Educators | PLPD

Meet The Teachers

Infants

6 Weeks-12 Months

Teacher

Patsy Vasquez

Patsy is happily married and has one son and three grandchildren, who are her pride and joy. She is a loving and caring person, who likes to make a positive difference in children's lives. Patsy is the lead teacher in the Infant Room and has twelve years of experience working with Infants and three years in the Early Toddler Room. She has enjoyed working at Peace Lutheran Preschool and Daycare for the last sixteen years. Her priority at PLPD is for our children to learn and develop in a safe and caring environment.

Teacher

Silvia Gutierrez

Silvia grew up in Southern California. She has a son and daughter, who are her heart and strength. When she is not teaching, she enjoys walking, reading, and cooking. Silvia decided to make early learning her life’s work because she believes a child’s education is the most valuable thing in the world. Silvia is a Teacher's Assistant for the Infant room. She has worked for PLPD for fifteen years and has been fortunate to work with various ages from infants to elementary students during her time here. Silvia enjoys helping others and watching the children learn and grow. Being a part of a child’s life and making a positive impact is truly an amazing feeling.

Teacher

Laura Rivas

Ms. Laura was born in Durango Mexico. Ms. Laura says she loves working at PLPD because babies and children are her entire life. Laura loves Mazapan and anything that is spicy! Laura loves to collect watches and her favorite holiday is Christmas. Ms. Laura is excited to take care of all of your children!

Early Toddlers

12 Months-18 Months

Laura Aquirre

Teacher

Laura was born and raised in Chihuahua City, Mexico. Growing up, her favorite activities included playing basketball and participating in track and field events such as the Javelin thrown and shot put. Laura graduated from the UACH (Universidad Autonoma de Chihuahua) with a Bachelor’s degree in Education in 1985. She taught grade school in both Chihuahua City and Juarez where her love for teaching children and being responsible for their development grew. In 2001 she and her family migrated to El Paso, TX, where they enjoy being in a new culture and meeting new people. Laura's passion for the development of children’s education brought her to PLPD in 2015 where she's proud to be a part of this community and being surrounded by amazing people that truly care about their work.

Naysla Barrientos

Teacher

Naysla was born in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, and later became a US citizen and moved to El Paso in 2011. She has been happily married to her husband for 34 years and is a mother of two. She enjoys practicing sports such as tennis and swimming. She loves spending time with her family and doing arts and crafts as a hobby. Naysla has a bachelor's degree in Economics from the UACI in Ciudad Juarez. She worked as a purchasing manager for Antech for eleven years and since then has worked in various education roles. Naysla has been teaching in the El Paso region for the past eight years. Her inspiration to teach and care for children comes from being a mother herself. Naysla's experience, along with her passion, has allowed her to embark on this beautiful journey of child development. She is so happy to be part of PLPD and to work with such wonderful children.

Yolanda Humanes

Teacher

Yolanda is a very passionate person who enjoys every minute she can spend with the children under her care at Peace Lutheran Preschool and Daycare. She comes from Spain and has lived in three different countries with her beloved family: husband and two lovely daughters. Yolanda is currently working in the Early Toddler Room .

She has 3 years of experience working with infants and toddlers here in our community in El Paso. Her focus at PLPD since she joined our Team in September 2022, is on enabling our children to develop their skills to the most, always in a supportive, joyful and safe way.she is passionate about traveling, hiking and nature. She loves sports.

Toddlers A

18-24 Months

Blanca Estrada

Teacher

Blanca was born in El Paso, Texas, but was raised in Juarez, Mexico. She comes from a big family with six sisters and one brother. As they got older, little by little, her family began moving to El Paso. Blanca lives with her husband and two beautiful daughters, whom she enjoys crafting with. She attended "Universidad Autonoma de Ciudad Juarez, Universidad Normal Superior Porfirio Parra and Universidad Pedagogica Nacional” and earned a Bachelors and Master Degree in Early Childhood Teaching.Before working at Peace Lutheran Daycare and Preschool, Blanca worked as a Preschool and Elementary school teacher in Juarez. She has always enjoyed working with young children and contributing to their development. Blanca likes to prepare colorful materials to help ignite a child’s imagination and always tries to incorporate reading from books and poetry as well as art and music to help children explore and develop many skills. It is truly wonderful to be part of a child’s development and watch them become the future of our community. Blanca is grateful to be part of the PLPD Family.

