Our Teachers
Infant-Toddler Teacher
Joined Cate: 2016
giselle_dasilvamartins@cate.org
BA, Cal State University, Channel Islands – Early Childhood Education
Since the time I was very young, I have always been a natural caregiver. My baby dolls were always with me, and I would ask my parents’ friends if I could hold, change, or feed their babies. When I was about 10 years old, I began my informal career through volunteering at my parents’ church and babysitting. I had my first professional job in childcare when I was 18, and began taking Early Childhood courses at Ventura College. From there, I transferred to CSUCI in pursuit of my BA in Early Childhood Studies. After I graduated Cum Laude, I moved to Washington state where I continued my career in preschools, eventually moving up to a Program Director position. As part of my professional development, I also took part in their statewide program titled, “Early Achievers,” which ensures that preschool educators are trained in programs that highlight the importance of teacher-child interactions, and the importance of classroom environments and materials chosen. One of my favorite parts of teaching is following the children’s lead and creating learning activities based on their interests, such as a favorite book, toy, or animal in their home life. After moving back to California, I was fortunate to gain a position here at Cate ELC in January 2016. This past winter, I completed the RIE Foundations course and learned the value of slowing down in my interactions with children, and the importance of waiting. While I enjoy working with children that are preschool age, I am finding that my favorite classroom is with the infant stage. The best part of working with children is being able to witness the formulation of thoughts and ideas, as well as the pride each child feels when they gain mastery of a new skill.
Outside of work, I am a dog mom, an artist, a road tripper, a daughter, a sister, and an aunt. I am learning to live in the moment, and to lean into the goodness of life!
ELC Co-Director
Preschool Teacher
Joined Cate: 2019
BA, Cal State University, Northridge – Early Childhood Education
Child Development Site Supervisor Permit
Hi! I’m Mrs. Diamond. I began my journey in the ECE field 17 years ago and have worked at Cate since March of 2019. I graduated from California State University Northridge in 2006 with my BA in Early Childhood Education and a minor in Child Administration, and I also hold a Site Supervisor Permit through the State of California. My husband, Martin, and daughters, Angelina and Luna, and I are lifelong residents of Ventura and find our greatest pleasure is being outdoors; camping, hiking the local trails, or spending time at the beach. Martin and I are avid sports fans and will never miss a game; my heart is in LA with USC, Dodgers, and Lakers. In my free time, you will find me at the farmer’s market or spending quality time with the family!
I am passionate about creating learning spaces filled with thoughtful environments; using a combination of educational materials and natural items for exploring. My favorite children’s book is In My Heart, By Jo Witek. This storyline explores the feeling we hold inside and explains that it is okay to have and express them. I find that spreading love and learning to accept differences is key when enriching young children’s minds and I have adopted the phrase “We spread LOVE” into my daily teaching with them. I cannot wait to get to know you and your family more!
Preschool Teacher
Joined Cate: 2024
BA, Early Childhood Studies, CSU Channel Islands
AA, Child Development, Ventura College
Hello families! I’m Mr. Andrew. I’m excited to get to know you all here at our Early Learning Center. I have worked in education since February 2012 where I started in special education as a paraeducator in Ventura. In the span of just over a decade, I worked with ages ranging from 3 to 21.
My passion for education sparked at a young age seeing my mom shift career paths from law enforcement into education.
Growing up in Ojai, my parents raised me with an appreciation for the outdoors, taking me on trips to national parks where I camped, fished, and hiked. I try to carry that same appreciation and respect for nature into my own teaching experiences with my students whenever the opportunity presents itself.
At the core of my personal teaching philosophy is respect. I strongly believe that the best learning takes place when children feel safe and respected as individuals. I think it’s important to view my students beyond the children they are, but the individual they will grow into.
I currently reside in Oxnard with my wife Ruby and my dog Mochi where we enjoy our beachy neighborhood. I’m always looking for an excuse to go to the movies or a concert so if you have a recommendation or just want to geek out with me, I’d love to chat with you. See you at the ELC!
