Meet Our Staff

My name is Tressa Mendoza and I am so excited to introduce my family business to the community. We are a licensed preschool and infant center serving families with children aged 6 months up to 5 years old. Our mission is to enhance families’ work-life balance and promote high-quality education for our young learners. Creating a community where families have a place to call their second home is a vision that I have always had. As a preschool teacher for over 15 years and a mother of two, I wanted to continue my passion for teaching while keeping my kids close to ensure their happiness and development which led me to creating The Knolls Learning Studio. Their exposure to the outdoors, art, and the connections they make with friends and teachers are so incredibly important. I am determined that all Knolls students receive this same enrichment and give parents a feeling of relief and content knowing their child is safe and living their best life at The Knolls. 

Our school is a place where community is valued, and collaboration between parents and educators is integrated into these amazing programs that promote child-driven learning and outdoor education. Parent involvement is essential to every child’s success, and we want parents to be a part of their child’s learning experience, as a Reggio-inspired practice, relationships are at the very core of this school. We believe that every child is capable, competent, and creative and we strive to nurture children’s natural curiosities of the world and love for learning.

We welcome families to come and experience with their children and connect with other Knolls families, building a special community that we can all call our second home. From my family to yours, we welcome you to take your tour and get inspired!

Hello Families,

My name is Ms Debbie, and I am the lead infant/toddler teacher at the Knolls. My passion for working with children began when I was a teen when I started my own neighborhood babysitting job. I remember my dad saying I looked like the Pied Piper because children loved following me. During these years, I worked in my high school preschool center which furthered my love for teaching. My life goal has always been to be a mom and a teacher. After graduating high school, I started nannying while attending junior college and taking child development classes. After becoming a mother, I continued my education while balancing being a single parent and obtaining my Master’s Degree in Human Development. Caring and teaching alongside children has always come naturally to me and has brought me so much joy. Most days, if you don’t find me with a child in my arms, I may be hosting a game night, lounging by the pool, and reading a good mystery book while cuddling my fur children. I am looking forward to meeting you and your little one and encouraging their learning and growth in The Daisy room.

Hello everyone, my name is Ms. Jen, and I am the lead Teacher in the Toddler room. My passion for child development started in high school where I took my first class my senior year. I went onto working at the YMCA as a camp counselor and eventually started running the after school program and camps. I went back to school and studied child development, with my emphasis on infants and toddlers. I find it amazing, every day, to watch the world through their eyes. I have been educating infants and toddlers over the past 25 years with the exception of the time I took off to start my own family.

My husband is a chef, and we have 2 beautiful boys, Griffin and Ian. We have a crazy little poodle named Gary and most weekends you’ll find us at the baseball field! I love the color yellow, live music, sound baths, good food, flowers, plants and flowers catching court tv. The Knolls feels like my second home and I am so excited to meet you all and give you that same sense of comfort and balance for your family.

Hello families, I am MiReina Nunez, a passionate childhood education professional and teacher in the Dandelion classroom! At my core, I am a natural caregiver with a curious spirit. I have always served as the designated family babysitter and loved my role as an older sister to four younger siblings. I see myself as a piece of a larger community, working together to nurture and support each child’s growth and development. As an experienced and compassionate educator with seven years of experience providing care for children ages 0 to 12 years, I am highly skilled in planning engaging and educational activities and ensuring a safe and stimulating environment.

I first embarked on my journey in the education field by beginning classes in 2017 through Maricopa College’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses. There I was able to build my knowledge of child development, teaching styles, and gain field experience by working in the on-campus public preschool. I have served as the Early Childhood Education (ECE) club treasurer and club president of my school’s Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Chapter. In addition to my time in ECE, FCCLA, and Career and Technical Education courses in 2017 – 2021, I was also a member of Teacher Academy and Education Practicum in 2019 – 2021. I continue to develop professionally and keep my practices current by attending childhood development conferences and taking courses through the Childcare Education Institute.

I have enjoyed my previous roles as an infant, toddler, and preschool teacher in a private school, a nanny and house manager to a family of four, and an assistant director at a private preschool. Outside of the classroom, I love to indulge in hobbies that pertain to the development of a happy and healthy mind, body, and spirit. I love to go on a hike and see the sunrise, read a book in the park, or journal on the beach. I like to use my free time to replenish myself, that way I can continue to show up productively and proactively in all the other areas of my life.

Thank you,
Ms. MiReina

Hello, my name is Ms. Lisa! I am the Knolls Art Teacher and am a passionate advocate for creativity, self-expression, and the magic of making art—especially with kids. Art is more than just colors on a page; it’s a place where rules disappear, imagination takes over, and individuality shines.

Driven by the joy of watching children discover their own creative voices, I strive to create spaces where young artists can freely explore, make messes, express themselves, and fully enter their “zone.” I believe that in art, there are no mistakes—only discoveries—and that every child deserves the chance to feel confident, free, and inspired.

My goal is to bring fun and excitement to each child’s unique, artistic journey here at The Knolls Learning Studio. Most days when I’m not here you may find me thrifting, painting or spending my time with my amazing daughter.

I look forward to sharing my passion with these wonderful children and watching their masterpieces unfold.

Love,
Ms.Lisa

Hello! My name is Jonnay, I am the lead teacher in the Tulip class and I’m so grateful to be part of the wonderful team here at The Knolls Learning Studio. Over the past few years working in early childhood education, I’ve discovered a deep passion for supporting children’s growth and I’m especially proud to be doing that here, in a space that truly values curiosity, individuality, and connection.

Since joining The Knolls, I’ve felt completely at home. I love being part of a community that embraces the Reggio Emilia approach, where children are seen as capable, creative, and full of potential. Our work is grounded in meaningful relationships, exploration, and the joy of learning together and that’s exactly what inspires me every day.

My journey began over three years ago when I started working with young children, and it completely changed the direction of my life. I studied early childhood education at Moorpark College, where I became a certified educator, and I’m currently continuing my degree in the field. I’m passionate about creating a space where children feel safe, loved, and excited to discover the world around them.

I have a daughter named Echo and she is apart of the Knolls family. I couldn’t be more thrilled that we get to share this journey together.

Outside of the classroom, you’ll usually find us outdoors like swimming, hiking, or just soaking up the sunshine. 

From the moment we visited The Knolls, I knew it was a perfect fit for both my family and my teaching heart.

Ms. Jonnay

Hello everyone! My name is Ms. Chandlar, and I’m the Buttercup teacher. I’ve spent the last 15 years working with children in many roles ~ babysitter, after school caregiver, Little Gym instructor, nanny, and now a preschool teacher as well as a proud mother of two! I knew my role was always amongst children so I began my studies in early childhood education and from there my passion for teaching young children grew. I’ve loved every stage, but my heart truly belongs to the  PreK, TK years. I believe in speaking to children with warmth, honesty, and rich vocabulary, because they’re capable of understanding so much more than we often give them credit for. Every moment is an opportunity to learn! My goal is to create a classroom that feels like a second home. A safe, loving space where children feel seen, heard, and empowered to express themselves. I feel so lucky to spend my days growing, learning, and laughing alongside such incredible little humans at the Knolls Learning Studio!