Olga Corona

Teacher

Olga attended Universidad Autonoma De Ciudad in Juarez, Chihuahua. Olga has 40 years of experience of taking care of children. Olga is married and has two children. Olga's children graduated from UTEP as engineers. Olga is a very proud mother and grandmother. Some of Olga's favorite things are playing volleyball, going to the beach, being around nature, dancing and sining, and cooking for her family.

Toddlers B

18-24 Months

Jimena Mendoza

Teacher

Jimena was born in El Paso and has always wanted to be a teacher. Jimena has dedicated her life and education to taking care of children and teaching them. Jimena feels fulfilled when she is with the children that she teaches. Jimena has experience of substituting in elementary schools and has been a teacher in Juarez, Mexico. Jimenas favorite food is green enchiladas and loves to play volleyball. Jimena is very excited to be apart of PLPD and teach your kiddos!

Toni Pass

Teacher

Hello,
My name is Antoinette Pass. I’m originally from Florida. I’m a Military spouse . I have 2 teenage children, and a toy poodle I got all the way from South Korea. With my husband being military , and the demand to move around all the time I had to find jobs that I could do wherever we got sent to. By Gods grace I have been able to tackle a lot of trades. I am a certified Nursing Assistant, a Cosmetologist,I have my CDA in childcare, and lastly I’m a Registered Dental Assistant. Out of all the trades I have obtained the one I love the most is being a teacher.

Twos A

2-3 Years Old

Christina Castro

Teacher

Christina has four children and two grandchildren. She has over twenty years of experience working with children from infants to elementary and has obtained a CDA (Child Development Associate Certification). Christina chose to become an Early Childhood professional because of her love of children. She loves to watch their little faces light up when they accomplish any task at hand. Christiana is very compassionate and eager to help every one of her students learn through a positive and fun experience. Christina is blessed to be part of your child's learning and growing experiences.

Pat Rayner

Teacher

Patricia has been an early childhood development educator for fifteen years. During that time, she's had many roles and worked with various age groups. What Patricia cherishes the most about being an Early Childhood Development Educator is the ability to help teach and encourage each child as they progress through their learning journey. She believes in each child’s abilities and enjoys providing them with engaging learning opportunities, whether it be through art, playtime, or reading. Patricia enjoys seeing each child create their own story and allowing their imagination to run wild. Through her years of experience, she has seen many children grow and develop to be bright, creative, and caring individuals.

Twos B

2-3 Years Old

Sandra Acevedo

Teacher

Hi, my name is Sandra Acevedo I was born in Cd Juarez, Chihuahua.
I'm a mother of three lovely kids. I have 21 years of experience working with children. The most beautiful and lovely thing I love about my job, is when you hear the kids singing, and recognizing the lessons we teach them. I'm happy to be part of Peace Lutheran Preschool and give some of my knowledge to the kids.

Jocelyne Romo

Teacher

Hello! My name is Jocelyne Romo and I am 21 years old. I am currently a full-time student at New Mexico State University, majoring in Early Childhood Education. I have worked with young children for 4 years but since I was very little, I knew this was the career I wanted to pursue. I have experience working with children with special needs such as Down Syndrome and Autism. My main career goal is to complete my Masters Degree and teach English in South Korea! My favorite things to do are painting, makeup, shopping, and listening to music! I am beyond excited and ready to be working with your little humans!

Preschool A

3-4 Years Old

Raquel Taylor

Teacher

I consider myself a very lucky person to be able to carry out my work as an educational assistant in this institution. I have a degree in bilingual pedagogy, as such, I have committed myself to search and discover what are the best teaching methods, to apply them in our classroom, and thus provide a quality education. nowadays, it is of great importance to teach our children to develop their potential, I love the work that teachers carry out as guides, of the future successful citizens of this country.

