ENC Nature Preschool Team

Vanessa Sener 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 for 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 Childhood 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 and Camp Naturalist, and eventually stepping into leadership roles as Lead Nature Teacher, Curriculum Coordinator, and Preschool Director. Before stepping into her role as Preschool Director, Vanessa spent 20 years as a Pre-Kindergarten teacher, where she developed a deep understanding of the unique needs, interests, and capabilities of young children and their families.

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 experience in the classroom continues to inform her leadership, and she is passionate about creating environments where children can develop confidence, independence, curiosity, and a strong sense of connection to the natural world.

Her dedication, leadership, 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 concepts into meaningful early learning experiences.

A passionate mentor and leader, Vanessa is deeply committed to strengthening the early childhood profession and supporting educators beyond her own classroom. She is a longtime member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and an active member of the Orange County Association for the Education of Young Children (OCAEYC). Through OCAEYC, she has previously served as Social Media Chair and continues to support the organization’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee. Her involvement reflects her commitment to professional collaboration, advocacy, and creating a more inclusive and equitable early childhood community.

Whether guiding young learners, mentoring educators, supporting families, or leading the Nature Preschool team, Vanessa brings joy, thoughtfulness, and a deep respect for children and the learning process to everything she does.

Nicolle Callan Assistant Director

email me | 949-629-1043

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 making the exciting move to the United States. With nearly 10 years of experience working with children ages two to five, Devon brings a wealth of knowledge, warmth, and enthusiasm to her work in Early Childhood Education. Her experience has given her a strong understanding of the unique developmental needs of young children and the importance of creating a supportive environment where every child feels valued and capable.

Devon has a particular passion for supporting language development and helping children find their voices. She enjoys creating meaningful opportunities for children to communicate, express their ideas, build vocabulary, and develop confidence in sharing their thoughts with others. She is also passionate about nurturing independence and believes children thrive when they are given the time, encouragement, and appropriate support to try things for themselves. Through everyday routines, play, and exploration, Devon encourages children to develop confidence in their abilities and become increasingly independent learners.

Devon values the importance of building strong relationships with children and creating a classroom environment that is welcoming, engaging, and responsive to their individual interests and needs. She brings a playful and encouraging approach to her teaching and enjoys learning alongside the children as they explore, discover, and make sense of the world around them.

Outside of the classroom, Devon stays active by playing multiple sports  and enjoys the camaraderie and challenge that come with being part of a team. She also loves experimenting with new vegan recipes and is always excited to learn something new. Her curiosity, adventurous spirit, and love of learning naturally carry into her work with children, where she encourages them to approach the world with confidence, wonder, and an eagerness to discover.

Ayva Pettit Nature Teacher, Tortoise Classroom

Ayva holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Child Development and Family Studies from California State University, Long Beach, where she developed a strong passion for supporting young children and their families. Through her education and experiences, Ayva discovered the importance of creating nurturing environments where children feel safe, valued, and encouraged to explore their interests and develop their own unique sense of identity.

As a Nature Preschool Teacher, Ayva brings her enthusiasm for child development and the outdoors together in meaningful ways. She loves creating opportunities for children to learn through hands-on experiences, imaginative play, and exploration of the natural world. She believes that mud, sticks, rocks, and a little imagination can be some of the best teaching tools out there! For Ayva, nature provides an ever-changing classroom where children can ask questions, take appropriate risks, solve problems, and discover the joy of learning at their own pace.

With a warm, playful, and responsive approach, Ayva is committed to building meaningful relationships with children and supporting their social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. She believes children are capable, curious learners and strives to create experiences that help them become confident, creative, compassionate, and connected members of their community. Her dedication to creating joyful, engaging experiences makes her a valued member of the Nature Preschool team.

Outside of the classroom, Ayva loves spending time outdoors and seeking out new adventures. She enjoys hiking new trails, camping with friends, taking weekend road trips, and discovering new places. When she is looking for a quieter adventure, she can often be found curled up with a good book. Her love of exploration, curiosity, and the outdoors naturally carries into her work, where she continues to learn, discover, and grow alongside the children at the Nature Preschool.

