Meet the Team

Administration & Support Staff

Break Teacher & Playground Coordinator
Emily Shubin

Naturalist Teacher & Special Projects Coordinator
Stacy Klase

Director

Jessica Stanley

Jessica Stanley has been in the field of Early Childhood Education since 1997. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a minor in Early Childhood Education from the University of California, Riverside. After graduating from college, she began her career at a preschool in Orange County before stumbling upon Newport Coast Child Development Preschool. At the time of her hire in 1998, the campus was just a dirt lot, but the idea of being a part of something from its conception was too exciting to pass up. During the school’s first years she worked as an Assistant Teacher, Break Teacher and Lead Teacher before becoming the Assistant Director in 2002; she stepped into her current role as Director in 2004. Mrs. Jessica believes strongly that a high quality preschool is made of the industry’s best teachers, rich curriculum that engages curious and active learners in a clean and safe environment. She continues to actively collaborate with the founder to ensure the school’s direction aligns with Mrs. Jarrett’s vision. Mrs. Jessica resides in San Clemente with her husband and two boys. She enjoys crafting, spending time at the beach with her family and on the field watching her boys play sports.

Assistant Director

Katsya Chernishov

Katsya Chernishov started teaching preschool in 1998, and it was love at first sight! She came to Newport Coast Preschool in 2002 as an Assistant Teacher. Later that same year, she became a Lead Teacher and continued to teach in Rooms 2, 5, & 6 until 2008, when she joined the administrative team as the Assistant Director. Miss Katsya earned her degree in Early Childhood Education at Fullerton College; she holds a Preschool Administration certification and is a longstanding member of NAEYC. A native Southern Californian, Miss Katsya lives next door to her childhood home in Whittier. She remains geographically and socially close to her large family, which includes her parents, two brothers, three sisters, four in-laws and Melanie & Kaylee, the cutest, sweetest nieces in the world! Her hobbies include cookie decorating, graphic design and making bows.

Business Administrator

Traci Lappin

Traci Lappin graduated from Cal State University Long Beach where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in Early Childhood Development. Ms. Traci began her teaching career at Newport Coast Child Development Preschool in 2003 and spent several years teaching in Room 2 and 5. She then went on to get her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and taught Pre-K, Kindergarten and First Grade in private and public school for over 15 years. After many years in the classroom, she took a few years off to be home with her children and in 2023, Mrs. Traci came back to NCCDP where she spends her days in the office as the Business Administrator. She loves being back at the preschool, meeting families and witnessing the magic that happens at Newport Coast Preschool every day. Ms. Traci has four children and when she is not at the preschool, she is likely on the football field, lacrosse field or softball field cheering on her kid’s sports teams!

Break Teacher & Playground Coordinator

Emily Shubin

In 2015, Emily Shubin began working at her church preschool and kindergarten, where she fell in love with early childhood education! She continued to pursue that passion and earned a Child Development degree. Mrs. Emily joined the NCCDP family in 2023 as the Break Teacher and Playground Coordinator; she is responsible for planning and providing all the fun and dynamic activities that the kids enjoy on the playground! A native to SoCal, Mrs. Emily still lives in Orange County with her husband Jacob, who is originally from Australia. She enjoys bike riding at the beach, exploring new places, hosting barbecues and spending time with her family and friends.

Naturalist Teacher & Special Projects Coordinator

Stacy Klase

Stacy Klase graduated from UCLA with a BA in history in 2001 then decided to pursue a career in teaching and graduated from UCI in 2003 with a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and a Master of Arts in Teaching. She taught grades K-5 and was a science specialist in the Newport Mesa Unified School District from 2003 to 2016. Mrs. Stacy‘s journey at NCCDP began in 2012 when her oldest daughter started in Room 1. When The Orchard was built in 2017, Mrs. Stacy transitioned from involved mother and volunteered to be our very own nature playground teacher; she now nurtures her love for teaching children and the outdoors by planning and implementing nature base science, art, and engineering activities in our outdoor classroom. Mrs. Stacy and her husband Robert are parents to three kiddos, and in her spare time she actively volunteers at her children’s schools, loves to entertain, cook and garden, and enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Music Teacher

