Meet the Teachers
Infants
6 Weeks-1 Year

Patsy Vazquez
Lead Teacher/Opening Manager
Patsy is happily married and has one son and three grandchildren, who are her pride and joy. She is a loving and caring person, who likes to make a positive difference in children's lives. Patsy is the lead teacher in the Infant Room and has twelve years of experience working with Infants and three years in the Early Toddler Room. She has enjoyed working at Peace Lutheran Preschool and Daycare for the last sixteen years. Her priority at PLPD is for our children to learn and develop in a safe and caring environment.

Silvia Gutierrez
Assistant Teacher
Silvia grew up in Southern California. She has a son and daughter, who are her heart and strength. When she is not teaching, she enjoys walking, reading, and cooking. Silvia decided to make early learning her life’s work because she believes a child’s education is the most valuable thing in the world. Silvia is a Teacher's Assistant for the Infant room. She has worked for PLPD for fifteen years and has been fortunate to work with various ages from infants to elementary students during her time here. Silvia enjoys helping others and watching the children learn and grow. Being a part of a child’s life and making a positive impact is truly an amazing feeling.

Marilyn Gutierrez
Assistant Teacher
Marilyn has been babysitting since she was thirteen years old, and has always had a strong passion for working with children. Not a single day is the same, and she is constantly learning something from children at PLPD. The most rewarding aspect of Marilyn's job is watching the children develop into confident and communicative learners. She attended PLPD as a child, so to be back, is nostalgic and emotional for her. Marilyn looks forward to growing with them.

Laura Aguirre
Lead Teacher
Laura was born and raised in Chihuahua City, Mexico. Growing up, her favorite activities included playing basketball and participating in track and field events such as the Javelin thrown and shot put. Laura graduated from the UACH (Universidad Autonoma de Chihuahua) with a Bachelor’s degree in Education in 1985. She taught grade school in both Chihuahua City and Juarez where her love for teaching children and being responsible for their development grew. In 2001 she and her family migrated to El Paso, TX, where they enjoy being in a new culture and meeting new people. Laura's passion for the development of children’s education brought her to PLPD in 2015 where she's proud to be a part of this community and being surrounded by amazing people that truly care about their work.

Naysla Barrientos
Assistant Teacher
Naysla was born in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, and later became a US citizen and moved to El Paso in 2011. She has been happily married to her husband for 34 years and is a mother of two. She enjoys practicing sports such as tennis and swimming. She loves spending time with her family and doing arts and crafts as a hobby. Naysla has a bachelor's degree in Economics from the UACI in Ciudad Juarez. She worked as a purchasing manager for Antech for eleven years and since then has worked in various education roles. Naysla has been teaching in the El Paso region for the past eight years. Her inspiration to teach and care for children comes from being a mother herself. Naysla's experience, along with her passion, has allowed her to embark on this beautiful journey of child development. She is so happy to be part of PLPD and to work with such wonderful children.

Yoli Humanes
Assistant Teacher
Bio Coming Soon

Lilia Judd
Lead Teacher
Laura was born and raised in Chihuahua City, Mexico. Growing up, her favorite activities included playing basketball and participating in track and field events such as the Javelin thrown and shot put. Laura graduated from the UACH (Universidad Autonoma de Chihuahua) with a Bachelor’s degree in Education in 1985. She taught grade school in both Chihuahua City and Juarez where her love for teaching children and being responsible for their development grew. In 2001 she and her family migrated to El Paso, TX, where they enjoy being in a new culture and meeting new people. Laura's passion for the development of children’s education brought her to PLPD in 2015 where she's proud to be a part of this community and being surrounded by amazing people that truly care about their work.

Maria Jones
Assistant Teacher
Maria is a resident of El Paso, Texas. She has been working in childcare for twenty-three years and aspires to own her childcare facility one day. Aside from taking care of her grandkids, Maria enjoys watching kids grow, learn and experience the world around them. She is grateful for the opportunity Peace Lutheran has given her to further her experience. Taking care of PLPD children continues to be a blessing for Maria, and hopes one day to see them aspire to greatness.