Yessica Vargas  Nature Teacher, Tortoise Classroom

Cloey Pierce Nature Teacher, Tortoise Classroom

Cloey is a lifelong Southern California native, shaped by the region’s warmth, energy, and natural beauty. She is currently pursuing an Associate of Arts degree at Fullerton College, balancing her academic goals with a growing passion for early childhood education.

While she stepped into her formal teaching role this year, Cloey brings with her a lifelong foundation of experience working with children. Her background is both personal and practical, shaped through years of hands-on involvement and enriched by her close-knit family life. As an aunt to nine nieces and nephews, she has long been immersed in the rhythms and joys of childhood- experiences that continue to inform her thoughtful, intuitive approach in the classroom.

Cloey believes deeply in the capability of children, viewing them as naturally curious and eager learners. She embraces a play-based philosophy, recognizing that meaningful learning often happens through exploration, creativity, and connection rather than rigid structure.

Outside of her professional life, Cloey finds joy in the natural beauty of her surroundings. She enjoys kayaking along calm waters, hiking scenic trails, and, most of all, spending quality time with her family, the very foundation of her love for working with children.

Emily Pavlik Lead Nature Teacher, Coyote Classroom

Gizelle Ceja Nature Teacher, Coyote Classroom

Gizelle is a dedicated and compassionate Early Childhood Educator with a deep-rooted passion for guiding young children through their earliest years of learning and development. She approaches teaching with patience, warmth, enthusiasm, and a genuine commitment to creating meaningful experiences that help children feel confident, valued, and supported. Her passion for early childhood education stems from a lifelong fascination with how young minds learn, grow, develop relationships, and make sense of the world around them. She believes that every child brings unique strengths, interests, and perspectives to the classroom and strives to create an environment where each child has the opportunity to explore, discover, and thrive.

Gizelle has dedicated herself to furthering her education in Early Childhood Education at Orange Coast College and is currently working toward earning her bachelor’s degree. Her academic journey, combined with her hands-on classroom experience, has strengthened her understanding of child development, developmentally appropriate practices, and the importance of creating engaging, child-centered learning environments.

With four years of experience working with children ages two to five in a play-based preschool setting, Gizelle has developed a strong foundation in supporting young children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. During her time in the classroom, she incorporated principles inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, encouraging children to learn through exploration, creativity, hands-on experiences, and meaningful interactions with their environment. She values the importance of observing children closely, listening to their ideas, and using their natural curiosity and interests to guide learning experiences.

Gizelle is committed to building confidence, nurturing curiosity, and fostering empathy, independence, and a strong sense of community in every child. She strives to create a classroom atmosphere where children feel safe expressing themselves, asking questions, taking risks, and developing a lifelong love of learning. She also recognizes the importance of building positive relationships with families and believes that strong communication and collaboration between educators and families play an essential role in supporting a child’s growth and success.

Outside of the classroom, Gizelle enjoys making the most of her time in Southern California. She loves taking peaceful sunset drives along PCH, appreciating the ocean views and beautiful scenery. She also enjoys spending time at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, where she can often be found park-hopping and enjoying the atmosphere, attractions, and familiar sense of nostalgia from her previous experience working there. These interests reflect her appreciation for creativity, imagination, and the simple joy of creating memorable experiences—qualities she also brings into her work with young children.

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 is a passionate and dedicated Early Childhood Education professional with a strong commitment to supporting the growth, development, and well-being of young children. She brings warmth, enthusiasm, and a genuine appreciation for the unique qualities each child brings to the classroom. Her passion for Early Childhood Education is rooted in her belief that the early years are a foundational period in a child’s life and that meaningful relationships, engaging experiences, and supportive learning environments can have a lasting impact on a child’s development.

Kelsey graduated from California State University, Fullerton, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Child and Adolescent Studies. She furthered her education by earning her Master’s degree in Education with an emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of San Diego. Her dedication to continued learning and professional development reflects her commitment to expanding her knowledge and applying research-informed practices to support children, families, and educators.