Garixe Cancinos

Garixe Cancinos came to NCCDP in 2015 and he’s been our resident rock star ever since! He is a true musician, learning any instrument he can get his hands on starting at the age of 3, when he first learned how to play piano. Mr. Garixe has a passion for teaching music, especially to preschoolers; he teaches at various schools, churches and organizations all over Orange County and trains other music teachers along the way. Mr. Garixe loves the Lakers, graphic designing and spending time with his lovely wife. He aspires to one day teach the gift of music to children of his own.

Art Teacher

Alisa Castellano

Alisa Castellano holds a Bachelor of Science in Child and Adolescent Development with an emphasis on children with special needs, along with a Minor in Human Services from Cal State Fullerton. After graduating college, Ms. Alisa completed a year and a half internship at Miller Children’s Hospital in Long Beach, earning her credentials as a Child Life Specialist. This experience deepened her commitment to working with children, leading her to teach at a local preschool before joining a private art studio in Newport Beach, where she enjoys creating art with individuals of all ages. Since joining NCCDP in 2023, Ms. Alisa has fallen in love with the campus, especially the beautiful art pavilion, and -most importantly- the wonderful children she gets to teach. Ms. Alisa’s journey in the fine arts began at an early age with oils, and she has since trained in a variety of mediums, enriching her artistic repertoire. Outside of the classroom, she adores spending time with her school-aged children, gardening, and playing at the beach, always finding inspiration in the world around her.

Teaching Staff

Assistant Teacher Room 2
Kristen Harrigan

Assistant Teacher Room 2
Ashley Johansen

Assistant Teacher Room 6
Kimberly Christensen

Lead Teacher Room 1

Diana Nunez

Diana Nunez found her passion for early childhood education in 2008 when she had the opportunity to work in a preschool program. She then taught preschool in a public school district before coming to NCCDP in 2021. Ms. Diana moved into Room 1 in 2022 where she developed a passion to welcome our youngest students to preschool. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Adolescent Studies with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education from Cal State Fullerton. In her free time, Ms. Diana enjoys doing pilates, baking and spending time with her son, Jacob.

Assistant Teacher Room 1

Alexa Gonzalez

Alexa Gonzalez is passionate about inspiring young children. She started her career with children doing ABA therapy, then in 2023 graduated from Cal State Fullerton with a Bachelor Degree in Child and Adolescent Studies with an emphasis in the elementary school setting. While completing her undergraduate degree she also worked at a child development center. Ms. Alexa enjoys going to the beach, trying new restaurants, and traveling in her free time.

Assistant Teacher Room 1

Kayla Wicks

Kayla Wicks has been working in Early Child Education since 2015. She studied early child development locally at Orange Coast College and worked for four years at a preschool in Newport Beach before joining NCCDP in 2022. Mrs. Kayla got married in 2023 and looks forward to starting her own family in the future. Room 1 is the perfect spot for her as she loves helping our tiniest preschools learn and grow. Mrs. Kayla can be found going to the beach, staying active and trying new restaurants with her husband.

Lead Teacher Room 2

Jennifer Ramirez

Jennifer Ramirez knew she wanted to be a teacher since high school, from the moment she volunteered for the preschool located on campus. After graduation she became a preschool teacher’s assistant while completing her Early Childhood Education at Cerritos College and spent the next 18 years as a lead teacher for a preschool in Huntington Beach. Miss Jen is thrilled to be a part of NCCDP and the Room 2 team starting in 2020! In her free time she enjoys reading, going to the beach and spending time with her family, especially her niece Julia.

