About Us

Our Mission

At Serrano Heights Academy, we honor uniqueness and diversity of our student body, staff, and community in which we live and serve. Our childcare experience is designed to promote each child’s own individual social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. We strive to foster this development by promoting equity, inclusion and by acknowledging that representation matters. As caregivers and educators, our mission is to provide a safe and developmentally appropriate learning environment, which stimulates a child’s natural desire to explore, discover, create, and become a lifelong learner and global citizen.

Serrano Heights Academy Philosophy

SHA has an eclectic philosophy that includes but not limited to, Montessori influences and creative intentional play. We value our teacher’s autonomy while keeping whole child learning and intentional reflective teaching at the core of SHA. Activities revolve around children’s learning and interests while fostering creativity, imagination, and exploration. We are a play-based preschool and believe most learning objectives can be accomplished through play. We strongly support literacy, music and movement, art, social emotional play and cognitive development.

Our Core Values

We are a loving, fun and supportive family – We respect and care for each other as a supportive, loving and fun family.

We put children first – We place the best interests of children first in everything we do.

We are built on trust – We practice integrity and have a foundation of trust.

We strive for excellence – We hold high standards & strive for excellence in all we do.

Parent Involvement

Parents are encouraged to participate in activities and to volunteer in the classroom whenever possible. SHA’s PTA includes parents, teachers and administration who work together to create opportunities throughout the year to allow you to get involved in your child’s preschool experience. There will be many times and ways you can get involved in your child’s preschool experience. You are welcomed and encouraged to participate in any or all of these. Some examples of ways to be involved include:

Lending objects for units of study

Helping your child at home with the concepts we are studying (see monthly newsletter)

Reading to the children

Volunteering to help with projects or events (Holiday celebrations, graduation, etc.)

Special Talent – if you have a hobby (carpentry, sewing, artist, pottery, cook, music) or career (doctor, nurse, veterinarian, fire fighter, etc…)

Family Traditions, Cultures or Customs – We welcome having parents share family traditions, cultures or customs with classmates. Activities could include (but are not limited to) cooking, storytelling, music, celebrations, etc…

Enroll Today

Meet Our Talented Staff

Ms. Hanna

Director/Program Manager

My name is Hanna and I graduated from the University of California San Diego and continued my studies in Early Childhood Education at El Camino College. I received my Program Director Permit from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. I have been working with children and families for the past 10 years and have continuously participated in various trainings and workshops to enrich my knowledge and skills.

I believe in creating a better world, one child at a time. I am passionate about fostering growth by creating environments in which children discover who they are. The greatest highlight of my career is being able to observe how children share their light with others. I strive to be a positive light myself and am excited to start my new journey at Serrano Heights Academy.

My dream is to travel the world. I enjoy exploring different places and having new experiences. I am a lifelong learner and truly believe that learning empowers us to become more compassionate, wiser, and happier people. I look forward to learning from all of you!

Ms. Alyssa

Assistant Director/Teacher

Hi! My name is Alyssa. I was born and raised in Anaheim, California. I currently live in Fullerton with my fiancé and fur baby, Pepper. I graduated from Cal State Fullerton in 2020 and earned my bachelor’s degree in Child and Adolescent Studies. I am currently studying for my CSETs and plan on obtaining my Teaching Credential to teach Elementary School. I have been with Serrano Heights Academy for about three years now. I love having the privilege of being a teacher and igniting a love of learning in my students.

Ms. Valeria

Teacher

Hello! My name is Valeria. I was born in Mexico and currently live in Riverside, CA. I have hatchling red-foot tortoise named, Sherry. I attended Cal State San Bernardino and received my Bachelor’s in Psychology with a minor in Child Development. I plan to go back to school for my Master’s in School Psychology. I have been at Serrano Heights Academy for the past two years and it has been a pleasure working with staff and seeing the children grow. I am grateful to have the privilege of teaching children the love of learning and creating a safe environment. I look forward to continuing to teach the love of learning to my students.

Ms. Danielle

Teacher

Hi, My name is Danielle. I grew up in Whittier, California and within the past year I moved to Fullerton with my boyfriend of 4 years. I am currently attending CSU Los Angeles and in the process of achieving a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development. I have a true passion for working with our youngest learners. Helping each child progress in all areas of their development is a challenge that I am honored to accept. I strive to create a community of learners that nurture this growth in a positive and fun environment.

Ms. Destany

Teacher

Hello my name is Destany! A little background about me, I’m 23 years young and I have a 3 year old daughter named Leilani. I’ve lived in Orange County my whole life and don’t plan on leaving anytime soon. I plan on going back to college and I am inspired to be a school guidance counselor. Teaching has always been my passion though, so I just take things one day at a time and see where life takes me. Some of my favorite things to do in my free time are going shopping at Target, buying Starbucks, brunch with my girls, and spending time with family. I’m excited to see the growth, fun, and positivity with this new opportunity here at Serrano Heights Academy.

Ms. Yadira

Teacher

Hi! My name is Yadira and I am born and raised in Anaheim Hills, California. I am attending Cal State Fullerton pursuing my Bachelors degree in Psychology with a focus in Child Psychology. I am very passionate about about animals and kids. I have 3 pitbull huskies mixed named Zoey, Kylo, and Astro . I am so grateful to have the opportunity to work with children and I love every minute of it!

Ms. Maritza

Teacher

Hi! My name is Maritza. I am from Palm Springs and attend San Francisco State University with a major in Childhood Adolescent Development. I love working with children and plan to get my teaching credentials to teach in the elementary school setting. I love to travel, snowboard, hike, and sew. I love to be creative and implement my creativity to make fun activities for the children. It has been so rewarding to be a Serrano Heights Academy teacher!

Ms. Karla

Teacher-in-Training

Hi, My name is Karla. I was born and raised in Anaheim CA. I have two huskies named, Zeus and Rover who drive me crazy but I adore them so much! I currently attend Fullerton Community College and want to major in Early Childhood Education.