Karen Salinas

Teacher

Karen has a daughter who recently turned 1 years old. Her daughter is her passion and she loves spreading that love to the children at PLPD. Karen is also a van driver for our elementary transportation and for field trips.

Preschool B

3-4 Years Old

Angelana Ruiz

Teacher

Angelana is a devoted mother and teacher. Angelana obtained her Associates of Science from El Paso Community College and attended the University of Texas at El Paso. Angelana has been fortunate to work with Kindergarten and Pre-school. Angelana has 5 years of experience working with these age groups and can't wait to teach your children at PLPD!

Shawntay Ballard

Teacher

She has been part of Peace Lutheran Preschool for about ten years and excited that we got a wonderful team of teachers and an awesome director! "We are all like family here!" She immediately fell in love with the school, the teachers, and the community. And believes whoever steps on board with PLPD becomes part of the family; including you and your child!

Shawntay grew up in El Paso and has an associates degree in applied science. She loves kids and can’t wait to educate your child while also learning from your child! She believes all children are equal but each child is unique, therefore they learn at their own pace. Shawntay will provide your child with the love, growth and the support! She loves all ages but the two’s has always been one of her favorites! Her favorite is music and all the exploring we get to do at this age. She knows that play is a child's most important work, so her goal is to create and maintain a fun environment where your child can grow and explore the world around them. “The impact I make in their lives makes for an even bigger and completely gratifying impact in my own life.

I can’t wait to spend this time on learning and growing with you and your child!"

Preschool C

3-4 Years Old

Maggie Ornelas

Teacher

Maggie Ornelas was born and raised here in El Paso, Texas. She and her husband have been married for 25 years and have a son and daughter that also live in El Paso. Ms. Maggie left El Paso in 1998 and lived in Eagle Pass, Texas and Tucson, Arizona for 24 years. In 2022 she had the opportunity to return to her hometown and jumped at the opportunity. Ms. Maggie worked as a Kindergarten Teacher in Tucson for 13 years. She has a passion for working with kids and shows kindness, empathy, and patience to each one of her students. Ms. Maggie is grateful to be working for Peace Lutheran Preschool & Daycare and is very eager to get to know your children to work closely with them and their unique personalities. Her class will consist of a small group setting that will provide your child with shared tasks to help children interact with their environment and with others. It will also allow for independent thinking and problem-solving skills. Ms. Maggie’s commitment to education directly benefits a child’s success in and outside of the classroom. Ms. Maggie is looking forward to a wonderful and memorable year with your children.

Lorena Saenz

Teacher

This is Lorena's first daycare teaching job but has been working with children in other atmospheres for over 7 years. Lorena has three children of her own and loves spending time with them now that they are grown. Lorena loves hanging out with her dog and decorate. Ms. Lorena is very excited to teach your little ones and welcome new kids to her class!

PreK

4-5 Years Old

Ana Paula Flores

Teacher

Along with her love for children, Ana Paula brings twenty-five years of experience in working with preschool children. Her experience begins with Preschool/Kindergarten. Throughout her years of experience, she has taught Pre-K curriculum, dancing (Jazz and Ballet), and Spanish language education. Ana Paul is currently teaching Catechism with St. Luke's Church. She feels very honored to be part of PLPD and bring her experience to serve your children. "Trabajemos juntos!". Ana Paula is looking forward to meeting with you and is thankful for the honor of working with your children.

Maria Jones

Teacher

Maria is a resident of El Paso, Texas. She has been working in childcare for twenty-three years and aspires to own her childcare facility one day. Aside from taking care of her grandkids, Maria enjoys watching kids grow, learn and experience the world around them. She is grateful for the opportunity Peace Lutheran has given her to further her experience. Taking care of PLPD children continues to be a blessing for Maria, and hopes one day to see them aspire to greatness.

Floaters

All Ages

Kaylah Hernandez

Teacher

Bio Coming Soon