Vanessa Sener ENC Nature Preschool Director
email me | 949-629-1044 ext. 201
Vanessa is a proud lifelong resident of Orange County whose love for the natural world began in her hometown of San Clemente, where childhood adventures sparked a lifelong passion for exploration, learning, and inspiring children to discover the wonders of nature themselves.
With a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Pacific Oaks College, Vanessa brings nearly three decades of experience as an inclusive Early Years Educator to the ENC Nature Preschool. Her journey with the Environmental Nature Center began long before the preschool’s opening- first as a visitor, then as an ENC Member, Camp Naturalist, and eventually stepping into leadership roles as Lead Nature Teacher and Curriculum Coordinator.
Vanessa’s teaching philosophy is rooted in play-based, child-led learning. She believes that when children feel seen, safe, and inspired, they flourish. Her indoor and outdoor classrooms are designed to spark curiosity, foster independence, and nurture each child’s sense of self and connection to the natural world.
Her dedication and innovation have earned her recognition in the field. In 2022, Vanessa was named Outstanding Early Childhood Education Professional of the Year by the Orange County Association for the Education of Young Children. In 2024, she received the Outstanding STEM Educator of the Year in Early Education award from The OC STEM Initiative, honoring her creative integration of STEM into early learning experiences.
A passionate mentor and leader, Vanessa continues to expand her impact through active involvement in the early childhood community. She is a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and proudly serves on the board of OCAEYC, NAEYC’s Orange County affiliate.
Whether guiding curious young learners or mentoring fellow educators, Vanessa brings joy, thoughtfulness, and a deep respect for the learning process to everything she does.
Nicolle Callan ENC Nature Preschool Assistant Director
Nicolle is a Southern California native, an outdoor enthusiast, and a lifelong learner. She received her Bachelor’s in Sociology from California State University of Long Beach and has continued her studies in Early Childhood Development and Administration. Before joining the ENC, Nicolle worked in classrooms within the Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) and Garden Grove Unified School District (GGUSD), teaching TK and Kindergarten. She also served on the Board of the PTA in LBUSD for 10 years, gaining valuable experience in fundraising, social events, and community engagement.
Throughout her career, Nicolle has developed a strong foundation in leadership and strategic planning and event coordination. With a proven track record of managing teams, creating impactful programs, and driving success, Nicolle is here to lead and inspire.
In her spare time, Nicolle enjoys spending time with her husband, two children, extended family, and friends. Her best memories are filled with adventures of camping, hiking, exploring, and searching for the best tacos in the world. The central coast of California is her happy place, and she tries to venture there every year. Nicolle’s love and passion for her family and the great outdoors fuels her personal growth and enriches her professional life, providing her with a deep sense of creativity, resilience, and balance.
Kathy Satchell Enrollment and Program Administrator
email me | 949-629-1044 ext. 200
With over 35 years of experience in Early Childhood Education, Kathy has dedicated her career to supporting young children, from toddlers to Pre-K, through both teaching and leadership roles. For the past 25 years, she has made a lasting impact in administrative positions, bringing structure, heart, and vision to early learning programs.
Kathy has been an essential part of the ENC Nature Preschool team since its inception, often described as the “glue” that holds the program together. Her organizational leadership, deep understanding of child development, and collaborative spirit have been instrumental in shaping the preschool’s success.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Sociology from California State University, Fullerton. Kathy is deeply grateful to be part of a community that shares her passion for both nature and early education.
Kathy’s own love of nature was rooted in her upbringing in the peaceful mountain town of Wrightwood. Surrounded by forest trails and fresh mountain air, she spent her childhood immersed in outdoor adventures- experiences that sparked a lifelong connection to the natural world.
Outside of work, Kathy finds joy in camping with her husband and two daughters, walking her dogs, and diving into creative craft projects. Refugio State Beach is a particularly special place for her family- it’s their beloved Thanksgiving tradition and a source of lasting memories.
