Dedicated to providing a loving, safe and nurturing environment, staffed with trained and caring teachers, implementing a program based on current and effective educational practices.

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Carol Carter, MS 
Director

​I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Development from California State University, Sacramento in the 80’s. I returned to school in 2009 and earned my Master of Science in 2010 from California State University, East Bay. My Master of Science degree was in Education with a Curriculum Option. I am an enthusiastic lifelong learner of Early Childhood Education. I currently teach courses in Early Childhood Education at Los Medanos College in Pittsburg.​

Sophie 
​2's Teacher

Ms. Sophie joined our staff in August of 2020 and began working with our 3's.  Sophie spent 4 years working in a large family childcare home. She has complete units in Early Childhood Education and is continuing to take courses online. Sophie has 2 boys, Tanner is starting Kindergarten and Cameron will be in our Penguin Room.
 
Sophie lives with her husband and two boys in the same neighborhood where she grew up. In her spare time she enjoys hiking, swimming and cooking.

Hannah 
​​2's Teacher

Hannah is our long-term substitute teacher. Hannah recently graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Hannah has worked at our site in previous years and is happy to be back until we find the right teacher for our 2's class!

Taryn 
​3's Teacher

Ms Taryn began discovered her love for teaching preschool while exploring electives in high school. As soon as she graduated she began working as a teachers aide while going to DVC and getting her ECE units. She completed her BA in Liberal Arts at Cal State East Bay.
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Ms Taryn lives is Alameda with her husband, two children (ages 7 and 9) and mini dachshund. She enjoys dancing, hiking, camping, and Skiing. She is so happy to be a part of the Joyful Beginnings team!

Coming Soon  
​​3's Teacher

Currently Ms. Kendra is our substitute teacher in our Penguin Room with Ms. Taryn. 

Erica 
​Pre-K Teacher

Ms. Erica started working in early childhood while attending college.  After several years, she left the profession to explore other career opportunities. She re-discovered her passion for early education in 2013.  
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She currently has 40+ units in early education, and is working to complete her Associate degree in Early Childhood Education through Diablo Valley College. 

Ms. Erica lives in Martinez with her husband, daughter and son.  In her free time, she enjoys reading a good book, binge watching her latest discovery on Prime or Netflix and spending time outdoors.

Tracee 
​Pre-K Teacher

Tracee joined our team in August 2021. Tracee received her Associates of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Diablo Valley College. ​Tracee has spent the last 23 years working with Pre-K, TK and Kindergarten in a afterschool program in Walnut Creek. She has also taught yoga, movement and science at the Lindsay Wildlife Experience. 

Tracee lives in Walnut Creek with her husband, Ken and their pets! She has 2 grown children, Keely and Kendall and a grandbaby. Tracee loves to spend time with her grandbaby Cora Ray. In her spare time she enjoys to hike, bike, workout and camp. 

Nancy 
Substitute Teacher

Ms. Nancy joined the staff in 2008 and has worked with all our age groups; she has found her calling with our youngest children. Nancy received her certificate in Early Childhood Education from Diablo Valley College and continues to take early childhood education courses.

​Nancy has two children; her daughter is attending the University of Berkeley and her son recently moved to southern California to pursue a career in Music.  In her leisure time, Nancy and her husband are enjoying remodeling their empty nest. Nancy is an active member of the United Methodist Church and currently is on the Board of Trustees. 

Kendra 
Substitute Teacher

​Ms. Kendra has been a teacher at Joyful Beginnings since 2013. She has lived in Lafayette for 18 years where she and her husband have raised their two children. Her son is currently working full time and her daughter is starting college in Santa Barbara.  Ms. Kendra grew up in Santa Barbara and is looking forward to visiting often. In her free time, Kendra enjoys walking, hiking, kayaking, biking, reading, and spending time with her family, dog and cats.

Terry Evans-Seeno
Support Staff

Terry joined our staff in August of 2017 and works in all of our classrooms. Terry has worked in a variety of preschool settings for many decades. Terry is a fully qualified teacher and enjoys helping out with breaks, lunches and spending time with the children. 

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We are always looking for our next fabulous teacher! Contact us if you are interested in applying for a position.