Our Staff

At Baldwin Academy, our teachers are at the heart of everything we do. Our team brings together experienced early childhood educators who share a genuine love for working with young children and a commitment to creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where every child can learn and grow.

 

We believe that great teachers make a lasting difference in a child’s early years. That is why we look for educators who are caring, dependable, and dedicated to their profession, while also bringing their own personalities, strengths, and experiences to our school. Together, our teachers and administrative team work to provide the consistency, guidance, and meaningful learning experiences that help children feel confident, supported, and excited to come to Baldwin each day.

 

We are proud of the team we have built and invite you to meet the wonderful people who make Baldwin Academy such a special place for children and families.

MS YULIA - OWNER & DIRECTOR

Ms Yulia_Zaets

Ms. Yulia, in her dual role as the Owner and Director of Baldwin Academy, is deeply committed to preserving the cherished qualities that have made Baldwin such a special place for more than four decades, while also bringing fresh ideas and renewed enthusiasm to our school community. With more than 20 years of experience in Early Childhood Education, she believes that combining the best of Baldwin’s history with new opportunities for growth allows us to provide an even more enriching experience for every child.

A graduate of San Diego State University with a master’s degree in psychology, Ms. Yulia is deeply committed to the importance of early childhood education and the lasting impact these early years have on a child’s future. Her primary goal is to provide a nurturing, loving, and educational environment where every child feels safe, valued, and encouraged to learn, develop, and thrive.

Ms. Yulia is actively involved in the life of Baldwin Academy and works closely with the school’s administrative team and teachers to maintain the high standards of care and education our families expect. She is known for her hands-on approach, open communication with parents, and genuine passion for creating a school where children feel loved, supported, and excited to learn. She values the relationships she builds with Baldwin families and takes great pride in seeing children grow and thrive throughout their time with us.

As a mother of four, Ms. Yulia also understands firsthand that parenting is an incredibly rewarding, but at times challenging, journey. Her experience as both a parent and an educator brings a personal perspective to her work and a genuine understanding of the trust families place in Baldwin Academy when choosing a place for their children.

You can contact Ms. Yulia at (858) 304-0220, or send an email to yulia@baldwinacademy.com.

MS DEBBIE - SITE DIRECTOR

BIG NEST

Ms. Debbie is Baldwin Academy’s Site Director and a wonderful addition to our leadership team. With more than 30 years of experience in early childhood education and leadership, she brings a wealth of knowledge, perspective, and genuine dedication to children, families, and teachers. Throughout her career, Ms. Debbie has worked in many areas of early childhood education, including teaching, preschool administration, and supporting and mentoring educators.

As our Site Director, Ms. Debbie is closely involved in the day-to-day life of Baldwin Academy, working alongside our teachers and administrative team to support our classrooms, staff, and families. She is a familiar and approachable presence throughout the school and is always available to help answer questions, provide guidance, and ensure that our days run smoothly.

Ms. Debbie brings a calm and thoughtful approach to leadership and believes in building positive relationships while maintaining the high standards of care and education that are so important to Baldwin Academy. Her extensive experience, kindness, and commitment to early childhood education make her an invaluable part of our team, and we are so happy to have her as part of the Baldwin family!

MS LINDA - SCHOOL OPERATIONS COORDINATOR

Ms Linda_Sarmiento

Ms. Linda is Baldwin Academy’s School Operations Coordinator, supporting both staff and families and helping our school run smoothly each day. With more than a decade of experience in the child development field, both as a teacher and in administration, she brings valuable knowledge and experience to our community. Her ability to step in wherever she is needed makes her an important part of our daily operations and a familiar source of support for our children, staff, and families.

Beyond her organizational role, Ms. Linda is known for her lively personality, warm presence, and positive spirit. She connects easily with children and families and helps create a welcoming atmosphere throughout the school. Whether she is greeting families, assisting teachers, coordinating the many details of the school day, or simply brightening someone’s day, Ms. Linda brings energy and enthusiasm to her role.

