Preschool

staff

Jessica Corliss

Director

Certifications: Current First Aid/CPR, Bachelor's in Education from Oregon State & Master's in Education with a focus on Curriculum Development from Southern Oregon State.

After the previous director, Mrs. Zurcher, decided to retire, Mrs. Corliss joined the MBCP as Director in June 2009. Mrs. Corliss has several years of experience in education serving as a teacher and administrator. She taught grades K-3, worked as a reading specialist in special education and was blessed to have the opportunity to serve as a missionary in Honduras for over 3 years. In Honduras, she assisted in starting a school on the property of an orphanage. Mrs. Corliss later managed over 50 teachers and directors serving as the regional director for Sylvan Learning Centers in Oregon. Mrs. Corliss loves working at MBCP because she enjoys the interaction with the parents and the fun developmental stage of the preschoolers. She was recently married and enjoys church activites, going to the beach, walking her dogs and scuba diving.

Evangeline Magno

Head Teacher, Blue Class

Certifications: Current First Aid/CPR, Bachelor's in English & Master's in Education in Philippines. Currently enrolled in early childhood specialty courses.

Mrs. Magno joined the MBCP team in February 2010. The previous teacher retired. Mrs. Magno has a gentle and kind personality which is a wonderful asset to our team as the head teacher in our 3 year old class. She has over 25 years of experience working in education. Her creativity and extra effort for special themes is evident everytime you walk by her classroom. She has a tender loving approach to discipline. An example of this is her technique called the "ready chair" instead of "time out". Mrs. Magno attends Makakilo Baptist Church.

Zeny Sutton

Teacher's Assistant, Blue Class

Certifications: Current First Aid/CPR and over 20 years experience.

Mrs. Sutton joined MBCP team in July 1999. She is an active member of Abundant Life Christian Fellowship and has had the unique experience of being both a parent of MBCP preschoolers and a staff member at the same time! Her sons attended both the three and four year-old classes until they “graduated” into Kindergarten. Mrs. Sutton served in the nursery at Makakilo Baptist Church for several years and came highly recommended by the Nursery Ministry coordinator. She has a kind and loving way of working with all the preschoolers in her care. Mrs. Sutton first worked as a Child Care Aide in the extended afternoon hours of our Full Day program. In 2001 she began serving as a teacher’s Aide working with the children in our four year-old Red Class. She now is happy to work with the 3 year olds in the Blue class. She is a very kind, loving and supportive person. She works hard to recognize children's positive behaviors.

Cindy Powers

Head Teacher, Red Class

Certifications: Current First Aid/CPR, Master's Degree from Chaminade University in Early Childhood Education with an emphasis on Montessori methods.

Mrs. Powers joined the MBCP team in December 2007. She serves as the Red Class head teacher. Her expertise in Montessori and excellent classroom management makes her class well organized and fun. Mrs. Powers works very hard to make sure your child is ready for Kindergarten when they leave our preschool. Mrs. Powers has two children - one in middle school and one in grade school. She enjoys walking and golfing.

Myrtle Cordero

Teacher's Assistant, Red Class

Certifications: Current First Aid/CPR, attended Chaminade for Montessori training & Child Development Associate Certificate.

Mrs. Cordero has worked at MBCP since 1978 and is a member of Makakilo Baptist Church! She has served both as Head Teacher and Assistant Teacher. Her warm smile and caring ways make her a favorite with children and families alike. In 1999 she was nominated for the Early Childhood Professional of the Year award. The Certificate she received recognized her for her outstanding commitment and contribution to the care and education of the young children of Hawaii. Mrs. Cordero's children and grandchildren have attended MBCP. We are very pleased to have Mrs. Cordero serving as our early morning teacher at drop-off time and as a Teacher's Assistant in our four year-old red class as of May 31, 2011.

Sylvia Nguyen

Head Teacher, Yellow Class

Certifications: Current First Aid/CPR, Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education from UH at Manoa.

Mrs. Nguyen joined the MBCP staff in May 2006. She is a dedicated teacher that is focused on excellent themed curriculum and regular parent communication. She is busy applying research-based knowledge in the classroom that she learned from her teaching program. Her son is currently attending the preschool. Mrs. Nguyen can definitely relate to how it feels to have a preschooler! She comes highly recommended and has had several years of previous experience working with young children and preschoolers. Mrs. Nguyen is a member of Makakilo Baptist Church and has served as the afternoon teacher position before moving into the yellow class as the head teacher. Sylvia enjoys music and singing.

Gretchen Robinson

Teacher's Assistant, Yellow Class

Certifications: Current First Aid/CPR, over 30 years of preschool experience and currently returning to school to become a preschooler teacher.

Mrs. Robinson joined MBCP in December 2002. She is a caring and kind person who is patient with the children. She has been serving as a teacher's assistant for several years and now is looking forward to working with Mrs. Nguyen in the yellow class starting May 31, 2011. She also works in the afternoon to helps supervise lunch and rest time. She works with the afternoon teachers to prepare and serve snacks and to set-up and clean-up during afternoon activities. Prior to joining MBCP, Gretchen worked with DOE pre-K classes from 1995-2002. Mrs. Robinson has grandchildren that attended the preschool. She enjoys church activites and outreaches.