Garden Specialist at ENC Nature Preschool
At the ENC Nature Preschool, the Garden Specialist plays a vital role in connecting children with the natural world through daily, hands-on experiences in the garden. Each day, children dig into the soil, tend to plants, and witness the ever-changing rhythms of the seasons. These immersive activities not only strengthen their physical connection to the earth but also deepen their understanding of natural processes and ecological relationships.
The garden is a living classroom where powerful lessons unfold organically. As children observe the transformation of a seed into a sprout, flower, fruit, or compost, they begin to grasp concepts like cause and effect, growth, decay, and the cycles of life. These lessons extend beyond plants: children witness the metamorphosis of insects- like a butterfly’s journey from egg to caterpillar, chrysalis to adult- building a rich understanding of animal life cycles as well.
Through their work in the garden, children also learn to identify “garden helpers” and “garden harmers.” They become stewards of the space, nurturing beneficial insects and plants while taking thoughtful action to protect the garden from potential threats. This cultivates not only knowledge but also a sense of responsibility and care for living things.
Children explore the vibrant world of fruits and vegetables by planting, transplanting, harvesting, preparing, and- most excitingly- tasting the foods they’ve grown with their own hands. These experiences spark curiosity, pride, and a joyful connection to what they eat.
The Garden Specialist also builds bridges between home and school, inviting children to share their own experiences with gardening, cooking, and composting at home. These conversations honor the knowledge children bring with them and help cultivate a deeper appreciation for nature’s role in their everyday lives.
There is something truly magical about watching children engage with the meaningful, dynamic world of the garden. It’s through these early connections that children begin to develop not just an understanding of nature, but a lasting respect and love for it.
“If children don’t touch and experience nature, why would they want to save it?”
Devon Kate O’Connor Lead Nature Teacher, Tortoise Classroom
Devon was born and raised in Ireland where she completed her Bachelor of Science degree before moving to the United States. She has been working with children ages 2-5 for nearly 10 years and has a passion for language development and nurturing independence. When she’s not in the classroom she can be found playing on multiple sports teams, trying out new vegan recipes, or learning something new!
Emily Pavlik Nature Teacher, Tortoise Classroom
Emily has been immersed in the Early Childhood Education field for nearly 10 years. She began her ECE academic journey at Orange Coast College, where she earned an Associate Degree and a Preschool Certificate in Early Childhood Education. She continued her education at Cal State Fullerton, graduating with a BA in Early Childhood Adolescents.
At the Nature Center, Emily finds joy in hiking through the redwoods, creating music, and inspiring creativity through art and paint activities. Outside of work, she is passionate about reading, exploring new destinations, staying active at the gym, and enjoying the great outdoors through hiking.
Emily’s dedication to education and her enthusiasm for both nature and creativity make her an invaluable part of the Tortoise team.
Yessica Vargas Nature Teacher, Tortoise Classroom
Yessica is a passionate Early Childhood Educator with an Associate’s Degree and Certificate in Early Childhood Education from Orange Coast College. While at OCC, she gained hands-on experience at the on-campus Children’s Center, deepening her dedication to nurturing young minds and supporting their early development.
Her journey in education began in her local church and grew stronger through high school Child Development courses, where she discovered her calling to help young learners thrive. Yessica believes that children learn best through play, hands-on exploration, and consistent routines that foster confidence, independence, and a sense of security.
In the classroom, Yessica is committed to creating a warm, inclusive environment where every child feels seen, supported, and free to express their creativity. She thoughtfully adapts her teaching to meet each child’s unique needs, celebrating diversity and encouraging social-emotional growth every step of the way.
Outside the classroom, Yessica loves spending quality time with her family. Whether it’s a spontaneous road trip, a weekend camping trip, or a peaceful hike, she finds joy in nature and brings that same spirit of adventure and curiosity into her teaching each day.
