Our administration team has more than 15 years experience working with children. All of our teachers are fully qualified, and we do not have any teacher aids. All teachers are Infant, Child and Adult CPR and First Aid certified, cleared through the Department of Justice, FBI Database and the Child Abuse Index.
My name is Rebecka Williams (Becki), I am the proud director of our beautiful school, Knowledge Tree Children’s Academy (KTCA). I am a graduate from Sacramento State University with a bachelor’s degree in Child Development. I have over 25 years of experience in childcare field as director and teacher. I believe that all children can and will be successful in the right environment which fosters play, social growth, challenges them academically and provides them with a healthy and safe environment.
My philosophy is that every child should be treated with love, respect, and kindness. Preschool should be a place where children are taught to love to learn and become lifelong learners. My favorite part of every day is to see the smiles on the children’s faces as they excitedly enter the school ready to laugh, play, and learn.
On a personal note, I have two wonderful children. My daughter is 19, a sophomore at San Diego State University and my son is 17, a junior in high school. Together we love to travel, go camping, and hang out with our two Jack Russel puppies.
Hello everyone! My name is Autumn Newberry and I’m absolutely thrilled to be a part of the knowledge tree family as assistant director. My career in child care has been short, but one of the most rewarding experiences of my life so far. I’ve dabbled in many professions such as cosmetology, serving, and real estate, but working with children is the job that has impacted me most. I love learning about child development. When the opportunity to become assistant director came up I knew I had to seize it, and I’m so happy I did! I can’t wait to learn and grow with everyone here at knowledge tree. Everyone has been so warm and welcoming. On the weekends you can find me fishing, walking my dachshund, bubba, or wedding planning! I’m getting married in Yosemite next spring and I’m so excited to start a family of my own soon.
Hi, my name is Frank Lin. I serve as the curriculum coordinator as well as the Mandarin teacher here at Knowledge Tree. My responsibilities include meeting with teachers to discuss lesson plan adjustments, material prep, class observation and translation. My educational background is in science for which I obtained my bachelor’s degree at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. Soon after, I studied ECE at Sierra College for my ECE teacher certificate. I received my graduate certificate from National University in 2014 and then a master’s degree in special education in 2019. I taught as a pre-k teacher at Joyland Preschool for five years prior to my current position. My time as a teacher taught me the importance of supporting children’s learning via scaffolding and to develop their sense of wonder to the world around them. It’s my goal to continually improve our lessons and activities to ensure they adapt to the needs of the children.
In my spare time, I enjoy drawing, films, practicing the violin, reading and DnD.
My name is Erica Van Tongeren. I have been at Knowledge Tree since the beginning and have my BA in child development. I am the youngest of 4, and love being around my family. My passion for being a teacher started when I first became an aunt at 7 years old, I now have 5 nieces and 1 nephew. I am married to my best friend that I have known almost all my life. I love art, anything to do with being outside, and animals. My philosophy when it comes to children is that they have the capability to do amazing things when we give them the chance. I believe in guiding rather than pushing them to learn.
What I love about teaching is watching how the children react to learning something new, and knowing that I am helping them reach new levels of understanding. I look forward to helping your children prepare for kindergarten while having a lot of fun.
Hello! My name is Kaitlin Merideth, feel free to call me Katie! This is my first year teaching so I am very excited to get to know all of my first ever students and their families! I am enrolled in Sierra College as a Liberal Arts major with a minor in Education and currently in the process of completing my ECE unit requirements to transfer to Sacramento State.
I have always wanted to become a teacher. In my youth (funny, coming from someone in her early 20s!), I loved to sit my stuffed animals up and teach them everything I learned at school! This included giving tests, assignments, grading, and playing with them! My favorite thing about working with Preschoolers in their never-ending energy. I am constantly on my toes and kept alert by how fun and excitable they are!
In my spare time, I love to play with my cat, Rosie, play video games, and sing! I’m so excited for many more years teaching children and allowing them to grow and blossom into beautiful human beings!
Hi Families! My name is Natasha, but I go by Tasha. I just recently moved to the Sacramento area. I was born and raised in Salinas. I am the oldest girl of seven kids, and I helped take care of my siblings and cousins growing up. I knew from a young age that I would work with children when I grew up. I have been working with children of all ages since I graduated High School in 1999. For the last 12 years, I have worked in the preschool setting. In my opinion, the preschool age is the best age. I’m so happy to be working for KTCA in the Panda class. I look forward to helping all these little ones grow and learn while they’re in our care.
My name is Josephine. I have been married for over 30 years and have two daughters and one son. I have been in licensed child care for thirty years. I love being with young children and bringing love and positive care to all. I have a great amount of respect for all children and feel that being with them is the most rewarding job in the world. My job makes me feed needed.
Watching children develop and interact with one another day by day is a wonderful experience. I feel blessed. I make children and families feel comfortable by making the classroom a warm and friendly environment. I am committed to providing the highest quality care.
Hi, my name is Ms. Paress. I was born in Redwood City, CA and grew up in the South Bay Area. I am the oldest of seven siblings. Growing up with many younger siblings taught me how to care for children of all ages caring for children is my purpose and happiness to my life. As my family would say, “little people are my people.” I’ve also studied culinary arts through a 4 year program. I love to prep and prepare meals in my family owned and operated catering company.
