Our Team

Leadership

Jeneane Stevens – Executive Director

Our Executive Director, Jeneane Stevens, has a BA in Education and a MS in Early Childhood Education. She started Celebration Center in March 2000 after having left Christian Community Schools in Fremont, CA where she served as the superintendent for many years. She also taught Early Childhood courses at Diablo Valley College and Los Medanos College for over 17 years. Her passion is reaching children and families for Christ. She is committed to making sure that our Celebration Center teachers are not only trained, but more importantly committed to guiding each child to meet their individual potential. “Children are our future we need to nurture and guide them to be all they can be.”

Tina Daigre – Program Director

Our Program Director, Tina Daigre, has a BA in Human Development and over 25 years of experience in early childhood education. She has been Director at Celebration Center for 21 years! Tina is passionate about providing a safe and loving environment for little ones, teaching them about Jesus, and offering a wonderful place for teachers to work. She is committed to providing the best possible experience for children through hiring educated, experienced staff and teachers that love children.

Terri Hunter – Site Director

Terri Hunter is our wonderful Site Director. She has over 24 years of experience in early childhood education. Terri loves being able to make a difference in the lives of children by helping provide a safe, nurturing learning experience for them. Her favorite part of her job is the joy of watching the children interact with each other and experiencing them laugh and play together.

Staff

Ms. Sam Caputo

Office Manager

Sam has 19 years of experience in office administration with over two years being in a childcare setting. “I love all of our kiddos and the special sisterhood we have here at Celebration Center!” Her favorite time of the day is drop off time, watching the excited, smiling faces of the children running through the doors.

Ms. Janell Miller

Bookkeeper

Janell has had five years of experience in the classroom before taking over the Financial Office. Her love for Jesus and Celebration Center motivates her daily. Her favorite part about working here is “being able to hear the children singing songs to Jesus in the halls”.

Ms. Yvonne Soriano

Support Coordinator

Yvonne, first joined our Celebration family in 2001 and worked for 5 years as our Motor Development Coordinator. She returned in 2019 as our Support Coordinator bringing with her 18 years of Occupational Therapy experience as a C.O.T.A./L working in school based and skilled rehabilitation settings. She loves working with every age of our lifespan and believes God does not make a mistake in His creation, that each person is exactly how they are supposed to be and its’ her mission to partner with caregivers, parents and teachers to find out each child & adults unique behavior and learning style to assist them in achieving success in their challenged area while increasing their quality of life academically social/emotionally and spiritually.

Karina Molina

Office Coordinator

I started working at Celebration in 2022 as the office coordinator.I have worked in admin for the last 3 years. I have volunteered at a Children’s camp for foster care kids since I was 16 and have served in children’s church since I was 12. My favorite part of the day at the center is any time I get to interact with the kiddos! I love building relationships and getting to know something new about the kiddos everyday! I’m so thankful for our Celebration sisters!

Preschool Teachers

Ms. Bennett Atkinson

I have a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Education and 32 years of teaching experience. I love children and teaching has always been a joy for me; teaching is my passion! My favorite part of my day is talking to the children about Jesus’ love and grace.

Ms. Lana Bauman

I have my Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education, 10 years experience teaching Special Education, and 15 years of experience teaching preschool. I love seeing a child’s face light up as they learn new things and explore their environment! My favorite parts of the day are being greeted with smiles and hugs and all the interactions between the children and myself. I see my job as a privilege to help families and children, and to help mold and grow each child into the person God has created them to be.

I have worked at Celebration Center for the last 21 years. I got my start as an aide before becoming a teacher and have now had experience teaching every age group. I love greeting the children each morning and just spending time with them. Their excitement when learning something new is incredible! I am passionate about taking care of children, loving them, and teaching them about God’s love.

Ms. Paula Costa

I have been working with children since 2007. What makes me passionate about my job is being able to spread the love and word of Jesus, seeing a child’s smile and wonder as they learn something new, experiencing daily “laugh out loud” moments with children, and connecting with their families. I love that every day I get to laugh with the children and my Celebration sisters! Working with children is my passion and being at Celebration Center is my absolute dream job.