We are grateful for Ms. Linda’s experience, dedication, and the many ways she contributes to the Baldwin Academy community each day.

MS LEAH - CURRICULUM COORDINATOR

Ms Leah_Duncan

Ms. Leah is Baldwin Academy’s Curriculum Coordinator and brings warmth, creativity, and a wonderful positive energy to our school. In her role, she works closely with our teaching team to support the planning and implementation of engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences throughout all five of our programs. She helps our teachers connect classroom concepts with art, sensory experiences, outdoor exploration, gross motor activities, Green Studies, and meaningful hands-on learning.

Ms. Leah is a familiar presence throughout Baldwin Academy, regularly visiting our classrooms and working alongside teachers to help bring curriculum ideas to life. She is also available as a resource for families who have questions about our curriculum or would like to better understand the learning experiences taking place in their child’s classroom. Her years of experience working directly with young children give her a valuable understanding of what captures their interest and how to turn learning concepts into meaningful, engaging experiences. She is always willing to step in and support our classrooms whenever needed.

Ms. Leah’s kindness, creativity, and contagious smile have long made her a special part of Baldwin Academy. We are grateful for the enthusiasm, care, and dedication she brings to our school community every day.

MS CHRISTA

Ms Christa_Valenzuela

Ms. Christa leads our Bluebirds program and has been a valued part of Baldwin Academy for more than a decade. Exceptionally organized and attentive to detail, she understands just how important consistency, communication, and individualized care are when working with our youngest children. Her experience and strong sense of responsibility help keep the Bluebirds classroom running smoothly each day.

Ms. Christa truly enjoys working with babies and takes great care in following each child’s individual feeding, sleeping, and daily routines. She is attentive to the many little details that matter during a baby’s first year and enjoys watching our Bluebirds reach new milestones, develop new skills, and become increasingly curious about the world around them.

Warm and friendly, Ms. Christa also enjoys connecting with Baldwin families and being part of our larger school community. We are grateful for the experience, dedication, and care she continues to bring to our Bluebirds program every day!

MS PILAR

Ms Pilar_Aguilar

Ms. Pilar has been an integral part of Baldwin Academy for almost 30 years, bringing tremendous experience, knowledge, and dedication to our school community. As a co-teacher in our Parakeets program, she plays an important role in creating a nurturing, structured, and consistent environment for our younger toddlers. Her motherly approach and genuine love for children help our little ones feel safe, comfortable, and cared for throughout their day.

Ms. Pilar is a steady presence in the classroom and an important part of keeping the Parakeets program running smoothly. With her many years of experience, she understands the importance of consistency and routine for young children and helps ensure that daily expectations are clear and that the teaching team works together effectively. Her attentiveness and strong sense of responsibility bring valuable structure and stability to the classroom.

Ms. Pilar’s extensive experience, strong work ethic, and commitment to Baldwin Academy make her an invaluable member of our team. We are incredibly grateful for the knowledge, care, and dedication she continues to bring to our children, families, and school community every day!

MS LISETH

Ms Liseth_Reyes

Ms. Liseth is a valued co-teacher in our Parakeets classroom, bringing warmth, patience, and a positive spirit to her work each day. Her caring nature and playful approach help create an environment where our little learners feel comfortable, supported, and excited to participate. Whether she is guiding children through daily routines, sharing stories, engaging them in hands-on activities, or offering a comforting hug, Ms. Liseth approaches each child with kindness and care.

Ms. Liseth works closely with her teaching team to provide the consistency and nurturing support that are so important during the toddler years. Always ready to lend a hand and contribute wherever she is needed, she has become a valuable part of both the Parakeets classroom and the Baldwin Academy community. We are grateful for the care, dedication, and positive energy she brings to our children and her team every day!

MS DIANA

CANARIES

Ms. Diana leads our Canaries program, bringing a calm, patient, and caring presence to the classroom each day. With several years of previous experience leading a two-year-old program, she has a strong understanding of this important stage of development and the routines, consistency, and guidance young children need as they become increasingly independent.

