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!

Jeanine is passionate about making a difference in the lives of children. She has been dedicated to teaching since 2003 and believes each child is a blessing. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Studies, emphasizing Early Childhood Education. She loves Jesus and feels like she has been called to the ministry of education. When Jeanine isn't working, you will find her reading, shopping, cooking, or watching Bluey with her children. She has a wonderful husband and three beautiful children. Jeanine loves listening to music, going to the beach, going on walks, and making memories with her family.

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!

Hi my name is Kara Suemnick! I live in Martinez with my husband and I have two adult children that live in the South Bay. I enjoy shopping, traveling, and going on walks to exercise. I am blessed to have 25 years of experience teaching children. Teaching is the most rewarding job in this world to me. I get to see children develop and grow each and every day. Because of their endless energy, contagious smiles, and bright eyes, teaching continues to be a calling for me.

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 Cheng! I am a mother of three—two boys and one girl. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and love fishing, camping, and cooking. Besides being outdoors, I love teaching! I completed my Early Childhood Education courses in 2018 and have five years of experience working as an infant and toddler teacher. I am excited to join Northgate Childcare Center and look forward to working with you as partners in your child's growth and development!

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!

Hello! My name is Samantha. I grew up babysitting and nannying for many different families since I was a teenager. I now have children of my own, who are 2 and 4, and that is my world. I have 15 units in Early Childhood Education and would like to continue in that to further my knowledge. Since working at Northgate, my love for children and teaching has grown more than I imagined. I love seeing all the little smiles daily and helping them achieve their milestones. I pride myself on always creating a safe environment while using a gentle approach with every child. I love to read and go on adventures with my family in my free time!

Hi my name is Angelica! It has always been a passion of mine to make an impact on the lives of children! I’m looking forward to providing the best care to your children and I’m excited to watch them learn and grow. I have 12 units in Early Childhood Education and have always wanted to be a teacher! In my personal life, I have a husband named Erik and a two year old daughter named Camilia. I love outdoor activities so when I am not at work you'll find me somewhere outside exploring!

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.

My name is Krittiya Noble, and I am very excited to work at Northgate Christian Fellowship this year as a floating teacher! I am from Thailand and have lived in the US for 13 years with my husband and two daughters. I enjoy working with young children to help them grow and watch them meet their milestones. I am currently working on completing my teaching credential in Education. I love to hike and run in my spare time and am passionate about helping animals.

Ashlyn's greatest joy comes from spending time around children and investing in others. For the past 5 years, she has been dedicated to serving in the infant and toddler room here at Northgate Christian Fellowship. When she's not with kids, you will most likely find her at the gym, working with plants, or finding treasures at TJ Maxx. Ashlyn is currently a full-time student at Napa Valley College furthering her education in early childhood development. Ashlyn finds her joy in being a learning companion for children, spending time with her family, and being around her church community.

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, my name is Jackie! I moved to Benicia when I was 5 years old. I am ecstatic to be here as an adult with my family and to be a preschool teacher at Northgate! I have 16 years of childcare experience whether it be working as a nanny or working in a daycare. I am enrolled and will be working on achieving my Associates of Science in Childhood Development. I am a wife to a wonderful husband and a mother to two beautiful daughters. I feel so blessed that the path of teaching little ones has found me!

I am thrilled to be teaching preschool at Northgate! I graduated in May 2021 from San Francisco State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management, with a Minor in Business Administration. During my first two years of college, I studied early childhood education and have been intrigued by the fascinating world of child development ever since. I adore children and enjoy being an early childhood educator because I have a passion for making a positive impact on the future generation through genuine, empathetic, and meaningful interactions! The best part about working with children is their natural love of wanting to learn and watching their faces light up when they accomplish something new for the first time.

Hi! My name is Monica. I have been in the childcare field for over fifteen years. I have a passion for helping each child learn and grow while creating new memories and having a fun and positive experience while in my care. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my two boys and taking my little dog, Duke, for walks. I’m very excited to be a part of the Northgate family and look forward to meeting you all!

Hello! My name is Alejandra. I am very excited for this new journey at Northgate. I am excited to teach and care for your children. I always knew that I wanted to work with children from a very young age, and now I am in my fourth year teaching young minds. I love teaching and inspiring young minds to become creative thinkers and independent learners. I enjoy spending my free time with my family and friends. I enjoy going to new places, the gym, and shopping. I look forward to connecting with you and your child.

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)

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!

My name is Maya Burckin, and I have the pleasure of being a floating teacher here at Northgate! I have been a mother's helper, babysitter, and childcare provider since I was 12 years old. I love teaching and caring for your wonderful children, and they have been such a huge blessing in my life. I have future career goals to become a Women's Health Physician Assistant and continue to provide healthcare to the next generations. I am also a National Registry certified EMT, and can provide emergency life-saving care for infants, toddlers, and children of all ages!

Hi my name is Nichola, I have lived in Benicia for the past 9 years, since my oldest started TK at Joe Henderson! I have three children in the Benicia School District and my family and I love it here! My kids play a ton of sports, most evenings and weekends you will find me on the various courts and fields all over town. When I have free time, which is rare these days, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family. Professionally, I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from California State University, Sacramento. After graduation, I worked at a group home and school with children of various ages. Following that, I started helping in my kids’ classrooms and their Girl Scout Troops. Then, I was lucky enough to find Northgate! I love working here and helping in the various classrooms. It is my goal to treat your children as I would want mine to be treated.