Amanda has been working with children since 2008 and is passionate about education. She holds a Master’s in Early Childhood Education from St. Mary’s College and believes God has called her to work with kids. She is passionate about giving children a safe place to learn, grow, and develop and believes every child is unique and special. Amanda dreamed of opening a childcare center for many years where every child is welcome, and she was able to make this dream a reality in 2022 here at Northgate! She lives in Benicia with her incredible husband, Sammy, and their two beautiful daughters, Audrina and Gabriella. When Amanda isn’t busy running around campus, you will find her drinking a cold brew coffee, listening to music, and bargain shopping. Amanda looks forward to meeting you and your family!

Hi there! My name is Sarah Rodriguez and I’ve been in the early childhood education field for 23 years. I’ve always had a passion for working with children and believe that we truly can make a difference in their lives and therefore in the future of this world! I’m so excited to work at Northgate and have my children attend as well!

When I’m not working, you can find me spending time with my family - my husband of 5 years, our 4 year old daughter, almost 2 year old son and our kitty, Posey. I also have a small business of making decorated sugar cookies! In my spare time, I enjoy crafting, reading, cooking and watching Giants baseball and 49er football!

Hi! My name is Samantha Ryan. I am a Michigan native, who has dedicated over 15 years to nurturing and educating young children. After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree with a focus in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from the University of Michigan (Go Blue!), I began my career working in preschools before transitioning to teaching kindergarten and first grade.

My husband and I live here in Benicia, raising our 2 children. Outside of my professional life, I enjoy spending time at the beach, taking my kids to the park and hunting for treasures at local thrift stores. 

I am excited to be a part of the Northgate Community and look forward to meeting you!  

Hi, my name is Meechele! I knew from a very young age that working with children would be in my future. It was while pursuing my degree in Child and Family Studies that I discovered my passion for working with infants. My husband and I have been married for over 25 years and our daughter is a college student. I love taking pictures, creating scrapbooks, and reading. When I am not teaching your children you will find me spending time at the beach, camping, or exploring a trail.

I couldn’t be more excited about being a part of such an incredible team of women, all passionate about your kiddos + families! I love that each of us have the opportunity to make a positive impact in each of these children’s lives, even in simple ways. Not having littles of my own yet, I am so happy to be able to pour into local families within this community. In my personal life, I love creating through photography + am involved in youth ministry here at Northgate alongside my husband + best friend, Gabriel. I am so grateful for the opportunity to show the love of Jesus to your children + watch them grow in amazing ways!

Hello! My name is Julia, and I am learning new things every day! I have always loved caring for children and have spent lots of time caring for babies and children in my family. I enjoy working with children because every day is a new adventure where they teach me something new. It's essential for me to make a difference in every child and to make sure I give them a safe space outside of home.

Hello! My name is Amanda. I’ve been in the childcare field for 12 years caring for many wonderful children here in Benicia. I’ve attended Napa Valley College and have units in early childhood education. I have two amazing children with my loving fiancée. I love reading, cooking, and spending quality time with my family. I’m very happy to join the Northgate family and looking forward to meeting you all. 

Nice to meet you all! My name is Maria Espino, and I am a college student at Sonoma State University! So far in my career, I have worked as a paraeducator in the special education department. I enjoyed guiding the students in the right direction and working with them on their goals. Recently, I decided to pursue my education in the Early Childhood Development field and work with younger children. In my spare time, I have two younger siblings whom I love to spend time with, and one of my favorite things to do is play bass to connect with God. I love playing worship songs!

My name is Heneida Rojas! I recently moved back to California from New Mexico, where I lived for about seven years. While in New Mexico, I was a toddler and pre-k teacher. I began working on my associate's degree in Early Childhood Education during this time. I enjoy reading a fantastic book with a cup of coffee, writing, and crocheting in my spare time! I’m excited to be around the children, watch them grow, and see how learning and experiences brighten their eyes. I look forward to learning about the community, families, and children.

