Our Staff
Ms. Kim - Director
I have been teaching and learning from children since 1993. My experience ranges from teaching children in a home day care, to working for the cities of San Francisco and San Luis Obispo as a Recreation Director for 9 years, collectively. I have over 50 units in Early Childhood education, as well as a BA in English, and I am a Certified Children's Yoga instructor.
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As long as I can remember, my dream has been to open a school where the whole child can be nurtured - a school that views the child as a competent, aware, imaginative, capable individual, who possesses a desire to interact and communicate with others, and to belong to a loving community.
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I opened this school in my home in 2011 with just 6 children. We have now grown into two licensed child care centers with a capacity for 60 children at each site - a dream come true! I am excited to get to know your child and begin our journey together.
Mr. Vance- Site Supervisor at Mindbody
Greetings! I am honored and excited to work with you and your children on our journey to making lifelong memories through play, exploration, music, dance, art, and freedom of creativity. In my 20 plus years of working with youth, I have cherished the uniqueness that every individual brings into the community. We will navigate through our classroom experience recognizing how to work together through positive guidance, good manners, fairness, listening skills, respect for the environment and each other, and being caretakers and good stewards (clean up). Through the years, I have worked in many different childcare environments from preschool through school age. I have directed and managed City of San Luis Obispo child care programs (Sun N Fun/STAR), taught in a private preschool learning center, directed vacation camps, mentored in overnight camps, worked with children with special needs, and directed childcare programs for the YMCA. Through these experiences, I have incorporated my love and passion for music into my curriculum to enhance learning. Music has impacted my life in so many positive ways and I love sharing it with anyone who will listen. I am proud to be part of such a great team and environment.
Mr. Bryan - Mindbody Site Supervisor
Hello! I was born in Los Angeles, California and raised in Mexico. My family moved to Mexico when I was 3 months old and decided to move back to the United States when I was 12. When I entered school here in the United States, I was only able to compose a simple sentence in English that would allow people to know my name. Overall, it was a difficult process because I could not communicate as well as I wanted to at school. This experience played a major role in why I have an interest in pursuing a career that includes helping children. My interest grew when I began working as a Sunday school teacher at my local church, which I continue to enjoy doing. I also taught at another local preschool before this. I was the first of my entire family to attend college, and obtained an AA in Early Childhood Education. During my free time, I enjoy spending time with my wife and daughter, Eva, traveling, hiking and spending time with our families.
Ms. Leah - Mindbody Co-Site Supervisor
Hi! I'm Leah Figueroa, and I am so excited to be a part of the Bright Life Playschool family as the new co-site supervisor at the Mindbody campus.
I've in the childcare field for over 12 years. From helping my mom prepare crafts for her pre-K classroom to directing programs of my own, my passion for early childhood education has only deepened. I’ve had the opportunity to work in both traditional preschool settings and aftercare programs, always prioritizing safety, empathy, and advocacy for both kids and.
Two years ago, my family and I—my husband Jesse, our son Judah (5), and daughter Elena (3)—moved to SLO County from Orange County. I had the pleasure of directing a local preschool here and am now thrilled about this new opportunity at Bright Life. When I'm not working, you can find us playing at the beach in Morro Bay or enjoying Mexican food at our favorite restaurant. I also love hosting friends, reading, crocheting, and hunting for treasures at thrift stores. I'm excited to get to know the community here at Bright Life and look forward to connecting with you all!