Kelsey Smith
Kinder Ready Teacher - Lullwood Campus
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Kelsey Smith
Kinder Ready Teacher - Lullwood Campus
- How long have you been working with preschool aged children?
- Since 2006
- What is the one of the fondest memories you have while working with preschool aged children?
- I am fond of the memories I make each and everyday! I feel so immediately loved when I walk into my classroom. Having the children light up when they see me as they walk in the door is just the best!
- What is the best part of your job?
- Watching children grow. I love seeing how they learn and develop throughout the year!
- What do you love most about teaching and working with young children?
- Every child is so unique and has such a huge personality. I love getting to know all of them and figuring out their strengths and then helping them to build upon those strengths.
- What inspires you?
- My son.
- What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
- I enjoy scary movies and I don't care for sweets.
- If you had to create a hashtag to describe Brighton, what would it be?
- #TogetherWeCan
JoJo Perez
Pre-K 1 Teacher - Higgins Campus
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JoJo Perez
Pre-K 1 Teacher - Higgins Campus
- About Me
- I started working for Brighton in 2017 and started working with young children in 2015. My favorite thing about working for Brighton is helping children grow and smile I love seeing them smile and they make me smile. It is so rewarding being able to join in on the learning experiences with them because we get to have these genuine, meaningful connections. My brother, Joshua inspired me to work for Brighton. He has autism and hasn’t always had teachers who understood him. I want to be able to use my understanding and experiences with my brother to help children of all abilities to be heard and to reach their highest potential. I also want all of my students to love and respect each other and all people and for them to have every opportunity to grow into their best selves. Each child is beautiful and valuable and I feel lucky to be able to partner with parents who really appreciate it and value our role in their child’s development.
Mikayla Garza
Transition Teacher - Higgins Campus
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Mikayla Garza
Transition Teacher - Higgins Campus
- About Me
- I’m Ms. Mikayla. I have 5 years of experience working with children. I graduated high school SA Leadership Academy and have completed a 40 hour behavioral technician course. I believe children are like sponges, they love soaking up all the things we teach inside the classroom. There is such an abundance of joy seeing a child reach a new milestone. That is why I love teaching! I love working for Brighton because there really is no such thing as disabilities! It’s amazing to work with a company that sees no limits, every child can be successful in the hands of Brighton!
Jena Soto
Toddlers Teacher - Higgins Campus
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Jena Soto
Toddlers Teacher - Higgins Campus
- About Me
- I started at Brighton in 2012 and has worked with young children since 2005. My favorite things about working for Brighton is being able to watch the children grow, hit their milestones and learn or experience something for the first time. My babies are just naturally sweet and loving and I love being able comfort them when they need it and having the opportunity to partner with parents in playing a large role in their development. I love the team here because we are like a family and we are always here for one another no matter what. When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family and my son, Remy. He is the reason that I came to teach at Brighton because when he was little he received ECI services, as well as Preschool services through Brighton. Seeing the amazing impact that Brighton had for Remy... He has grown into such a strong, capable, and brilliant young man. I just had to be a part of it because I want to be that impact for other families.
Shauna Rogers
Pre-K 2 Teacher - Higgins Campus
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Shauna Rogers
Pre-K 2 Teacher - Higgins Campus
- About Me
- My name is Shauna Rogers. I have over 20 years of experience working with children. I have worked with children from birth to high-school. I attended St. Philip's College where I have almost completed my associates degree in education. I am also certified through region 20 to be an assistant teacher through the No Child Left Behind Act. I absolutely love working with children because I love teaching. I love seeing the spark in their eyes and the excitement when they discover something new. I also believe that by working with children and showing them love and acceptance I can slowly change the world for a better, more loving future. I love working at Brighton Center because I have learned so much from the children I have had in my classrooms. Each child I have had the opportunity to watch grow and learn has left an impression on my heart and taught me things about myself and the world I hadn't known before. The compassion and care at Brighton center is such an amazing and beautiful thing and I'm fortunate to be a part of this community.
Sarah Pollock
Kinder Ready Teacher - Higgins Campus
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Sarah Pollock
Kinder Ready Teacher - Higgins Campus
- About Me
- Hi I’m Sarah and I have been at Brighton for four years. I have a degree in Family and Child Development from Texas State University. I have experience in both early childhood intervention and preschool education, and absolutely love what I do. I love teaching because I believe that education is empowering, and helping children learn to love learning is the best job in the world.
Valerie Briseno
Pre-K 1 Teacher - Lullwood Campus
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Valerie Briseno
Pre-K 1 Teacher - Lullwood Campus
- How long have you been at Brighton?
- I have been working as a Lead Teacher at Brighton's Preschool since 2015.
- How long have you been working with preschool aged children?
- I have been working with preschoolers since 2006.
- What is one of your fondest memories you have while working with children in the classroom at Brighton?
- I have several fond memories so it is hard to pick just one, but I do feel that the best memories are when you see children really grasp what they are learning in class like their numbers, colors, etc.
- What is the best part of your job?
- Watching each child learn and grow throughout the year.
- What inspires you?
- My daughter.
- What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
- That I can run up to 7 miles!
- If you had to describe Brighton with a hashtag, what would it be?
- #BestCenterEver
Rachel Perez
Pre-K 2 Teacher - Lullwood Campus
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Rachel Perez
Pre-K 2 Teacher - Lullwood Campus
- About Me
- Hi! My name is Ms. Rachel and I've been a part of the Brighton family for 8 years. I graduated from UIW with a BA in Interdisciplinary studies. During my spare time I enjoy outdoor activities and spending time with family. I have always had a passion for working with children. Nothing brings me greater joy than to be a part of their education. It is a honor to know that I will be making a difference in their lives. Every year brings new adventures, with new challenges and successes. So, let's start setting the foundation of learning for the "little ones!"