Ms. Bekah DeMaria

Ms. Kandis Hartford

I have been working at Celebration Center for almost four years now and I am currently working towards my degree in Early Childhood Education. Even when I was a child myself, I knew I wanted to make a difference in the lives of children and help them overcome obstacles that I had to go through in my own childhood. My path to teach was solidified when I took a Child Development class in high school and I felt God pulling on my heart strings to become a teacher. When the children come into class each morning, I love seeing them with big smiles on their faces, ready to start their day. I feel so blessed to work with each child. I want parents to know that they can always come to me with prayer requests or just to talk!

Ms. Tina Helder

I have over 35 years of experience in early childhood education. I am passionate about teaching young children and I believe I have been called by God to be in this profession. I love circle time, being around the children each day, and teaching the Bible. This is my favorite place to work! Our team truly love and care for the children and families.

I have been involved with early childhood education for 15 years and I absolutely love working with children. I view everyone at Celebration Center as family. My favorite part of my job is being able to teach the Bible and share the word of God with children.

Ms. Vivian Langston

I have been working with children for 17 years, four of them being at Celebration Center. I love children and being able to play and have fun with them every day. I have always enjoyed talking with and teaching children.

Ms. Michelle Minton

Ms. Kim Murnane

I got my inspiration to obtain my Early Childhood Education certification because I love watching the excitement of children learning new things. I like to think I bring my honest and caring nature into my teaching which helps the children have a positive experience. My favorite times of the day at Celebration Center are circle time and art.

Ms. Michelle Riccomini

I have over 19 years of experience working in preschools. I have also worked in my church’s nursery and for an after school program. I have known since high school that I wanted to be a teacher! I have always loved working with all children, but my favorite age-range to teach is at the preschool level. When I was first offered a job at the same school I attended Kindergarten-12th grade in, I jumped at the opportunity to start my teaching career! I love seeing the moment where children start to understand new concepts and seeing them collaborate with each other to problem solve.

I have three children of my own and adore spending quality time with them. Two already are attending Celebration Center and now my youngest is starting here as well. In my spare time I enjoy volunteering at my church’s VBS and I’m starting to participate in their preschool ministry.

Ms. Brenda Turner

I got my start in early childhood education teaching preschool gymnastics for 10 years. I also directed a child entertainment program, taught Sunday school, Awana, and VBS at my local church before becoming a preschool teacher. Seeing the lightbulb go off in a child’s eyes when a new concept finally clicks in their mind and the joy it brings them and their families inspires me every day to continue what I do. I truly love each child I teach and I love hearing the joy and laughter throughout the hallways here at Celebration Center.

Ms. Tiffany Navarro

I have over 16 years of experience working with children in the After School and Preschool programs. From the time I was little, I have always wanted to be a teacher. I love being part of a teaching team and spending time with children. It’s an amazing gift to be able to be a small part of a child’s life whatever that role may be! My favorite part of my day is every afternoon when I get to sing and dance to songs of worship with the children.

I have been working at Celebration Center for over 18 years and also have experience as an administrator of the Summer Enrichment program for low-income families. I love children and being able to watch them learn and grow. My favorite part of the day is being able to interact with and watch children as they learn and process new information.

Ofelia Del Real

I am a preschool teacher and I started working at Celebration Center early 2022.I am enrolled in classes at LMC and I have been volunteering at Celebration since I was 13. I also used to teach classes for my church for childrens. I love kids and want to help them grow.

Ms. Kaylee Hunter

Ms. Passionai Johnson

I started working at Celebration Center in 2019.I have been working with children since 2017. I started out as a caregiver for children with special needs. Then I worked with school age kids at Celebration for two years. Ever since April, I’ve been a teacher. I have always loved children. I love sharing the love of Jesus with them and being able to teach them to be kind and independent. My favorite part of the day at the center is the morning circle time.