Emma Ripplinger Lead Nature Teacher, Coyote Classroom
Emma is thrilled to be a part of the ENC team! She has been teaching preschool in various capacities for the last 8 years and has loved and learned from each experience. Emma received her BA in Education Sciences, with minors in Psychology and Social Behavior and Philosophy, from UC Irvine in 2018 and she has a M.A. in Early Childhood Development from Pacific Oaks College of Education. Working with children is, in her opinion, the most rewarding occupation out there! She strives to be her best self for her students, at all times. Both teaching and nature are fundamental passions of Emma’s, and she attributes this to her parents – her mom the educator and her dad the hiker. Emma was quite literally raised hugging trees, searching for bears in the mountains, and in wonderful classrooms all over! When she’s not teaching, she can be found hiking, splashing in the ocean, or playing rugby! Emma loves being a part of our incredible school and its mission.
Hannah Knott Nature Teacher, Coyote Classroom
Hannah is an OC native who loves good coffee, being active, and exploring our beautiful planet!
Hannah’s passion for nurturing young children with her whole child approach to teaching inspires us all! She has been serving the needs of children within her community for nearly a decade in a variety of roles. Before joining the ENC family, she gained a wealth of knowledge from working as a Lead Teacher and as an Assistant Director of a nearby after-school care program.
Hannah is currently pursuing a degree in Child Development Education (CDE) at Orange Coast College and earning a Teacher Certificate.
In her free time, Hannah enjoys doing a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, backpacking, and camping with her friends and family. When she’s not out adventuring, Hannah also enjoys painting, reading, and enjoying live music.
Hannah is passionate about environmental conservation, volunteering in her community, and advocating for our future generations!
Jeanine Raymond Nature Teacher, Coyote Classroom
Jeanine earned her B.S. in Child Development from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo in 2018, and has over 10 years in the early childhood education field. Her role as a lead teacher in a parent participation co-op preschool merged her passions for nurturing young children’s growth with supporting caregivers. This experience inspired her to pursue her M.Ed. in Parent & Family Education from the University of Minnesota, which she completed in 2023.
Jeanine advocates for experiential learning, emphasizing the benefits of hands-on play and developmentally appropriate risk-taking in children’s development. As Alfie Kohn aptly puts it, “The way kids learn to make good decisions is by making decisions, not by following directions.”
As a Bay Area native, she grew up enjoying the Santa Cruz mountains, and is still working on convincing her Orange County husband of the joys in camping. In her free time, Jeanine enjoys going to concerts, spending time with her cat, Stout, and taste testing local food trucks.
Jaydlin Vahid Nature Teacher, Coyote Classroom
Jaydlin is nature lover at heart with a degree in Child Development and Family Studies from California State Long Beach. Her favorite days are the ones spent outdoors hiking a new trail, being around animals or just soaking up in the sun and fresh air. She’s always been passionate about helping kids learn and grow and she believes that nature is one of the best classrooms out there. At the Environmental Nature Center, Jaydlin is excited to spark curiosity, build confidence and create fun, and meaningful experiences that help kids feel more connected to the world around them.
Kelsey Defeo Lead Nature Teacher, Bear Classroom
Kelsey has a deep passion for Early Childhood Education, as well as the outdoors, nature, and all living beings. She graduated from California State University of Fullerton with a B.S. in Child and Adolescent Studies and is currently working towards Master’s in Education in Curriculum and Instruction from University of San Diego.
In her free time, she can be found spending time with her boyfriend and cats, adventuring outdoors, going to sporting events, hiking, going to the beach or pool, trying out new restaurants, and doing puzzles.
Kate Williams Nature Teacher, Bear Classroom
Kate, a Costa Mesa native, finds joy in the simple and meaningful moments that connect her to her family, community, and the natural world. As a mother of three and the owner of a lively pug, her home is filled with laughter, curiosity, and creativity. She loves spending time with her husband and children outdoors, exploring through camping, hiking, and photography. Her family shares a passion for hands-on discovery, whether it’s conducting science experiments, learning about the environment, or simply getting messy and having fun. When indoors, they create memories through games, movies, dancing, and crafting.
Kate earned her degree in Child Development from Orange Coast College, along with several certifications in early childhood education. Teaching in the early years is not just her profession but her calling, deeply rooted in her belief that childhood is a magical and transformative time. She credits her studies with shaping her perspective, helping her grow as a mother, a friend, and an educator.