Ms. Diana creates a warm and welcoming classroom environment where children feel comfortable exploring, participating, and learning. She approaches children with kindness and patience while providing the structure and guidance that help them navigate daily routines, transitions, and new experiences. She enjoys engaging the children in activities that encourage language development, creativity, social skills, and hands-on learning.

Ms. Diana is a valued leader of our Canaries team. Her calm nature, experience with this age group, and genuine care for children make her a wonderful presence in the classroom. We are grateful for the dedication and consistency she brings to our Canaries children and families each day!

MS MELISSA

ROBINS

Ms. Melissa brings a sweet, positive energy to our Robins program and greets each day with a smile and genuine enthusiasm for working with children. With several years of experience in early childhood education, she enjoys creating engaging learning experiences that encourage children to explore, participate, and discover new things. Her creativity shines through in the many activities and projects she plans for the classroom.

Organized and thoughtful in her preparation, Ms. Melissa puts a great deal of care and effort into creating meaningful experiences for the children. She enjoys encouraging their growing independence, building their confidence, and providing a classroom environment where they feel comfortable learning, asking for help, and trying new things.

Ms. Melissa’s positive spirit, creativity, and dedication make her a valued part of the Baldwin Academy team. We appreciate the enthusiasm and care she brings to our Robins children and the many ways she works to make their days engaging and enjoyable.

MS ROZA

Ms Roza_Dzhanumian

Ms. Roza is a wonderful leader in our Big Nest program, where she combines creativity with a genuine love for teaching. Full of enthusiasm and fresh ideas, she is known for her exceptional art projects and her ability to transform the classroom into a vibrant and inviting space for young learners. She encourages curiosity, sparks imagination, and helps children build the skills and confidence they need as they prepare for kindergarten.

Warm, approachable, and positive, Ms. Roza has a special ability to connect with children and make them feel comfortable, capable, and excited to learn. Her positive outlook and wonderful energy make her a favorite among both children and colleagues. Beyond being an outstanding teacher, she is a wonderful role model who demonstrates kindness, resilience, creativity, and the joy of learning. We are incredibly grateful for the warmth and inspiration Ms. Roza brings to Baldwin Academy each and every day!

MS TANYA

Ms Tanya Tatyana_Zaets

Ms. Tanya brings more than 20 years of experience working with young children to our Big Nest classroom. Her calm demeanor, kindness, and patient approach create a comforting presence for the children, and she genuinely enjoys being part of their learning and development.

One of Ms. Tanya’s favorite ways to connect with the children is through books and storytelling. She loves reading with the class and has a special way of making stories engaging, encouraging children to listen, participate, ask questions, and use their imaginations. These shared moments have become a special part of her time with the Big Nest children.

We are grateful for Ms. Tanya’s many years of experience and for the patience, care, and dedication she brings to our Big Nest team and Baldwin Academy community.

MS ANALISA

Ms Analisa_Artiaga

Ms. Analisa is a caring and dedicated member of our Robins team who brings warmth, patience, and flexibility to the classroom. Her easygoing nature and willingness to help wherever she is needed make her a supportive presence for both the children and her teaching team.

Ms. Analisa approaches children with kindness and patience, helping them feel comfortable and supported throughout their day. Whether she is participating in classroom activities, helping children through daily routines and transitions, or simply offering encouragement when it is needed, she is always willing to step in and contribute.

We are grateful for Ms. Analisa’s caring nature, flexibility, and positive attitude and appreciate all that she brings to our Robins children and the Baldwin Academy community.

MS GINA

PARAKEETS

Ms. Gina brings an incredible amount of energy and positivity to our Parakeets classroom. Always with a smile on her face, she approaches each day with enthusiasm and a willingness to jump in wherever she is needed. Her upbeat personality adds a wonderful energy to the classroom and makes her a cheerful presence for both the children and her teaching team.

A hard worker who is always ready to stay busy, Ms. Gina enjoys being actively involved throughout the children’s day—whether helping with classroom activities, joining in play and movement, supporting daily routines, or spending time outdoors with our little learners. She brings enthusiasm and a positive attitude to everything she does.