Ms. Marisa Efting

I am a preschool teacher here at the center. I started working at the Center in 2022. I started working in early childhood education In January 2020. I have been teaching for 3 years now. I have a B.S in Biological science, but started my teaching career when my son was a year old. I earned my COA and hace 12 ECE Units I.am passionate about teaching in early education. I love seeing kids learn new skills and concepts that they have never accomplished before. It’s amazing to witness that new confidence they get when they are able to do something new. My favorite part of the day at the center is in the morning when the children arrive. I love seeing their faces. I am originally from the Bay Area. I have been Christian my whole life. I have two children of my own. One who attends here at Celebration and a one year old who will start in the toddler program soon. I have been married for 8 years. I earned my degree at SJSU.

I am a preschool teacher here at Celebration Center and I began working here in 2021. I have been working in early childhood education since 2008. I have my associate degree in computer technology but later realized I needed to fulfill my passion in teaching and went back to school to obtain my units in early childhood education.I love seeing the children laugh,smile,and play as they learn. I love learning new things with the class… like all the dinosaur names!

Ms. Berniee Bounnong

I am a preschool teacher and I have worked at Celebration Center since 2016. Before working at Celebration. I was an aid for 3rd-8th grade at a school for dyslexics.I love working with kids and seeing the kids imagination grow.I have a culinary degree and I plan to bring my knowledge into the classroom.

Lindy McCall

Loriv Lopez

I am a mom of 2 beautiful boys. I have been a teacher here at Celebration, and have many years in the classroom, but now my role is that of bookkeeper, and front office help. I also have a passion for women’s ministry and hospitality so I often host “Mom’s groups” here at school. I love working at a place where children’s laughter is heard throughout the day.

Angie Webb

I am a preschool teacher at the center and I began working here in 2022. In 2022 I got my certificate in early childhood education from liberty University (07/22). I have been a children’s director at church, an aide at two elementary schools and a sub in a preschool. While I have worked with children for 20 years this is my first year as a preschool teacher.God has called me to work with children most of my life. I have a passion for preschool age children because I love watching them learn and grow.My favorite part of the day is music/worship time. I love seeing the kids faces light up as they praise Jesus.I have a huge heart for missions and the global church. I am blessed to care for each of my sweet kiddos.

I am a teacher here at Celebration Center. I started working at the Center in 2022 but I began working in early education in 2018. I am currently working towards my B.A in special education and elementary education. The children inspire me. All children have potential to grow and challenge themselves academically. I want to be able to help them find the potential to grow. My favorite part of the day at the center is seeing all the smiling faces and getting those little hugs in the playground from the kids.

Vanessa Hickey

I am a mom, wife and teacher. I love working with children! My favorite part of the day is greeting them in the morning, and when we worship the Lord by singing and dancing together.

I love working in early education because I get to be a part of building the next generation and teaching children who Jesus is.. What can be better than that?!!

Michelle Rivas

Arianna Martino

I am the mom of 3 boys, I began working at Celebration in the summer of 2023. I have many years of experience teaching young children, although I have worked with all ages. I enjoy bringing a positive and fun learning experience to the classroom, knowing that these children are the foundation for our future. I love watching children learn new things and expanding their knowledge in different areas.

Collen Maramonte

I love working with children and am passionate about providing a safe and fun environment for them to grow and learn. My favorite part of the day is lunchtime because children are relaxed and more open during that time and I love hearing their conversations and laughter. I thrive on connecting not just with the children but with the families as well. I believe that having a positive relationship with families provides a strong support system for the kids.

I started teaching at Celebration Center in 2023. I have always loved working with children. I have been a cheer coach, taught Sunday school and gymnastics. I love teaching children about Jesus! And my favorite part of the day is music time. I love singing with the kids!

Francesa Stolarz

I have been married for 45 years to my High School sweetheart, Manny. I have two children. John and Sarah. We have three beautiful grandchildren. I retired after 17 years at Celebration Center and have just returned to work part time two days a week. I have enjoyed working with Preschoolers, T-K, and as an aide in a Kindergarten classroom for close to 25 years.

