Kristin Thomas is looking forward to a wonderful year at Saddleback Children's Center. She has always enjoyed young children, spending time in preschools during college. She received her bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Arizona State University. Kristin also earned her Master's degree from Northern Arizona University in Bilingual & Multicultural Education. She taught in an elementary school setting for over ten years in both first and third grade. 

Kristin is a native Arizonian who relocated to California five years ago. She is a mom to a wonderful 7- year-old son who is in second grade this year. Their extremely affectionate puggle also came along for the ride. Together they enjoy hiking and spending time at the beach. 

This is Ms. Melissa’s second year working at Saddleback Children’s Center and she is thrilled to be working with the Jumpstart Program.  She received her Bachelor of Arts in Human Development at the University of California San Diego.  She has dedicated her life to working with children and families in a variety of settings.  She worked for the AmeriCorps, the Regional Center of Orange County and a several non-profits working with disabled children and their families.  She was also a swim coach and taught swimming lessons and truly loves being on, near and around the water.  She and her husband met in college, and have three kind, funny daughters who keep them busy.  When her oldest began preschool, she began volunteering in the classroom and found a passion for teaching young children.  Ms. Melissa feels that teaching young children is a gift and a blessing.  She is honored to be your children’s first teacher and so thankful that she was called to SCC!  She has worked as an Outdoor Teacher, a 3 and 4 year program teacher.  Ms. Melissa is currently taking Early Childhood Education classes to receive her AA in Child Development.

Ms. Melissa enjoys reading and children’s literature and attending concerts and music festivals with her husband.  (Pre-covid, we miss live music so much!)  On the weekends you can find her and her family at the beach Kayaking and paddle boarding.  She and her family love camping and spend most summers camping in Mammoth, Lake Tahoe, and Yosemite. 

Miss Rhowena Wardle is excited to be back another year to join SCC staff, she started her journey in early childhood education as a family childcare provider when her youngest daughter started Kindergarten to help serve families. Over the years, she worked with Riverside County of Education as a substitute Instructional assistant in the Head Start and Early Head Start programs and other state preschool sites and a program helping teach teenage parents how to care for children called the Cal-

Safe program. She has a bachelor’s degree in child development and obtained her Child Development teacher’s permit and currently pursuing her Master teacher permit. Miss Rhowena can also go by the name Miss Rho, she is married with three adult daughters and one teenage son. Some years ago, Miss Rhowena moved to Orange County with her family to help support their youngest daughter while she was attending University of California Irvine and loves living here in south Orange County. Outside of SCC, Miss Rhowena enjoys spending time with her family, her dog, and listening to music, dancing, cooking, playing board games and mahjong, would love to see more of the world and enjoys visiting the beach!

Kelsey Gomez received her bachelor’s degree in Theatre Education at the University of Arizona and has completed coursework in Early Childhood Education through Saddleback College. She has instructed students of all ages from preschool-high school as well as medical school. Kelsey is privileged to be working with Saddleback Children’s Center teachers and families to support children during some of the most formative years of their development.

Ms. Kelsey is forever a student of play and is enthusiastic about the importance of nature for human wellness. On the weekends, you may catch her drawing pet portraits, taking too many photos on a hike with my husband, and/or saying hello to dogs.

Coming Soon!

Miss Cami has been teaching Pre-K at Saddleback Children's Center for 4 years. She has 14 years of experience teaching preschool. She taught preschool here at SCC while attending college as well. Miss Cami received her Preschool Teaching Certificate and her AA in Child Development from Saddleback College. She received her Bachelor's Degree from Cal State Fullerton. 

Miss Cami enjoys exploring in nature with her husband and children. She enjoys going to the beach, hiking, and camping.

Miss Stephanie was recently hired as a full-time teacher here at Saddleback Children's Center. She will be in charge of the aftercare program in the Big Room. Before moving to this position, Miss Stephanie had been in the Early Childhood field for 20 years. She currently holds two Bachelor's degrees in Early Childhood Education and Administration. She also obtained a Site Supervisor Permit with Sacramento in 2010. Miss Stephanie enjoys learning about different cultures. She spends time reading about cultures around the world and watching documentaries. She also enjoys hiking, amusement parks, traveling, exercising and road trips. Miss Stephanie likes to create a comfortable environment where children can grow and learn. Her philosophy is "Have fun while learning creatively."