We are grateful for Ms. Gina’s energy, strong work ethic, and the bright smile she brings to Baldwin Academy each and every day!

MS VIKA

Ms Vika Victoriia_Gutierrez Diniz

Ms. Vika is a caring and hardworking member of our Parakeets team who brings kindness, patience, and a gentle presence to the classroom. She is always ready to lend a helping hand and is often the first to ask, “What else can I do?” Her willingness to step in wherever she is needed makes her a wonderful support to both the children and her teaching team.

Patient and attentive, Ms. Vika enjoys helping our toddlers navigate their daily routines, develop new skills, and become increasingly independent. She takes pride in their accomplishments and provides the encouragement and reassurance they need as they explore, learn, and grow.

We are grateful for Ms. Vika’s strong work ethic, caring nature, and willingness to support those around her. Her dedication and positive presence make her a valued part of our Parakeets team and the Baldwin Academy community.

MS BAILEY

BLUEBIRDS

Ms. Bailey brings a gentle, caring presence to our Bluebirds classroom and has a natural way of making our littlest learners feel safe, comfortable, and loved. Her warm personality and patient approach help create a nurturing environment where babies can explore, develop, and experience each day at their own pace.

Attentive and affectionate, Ms. Bailey enjoys engaging with the children through play, songs, movement, and the many little interactions that are so meaningful during the first year of life. Whether she is comforting a little one, encouraging a new skill, sharing a smile, or enjoying time outdoors with the Bluebirds, she approaches each child with patience and care.

We are so happy to have Ms. Bailey as part of our Bluebirds team and are grateful for the warmth, kindness, and dedication she brings to our youngest children each day!

MS AJANTA

BLUEBIRDS

Ms. Ajanta is a valued member of our Bluebirds team and brings patience, warmth, and a caring approach to our youngest children. Her familiarity with Baldwin Academy and experience working with infants help her provide the attentive and nurturing care that is so important during a child’s first year.

As part of the Bluebirds teaching team, Ms. Ajanta helps create a comfortable environment where our babies can grow, explore, and develop at their own pace. From supporting feeding and nap routines to engaging the children in play, songs, and everyday exploration, she is actively involved in caring for our little ones throughout their day.

We appreciate Ms. Ajanta’s dedication, gentle presence, and the care she brings to our Bluebirds children and families each day.

MS FERNANDA

CANARIES

Ms. Fernanda is a wonderful addition to our Canaries classroom. With an Associate Degree in Child Development and currently working toward her Bachelor’s Degree in the field, she brings both a strong educational foundation and several years of experience working with toddlers.

Calm, patient, and pleasant to be around, Ms. Fernanda has a naturally gentle approach that makes her a great fit for this age group. She genuinely enjoys working with toddlers and understands the patience, consistency, and encouragement they need as they develop greater independence and confidence. Her warm and easygoing nature creates a comfortable presence in the classroom for both children and her teaching team.

We are very happy to have Ms. Fernanda as part of the Baldwin Academy community and look forward to seeing her continue to grow with our Canaries children and team!

MS TIFFANY

Ms Tiffany_Griffith-Zalfen

Ms. Tiffany is the talented chef behind all the delicious snacks at Baldwin. She takes great care to prepare the majority of our snacks from scratch, ensuring our children enjoy fresh, nutritious, and wholesome foods every day. Some of the kids’ all-time favorites include zucchini muffins, banana muffins, baked broccoli cheese cups, scrambled eggs with bacon bits, breakfast burritos, pancakes, and of course, a variety of fruit and veggie smoothies!

But Ms. Tiffany’s contributions don’t stop in the kitchen—she’s always ready to lend a hand in the classrooms, helping with meal setup and cleanup. She also spends time in our Bluebirds classroom, lovingly helping to care for our littlest ones. Her dedication, creativity, and willingness to go the extra mile make her an essential part of our Baldwin family. We’re so grateful for her hard work and the joy she brings to our children through her delicious creations and her nurturing care!

OUR CURRICULUM
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