Victoria Gutierrez
Assistant Teacher
Bio Coming Soon

Blanca Estrada
Lead Teacher
Blanca was born in El Paso, Texas, but was raised in Juarez, Mexico. She comes from a big family with six sisters and one brother. As they got older, little by little, her family began moving to El Paso. Blanca lives with her husband and two beautiful daughters, whom she enjoys crafting with. She attended "Universidad Autonoma de Ciudad Juarez, Universidad Normal Superior Porfirio Parra and Universidad Pedagogica Nacional” and earned a Bachelors and Master Degree in Early Childhood Teaching.Before working at Peace Lutheran Daycare and Preschool, Blanca worked as a Preschool and Elementary school teacher in Juarez. She has always enjoyed working with young children and contributing to their development. Blanca likes to prepare colorful materials to help ignite a child’s imagination and always tries to incorporate reading from books and poetry as well as art and music to help children explore and develop many skills. It is truly wonderful to be part of a child’s development and watch them become the future of our community. Blanca is grateful to be part of the PLPD Family.

Sofia Fuentes
Assistant Teacher
Sofia was born in El Paso, Texas, and is currently a student at UTEP, completing the Master's program in Business Management. She loves to spend time with her friends and family, work out, and take care of her two beautiful dogs. Sofia joined PLPD in early 2020 and feels beyond blessed with her work.

Laura Rivas
Assistant Teacher
Bio Coming Soon

Christina Castro
Lead Teacher
Christina has four children and two grandchildren. She has over twenty years of experience working with children from infants to elementary and has obtained a CDA (Child Development Associate Certification). Christina chose to become an Early Childhood professional because of her love of children. She loves to watch their little faces light up when they accomplish any task at hand. Christiana is very compassionate and eager to help every one of her students learn through a positive and fun experience. Christina is blessed to be part of your child's learning and growing experiences.

Pat Rayner
Assistant Teacher
Patricia has been an early childhood development educator for fifteen years. During that time, she's had many roles and worked with various age groups. What Patricia cherishes the most about being an Early Childhood Development Educator is the ability to help teach and encourage each child as they progress through their learning journey. She believes in each child’s abilities and enjoys providing them with engaging learning opportunities, whether it be through art, playtime, or reading. Patricia enjoys seeing each child create their own story and allowing their imagination to run wild. Through her years of experience, she has seen many children grow and develop to be bright, creative, and caring individuals.
Early Toddlers
12-18 months
Toddlers
18-24 months
Twos
2-3years

Sandra Acevedo
Lead Teacher
Hi, my name is Sandra Acevedo I was born in Cd Juarez, Chihuahua.
I'm a mother of three lovely kids. I have 21 years of experience working with children. The most beautiful and lovely thing I love about my job, is when you hear the kids singing, and recognizing the lessons we teach them. I'm happy to be part of Peace Lutheran Preschool and give some of my knowledge to the kids.

Araceli Barron
Assistant Teacher
My name is Arcy, I am a proud mother of two wonderful boys that are both Police Officers in the state of Texas. Not only am I proud mother, but I am also blessed to be a grandmother of two precious grandchildren. My role at Peace Lutheran is teacher assistant. Although only being with Peace Lutheran for a short time , I bring over 19 Years’ of child development experience which have helped me be successful in my role. The smiles I see from the kids and parents is what makes my job one of the best. As I know I was able to partake in the success of your child and their future. I am
humbled to be trusted with such great responsibility in your child’s future here at Peace Lutheran.

Cheyene Faulks
Lead Teacher
Ms. Cheyene was born in El Paso raised in Europe. She is the mother of one daughter. Cheyene has been working with children for over 8 years and absolutely loves what she does.
"I’m so excited to see what this new year is to bring to us all. I'm very blessed to be apart of the school and I hope to help your kids grow the best that I can!"

Lorena Saenz
Assistant Teacher
Bio Coming Soon

Cristal Roepke
Lead Teacher
Cristalena was born in Michigan but was raised here in El Paso, Texas. She is a proud mom of two wonderful children. Cristalena has always had a passion for working with children because she believes that being a part of a child’s life and making a positive impact can benefit the child as they grow up. Cristalena feels blessed to be a part of our PLPD family!

