Gabe is currently completing general education and Early Childhood Education classes at Cabrillo College. He believes that working with young children is very important, and that helping them develop strong, healthy relationships will create an important foundation for the rest of their lives. Outside of work, he enjoys fixing and riding bicycles and practicing Jiujitsu.

Martha is from Jalisco, Mexico and now lives in Santa Cruz. She has been working with young children since 2001, and has been at The Santa Cruz Toddler Care Center for over two years. Martha has earned her Associate Teacher Permit, and her current educational goal is to gain a Master Teacher Permit.

"The respect for children, families and staff is something that you are going to see in SCTCC."-Martha Fregoso

Jennifer has vast experience in several local child care programs in Santa Cruz county. She has participated in various capacities at Cabrillo College Children's Center, Community Children's Center, Mid-County, and Dominican. Jennifer enjoys learning about nature, the environment and life with children. Jennifer is the mother of a 20 year old daughter, and 16 year old son. Jennifer cooks, reads, sings, dances, and goes camping with her family in her spare time. Jennifer feels extremely fortunate to have connected with the Santa Cruz Toddler Care Center and she is "committed to advocating for people's rights...treating people with compassion and respect...and celebrating the uniqueness of every individual."

Megumi was born in Japan, and now lives Santa Cruz. She has been working with children for four years and has been at The Santa Cruz Toddler Care Center for just over two years. She loves working with children, has an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature.

Child care is Jody's second career. She has provided in home care and worked in community children's centers as a substitute since 1994; she was the on-site Director/Teacher at Cabrillo College during the summers of 1997 and 1998. In the past Jody has worked as a Creative Consultant and a Visual Merchandiser for Ford's Department store. Jody continues her creative endeavors at home, and won first place at India Joze Squid Art Festival, First Place "Best Valentine" sponsored by KWAV Radio Station and has been a contributor to Hearts for the Arts.

Jacob studied early childhood education (ECE) at Cabrillo College. He did his student teaching at the Cabrillo College Children's Center, and worked there a couple of years as an intern and substitute teacher before coming to the Toddler Center in 1997. As of July 2005 he has recieved 40 ECE units. He holds a California Child Development Master Teacher Permit.

Before becomming a teacher, Jacob was an organic farmer. He has also studied architecture; worked in the resturant and retail food buisiness; been an avid bike rider; played and studied percussion-especially marimbas; and created animation and interactive media for computers. Presently Jacob enjoys flower gardening, eating good food, laughing and spending time with his partner Jen.

Raeleen grew up in Santa Cruz and completed her A.S. degree in Early Childhood Educatation at Cabrillo College. She has been married to her husband Chay since 1999, and they have three daughters. Raeleen enjoys working with children and watching how they explore the world around them. Raeleen loves to take pictures, especially of her family, she also loves singing and teaching Sunday School at her church.

Sandy has overseen the fiscal, business and advocacy duties of the Toddler Center since 1990. She has received acknowledgements from the California State Department of Education for Administrative Excellence and from the Santa Cruz County Women's Commission on behalf of the Toddler Center for extraordinary contributions in improving the status of women.

She is very active in the community and has been Vice-Chair of the Santa Cruz County Child Care Planning Council since 2002. She is one of the founders of the Santa Cruz Child Care Business Alliance and a member of the Santa Cruz Community Credit Union Community Advisory Committee. She is also a member of the Santa Cruz Children's Network.

She has made presentations at the Child Development Policy Institute Conference, at the Child Care Facility Conference, and at the annual CAEYC Conference.

Sandy has a masters degree in History from San Jose State University and a B.A. in American Studies from UCSC. She currently teaches United States History classes at Cabrillo College.

"My life as a parent was greatly enriched by quality child care. My goal at the Toddler Center is to provide the same kind of community connection and support to other parents of young children."

Jennifer has worked at the Santa Cruz Toddler Care Center for a year and a half. She considers Israel her home, but currently lives in Ben Lomond. She attended UCSC and the Napa Valley Cooking School. She works as the cook for young children for the chance to help create a future generation of happy, healthy people, and for the joy of it!