Hi! My name is Amy! I am honored to join the Northgate family and feel blessed to continue to pursue my passion for working with children. I have spent an incredible seven years in the Benicia Unified School District as a Special Education Assistant, forming lasting bonds that have helped each student reach their academic, social, and behavioral goals. In 2021, I obtained an Associate of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education, and I am currently working toward my Bachelor of Science degree in Intervention Specialist. I reside in Benicia with my fiancé and two children, and I love the small-town sense of community. My family and I love animals, being outdoors, puzzles, Legos, and, most of all, camping.

Hi, my name is Savannah! I have grown up in Benicia and I am excited to be working with the children in our community. I am passionate about teaching and I cherish the experiences I have with all our children. I graduated with my A.A. in Elementary Education from Napa Valley College. I continued my education earning my B.A. in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Child Development in May 2023 from Cal State East Bay. I am currently working on my masters/teaching credential. I have loved learning about what makes each child special and the ways to ensure they all reach their full potential. I have a five year old daughter who is my world. She attended preschool here and I loved watching her grow with all her friends at Northgate. When I'm not teaching, I love learning, painting, attending church, and reading. I look forward to getting to know all of you! 

Hi! My name is Janell Silveira. I’m a Bay Area native, and I’ve lived in Benicia for the past 20 years. I have three children. My first is 11 years old, my second is eight, and my third is one year old. I’m an active real estate agent, but nothing is more rewarding than being a mother and teacher; I’m most passionate about caring for children. I come with 15 years of Early child development experience, and I look forward to helping our Northgate children grow and learn daily!

Hi, my name is Ellen, and I have many years of childcare experience in public and private schools. I love being a floating teacher for Northgate and getting to know many exceptional children attending our childcare center! I grew up in Upstate New York and married my best friend, David. I have five wonderful children ranging from 16 yrs. to 26 yrs. I am also a "military mom" to my two oldest sons, who are currently serving in the Army and Army National Guard. I have both a Child Development Associate Teacher's Permit and a Photography Degree, and when I am not at work, I am at college working on obtaining a Journalism Degree. When I am not busy with life, you will find me working effortlessly in one of the many beautiful gardens surrounding my house's entire property.

Hi everyone, my name is Christina, and I'm thrilled to be teaching at Northgate! I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management, with a Minor in Business Administration, from San Francisco State University. After graduating, I pursued my passion for working with children by studying Early Childhood Education and obtaining my Child Development Associate Permit. My goal is to make a positive impact on the future generation through genuine, empathetic, and meaningful interactions that leave the children feeling loved. It is extremely rewarding to witness children's excitement as they learn and achieve new milestones. Outside of teaching, I enjoy outdoor adventures with my husband, Luke, and our dog, Oreo, gardening, film photography, and spending time with family

I'm Janiese, a firm believer in Christ with a passion for childcare that started at a young age. I've been changing diapers and making boxed mac & cheese since I was five years old in my Mom’s Daycare Center! Over the years, I've babysat for neighbors, family, and friends, providing attentive and nurturing care for their little ones. For about six years, I grew up alongside a loving family as a nanny to their two young children. I saw them both learn and grow into bright, determined, adventurous, and hopeful little people! My experience also extends to the school setting, where I worked as a substitute attendance clerk, further honing my multitasking skills and gaining exposure to the early education field. I am skillful at managing the needs of multiple children, from bathing and changing to feeding and creating a fun, stimulating environment for them to thrive in. I love being able to experience making even the simplest moments and accomplishments into something magical, even beyond a toddler's most extensive imagination! I’m so excited to have the opportunity to be a part of NCF and their community of learners in helping forward a future of inspiring minds and a solid growing faith! Psalm 127:3, Matthew 19:14, Isaiah 54:13, Psalm 139:15-1

After a long career in the legal field, I had the opportunity to train for a new career, and this is the best one I could think of! I can be seen rocking babies, spotting a one-year-old on the slide, or cheering on a two-year-old with a new puzzle. Along with many of us, I am studying at Solano College to keep my classes current in early childhood education. I have been married to my amazing husband, Brian, for 18 years, and I have two daughters, two granddaughters, and one grandson. I'm a very blessed person!

