Staff

Thea Tafoya – Director

It is so exciting to be North City Preschool. I have been in Early Childhood Education for over 30 years and have loved every bit of that time. Through the years I have had the privilege of being a Director and a teacher with children ages 2 years old up to first grade. With every experience I learned as much as I taught.

Creating cool spaces, partnering with families, and inspiring teachers to enrich the lives of preschoolers is where I have always wanted to be! My strong faith is God’s plan and purpose for each of us has always led me to believe He created me for this, and I am so grateful. Coming to North City, I fell in love right away! This Preschool has an amazing team of teachers who love what they do, and a beautifully serene campus ready for adventure!

This isn’t a job for me, it is my passion. Much of my time is spent thinking of new activities, games and toys for preschoolers.

My husband of over 25 years, along with our two grown children, have always come along side me to support my dreams of caring for and educating young children. Sometimes, that meant spending the summer painting and decorating a classroom, sometimes building new sensory walls, and sometimes just hiding their embarrassment on Wacky Wednesday because my clothes didn’t match, and my hair had pipe cleaners coming out of it!

When I do step out of that mindset, I love the beach, road trips, playing with my dog, game nights, and hanging out with friends and family, while enjoying my native land, San Diego! Then there is, of course, time with my favorite (and only) grandbaby! Wow, being a grandparent is just about the coolest thing I’ve experienced, and I’m excited for many more year of it!

Jessica Worden – 2/3 year old Creativity Coordinator

Hi, I am Ms. Jessica, and I love teaching at North City Preschool!

I have wanted to be a teacher since I was in preschool, it’s true! For the past eleven years that childhood dream has been a fantastic reality.With my Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and my Masters in Special Education. I am further equipped to fulfill my passion of supporting curious and eager minds through enriching, developmentally appropriate play.

Hands-on is the best way to learn, even for teachers, and I am ready. Ready to make a mess, clean a mess, and make a mess again, always figuring out how to make the activities full of fun.

My classroom is truly a home away from home for me. I feel at ease in the classroom, where God made me to be, and I hope my children feel the same when they step in! Each activity and all the materials are thoughtfully chosen to make connections for and with with my students.

I am looking forward to facilitating a lifelong love of God, learning, and exploration. with your child and family.

Kannon Kemp – Pre-K Enthusiasm Initiator

Hello, my name is Kannon Kemp. I am so happy at North City Preschool. I have been working with children for over 30 years and especially love the preschool years. Which works out well since I have both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education.

Preschool children are just amazing, each so unique. It is a pleasure to be a part of their journey, and partner with families to navigate this special time.

I have two grown daughters, 6 grandchildren and this year became a great grandmother. I enjoy all sports, music, puzzles, reading and enjoy the great outdoors. It is a blessing to be here and share in God’s word with the children, families and our staff.

Emily Love – 3 year old’s Learning Liaison

Hi, My name is Emily Love. I have been married for 26 years and have four children ages 23, 20, 18, and 10. I moved here from Boston, MA 26 years ago after getting married and returning to my husband’s hometown of San Diego.

My husband and kids love playing soccer, so you can often find me on the soccer field cheering them on. I love being a mom as well as a teacher. I have a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and Psychology.

I’ve been working with pre-school children for several years and I enjoy this age so much! They are soaking up the world around them, energetic, and are eager to learn.

In my free time I enjoy cycling, running, cooking, and hanging with my family. My vacations are spent near the beach or mountains where our family can hike and be outdoors together. I am looking forward to many more years of teaching at North City Preschool!

Rebecca Friesen – Outdoor Fun Facilitator for all children

Hi my name is Rebecca Friesen. I have been a teacher at North City Preschool since 1999. I started as an aide in the 3-year-old program and fell in love with teaching. I have also worked with young children at another local preschool, as well as various summer programs in Poway. I’m happy to say that I can still wake up each morning and say, “I love what I do!”

Preschool children inspire me and challenge me. I love being able to teach children lessons and skills that will carry them through life. I was born and raised in San Diego and still live near my parents and older brother.

I have been married for 12 years to my wonderful husband Brian. We live in San Marcos with our dog Cash and our two beautiful children-Stella and Weston. Stella is entering 1st grade and Weston just started Kindergarten. In my free time I enjoy working out, searching Pinterest and cooking for my family and friends.

Leslie Roach – Admin Ninja

Hi, my name is Leslie Roach and I am so excited to be a new teacher here at North City Preschool. I was born and raised in San Diego, CA. My husband, Tyler and I have been married 11 years and together we have three boys; Marshall (8), Reid (5) and Griffin (2). I graduated from the University of California, Davis with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and a double minor in Sociology and History. I have always had a passion for teaching, especially at the preschool level as I grew up around the classroom with my own mother who was a preschool teacher for several years.

Once my first child was born, I knew it was exactly what I wanted to do! In my free time, I enjoy being with my family, spending time outdoors, watching football and baseball on the regular, reading, running, making keychains for my Etsy shop and any DIY project I an get my hands on! I feel so blessed to be a part of the amazing North City Preschool staff who together are committed to the growth and development of your child. I am looking forward to a great year ahead! through the years.

Emily Lindstrom – 2/3 year old Creativity Coordinator

Hi, my name is Emily Linstrom and I am thrilled to be a teacher here at North City Preschool this year! I was born and raised in San Diego and I have been married to my husband Duane for 19 years. We have three sons; Wesley (17), Noah (15), and Daniel (3). I enjoy walking, hiking and off grid backpacking with my family.

Some of my favorite outdoor places to explore include the beach, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and the Redwood Forest. As a family, we have been involved with children’s church as well as local children’s outreaches and missions work in other countries.

I have been a homeschooling mom to both my teen boys since they were in kindergarten and I have enjoyed that very much. I have taught many classes at my sons homeschool co-op through the years, including children’s chorale, kindergarten and preschool. I have a music education background that has allowed me to teach music in numerous school settings as well as private lessons through the years.

I have worked for Palomar College Music’s department for a number of years in addition to owning my own piano teaching business and working for another private piano studio. I have taught hundreds of students through my many years of teaching and it always brings me so much joy! There is something about the early years of a child’s life that is incredibly special and I absolutely love teaching preschool age. I look forward to a wonderful year at North City Preschool discovering and learning with your children!

Miss Wendy – 3/4-year-old’s Champion

My name is Wendy Mena, and I’m originally from Mexico City.
Spanish is my first language, but I have been living in San Diego since 2005 and I love to call this my home.

I have been a preschool teacher for 18 years with experience with infants, toddlers and preschoolers. My educational background includes a Child Development Education degree from Palomar College.

As a mother of two (Enrique, 19, and Faith, 15), I deeply understand the importance of nurturing a child’s growth and development.

My teaching philosophy centers on fostering a love of learning in a vibrant and engaging classroom environment. I strive to create a space where children’s creativity thrives, strong friendships are formed, and foundational skills are developed through playful exploration and discovery. My goal is to empower each child to become a confident, compassionate, and curious learner! Partnering with families of my students, children will have everything they need for now and all future learning!

Miss Katie – 2-year-old Pal

Nice to meet you, I am Miss Katie!

With approximately four years of experience teaching in a preschool classroom, and eight years working with children, every day I love it more!

I completed my degree in Psychology is 2022, and have returned to school to complete my degree in Child Development.

My husband, Tony, and I have recently started our marriage journey. We love being together, and spend our time going to church, reading, exploring outdoors, and going to Disneyland! We have the sweetest little kitty, named Tux.

I am so excited to be at North City Preschool, and can’t wait to get to know you and your children!