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.​

Christine 
​2's Teacher

Ms Christine completed her Bachelor's of Arts in Psychology at San Jose State University and has completed all of her Early Childhood Education units. Ms Christine has worked as a lead preschool teacher and is looking forward to working at Joyful Beginnings along with her two young children. 

Eden 
​​2's Teacher

Ms Eden completed Bachelor's of Arts Psychology at Chico State University and is currently enrolled at St. Mary's College to complete a Counseling degree. She has completed a number of Early Childhood Education units and is continuing her ECE courses at Diablo Valley College. 

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!

Carmen  
​​3's Teacher

Ms Carmen graduated from Saint Mary's College with a BA in Ethnic Studies and a Masters in Intercultural Communication. She recently completed her ECE Certificate at Diablo Valley College. She has worked in a variety of ECE settings in the area and is looking forward to the coming school year at Joyful Beginnings. 

Ms Carmen grew up in Berkeley and resides in Moraga. When she is not in the classroom, she works as a diversity, equity, and inclusion facilitator. She also enjoys  collecting sneakers and hanging out with her cat, Dazzling Diva. 

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.

Debbie 
​Pre-K Teacher

Ms. Debbie graduated from Diablo Valley College with her Associates Degree along with courses in Early Childhood Development. Debbie is currently enrolled in a curriculum course as she reenters the field of ECE. 

Debbie worked in a number of schools years ago and has been home the past decade raising her family and working part time. She is looking forward to reviving her career in ECE at our center.

Debbie lives in Concord with her husband and 3 children. In her free time she likes to go to the gym, and enjoys spending time with her family outdoors. 

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. 

Tracee
Substitute 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 3 grandbabies. In her spare time she enjoys to hike, bike, workout and camp and of course spend time with her grandchildren! 

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.