Discovery Preschool has a director, 3 teachers and 3 aides. Every staff member is dedicated to enriching the lives of our students.
Roxy Menendez
Preschool Director
Ms. Roxy joined Discovery Preschool in 2008 working as a teacher’s assistant. She has taught in the Blue Room and other early childhood education programs. She left the preschool in January of 2017 to work for a Head Start program and to go back to school. After completing her administration courses, Roxy returned as director in the fall of 2018. Supporting teachers, students and families is her passion and Discovery Preschool is where her heart is. Roxy earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from California State University, Long Beach and is a credentialed Site Supervisor and Master Teacher. She is Mexican and Salvadoran American, also fluent in Spanish. She lives in Long Beach with her husband and Sphynx cat.
Sara Haynes
Teacher, Red Room
Ms. Sara joined Discovery Preschool in 2024. She received a bachelor’s degree in Art History from the University of California, Long Beach. She first started working in early childhood education when her children started attending preschool. She returned to school to become a teacher and to earn a library technician certification. She has experience working with different age groups and loves working with preschool school aged children. Sara lives in Long Beach with her children and family.
Celia Estrella
Teacher, Blue Room
Ms. Celia joined Discovery in 2023. She is a qualified teacher and has experience teaching preschool aged children. She is passionate about teaching young children and is in school to continue her education and earn an early childhood education degree. She currently lives in Bellflower and enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Fabiola Nolazco Morales
Teacher, Yellow Room
Ms. Fabiola started off as a parent at Discovery Preschool in 2018. Both of her sons attended the preschool and while her youngest was enrolled, she began assisting and subbing. Fabiola received her bachelor’s degree from the University of California Irvine in Psychology and a minor in Educational Studies. She has a teaching permit in Early Childhood Education and has worked in various education positions from early head start to high school. She is currently an active parent at her children’s elementary school and their sport teams. Fabiola also owns a small business decorating for parties and lawns for special events.
Andrea Espitia
Assistant, Yellow Room
Ms. Andrea joined Discovery Preschool in the fall of 2022. She received a bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Family Studies from California State University, Long Beach and holds a second job after her time at the preschool. She loves working with children and steps in as a substitute teacher when needed. She currently lives in Long Beach, but grew up in a small desert town where most of her family still resides.
Joyce Miller
Assistant, Blue Room
Ms. Joyce joined Discovery Preschool in 2023. She received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Social Work from California State University, Long Beach. Her previous experiences include interning with LAUSD School of Mental Health, being an Assistant Child Care Director/Lead Teacher for the YMCA of OC and working with foster youth. She was also an assistant at her son’s preschool. Supporting children’s growth and development and experiencing the world through their eyes inspires her to work with children.
Susan Kanetomo
Assistant, Red Room
Ms. Susan has been a part of our staff since 2013. She first joined the preschool community when her grandsons attended Discovery and she volunteered regularly. She loved working with children so much, she returned to school to earn the necessary units to become an assistant. She is retired now, but remains on-call.