As our PTR-YC Liaison, Kelsey supports both children and educators by collaborating with staff, providing guidance and resources, and promoting meaningful, developmentally appropriate learning experiences.

Kelsey also has a deep passion for the outdoors, nature, and all living beings. She enjoys exploring the natural world and believes there is tremendous value in giving children opportunities to observe, wonder, investigate, and connect with their surroundings. Her appreciation for nature and exploration complements her approach to Early Childhood Education, where she encourages curiosity, hands-on discovery, and opportunities for children to learn through meaningful experiences.

Outside of her professional life, Kelsey enjoys spending quality time with her husband and her cats. She loves attending sporting events, exploring new restaurants, hiking, visiting the beach or pool, and finding new outdoor adventures. She also enjoys completing puzzles, embracing the challenge of putting the pieces together while spending time relaxing and being creative. Whether she is supporting educators, exploring the outdoors, spending time with loved ones, or discovering something new, Kelsey brings curiosity, compassion, enthusiasm, and a lifelong love of learning to everything she does.

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.

Kathryn Forest Nature Teacher, Bear Classroom

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.

Laura Madariaga  Guest Nature Teacher

Laura is a passionate and enthusiastic Early Childhood Education professional who recently graduated from California State University, Fullerton with a Bachelor of Science degree in Child and Adolescent Studies. Her experiences in the field have given her a strong foundation in understanding child development and creating meaningful learning experiences for young children.

During her time at Orange Coast College, Laura completed curriculum projects here at the Nature Preschool, providing her with opportunities to work directly with our children and apply her developing knowledge of early childhood education in a hands-on setting. She also completed her Field Study Internship with the Nature Preschool, gaining valuable experience in a nature-based learning environment. These experiences further strengthened her passion for learning through exploration, play, and meaningful connections with the natural world.

Laura is excited to play, learn, and explore alongside our young learners at the ENC. She looks forward to nurturing children’s curiosity, encouraging their love for the world around them, and helping them develop a strong sense of connection to their community and environment. She believes children thrive when they are given opportunities to explore, ask questions, and discover through hands-on experiences.

Outside of work, Laura enjoys expressing her creativity through crafting, practicing yoga, attending concerts, and relaxing with word searches. She brings her creativity, positive energy, and love of learning into her work with children and is excited to continue growing alongside the learners she supports at the ENC.

Maddison Finewood  Guest Nature Teacher

Maddison is originally from the small town of Yucaipa, but moved to Costa Mesa for school and has called the area home for over eight years. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Grand Canyon University and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She has experience working with young children in preschool and private childcare settings, where she has loved supporting children’s confidence, independence, creativity, and social-emotional development while building meaningful relationships with families.

Maddie has always loved exploring new places and believes every environment has something new to teach us. Through traveling and spending time outdoors, she has developed a deep appreciation for the natural world and the curiosity, discovery, and connection it inspires. Her passion for working with children comes from her belief that early childhood is such an important time for growth and building a lifelong love of learning. She believes children learn best through hands-on experiences, play, and opportunities to explore the world around them.

At the Nature Center, Maddie is excited to combine her passion for teaching with her love for the outdoors, animals, and environmental learning. She especially loves the ocean and has a passion for marine life conservation and hopes to inspire children to be curious about and care for the natural world around them.

Outside of teaching, Maddie enjoys surfing, beachcombing, camping, traveling, and cooking. She loves exploring new places, learning about different ecosystems, and spending time outdoors with her rescue dog, Zorro (named after the movie!), who loves joining her on adventures.

Maddie hopes to help children develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the world around them. She believes that when children understand nature, they begin to love it, and when they love it, they grow up wanting to protect and care for it. Through meaningful experiences and outdoor exploration, Maddie hopes to inspire the next generation of curious, compassionate stewards of the Earth.

