Meet Our Staff
ADMINISTRATOR
Ms. Gina
Director
Hello, I’m Gina Warren and I am very excited to be working at Downtown Orange Preschool.
I have been in the education field for over 20 years. I love helping children develop a love for learning. I am blessed to be a part of this school and I look forward to getting to know all of our families.
TEACHERS
Ms. Corinne
Hello, I’m Corinne Messaoudi! I’m so excited to be partnering with you this year in helping to teach your little ones.
Some things about me…
I became a preschool teacher in 2021 during the height of Covid. During those times, I worked while gaining my certification to teach.
Before that, I had been serving and working for ten years in my church’s Kids Ministry. My passion, even at a young age was always to show the love of God to everyone around me, and from there my passion for working with children grew.
I am also part of a peer Ministry group called Backyard Revival. This group of young adults share with our peers the love of God, and who Jesus is. When I’m not doing this, I am either planning my next trip as I love to travel or I can be found doing something creative. I love all things science, creative and culinary related activities.
Ms. Dayana
My name is Dayana Fabiola Bautista. I am the oldest and the only girl in my family.
I have a younger brother with Autism. Growing up I was a second teacher to my brother, and my passion for teaching was born. I began taking preschool ROP classes in high school and Early Childhood Education classes in college. I have earned my Associates degrees in Child Development, Social Behavior and Social Science.
I am also a Mother to a baby boy. As a Mother, I am very excited to share my experiences that I have learned in school and continue to learn and grow with the children.
Ms. Jessica
Hi! My name is Jessica Flores, but my friends and family call me Jess. I am the youngest and the only girl out of three. I have twin older brothers.
I am a person who maintains patience and a nurturing attitude with children. I am fond of seeing children’s perspectives and reactions to different things. In high school, I dedicated my time to volunteering with children, and once I began college, I developed my interest and took Early Childhood Education classes. I have now earned my Associates of Arts degree.
I have a niece and nephew that I have cared for and looked after. I enjoy spending time with them and watching them grow and progress in all developmental areas. It is such a heartwarming experience to become the person they gravitate towards, feel safe with, and love.
I love arts and crafts, reading, listening to podcasts, hiking, the beach and hanging out with friends and family. I look forward to working with your children and seeing their growth.
Ms. Jomara (Joejo)
HI! My name is Jomara. However, some people call me Joejo because it is easier.
I have an Associates degree in Anthropology from Long Beach City College, and my Bachelors Degree in Linguistics from Cal State University Long Beach.
I started my career in Early Childhood Education in 2022. I am currently taking Early Childhood Education courses. My experience at Great Foundations Montessori has created a new perspective working with children that I would like to grow.
My favorite part of this career is seeing the milestones the children reach. I am excited to see this at Downtown Orange Preschool. I love new experiences that help me grow my perspective of life. I love roller skating and learning more about how language works. Most importantly, I love spending time with my family.
Ms. Krista
My name is Krista Zuniga. Thank you to the families and staff for the warm welcome.
I began working with toddlers in 2000. Eventually that turned into working in infant rooms, for after-school programs and in every age of preschool. I've had the pleasure of working for some of the larger preschool chains as well as the opportunity to work within several non-profits.
I most recently come to you from a Headstart Program where I made home visits, and worked closely with mental health, and disabilities coordinators.
Ms. Lily
Hello, My Name is Maria Liliana Gamboa, I prefer the students and families to call me Ms. Lily. I have been a teacher since I was in my 20’s. I started my career as an Infant Teacher and since then I have worked with all ages in Early Childhood Education.
I am married and have 3 chihuahuas that are my children. I love going to concerts, amusement parks and museums with my husband. I am a below the knee amputee since I was a young child. I was born with a congenital deficiency of the left fibula, but I am able to perform all activities.
I look forward to meeting and getting to know the families and children at Downtown Orange Preschool.
MS. Noriko
Hi! My name is Noriko Sasaki. I have 2 children, Brennan and Kaylie. I have been married to my wonderful husband, Alan for over 20 years. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in home economics in Interior Design from California State University Los Angeles and have a certificate in Child Development from Saddleback College. In addition to my time here, I currently work as a substitute preschool teacher. I also attend Saddleback Church, Irvine South and serve in the Children’s Ministry Finally, I work as a teachers assistant at Orange Coast Gakuen Japanese Language School on Saturdays. I have experience working with ages 2 - Pre-K. My favorite thing to do is to relax, travel with my family to National Parks, Hawaii and Japan, skiing, trying new food places and watch new movies and musicals. My personal goal is to teach children the “Love of Jesus” and to share that God loves every one of them.
Ms. Raeann
Hello, My name is Raeann McNamara and I am very excited to join Downtown Orange Preschool and bring to it my joy of teaching young children. I have been an Early Childhood Educator for over twenty years. My education and my early teaching years began in Bakersfield, CA at a church much like this one. I love to be able to integrate faith with education.
I am married and have four adult children and six grandchildren. I love to read, watch movies and play word games. I also love being outdoors whenever I can. I enjoy hiking and spending time in my garden soaking up some sunshine. I look forward to sharing my love for stories, art, nature and the wonderment of exploring new things with your children, and I am blessed for this opportunity.
Ms. Sheila
Hi! My name is Sheila Dwyer. I am very excited to work with your children. I have been working with children of all ages (infants - school-age) for over 20 years. I am a fully qualified Early Childhood Educator. I have a special place in my heart for preschool children, I find them very loving and I enjoy watching them learn and grow while in my care. I have been married for over 30 years. I am also a mother of 2 adult daughters and a grandmother to 3 grandchildren. My hobbies include spending time with my family and watching hockey (Go Ducks!). I also read true crime stories and work in my garden.
Ms. Suzy
I was born and raised in Southern California. I have received a Bachelors Degree from Cal State Long Beach and my Early Childhood Education units from Theoria Technical College. I started working in a Faith Based Preschool in 2015 until 2022. I am a proud aunt of eleven nieces and nephews and have always loved being around children. I also enjoy baking, crafting and spending time with my family! My husband and I have one dog, Gretchen and we love going on adventures with her!
CHURCH LEADERSHIP
Pastor Bill
Pastor Bill Johnson is the Senior Pastor at First United Methodist Church of Orange. He leads the weekly chapel time for the students of the preschool. He has been serving FUMCO since July of 2014. Previously, he served 4 local congregations in California, including 2 start-up churches, until God called him to ministry as a full-time evangelist. For the ten years prior to his appointment at FUMCO, Pastor Bill served as the Executive Director of Lift Ministries. In 2011 Pastor Bill was part of a team that traveled to Ghana to teach spiritual leadership for local pastors and laity, and had the opportunity to preach several times in local churches. He has returned several times to continue training in leadership development and disciple-making. Pastor Bill is married to Dr. Judy Johnson, a licensed educational psychologist; they have three adult children and two grandchildren. He earned a B.A. in Studio Art from the University of Redlands and holds an M.Div. from the Claremont School of Theology. Bill is an avid cyclist and enjoys painting.
You can meet the rest of the church staff by clicking here.