Tori Thompson
Assistant Teacher
Bio Coming Soon
Preschool
3-4yrs

Aisha Flores
Lead Teacher
Aisha was born and raised in El Paso, is currently attending the University of Texas at San Antonio, completing her Bachelor degree in Multidisciplinary Studies. Where she receives her experience working with Elementary, Middle, and High school students. She is a First-Generation student with an Associate of Multidisciplinary Arts. She enjoys spending time with her friends and family, as well as spending time with her pets. Aisha is very thankful for the opportunity of working with the students at PLPD, and looks forward to seeing your children's future success.

Karen Salinas
Assistant Teacher/Driver
Karen has a daughter who recently turned 1 years old. Her daughter is her passion and she loves spreading that love to the children at PLPD. Karen is also a van driver for our elementary transportation and for field trips.

Priscilla Morales
Assistant Teacher/Floater
Bio Coming Soon

Melinda Tibuni
Lead Teacher
Ms. Melinda was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. Melinda is a mother of a beautiful daughter whom she loves dearly. Her love for her daughter encouraged her to be apart of the education career and help teach, care, nurture other students just as she did her own daughter. Ms. Melinda has worked with young children for two years and currently apart of the PLPD community since May of 2022, which she is very grateful for. She hopes to educate her students as best as possible and is excited to see all their achievements throughout the year. Besides for her love of children, Ms. Melinda loves her parents, her significant other, crafting, baking and especially loves to cook.

Angelana Ruiz
Assistant Teacher
Bio Coming Soon

Maggie Ornelas
Lead Teacher
Maggie Ornelas was born and raised here in El Paso, Texas. She and her husband have been married for 25 years and have a son and daughter that also live in El Paso. Ms. Maggie left El Paso in 1998 and lived in Eagle Pass, Texas and Tucson, Arizona for 24 years. In 2022 she had the opportunity to return to her hometown and jumped at the opportunity. Ms. Maggie worked as a Kindergarten Teacher in Tucson for 13 years. She has a passion for working with kids and shows kindness, empathy, and patience to each one of her students. Ms. Maggie is grateful to be working for Peace Lutheran Preschool & Daycare and is very eager to get to know your children to work closely with them and their unique personalities. Her class will consist of a small group setting that will provide your child with shared tasks to help children interact with their environment and with others. It will also allow for independent thinking and problem-solving skills. Ms. Maggie’s commitment to education directly benefits a child’s success in and outside of the classroom. Ms. Maggie is looking forward to a wonderful and memorable year with your children.

Raquel Taylor
Assistant Teacher
Bio Coming Soon

Saralhi Dominguez
Assistant Teacher
Bio Coming Soon
PreK
4-5yrs

Ana Paula Flores
Lead Teacher
Along with her love for children, Ana Paula brings twenty-five years of experience in working with preschool children. Her experience begins with Preschool/Kindergarten. Throughout her years of experience, she has taught Pre-K curriculum, dancing (Jazz and Ballet), and Spanish language education. Ana Paul is currently teaching Catechism with St. Luke's Church. She feels very honored to be part of PLPD and bring her experience to serve your children. "Trabajemos juntos!". Ana Paula is looking forward to meeting with you and is thankful for the honor of working with your children.

Shawntay Ballard
Assistant Teacher
She has been part of Peace Lutheran Preschool for about ten years and excited that we got a wonderful team of teachers and an awesome director! "We are all like family here!" She immediately fell in love with the school, the teachers, and the community. And believes whoever steps on board with PLPD becomes part of the family; including you and your child!
Shawntay grew up in El Paso and has an associates degree in applied science. She loves kids and can’t wait to educate your child while also learning from your child! She believes all children are equal but each child is unique, therefore they learn at their own pace. Shawntay will provide your child with the love, growth and the support! She loves all ages but the two’s has always been one of her favorites! Her favorite is music and all the exploring we get to do at this age. She knows that play is a child's most important work, so her goal is to create and maintain a fun environment where your child can grow and explore the world around them. “The impact I make in their lives makes for an even bigger and completely gratifying impact in my own life.
I can’t wait to spend this time on learning and growing with you and your child!"
Subsitutes

Olga Corona
Subsitute
Olga has been with PLPD for a year and loves working with the children. As a substitute she gets to engage with many different age groups. She really enjoys helping in the baby room to help give the children extra tummy time, or enrichment like reading books to them.