 30 units of child development, and I continue to learn more as the years go on. When I’m not working you’ll find me spending time with family and going to Disneyland.
I can’t wait to meet your children and really get to know them. Let’s have a great year!
Cynthia Polanco (Group 4)
I have worked at the school for 18 years and with almost every teacher and age group. I truly enjoy working with all age groups. This year I will continue to be in and out of every classroom because I will be the Floater. I will also be working in the ASP program every day and will be doing arts and crafts with the children. I am excited to be with the kids and hope this year will be a good one for everyone.
Support Staff
Lisa Marlow (Director)
I have been at WHCCNS for 16 years as the Director. I have 2 grown children. My son is an illustrator and lives in Portland, Oregon, and my daughter is a Freshman at Chico State University, majoring in nursing.
WHCCNS is a very special school and I am grateful to be a part of the community.
Margaret Boen (Administrative Assistant)
I have worked at WHCCNS in the office for 17 years. I have three children – my son is 17 and a senior in high school and my two daughters are 15, in 10th grade, and 11, in 6th grade. All 3 children are graduates of the preschool.
Ms. Sue
