Melina Meza-Beatty – Ms. Melina has worked in the Early Childhood Education field for over 20 years. This is her 3rd year at the Academy. She holds an AS in Early Childhood Education, as well as an AA in Child and Adolescent Development, both from College of the Desert. She earned her BA in Human Development with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education in 2021 from CSU East Bay. Melina is currently enrolled at CSU San Bernardino and pursuing her Master’s in Education as well as a Multiple Subject Credential. She currently holds a Site Supervisor Permit from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. She is bilingual and speaks both English and Spanish. Melina has been married for 23 years and has 4 children; boy/girl twins Kaitlin and Jacob (24), Mickey (18) and Delilah (8).

“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood”. - Fred Rogers

Ms. Kory earned an associate degree in Liberal Arts (Social and Behavioral Science) in 2019. In previous years, she has assisted her aunt in her preschool/kinder class in Mexico every summer since middle/high school, which led to Kory wanting to earn an Early Childhood Education certificate as a Teacher’s Assistant in 2020-2021. She began working at The Academy in 2021 as a 2-year-old assistant teacher. This year she is lead teacher for the young 2’s class. and it has been a great opportunity and an amazing experience. Kory says, “It has been a great opportunity and amazing experience working with such an extraordinary group of women who encourage you to do your very best while uplifting and teaching you along the way!”

This is Ms. Larissa’s first year at the Academy and first year teaching! She is loving getting to know everyone and creating a bond with all the children. She has earned an AA in Early Childhood Education from College of the Desert and is currently working on a Bachelor’s degree at Cal State University San Bernadino. She is so happy and excited to be at the Academy with great staff and assisting in the young 2’s class.

Ms. Darrel is the TK/Kindergarten teacher at the Academy. She has been with us for two years. One year as a teacher’s assistant in TK/Kinder and now as the lead for the TK/Kindergarten class. She graduated at College of The Desert in 2021 with her AA in Early Childhood Development and she is currently enrolled at Cal State San Bernadino working on her BA in Early Childhood Development. Ms. Darrel loves children’s books and enjoys including a writing activity or craft to follow. When Ms. Darrel is not in the classroom, she loves to spend time with her family, read books, hiking, and watching movies.

Ms. Valerie graduated from California Baptist University with a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Studies. She enjoys growing and learning alongside the children. This is her 2nd year at the Academy working with 2-year-olds. Ms. Valerie loves Starbucks, Disneyland, traveling, scrapbooking and shopping.

This is Ms. Ariel's 2nd year at the Academy as the school cook. She trained in the CAFE Academy at Rancho Mirage High School and has always had a love for cooking. She loves sharing what she makes with others and tries new and creative ways to make food approachable and yummy for young children. Ms. Ariel enjoys painting, reading, collecting crystals and cool rocks.

Ms. Noemi graduated from College of the Desert with an AA in Early Childhood Education. This is her 2nd year working at the Academy in the 3-year-old classroom. She enjoys traveling, painting, hiking, being outdoors and spending time with family.