Assistant Teacher Room 2

Kristen Harrigan

Kristen Harrigan grew up in Orange County and started working with children as a camp counselor when she was a teenager. After graduating from Sonoma State University in 2011 with a degree in Performing Arts and Psychology, Mrs. Kristen taught dance lessons and became the director of a local dance studio. There, she realized she wanted to spend more quality time with each child and decided to earn her Early Childhood Education units to become a preschool teacher. She taught preschool for 6 years in Laguna Beach before joining the NCCDP team in 2021. When she is not at school, Mrs. Kristen enjoys teaching fitness classes, nature walks with her dog, and spending time with family and friends!

Assistant Teacher Room 2

Ashley Johansen

Ashley Johansen studied Sociology and Early Childhood Development at Cal State Fullerton, graduated in 2016 and discovered her passion for teaching while working at one of her professor’s preschools! Miss Ashley spent four years teaching in a toddler classroom before coming to NCCDP in 2021. Her favorite thing about preschool is. She loves exploring new places, reading, watching movies, and creating memories with her loved ones.

Lead Teacher Room 3

Deserie Davis

Deserie Davis started her relationship with NCCDP as a parent – her two youngest children attended preschool here! She came on staff as a Substitute Teacher in 2010, quickly moving into full time positions and landing as Room 3 Lead Teacher in 2013. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Child Development at San Jose State University. Mrs. Des believes that each child develops in their own time, and she loves to be a part of their growth here! She lives in Newport Beach with her three children and her hobbies include yoga, fitness and the beach.

Assistant Teacher Room 3

Arely Nieves

Arely Nieves has always had a passion for working with children; before joining NCCDP in 2022, she was a nanny for almost 10 years when she discovered her passion for nurturing and educating young minds. She was inspired to pursue Early Childhood Education at Saddleback College. An Orange County native, Miss Arely cherishes quality time with family and friends. She loves exploring new restaurants and has a deep appreciation for live music, often attending concerts and enjoying performances by her favorite bands!

Assistant Teacher Room 3

Karina Simon

Karina Simon always had a passion for teaching – even as a child, she would immerse in pretend play where she took on the role of teacher to her eager “students”. While studying human development at OCC, she observed in a preschool classroom and was captivated by the boundless curiosity of young learners. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Adolescent Studies from Cal State Fullerton, with a focus on Early Childhood Education. Miss Karina believes in the importance of lifelong learning and aims to inspire that same love of exploration in her students. Beyond the classroom she enjoys traveling, discovering new cuisines, and quality time with family – especially her young niece and nephew!

Lead Teacher Room 4

Larissa Chernishov

Larissa Chernishov studied Early Childhood at Fullerton College while working at a preschool for seven years where she gained experience teaching to a variety of ages, from infancy to 2nd grade. Miss Chernishov joined our team in 2011 as an Assistant Teacher, took the Lead role in Room 2 in 2014, and now teaches PreK at NCCDP since 2021. She loves engaging with children and being an important part of such a formative year! Miss Chernishov comes from a large family and enjoys spending time with them. She loves to go fishing, hiking, camping and exploring California’s many beautiful natural landmarks.

Assistant Teacher Room 4

Angela Estrada

Angela Estrada joined Newport Coast Preschool in 2010, as a part time teacher. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Development, as well as a teaching credential from Cal State Fullerton. Prior to finding a home at NCCDP, she was a group counselor for the County of Orange, an Elementary School Teacher, and a stay-at-home mom to her two delightful children. Her experience over the last 20 years has centered on building character and empowering growing minds. In her free time, Mrs. Estrada enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and engaging in a variety of outdoor activities.

Lead Teacher Room 5

Sabrina Hill

Sabrina Hill earned a degree in Child and Adolescent Development from Cal State Fullerton in 2012. Since then, she has been teaching in various capacities and ages ranging from preschool through 6th Grade! Mrs. Hill came to Newport Coast Preschool in 2019, starting in Room 5 as an assistant and promoting to Lead Teacher soon thereafter, where she currently shines. She lives in Los Alamitos and enjoys spending time with her husband and their two young children, Nolan & Eleanor.

