Sally Miller, Program Director
I come to ASCDL most recently from the Glenn County Office of Education, Child and Family Services where I served as their Head Start/Early Head Start Programs Supervisor since 2004. Additionally, I continue to work as a certified trainer and Infant/Toddler Specialist with West Ed/PITC (Program for Infant Toddler Care) since 2002. I bring with me a strong advocacy for children & families. I am deeply rooted in the importance of relationships as the basis for quality education of young children. I look forward to bringing my experience, commitment and knowledge to the AS Lab School setting and sustaining its reputation of quality.
Jackie Hansen, Site Supervisor
I come to the ASCDL most recently from Live Oak Child Development Center where I served as the Director for a short time. A large portion of my career thus far, in the field of early education and care, has been spent as a Center Director supporting Head Start/Early Head Start sites located in Chico. Additionally, I graduated in 2004 with my BA in Child Development, and again in 2013 with my Masters in Education. I am truly honored to have this opportunity to contribute and grow my knowledge as an early childhood educator at the AS Child Development Lab.
Ember Funk, Head Teacher
I come to the ASCDL most recently from Live Oak Child Development Center where I served as the Director for a short time. A large portion of my career thus far, in the field of early education and care, has been spent as a Center Director supporting Head Start/Early Head Start sites located in Chico. Additionally, I graduated in 2004 with my BA in Child Development, and again in 2013 with my Masters in Education. I am truly honored to have this opportunity to contribute and grow my knowledge as an early childhood educator at the AS Child Development Lab.
Kayla Rumiano, Teacher (Willow Infant Room)
For the past 10 years, I have had the joy of working with young children in various capacities. After graduating from CSUC with my B.A. in Child Development, I found the perfect place to continue my teaching journey: in the Infant Room at our campus Child Development Lab. Not only do I get to work with families and their children, but also get to mentor students in the field while working alongside some truly talented and inspirational teachers. I am excited to go to work each day knowing that I will be greeted with smiles from my students. I am able to continually learn about infant development while supporting their growth through relationships and responsive caregiving. Our philosophy of learning through play is strongly supported throughout the center. I truly love working at the ASCDL. When I’m not in the Willow Room, you can find me at Upper Park with my husband and three dogs.
Kelley McConahey, Casual Teacher (Willow Infant Room)
I am the Casual Teacher in the Willow Room. I am a recent graduate from Chico State with a B.A. in Child Development and a minor in Psychology. This is my second year in the Willow Room, where I began as an intern, moved to student staff, and was fortunate enough to receive the job of Casual Teacher in the classroom. I have been working with children for seven years, but I had no experience working with infants until recently. In the Willow Room I fell in love with the age group, the program, and most of all the passion that my fellow staff and teachers had in the classroom and in what they were doing. Every day is a new adventure, and every day presents a new learning opportunity to grow and thrive, which is what makes the ASCDL so amazing.
Kristin Whitmore, Head Teacher (Lilac Preschool Room)
I am excited to join the ASCDL family, bringing 25 years of experience teaching young children in a variety of settings. Most recently, I worked in Chico as a Head Teacher for a Head Start full day program. I have also worked in the public school system, in the university environment, and for private preschools all over California. I am especially excited to share my knowledge and experience with our lab students and staff as they gain experience with young children. I love helping children to explore and learn about the natural world around them. When I am not at school, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family and dogs.
Jill Golsh, Head Teacher (Magnolia Preschool Room)
I am the teacher in the Magnolia room. I have been working with young children for over 16 years. I moved here from Santa Cruz, where I worked at Cabrillo College in their lab preschool for ten years. I truly enjoy working with young children as well as students and families. I am happy to say that I am part of the wonderful team of teachers here at ASCDL who care a great deal about children and their families. I have a passion for working with children and I love my job. I am excited to be working here and look forward to each and every day.
Kori Gantt, Header Teacher (Maple Toddler Room)
I have been working in the early childhood education field for 9 years. During my studies I had an internship in the Lilac (Preschool) Room and worked in there as a student staff the following semester. After graduating from Chico State in 2010 with a B.A. in Child Development, I had the opportunity to work with children on a military base in Germany for a few months. It was then I found a passion for working with infants and toddlers as well as a love for traveling! My travels eventually led me back to Chico and the ASCDL in 2014 where I continue my learning and growth in the field alongside educated teachers who strive to uphold the goals and vision for the CDL. I enjoy working at a lab school where I have the opportunity to form relationships with the children, families and students who work in our classroom. Outside the classroom I enjoy spending time with my husband and our two dogs.
Leah Moscoso, Teacher (Maple Toddler Room)
I am the teacher in the Maple Room. I began as an intern in the Maple Room in 2014 then became student staff for a year. The year after I was the Casual Teacher in the Maple Room and now I am the Teacher. I have loved working in the ASCDL and have appreciated the opportunity to continue after graduation. I am excited to work in a program that encourages learning in both the children and teachers, and to be able to continue my time in the Maple Room.
Veronica Galarneau, Casual Teacher (Maple Toddler Room)
My name is Veronica, and I just moved to Chico this May from Southern California. My husband and I relocated here because we wanted to be close to our daughter and her family. Here is a little about my background in early childhood development. I have a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Development from the University of La Verne. I have always enjoyed working with infants, children and young adults. In my career as an early childhood specialist I have worked in both for-profit and non-profit children centers, as a teacher, director and an education coordinator. In my many years working in this field I have found working in a classroom to be rewarding and fulfilling. I am looking forward to getting to know the children and the parents in the Maple Classroom. The time between 2 and 3 years of age is the most magical, and I am sure it will be a great year for you and your child.
Catherine Gallione, Chef
Catherine Gallione was born in San Francisco and lived most of her life in Santa Cruz. Catherine attended Cabrillo College for two years during which she focused on English, history and nutrition. She is certified in safe food handling and she has worked with food for over 30 years, extensively serving the nutritional needs of children and seniors. Catherine lives in Paradise with her husband and their orange cat. Catherine loves to read, hike, camp, swim, travel and spend time with her nieces and nephews.