Leadership Team
Nora Caruso
Executive Director, Program
Nora has been working with children and their families for over 30 years, and as Program Director at the Toddler Center since 2006. Nora deeply believes that young children are competent individuals, and that respect for children builds respectful children. She has been recognized by Exchange Magazine as a Master Leader and as a Community Hero through the United Way. A long time Santa Cruz resident, her two grown children were born and raised here. In her spare time, she can be found riding her bike on the beautiful Santa Cruz coast line and spending time with her friends and family.
Heather Vise
Financial Director
Heather began with the Toddler Center September, 2022.
Heather has been in the field of Early Childhood Education since 2003. Before joining the Toddler Care Center, she has worked in other childcare programs on San Jose State University and Stanford's campuses. Heather believes that the role of the educator is to stand side-by-side with the family to help their child develop and flourish. This is accomplished through a respectful and meaningful partnership. Heather's family currently lives in the Santa Cruz Mountains, where she explores nature with her son. She enjoys baking and reading in her spare time.
Lauren Willis
Assistant Director
Lauren began as a substitute at the Toddler Center in 2018. Since then she has also been an aide and the Kitchen and Garden coordinator. In June of 2025 she rejoined the center as the Assistant Director. Lauren also supervises the food program. She has a Functional Nutrition Certificate and an Early Childhood Education Certificate from Cabrillo college. She also has experience as a librarian in the Children's Peace Library where she was trained in anti-bias curriculum In her free time she loves to cook and spend time with her family.
Teachers and Program Staff
Lesley
Head Teacher
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Kitchen Coordinator/Cook
Emily
Teacher
Lindy
AM Teacher
Aide
Annie
Nanette
Program/Administrative Assistant
Melissa
Teacher
