Staff | Mysite

Our Staff

Emily Laguna - Owner and Director

I am the founder of Hart Preschool. I am also a licensed pediatric occupational therapist (OT), and have extensive knowledge in child development, sensory processing, and the development of fine and gross motor skills. Prior to embarking on this preschool adventure, I worked in public schools for 13 years as an OT with children 3 – 18 years old, and in-home as an early intervention OT with kids ages birth – 3 years old. I have always loved working with children, and have also always loved animals. I look forward to this upcoming year of learning and growing!

Jackie Hernandez - Assistant Director

Hello! My name is Jacquelyn Hernandez (Jackie), and I am the director/floater here at Hart Preschool. With over 15 years of experience working with children. I have developed a deep passion for fostering their growth and development. It is amazing to see how their brain works. During high school, I had the opportunity to intern at a child care center, which sparked my interest in this field. I later earned my Associate’s degree in Child Development from Pasadena City College, I attended Cal State Northridge, I completed the requirements to receive a California permit, and completed training as an applied behavioral therapist. I continue my education for professional and my personal growth.

Cynthia Sedano - Floater Teacher

My name is Cynthia but everyone calls me Cindy. I am a mother to two beautiful kids, my 11 year old daughter and 5 year old son. I knew as a little girl that when I grew up I wanted to work with kids. In my high school days I always took the opportunities to volunteer at Elementary schools, park and recreation with kids after school, ROP classes to learn art activities to do with kids and one of my electives in school was working at my high school daycare. My first real job was 13 years ago when I worked in a kindergarten class as a TA. Since then I’ve worked with infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Working with children is in my heart and I hope to continue to learn and grow from all the children that come into my life.

Hannah Zeineddine - Lead Pre-K Teacher

With nearly a decade of experience in education, Ms. Hannah is a dedicated teacher specializing in early childhood development. Her career has been enriched by working with diverse curricula, including Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and RIE practices, which have shaped her approach to fostering young minds. Teaching is not just a profession for Hannah; it is a passion that drives her to mold the future through the growth and development of her students. Committed to excellence, Hannah is focusing on advancing her career in education, continuously seeking ways to enhance her impact and contribute meaningfully to future generations.

Dhamarys Villanueva - Lead Preschool Teacher

Hello! My name is Dhamarys Villanueva. I have my B.S in Child Development from CSUF. I have three cats and a dog. I enjoy going on hikes and trying new foods with my friends. I enjoy working with children because we learn from them just as much as they do from us. My favorite activity to do with our class is circle time!

Amanda Aydelott - Assistant Teacher

Hello! I moved to Los Angeles almost 3 years ago from Tennessee. I have worked with all ages of children in an elementary setting, through babysitting and volunteer opportunities, and now in the Toddler Room here at Hart Preschool. I love being able to help children understand and navigate the world around them and help grow their imaginations, harness curiosity in them, and see them through their many milestones. I enjoy being silly and messy in my daily life, which translates well in working with children. I am enrolled in PCC on the path to becoming a Speech Language Pathologist Assistant with the focus on working with children in the field. Currently in my free time, I play drums in a female music “collective”, lounge with the coolest cats I know (Jade and Jude), and try to get to aerial hammock/trapeze and contortion classes.

Ronnisha Gunn - Floater Teacher

Hi, my name is Ronnisha. I have been working with children professionally for about 2 years. I have a 6 year old daughter and love being a mother. I have my AA degree in Early Childhood Education. I understand that our children are the future, so I try my best to contribute to their learning abilities and growth. I am really excited to be a part of the Hart Preschool team. I always put my best foot forward and I can ensure that I will gain a connection with each child individually.

Johanna Hattaway - Assistant Pre-K Teacher

Hello Parents and Caregivers,

My name is Johanna Hattaway and I am very excited to be your child's Pre-Kindergarten Assistant Teacher. I have completed my Early Childhood Education Credits with UCLA and I am currently continuing my education to obtain my Bachelor's Degree. I am also a little leagues soccer coach and a cookie chair for Girl Scouts.

My first and main goal is your child's happiness and safety. I want each and every child to feel my warmth and compassion. I love children endlessly. I have three children of my own, a Jr High Student, a Kindergarten student, and a Preschooler. My youngest does attend Hart Preschool and it is such a joy to see her face throughout the day. I am excited to help your child learn and explore through play. There is nothing greater than seeing a child's happiness.

Brianna Barriga - Assistant Preschool Teacher

Hello there! My name is Brianna. I have been working in early childhood education for about 10 years and it's so fulfilling to continue learning and working in this field. For me, it is a great reward and honor to help foster a love of learning in others and witness the growth of each and every student. I have experience working in classrooms with children as young as infants up until around 3.5 years old. I have earned my Assosiciate's degree in Child Development from Pasadena City College and a Bachelor's degree in English from the University of California, Santa Barbara. In my free time, I enjoy reading novels, discovering new music or recipes, and spending time with my family and pets. I'm so excited to work with you, your family, and your child to create both an enriching and fun experience during these fundamental early years!

Priscilla Amaya - Lead Toddler Teacher

Hello my name is Maria Priscilla Amaya but I go by "Priscilla". I have worked with children for 15+ years and currently am a teacher in the toddler program. I am a mom to three beautiful children. I enjoy baking, watching movies and spending time with my family.

Yvette Gonzalez - Assistant Toddler Teacher

Hello! My name is Yvette Gonzalez. I am so excited to begin my journey with Hart Preschool as the assistant teacher in the toddler class. I earned my Early Childhood Education units at Rio Hondo Community College. Since then I have worked in early childhood education for 10 years as both assistant and lead teacher in Pre-K, TK, and K classroom settings. I left teaching to stay home with my children and now that they’re school aged I’m back and ready to return to my vocation in the classroom. I have always been fascinated with the way children think, the way they move in life, and how they observe the world around them. I knew early education was a good fit for me when I couldn’t put books down about early education philosophers. Outside of the classroom I like to stay busy with my two sons and husband. I am local to the Pasadena/Altadena area so you might catch me at a local park, library, zoo, or among the aisles of Trader Joe’s shopping for baking ingredients because I LOVE to bake.