Meet Our Staff

Leadership Team

Rayleen Tafoya

Rayleen Tafoya

Chief Executive Officer

Manny Tafoya

Manny Tafoya

Chief People Officer

Alicia Buezis

Alicia Buezis

Head of Schools

East Anaheim

Karlee Curtis

Karlee Curtis
Director

Karlee graduated from San Diego State University in 2021 and completed her Master of Education in 2022. She has been teaching for over 5 years in different classroom environments and is so excited to share her knowledge and experience here at Shine Preschool Center! She has a passion for sharing the love of Jesus and watching children develop through play and love!

Kaitlyn Guzik

Kaitlyn Guzik
Head Teacher

Kaitlyn has been teaching young students for over 6 years now. She is very passionate about teaching and takes pride in contributing to child development. She's excited to be continuing her journey in teaching with Shine Preschool!​

Genesis Barrera

Genesis Barrera
Head Teacher - Early Preschool

With six years of experience in Early Childhood Education, Genesis is passionate about fostering young minds and supporting their growth. She graduated with degrees in Early Childhood Education and Social and Behavioral Science. Outside of the classroom, you can find capturing moments through photography, getting lost in poetry, or reflecting in her journal. 

West Anaheim

Coming Soon...

West Garden Grove

Christal Jimenez

Christal Jimenez
Assistant Director

Hi my name is Christal Jimenez. I graduated from the University of La Verne in 2018 with a Bachelor's Degree in Early Child Development. I’ve been the education field for 9 years and I enjoy building relationships with families and watching the children grow as they learn. I’m excited to be apart of the Shine Family!

Gigi Herrera

Gigi Herrera
Head Teacher

Hello! My name is Gigi Herrera. I graduated from La Verne University in 2018 with a Bachelor's Degree in Child Development. I have been teaching for over 9 years and I enjoy teaching different age groups! Can't wait to see what my journey at Shine Preschool has in store!

Kim Rodarte

Kim Rodarte
Head Teacher

In the process on getting my early childhood education certificate, I've been serving in my local church's kids ministry for 8 years.I have a passion to pour/teach God’s love into the preschool world! And can’t wait to see Shine student’s love grow for Jesus and education. So excited to watch them bloom for their next chapter in life! So blessed to be a part of Shine as my first preschool to work with!

Sarah Cortez

Sarah Cortez
Head Teacher

Sarah Cortez is currently working towards her degree in Child Development. In 2019, She received her AA degree in Biblical studies Ministry and Leadership. She has over 12 years of experience working with children and 4 years of teaching. She loves helping shape young minds and teach them about Jesus. Sarah is excited to be working at Shine Preschool and can’t wait to see what God has planned for at our school. In her free time she loves spending time with her family. She loves baking, cooking and doing crafty things. Ms. Sarah’s favorite things are anchors, anything beach related, drinking coffee, teas, and snacks.

Chino

Kelly Doctor

Kelly Doctor
Assistant Director

My name is Kelly and I've been in the early education industry for over 10 years now. I have a true passion to see children become the best they can be. I love using creative activities and music into my learning spaces. I'm excited to be at Shine Preschool!

Beth Palmer

Beth Palmer
Head Teacher

My name is Mrs. Beth and I got my BA in 2008 from Cal Poly Pomona. I have been working with children since and I am thrilled to be here at Shine Preschool. I have a passion for meeting children where they are developmentally and helping them grow. I love creating fun activities and giving children opportunities for learning and discovery! I am excited for all of the adventures to come here at Shine Preschool!