Assistant Teacher Room 5

Melody Eastman

Melody Eastman grew up in Orange County and has been an instructor in various forms for over ten years. While attending Azusa Pacific University, Miss Eastman volunteered in a special needs community called Younglife, interned at a youth camp in Hawaii, and taught elementary children in Africa. After graduating, she taught English abroad for two years in South Korea and Indonesia. During this time, she realized her passion to educate and teach children of all ages; she joined NCCDP in 2019. In her free time, Miss Eastman enjoys spending time with family and surfing.

Lead Teacher Room 6

Stephanie Noble

Stephanie Noble is a Southern California native. Her first and foremost passion has always been children. Ms. Noble began her NCCDP journey in 2000 when the first of her three children started in the program. During that time, she served several years on Parent Council and volunteered at each of her children’s schools thereafter. After completing her training in Early Childhood Education, she feels extremely fortunate to return to the NCCDP family as a teacher. She enjoys baseball, the beach and cooking, and she treasures her time with her family.

Assistant Teacher Room 6

Kimberly Christensen

Kimberly Christensen has been a preschool teacher since 1999. She studied Early Childhood Education at Cerritos College and spent 16 years at a preschool in Huntington Beach until her daughter was born, when she took some time to be home with her. She came to NCCDP in 2017 and taught in Room 1 for five years then moved into the PreK team in 2022. She is also our beloved Parent/Toddler Teacher, where she gets to know many of our up-and-coming preschoolers and their parents! When she isn’t at school, Ms. Christensen enjoys hiking, watching her daughter play sports, and playing Bunco with friends.

Co-Lead Teacher Room 7

Taryn Jones

Taryn Jones began her teaching career as an assistant teacher for children with autism and ADHD, focusing on social, emotional, and academic skills. During this time, she earned a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. She taught Kindergarten at a private school in Placentia, where she developed an academic Kindergarten program that stresses the importance of written and oral communication. In 2002, the Orange County Register named her Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Jones joined Newport Coast Child Development Preschool in 2006 to teach Junior Kindergarten and in 2013 added the role of Curriculum Coordinator. While teaching Junior K, she realized her passion for teaching children to read and went on to complete a Master’s Degree in Education at Cal State Fullerton, with a Reading Specialist credential. Mrs. Jones is known for her enthusiastic teaching strategies, entertaining children and parents alike. In her spare time she enjoys hot yoga, walking around Balboa Island or trying new restaurants in Orange County with her husband, Ryan and two children, Rylyn and Quinn – both of whom attended NCCDP!

Co-Lead Teacher Room 7

Catherine Lanni

Catherine Lanni’s passion for teaching began in elementary school when she declared she wanted to be a teacher. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology with an emphasis in Education from UC Santa Barbara. Throughout high school and college, she babysat, was a nanny for multiple families and ran kid camps. In 2005, Mrs. Lanni joined the NCDDP team as the break teacher and went on to become a classroom assistant then Lead Teacher in Rooms 3 and 6. After a short break when she started her own family, she returned in 2021 to be the co-Lead in Room 7. Her hobbies include spending time with her two young boys and husband at the beach, Balboa Island or Disneyland.

Assistant Teacher Room 7

Cassidy Kelly

Cassidy Kelly recently graduated from Cal State Long Beach with a BA in Child Development & Family Studies as well as three Associate Degrees in related fields. She grew up working with children, including helping care for her twin little brothers, teaching at a dance studio, nannying, managing a gym kid’s club, volunteering at multiple dance studios for children with disabilities, and being a child life volunteer in a children’s hospital. One of her favorite aspects of teaching is that she can continue to learn and grow alongside the children. Miss Kelly came to NCCDP in 2023 and is excited to be a part of the team in Room 7! She moved to Idaho with her family for six months before coming back to SoCal where she grew up, but she loves going back to Boise to visit her family and puppy! In her free tim e you might also find her at the gym lifting weights or at the beach with friends.