CDL Staff

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.

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.

It has been my pleasure to work with children in an early learning environment for over fifteen years. My first formal experience with young children was at a fully inclusive preschool in Fort Bragg, California, working with typically developing children and children with special needs. Falling in love with the field, I began my education in Child Development. I have since continued to work with children six weeks through five years, working in a lab school setting for the majority of my career. Working for the ASCDL provides the unique opportunity to be at the forefront of early education trends and developments, as well as influence and lead future early childhood educators. As the Head Teacher in the infant classroom, I recognize that early learning is the foundation for language, cognitive, physical, creative and social skills. An intentional home school partnership combined with a supportive and enriching learning environment will have a lasting impact on a child’s success, therefore, I have a passion and commitment for early childhood education and I’m delighted to be a part of the Associated Students Child Development Lab.

I am the teacher in the Willow Room. I recently graduated with my B.A. in Child Development and minor in Psychology from Chico State. I have been a part of the ASCDL family since Spring 2013 where I began as one of the child development interns in the Lilac Room. After my internship, I worked as a student staff member and got the chance to work in all four classrooms. I have a strong passion for early childhood education, and I am so grateful to be working in a lab school that believes in a “learn through play” philosophy. Not only do I get the opportunity to form meaningful relationships with the children, but I also get to bond with college students, staff, and families as well. I am honored to be working alongside professionals that truly strive to be the best they can be and continue to develop in the field. I feel so lucky to be a person that loves coming to work each and everyday! I know every challenge that comes my way only helps me grow as an early childhood educator.

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.

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.

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.

I am the teacher in the Lilac Room. I have been working in the early childhood education field for six years and I graduated with a BA in Child Development from Chico State in 2012. I have been working at the ASCDL since the beginning of 2011. I am happy to be working in a lab school, as I get the opportunity to interact with both children and students at the university. As a lab school teacher, I get the opportunity to work with university students who are practicing skills and techniques in becoming early childhood educators themselves. I most appreciate the impact I can have on those students and the children in the classroom. It is my passion to teach and I am happy that I get the opportunity to be a part of the AS Child Development Lab staff.

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.

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.

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.

Having worked in a corporate world in Los Angeles for the past 20 plus years, it has been such a pleasure to be a part of AS Child Development Lab since June 2008. I enjoy the challenges which are presented to me, but most of all I appreciate getting to know the student staff, parents and cherishing the children. Often I spend my breaks in the classrooms, especially infant and toddler rooms, observing and playing with eager to learn small individuals. I have a degree in Graphic Design but my passion has always been photography. On my spare time my husband and I play pool, golf and ride our motorcycles through the beautiful Northern California roads and occasionally take long distance trips. I love to travel, ride my bicycle, swim, camp, read and go to concerts. Life is GREAT and I don’t take anything for granted.

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.