PKC Teachers
Kayla Lee, Co-Founder & Director of Programs
As the Director of Programs, Kayla oversees Peekadoodle Prep and all educational programs for students at Peekadoodle Kidsclub. Kayla received her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from Andrews University before becoming a preschool lead teacher. For the next nine years, Kayla worked as a primary school teacher in the City of Chicago. She also served as a Curriculum Design Director for her school district and organized and facilitated workshops for primary education teachers in areas of literacy and math. Kayla is respected for her effective, constructive approach to teaching. It is clear she has a natural ability to gain trust and focus from her students, and that children are comforted by her presence and at ease in her classroom. She now imparts her wisdom and knowledge to Peekadoodle's team of teachers!
Lauren Zuorski, Lead Teacher & Event Coordinator
Lauren decided early on that she had a passion for teaching! A Bay Area Native, Lauren attended UC San Diego where she obtained a BA in Human Development. Prior to joining the Peekadoodle team, she worked as an instructor and camp counselor at a variety of Bay Area day camps, and also managed a JW Tumbles in San Diego. As our very first employee at Peekadoodle, Lauren has taught almost every class we offer, though cooking has proven to be her favorite! If you smell something amazing cooking in the Club, you know Lauren has her little chefs whipping up yet another tasty treat!
Courtney McConnell, Class Curriculum Coordinator
Courtney earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Indiana University in Elementary Education. After about a year, she changed gears to focus on the younger set and worked in various preschools in Indiana and NYC. She recently moved to San Francisco and has become a valuable addition to our team. She looks forward to not only working with some of our youngest artists, but also sharing her passion of fitness and health with some of our older kids through movement and fitness classes. Catch her if you can - on your mark, get set, go!
Alina Lodahl, Class Teacher
Alina has a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts, and spent a semester in Europe studying Art History. Her 3 years of experience creating original art projects for the San Diego Children's Museum has inspired her to bring enriching, confidence-building experiences to Peekadoodle classes. Alina's calm demeanor, coupled with her creativity in the classroom make her a versatile teacher and help to bring out the best in her students!
Amy Buta, Prep Teacher
Born in Lodi and raised in Stockton, Amy attended Chico State University and graduated with a BA in Liberal Studies and a Minor in Special Education. After college, she spent 6 years living in downtown Sacramento while working at EMC Corporation - a Hardware/Software Data Storage company. Finally, Amy decided to pursue her passion for teaching and enrolled in Graduate School at National University. She is finishing her K-12 teaching credential and obtaining her Masters of Science in Special Education, while living in Cow Hollow & working in Peekadoodle Prep.
Andrea Moore, Prep Teacher
Andrea has been in preschool classrooms ever since she can remember. Both her mother & grandmother were preschool teachers, and Andrea found her passion by volunteering in the classroom. After obtaining a degree in child development & communications, she worked in a large school district for several years. She holds a teachers permit from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and is continuing her education with the goal of obtaining her Master Teacher Permit.
Autumn Baethke, Prep Teacher
Originally from the mid-west, Autumn has been in San Francisco for over 5 years. Throughout her career, Autumn has enjoyed the opportunity to build her teaching skills by working with children of all ages in several capacities. Her most recent experience has been as a Lead Teacher in a Florida preschool, however she has also worked was a nanny. In addition to teaching, Autumn is active in the community and volunteers with Girls on the Run and KEEN.
Cherisse Ceralde, Prep Teacher
Born and raised in San Francisco, Cherisse originally graduated from School of the Arts' Dance Department. Although she planned to dance in Southern California's CalArts, she made a last minute decision to pursue her dream of working with children. Cherisse comes to us with several years experience as a camp counselor and has also worked as an after-school program teacher. With an Associate's Degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences along with a Humanities Degree, she is continuing her education by double majoring in English/Literature and Liberal Arts. Cherisse still attends dance classes and loves to share her passion in the classroom!
Maggie Carroll, Prep Teacher
Maggie graduated with her Masters Degree in Education from James Madison University. After graduation, she taught both 1st and 2nd grade in Virginia before relocating to San Francisco - she flew here on New Year's Eve! Moving to the Bay Area has given Maggie the unique opportunity to expand her teaching experience to the preschool level, an age group she was introduced to and fell in love with during student teaching. Since her cross country move, Maggie has really enjoyed exploring the city and becoming part of the Peekadoodle community. She loves seeing her students thrive, and looks forward to watching them grow!
Stefanie Badwey, Class Teacher
Stefanie first found a love for teaching as a sailing instructor in Massachusetts while she was in high school and college. As a student, she pursued her true passion, fine arts. She earned a B.F.A. from Cornell University and then an M.F.A. from Pratt Institute. Since graduating, Stefanie has taught art at the 92nd St. Y in New York and at many other institutions, including the Caedmon School, a Montessori School. Throughout the years she has continued her own art practice and is constantly inspired by the youngest artists she teaches. In fact, the children directly inspire her Custom Fleece Creature business: http://www.customfleececreatures.blogspot.com/ . Stefanie recently moved from New York to San Francisco and is a welcome addition to the Peekadoodle team!
Stephanie Salumbides, Prep Teacher
Stephanie earned her Bachelors degree in Liberal Studies and History from Dominican University in San Rafael, California. After exploring several careers options, Stephanie discovered her passion for teaching during a student-teaching opportunity in a preschool classroom. Since then, she has been fortunate enough to travel and teach in different places including Canada, the Philippines, and Oahu. She is excited to be back in the Bay Area and to put her experiences to use in the classroom!
All personnel can be reached by phone on Peekadoodle’s main line, 415.440.7335 (PEEK)
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