ADMINISTRATION | CIRCLE | TRIANGLE | STAR | DIAMOND | SQUARE | SUPPORT STAFF
Administration
Pam Tuszynski (Director) – I have worked in the field of Early Childhood since1980. I ran a home daycare when my children were little. I went back to school when my youngest started 2nd grade. I started back to work at the same time. I was working during the day and going to school at night. I started as an assistant teacher at St. Mark’s Day School and 1 year later had my own classroom of 4 year olds. I have my AA from LAVC and BA in Early Childhood Education from CSUN. I have been the Director at HPCC since June1999. I feel that I am here for the children and the staff but for the parents and families too. We are here to support you and help.
I have been married to a wonderful man, Richard, for almost 30 years. We have 5 fabulous children; Richard, David, Heidi, Joshua and Adam, and 5 fantastic grandchildren; Emily, Jack, Parker, Nicolas and Alexander. Two of the grandchildren have attended HPCC. I come from a big family - 4 siblings - and love the big family feeling. Here at HPCC, we are a family too.
Lorrie Work (Office Manager) - I was born, grew up & attended Del Mar College in Corpus Christi Texas. I moved to LA in 1976 to pursue a dancing career and worked as a cosmetologist for 20 years. I have 2 children - Whitney 12 and Hunter 9. My husband Harold is head of the PE Department at Oakwood School K-6. I have attended Hollywood Presbyterian Church where I am a member for 9 years. Both of my children have attended HPCC. I have had the pleasure of working here for 4 ½ years.
Circle Room
Sandra Larios (Lead Teacher) since 1999 - This is my 8th year at HPCC. I began as an assistant teacher in the 3 year old room. I then became a Lead Teacher in the 2 year old room. I am continuing my education at East LA City College. I was a Sunday school teacher for 2 years before coming to HPCC. I am married and have 3 wonderful children. Working at HPCC has been a blessing for me and my family.
Maria Lomeli Renterria (since 2001)- I’ve worked at HPCC for 4 years. I started in the Triangle Room and was there for 2 years. I have been in the Circle Room since. This will be my 3rd year with the 2 year olds. I am in the process of completing my AA degree as a preschool teacher. I have 3 teenagers and I am a single mom. I really enjoy all the children.
Guadalupe "Lupe" Montero (since 2001, with short break)- I have worked at HPCC for almost 4 years. I am a Child Development major with my AA Degree. I am married and have 1 child. Stephanie is 5 ½ years old. My child went to HPCC from 2 - 5 years old. I have worked with the 3 and 4 year old children.
Marina Ponce (since Aug. 2007)
Patty Gutierrez (since Sept. 2007)
Triangle Room
Anita Hakoupians - Lead Teacher (since 2006) – I have been working with young children since 1997. I began working at St. Mark’s Day School in Glendale as an assistant. I became a Lead Teacher after a year. I came to HPCC in July 2000 and here I am. I have always worked with 3 year olds and I love it. I am 3 classes away from graduating with my AA in Child Development.
Kimberly Moore (since 2006)
Cindy Martinez (since Sept. 2007)
Cintia Sanchez Andreozzi (since 2005) –I have been blessed with working with children as a pre-school teacher for ten years. I have also worked with children needing special education. I am currently obtaining a bachelors degree in education. My experience includes Montessori and High-Scope learning. I worked at Santa Susana Academy for two and a half years, and Bright Horizons for four years, as well as for the City of Los Angeles. My desire is to work with, and be involved with all stages of child development. Learning experiences are universal – and I love being engaged with the children involved.
My areas of interest include teaching: Spanish, and Spanish folk songs. I also enjoy learning about other cultures, and customs. I enjoy circle-time where language skills take place, such as nursery rhymes, and stories. Recording children’s ideas are very interesting. I perceive that observing children in their natural environment is a great way to become familiar with them.I look forward to a wonderful teaching and learning experience with the children. We will have much memorable moments together.
Lizbeth Delgado (since Sept. 2007)
Star Room
Raquel Carranco - Lead Teacher (since 2000) – I am from Mexico City and grew up in a Convent. I became a Teacher’s Assistant at 11 years old. That is when I knew I wanted to be a preschool teacher. I have been a teacher here at HPCC for 5 years. Altogether, I have 25 years experience as a preschool teacher. I studied Child Development at UCLA and I am currently taking classes there and at LACC. Previously, I worked at Neighborhood Nursery for 14 years. I have 7 children and 8 grandchildren. Having such a large family, I learned the importance of having a nurturing, and fun loving program in my classroom. I look forward to bonding and getting to know each other. This year I am co-teaching with Cinthia.
Evet Hovespians (since 2004) - I have been working at HPCC for 10 months now. I started working with the 4 & 5 year olds when a teacher was on maternity leave. This year I am a floater. I achieved my AA degree from LAVC. I also have my BA in Child Development. I have been in the field since 1998. I have experience with all age groups. I am married and have 2 children.
Cintia Sanchez Andreozzi – see Triangle Room
Esther Villegas (since Jan. 2006)
Diamond Room
Sara Hinojosa - Lead Teacher (since 1999) - I have been in early childhood education since 1989. My first teaching experiences were with 2 and 3 year olds and some time later, I began working with pre-k children, so I’ve been lucky enough to observe children from a wide range of developmental growth. I began working at St. Mark’s Day School, as an assistant teacher, with 12 units in early childhood education. My interest in children and how they learn motivated me to take classes at night and slowly I acquired enough units to transfer to CSUN where I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. Presently, I am the Assistant Director and Lead Teacher of the Diamond and Square room.
Lorina Oganova (since 2004) – I came from Russia 11 years ago. I am married and I have a 10 year old daughter, Christine. I have an AA degree in Child Development. I have been working with children at HPCC for 2 years. I also had experience working with children at a Children’s library in Russia. I am currently working in the Diamond Room and I enjoy it.
Shirley Thomas (since 2003) – My life and interests are similar to my childhood in Mobile AL. Outdoor exploration, trips to the library and beach were my favorite activities. I attended the Most Pure of Heart of Mary Parish School from kindergarten through high school. I continued to pursue my love of reading and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English form the University of Alabama, then later attended Law School for 2 years at Florida State University before relocating to Los Angeles. My most recent education has been in Child Development at Los Angeles City College.
Hollywood Presbyterian Church has been my church home for over 23 years and the place where I developed an interest in working with young children after teaching in the Preschool Sunday School and the Lord’s Lighthouse Ministry Evangelism Program. In the past I have worked with middle school, junior high, high school and college age youth. My husband Woogie and I live in Hollywood and my favorite activities are still outdoor exploration, trips to the library, bookstores and beaches. This is my fourth year as an assistant teacher at HPCC.
Esther Villegas (since Jan. 2006)
Square Room
Anita Hakoiupian - see Triangle Room
Lidia Munoz (since Sept. 2007)
Support Staff
Lori Berg - Dance/Movement
Parker Bent - Music
Kristy Beauvais - Afternoon Movement/Yoga