Hi there! My name is Amber and I’ve been working with children for over 14 years, seven of those professionally. I’ve always known since I was a child myself that I wanted to work with children. Being a safe, caring, and loving base for a child means the world to me and I want to ensure every child that crosses my path always feels seen and heard. I’m currently working on my associates for teaching! I absolutely love learning about the psychology of a child’s mind and their behavior, it’s truly fascinating. My favorite thing about working with children is getting to witness their milestones and grow into an amazing little person! Working with your kiddos is extremely rewarding work

Hi, my name is Natalie! Ever since I was a child, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I’ve worked in multiple childcare centers, daycares, and preschools for the past 5 years! I have been babysitting and nannying since I was 13 years old. I’ve always had a passion for working with children. I'm naturally energetic and a kind person. I think children feed off that energy. I cannot wait to work with your children, make connections with them and to help them grow. I also can’t wait to make connections with you as well! I moved to Benicia when I was four years old, but before that lived in multiple states before the age of four. I am a full-time student at Diablo Valley College furthering my education in early childhood development. When I’m not working, I am most likely either reading on my front porch, watching a movie with my boyfriend, going on walks with my dog, and spending quality time with my family and friends. Growing up I was raised most of my life by a single mother, so I know what it’s like to be around strong loving kind women and that’s what this environment is. It’s full of strong, loving and kind women! The team of women we have here is so inspiring. I can’t wait to learn from them. I look forward to working with them to make a difference in your kids' lives!

Hi, my name is Annie! My love for teaching began when I was a child, admiring the teachers who made learning fun and meaningful. Today, I'm thrilled to work at Northgate, where I'm committed to providing that same kind of good experience for the children in our community. My passion for working with young people extends to my role as a youth leader at my church, a position I love so much. This experience reinforces my belief in building strong, supportive communities for children to grow in. When I’m not at the center, you'll find me spending quality time with friends and family, or at my church. I look forward to welcoming your family into our community at Northgate!

Hi, my name is Michelle! I've been working with children for over 13 years. I've worked at multiple schools and have an extensive background in childcare services. I'm devoted and hardworking when caring for children, and I'm glad to continue my adventure at Northgate. In my spare time I like to try new experiences, new restaurants, and go shopping with my wonderful daughter Juliana. As a busy mom, I like to stay active and work out. I'm either out meeting new people, dancing or at home listening to music and watching a good movie.

Hello, my name is Rosa Karina Cruz. I’ve worked with children in and outside the church for nearly two decades. I’ve been married for 33 years and have three beautiful kids and three amazing grandchildren. I believe pouring into our children and speaking life into them is very important. Helping them to grow in any aspect of their life is a privilege. In my free time, I like to go on walks, watch basketball games, spend time with family, and do interior design. I’m excited to be part of this great team and look forward to working together to make a difference in a kid's life. (Prov 22:6)

Hello, my name is Jennifer. My husband Marty and I have lived in Benicia over 30+ years and have been attending NGCF for over 14 years. At the end of 2024 I retired from the building industry after 38 years and loving my career. My husband is still working, also in the building industry. He owns his company, which he bought from his dad, in Marin County. We raised two beautiful daughters in Benicia. One lives in Walnut Creek and the other is married and lives in Benicia. We are lucky to be able to see them often. I look forward to becoming a “Glamma” someday. After retirement, I was home thinking what can I do to keep busy and still do something fun. NGCC needed a van driver. Since I drove company vehicles my whole career and I love kids, I thought this could be a perfect fit, and it is. I pick up my littles twice a day, four days a week, at one of the local elementary schools. Each child is so special and unique with their own personalities, I feel so blessed to be their “Miss Jennifer” and I am honored to be able to get them back to Northgate Childcare safely.