Hello families, my name is Ms. Dale. I am very excited to be a part of the Lions class as their afternoon teacher. I am a Jersey girl with 2 adult children and 3 grandsons. My journey in teaching started when my own 2 children attended a co-op preschool. It wasn’t difficult to decide my career after spending time with the children. From the moment I started Sierra College, my life truly began. My first preschool brought me to Roseville where I taught a TK class and eventually became the Program Assistant Manager. After a few years, I ventured into the developmentally disabled field. I then retired from that and because I missed the children very much, so I returned to Roseville. I taught children ranging from infants to school-age. That is when I met the wonderful Ms. Wen.
I am so pleased that I have found my way to this wonderful school, KTCA; I love new adventures and hope to introduce new ideas in science, art, music and cooking. This will be a paradise of learning and fun for all. A few of my favorite things: traveling, music, crocheting, cooking and plant rescue.
Hi, my name is Viola Langston. I am delighted to be working at Knowledge Tree Children’s Academy here in Rocklin, CA with your precious children. It has always been my dream to teach kindergarten at an elementary school. I received my 21 ECE at SJCC, and have one more class to go for my associate’s degree at BYUI, and then I will pursue a Bachelor’s degree in education. I also accomplished the NAEYC Accreditation Program. I have been working with children for 34 years of all ages, and it has truly been a blessing. I previously worked at KinderCare for seven years and before that, in a school district teaching reading readiness and substitute teaching in Mississippi.
My husband and I just moved back to California from Mississippi two years ago and are super happy. I am a native Californian. We are approaching 12 years of marriage this coming September, but have known each other for 14 amazing years! I have a 27-year-old son who also lives in California and has studied to be a welder. My family is mostly here in California, and I come from a very large family of 12 siblings, with two sets of twins. Yes, I am a twin as well. A few of my favorite things are cycling, skiing. Hiking the great outdoors, family times, and cooking & baking. My two favorite holidays are Easter and Christmas. If you catch me in a bookstore, you’ll find me in the children’s section.
I look forward to the opportunity to teach your children and to gain great relationships in the four-year-old classroom!
My name is Ashley and I’m so excited to be one of the Panda teachers! I have been working with children for a long time and I enjoy every minute of it. I used to babysit and nanny when I was younger, which helped me see my passion for teaching. I also have a passion for traveling, I have lived everywhere from California, to Hawaii, to Connecticut. I currently live in Fair Oaks with my son, Leo, who goes to knowledge Tree too! Leo and I love playing outside in all types of weather. Our favorite things to do when we’re inside are watching Disney movies and building train tracks. Most weekends we spend time with my family because family is the most important thing to me. I’m very excited to start this new adventure with KnowledgeTree and the little Pandas!
Hello Parents, I’m so excited to be teaching your kids! My name is Dioselina but I also go by Dio. When I am not in our classroom, I am taking trips and making memories with my little family. I have a one-year-old son who will also be attending Knowledge Tree. We love reading, hiking, camping, and going swimming. My favorite season is Fall, I love Fall weather and going to the pumpkin patch and carving pumpkins. I am a recent graduate of Sacramento State and I have a bachelor’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders. I am currently taking time off before I attend Grad School. I have taken child development courses and really loved coming up with fun ways to get the kids to engage with their curriculum. I am looking forward to the rest of the school year and helping every student prepare for kindergarten!
Hi, my name is Jody. I am a floater teacher in the Honeybee and Panda rooms. I feel very privileged to spend each day playing with and teaching your amazing children. I have lots of experience working with children of all ages, from infant to school-age.
I have been involved in my own children’s schooling and activities over the years. I’ve been a Girl Scout leader, room mom, team parent and have helped with many school events over the years. I began working with children in the WPUSD school district from 2015 to 2019 as a substitute teacher. Prior to coming to Knowledge Tree, I was working at an in-home preschool with 3- and 4-year-olds. I have also been involved in Bayside Church’s Children Ministry for over 10 years. I have loved working with children for as long as I can remember. I began babysitting when I was 12 years old and have 4 siblings who are all quite a bit younger than me whom I helped care for growing up.
I have 3 beautiful and very smart daughters, ages 13 to 26. Our family loves to travel when we can, visit with family and friends, go to the movies, explore different zoos and play games. When I have time for myself, I enjoy reading—that’s if I can stay awake long enough to do so 🙂
I truly enjoy getting to come to work each day to all the smiles and hugs.
Hello families, my name is Maria Cherry and I have been working with children for 9 years. As an experienced childcare professional, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work here at Knowledge Tree Children’s Academy. My educational experiences include creating a developmentally appropriate curriculum for all age groups and teaching in Spanish. I am First Aid certified and currently completed 32 ECE units.
My daughter, Luna, attends KTCA and she is in the Caterpillar classroom. Luna loves all her teachers! She enjoys the curriculum the teachers provide and always leaves the classroom happy. I love working at Knowledge Tree Children’s Academy and that I can be a part of this wonderful team!
Hi, my name is Pino Fiorenze and I’m the bus driver here at Knowledge Tree. I was born and raised in southern Italy in an area known as Calabria. When I finished school I joined the Italian Navy where I served as a communications specialist. After my serves, I then came to America with my wife Josephine when I was 23 years old.
Josephine is the Monkey’s teacher here at Knowledge Tree and together we have 3 children and 6 grandchildren. We enjoy being with family and attending the various events that our grandchildren participate in such as plays, dances, and sports. In my spare time, I also enjoy watching professional soccer and bowling. I like the great people who work here at knowledge Tree and we all appreciate the opportunity to work with your great children!