As a teacher, Kate is dedicated to nurturing the whole child by fostering empathy, inclusion, and respect. She values the uniqueness of every child and celebrates their authentic selves, creating a positive environment where they feel secure and valued. For Kate, teaching is about more than academics—it’s about building relationships that guide and inspire children through the wonders of growth and discovery. Her work reflects her unwavering belief in the importance of joy, connection, and encouragement in the early years.
Lacée De Grasse Nature Teacher, Bear Classroom
Lacée De Grasse is a preschool teacher by day and a writer and artist by night. With a playful ease and deep love for empowering children, she enjoys making creatively rich environments where children are free to be themselves.
She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Family and Consumer Science from California State University of Long Beach and is working towards her Lead Teacher Certification through the Early Childhood Development Program at Orange Coast Community College.
In her free time, Lacée enjoys writing poetry, painting, thrifting, and spending time with the people she loves. She finds endless inspiration through the natural world and believes children, like a garden, must be tended to with love and watered daily with encouragement in order to fully blossom.
Araceli Martinez Guest Nature Teacher
Araceli graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a BA degree in Child Development and Family Studies. She has over 20 years experience educating young children. Araceli enjoys being part of children’s growth and development. Her hobbies include hiking, scrapbooking, traveling and all things Disney.
Kathryn Forest Guest Nature Teacher
Kathryn’s many years of creatively teaching diverse children in a variety of settings have been her main accomplishments and life’s work. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in human development at CSULB. Go Beach! From her early beginnings in exploring the world of Human Development she knew working with children and their families was her calling.
She is passionate about guiding and empowering children to achieve goals and success in their individual development. She’s happiest when children are engaged in an active, hands-on environment. Like a spider weaving a web she finds ways to encourage multiple intelligences in each child by combining art, science, music and books.
Some of her past working experiences are: Lead Teacher in a synagogue pre-school, Lead Teacher at international preschools in Bangkok Thailand, Atelierista using the Reggio-Emilia approach, Science Specialist in elementary school, Art Specialist with differently abled children in a therapeutic setting, Art Instructor at Wilson Elementary school, behavior technician working with 4 yr olds with Autism, and teaching K-3rd grade online during the pandemic.
In her free time Kathryn enjoys creative projects like painting, printmaking, and assemblage. You can often find her exploring natural settings like the beach, gardens or the desert. She is a great cook, loves to thrift and play ukulele.
Ayva Pettit Guest Nature Teacher
Ayva holds a B.A. in Child Development and Family Studies from California State University, Long Beach, where she discovered her passion for supporting young learners and their families. Now stepping into her role as a Nature Preschool Teacher, Ayva is excited to spark wonder and curiosity in children through outdoor play and exploration. She believes that mud, sticks, and a little imagination are some of the best teaching tools out there! With a warm, playful approach and a solid foundation in child development, Ayva is committed to helping children grow into confident, creative, and compassionate individuals. When she’s not teaching, you can find her hiking new trails, camping with friends, hitting the road for a weekend adventure, or getting lost in a good book.
Keely Hare Guest Nature Teacher
Keely, a native of Orange, CA is about to finish an Associate Degree at Orange Coast College this Spring. Following this milestone, she plans to pursue further studies at a university. With seven years of experience working with children aged 0-8, she is deeply committed to nurturing the social and emotional growth of young ones. Keely firmly believes that emotions and needs underlie every behavior. In her leisure time, she indulges in activities like collaging, painting, yoga, movie-watching, and having picnics with friends.
Amanda Willson Guest Nature Teacher
Amanda has loved every minute of her 6 years of teaching! She attended Orange Coast College and received an Associates in Science degree in Early Childhood Education. She has a Child Development Teacher Certificate and Permit, and her added experience helps her feel confident in guiding and teaching young children. Amanda is heavily art influenced in multiple medias, specifically in ceramics which she loves bringing into the classroom. She has a love for animals, enjoys being in nature, and is excited to share its beauty and importance with children.
“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” -George Bernard Shaw