Kate Toller  Guest Nature Teacher

Kate is a passionate Early Childhood Education professional who is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Child and Adolescent Studies with a concentration in Early Childhood Development and a minor in Geology at California State University, Fullerton. She is deeply committed to creating meaningful learning experiences that encourage children to explore, question, and develop a strong connection to the world around them.

Kate brings two years of experience working at Silverado at a nature preschool located in the canyons of the Santa Ana Mountains. Her experience in a nature-based environment has strengthened her appreciation for learning through exploration, hands-on experiences, and meaningful connections with the natural world. She enjoys creating opportunities for children to investigate their surroundings and develop their own ideas through play and discovery.

Kate has a deep appreciation for the Reggio Emilia-inspired approach to Early Childhood Education. In 2025, she had the unique opportunity to travel to Reggio Emilia, Italy with a study group and visit the town where the educational philosophy originated. This experience further deepened her understanding and appreciation of an approach that views children as capable, competent, and full of potential. Kate believes that each child’s unique ideas, perspectives, and ways of learning should be honored, respected, and celebrated. She strives to create an environment where children feel empowered to express themselves, follow their curiosity, and see themselves as valued members of their learning community.

Outside of her work and studies, Kate enjoys expressing her creativity through photography, exploring local finds while thrifting, and spending time with her dog, Thea. She brings her curiosity, creativity, and love of nature into her work with children and looks forward to continuing to learn and grow alongside the young learners she supports.

Hannah Knott Guest Nature Teacher

Hannah is so excited to continue being part of the ENC Nature Preschool community as a Guest Nature Teacher!

Hannah spent four wonderful years as a Nature Teacher at the ENC before returning to school and transitioning into a guest teaching role. The ENC holds a very special place in her heart, and she truly believes it is one of the most magical environments for children to learn, grow, explore, and discover the world around them.

Hannah has over 10 years of experience working with young children. Her journey began as a volunteer in her church’s preschool Sunday school program, followed by four years working in an after-school care program in Irvine, and eventually led her to the ENC Nature Preschool. She is currently working toward her Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education, with plans to continue on to earn her Bachelor’s degree.

Hannah’s love for nature began long before she became a teacher. Growing up, she spent her time hiking, camping, and backpacking with her family throughout Southern California. Those experiences helped shape her belief that some of the very best learning happens outdoors. She loves giving children opportunities to get their hands dirty, ask big questions, investigate tiny discoveries, and learn through meaningful, hands-on exploration.

Hannah is so grateful to continue sharing her love of children, nature, and learning with the ENC community!

Araceli Martinez Guest Nature Teacher

Araceli is a dedicated and experienced Early Childhood Educator with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Child Development and Family Studies from California State University, Long Beach. With more than 25 years of experience educating and supporting young children, she brings a wealth of knowledge, warmth, and compassion to her work. She especially enjoys being part of children’s growth and development and feels privileged to support them as they learn, explore, and build confidence during their early years.

Araceli joined the Nature Preschool as a full-time Nature Teacher in 2019, bringing her extensive experience and passion for early childhood education to our community. After several years in a full-time role, she transitioned to a part-time position so she could spend more time with her family. We are grateful that she continues to be part of our team and truly enjoy having her with us as much as we can! Her experience, positive energy, and genuine care for children make her a valued member of our Nature Preschool community.

Outside of the classroom, Araceli enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, getting creative with scrapbooking, traveling, and enjoying all things Disney. Her love of exploration, creativity, and adventure adds to the joy and enthusiasm she brings to her work with children and to the Nature Preschool community.

Lacée De Grasse  Guest Nature Teacher

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.

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.

Ashley Clifton  Guest Nature Teacher

Ashley is a lifelong resident of Orange County and is about to earn her Associates Degree at Orange Coast College this fall. She wants to further her studies and complete a BA in Social Work in the future.

It is her goal to encourage children to be the best version of themselves and to show them love, guidance, and curiosity. She enjoys working with children because she believes that it is a route to making the world a better place by nurturing children’s development.

Outside of the classroom, Ashley’s hobbies consist of fish-keeping, nail art, and exploring the outdoors for bugs.