Yvonne Benavidez

Tiffanie Montgomery

I joined Celebration Center as a Toddler teacher in 2023. My career in early childhood education began in 2010. Watching my mother nurture children as a family childcare provider sparked my passion for teaching. Helping children discover new things is always a joy!

I earned a B.A. in liberal studies and completed several units in early childhood education. My experience ranges between all ages 0-5 yrs. I count it a privilege to add to each child’s learning.

My favorite part of the day is when we greet one another in song. There is such delight on the children’s faces as they hear their names and wave to friends.

Elementary Teachers

Ms. Danica Marquez

I have been involved in the field of education for 7 years, teaching infants through school age children. I love to inspire and help children reach milestones by giving them the gift of knowledge! My favorite part of my work day is lunch time because I get to have meaningful conversations with the children about their ambitions and dreams. I want to make sure that all my students know they are loved and cherished by the Lord!

Ms. Estefani Canales

I have been working in early childhood education for 4 years. I enjoy being able to help children reach their full potential and create an environment for them to learn and grow while having fun! One of my favorite things is seeing children take the initiative to help their peers during a classroom activity. My goal is to make sure all my students feel seen, valued, and loved by those around them and Jesus!

Ms.Taylor Garcia

I am an ASP teacher and kindergarten teacher. I began working for Celebration Center in 2021. I love working with children. I love their creativity and eagerness to learn! Children are so funny and bring me so much joy!

Ms.Kim Alegrete

I am a Kindergarten teacher. I began working at Celebration Center in 2022 but I have been teaching Kindergarten 7 years prior to working here. I love when the childrens light bulb goes off and a child just “get’s it!” My favorite part of the day is reading groups because I get to watch a child blossom through the whole year.

Ms. Subrina Sheppard

I am a second grade teacher. I started working at the center early 2022 but I began working in early childhood education in 2015. Worked for 4 years as a behavioral therapist with kiddos ranging from age 3-16. I worked in homes to support families who struggled with challenging behaviors as a result of developmental delays. I am also very passionate about serving in the kids ministry at my church. My goal is to share the love of Jesus through teaching with kindness and compassion. I am inspired to equip our children with a firm foundation of who God is and how he fits into our everyday lives.

Teaching the Bible is my favorite part of the day because it is what sets Celebration Center apart from other schools.We are able to ask tough questions while seeking God’s word for answers. It is a time where we share our fears and get to know one another on a deeper level. I love building relationships with my students.

After School Teachers

Ms. Jill Divine

After School Program Coordinator

I have over 20 years of preschool teaching experience. I love working with children and seeing them thrive. My personal goal is to teach the children about the love of Jesus. The children at Celebration Center are amazing and I am happy to say I get to work with some of the most caring, loving women who love Jesus.
Ms. Passionai Johnson

I have been working with children for five years now. I have a passion for helping children learn and grow academically, socially, and emotionally. My favorite parts of the day working at Celebration Center are Bible time and center time. I believe in creating an environment where children feel comfortable and loved.

Senior Program Staff

Ms. Candice Beckwith

Senior Program Director

I am the Sr. Coordinator here at Celebration Center. I started working here in 2022. I love the interaction I see with the seniors and the children. I love seeing the seniors light up with laughter, crafts and interactions with people and children. When the seniors come into our class I love them as my own family member and with the love of Christ. I want them to be seen, heard, and known. They are of great value to us here at Celebration and of great value to our Lord.

Claudia Escobar-Molina

Senior Day Coordinator

I am the Sr. Coordinator here at Celebration Center. I am the mother of 5 girls I started working here in 2023. I love the interaction I see with the seniors and the children. I love seeing the seniors light up with laughter, crafts and interactions with people and children. I want them to be seen, heard, and known. They are of great value to us here at Celebration and of great value to our Lord. My favorite part of the day is doing devotions together.