ELC Co-Director
Preschool Teacher
Joined Cate: 2018
AS, Moorpark College – Early Childhood Studies
BA, Cal State University, Channel Islands – Early Childhood Studies
Child Development Teacher Permit
RIE® Foundations™: Theory and Observation – Fall 2018
I have enjoyed being around children my entire life. I have always taken care of my siblings and cousins since I am the oldest of both. I began babysitting them at a young age but I never imagined this as my career until I graduated high school. I acquired a position at a home daycare in 2010 where I found my passion for this field and knew the direction I would go in my education. I worked at a few other preschools after where I became comfortable in a more structured setting. In January 2018 I established my role here at Cate Early Learning Center and fell in love with the outdoor environment and the philosophy.
I completed the RIE Foundations Course in the fall of 2018, where I learned to be in the moment and to slow down, to really get to know each child for who they are as individuals. I received my AA and transfer degree at Ventura College, then transferred to California State University Channel Islands in pursuit of my BA in Early Childhood Studies, which I completed in 2020. Through my years of experience, I have grown to appreciate play-based and child-led learning with open-ended materials to provide an environment that fosters creativity and intrinsic motivation.
Outside of work I enjoy being outdoors to hike and play volleyball. I have a puppy who likes to do these things with me, Kobe Bean. My husband is a big Lakers fan as you can see based on our dog’s name. We enjoy going to sporting events and cheering on our teams together. To unwind and relax I love to sit in my backyard and read a good book.
Infant Teacher
Joined Cate: 2024
Infant-Toddler Teacher
Joined Cate: 2016
AA, Current Student, Ventura Community College, Early Child Development
RIE® Foundations™: Theory and Observation – Fall 2018
My name is Kaiti. I have worked at the Cate Early Learning Center since December of 2016, when I began my career in Early Childhood Education as a substitute teacher. They liked me so much that I was invited back full-time as a Support Teacher in the Infant-Toddler program after I had my daughter!
I have recently returned to Ventura College to continue my Early Childhood Education studies. In October 2018, I completed the RIE Foundations course along with my colleagues. I have found RIE to be a good foundation for me as a parent and educator. I value the idea that children, even the youngest infants, are unique human beings and should be treated with respect and not as objects. I pride myself on being able to quickly learn new skills and adapt to any situation. I am very flexible and always open to learning new things, which I think is invaluable in an Early Childhood setting.
My passion for caring for young children began at a young age, from the time that I could care for my dolls and eventually my younger cousin. During grade school, my teachers provided a safe environment which helped me to grow into who I am today and I hope I am able to do the same by helping plant seeds that allow young learners grow.
I am a single mama. My daughter and I spend just about every moment together. We are best buds! We spend most of our free time outdoors going on hikes and finding watering holes to swim in. We enjoy spending our evenings at the beach and eating ice cream. We have recently taken up rock climbing. Aiden likes to “climb” but mostly swings when attached to the harness. For myself, I have an eye for photography, and while I have no professional training, I am the resident photographer at the ELC. I have varied musical tastes, and I enjoy road trips and camping. And while I very much like planning and having a routine (especially as a mama!), I am always up for spontaneous adventures!
Toddler Teacher
Joined Cate: 2023
AA, Ventura College – Early childhood studies
BA, Current student, Cal State University, Channel Islands – Early Childhood Studies
I have always had a passion for working with young children. I remember being so excited to babysit when I was younger, and when I wasn’t babysitting, I would line up all my stuffed animals and pretend to be teaching them. Being the oldest I’ve always watched over and taken care of my younger cousins and siblings. I knew that I wanted to work with children for a very long time. I just wanted to see if anything else would catch my eye. In high school is when I decided that I did want to pursue teaching. It’s been a beautiful experience so far and I look forward to learning more and more about teaching.
I just graduated from Ventura College with my associates degree in early childhood studies. In early March of last year I started working at Cate. This fall will be my first year working as a primary. I’m excited to see where this year takes me.
Outside of work I love spending my time with my family and friends, hiking, reading, working out, and taking my dog Bruno on walks.