Veronica Cabello, M.A.

Executive Director & Founder

Veronica is passionate educator who has been in the field of early childhood for 30+ years.  She earned her Masters degree in Child Development from CSULA.  Veronica's vast experience includes managing one of the largest preschools in West Los Angeles, teaching ECE at Santa Monica College and mentoring students from various universities.  One of her greatest professional achievements has been turning a personal dream into a reality when she build Green Beginning Community Preschool from the ground up!

Since it opened its doors in 2010, Green Beginning Community Preschool (GBCP) has earned local and nationwide recognition by winning the Outstanding Green Citizenship Award in 2011 from the South Robertson Neighborhood Council (SORONC) and The Green People Planet Award in 2014.

Click here to read an interview with Veronica that was published in "Beyond the Brochure" in December 2010. 

Keone Kealalio

Assistant Director

Teacher - Panda/Parent & Me

Keone has over 25 years of experience in the field of early childhood education. He was recognized for his hard work, dedication, and love for children when he was nominated for and won "The Best Preschool Teacher of the Year" awarded by LAUP (Los Angeles Universal Preschool) in 2008. He is a strong believer in the development of the whole child through active learning; therefore, his methods include facilitating hands-on activities where the child learns by experiencing rather than observing. He earned his B.A. degree from Cal State Dominguez Hills.

Isabel Delgado

Teacher - Bumblebees & Blue Jays

Los Koalas - Spanish Immersion

Isabel is in her second year of teaching at Green Beginning. She attained her Bachelors Degree from California State University in Child & Adolescent Development with an emphasis in Early Childhood Development. She’s a believer that each child is unique and aims to create a stimulating, caring and secure atmosphere to help them grow in all domains. In her free time, Isabel enjoys going on hikes, spending time with family and going to Disneyland.

Patti Mintz

Teacher - Polar Bears & Sea Lions

Patti graduated from California State University at Northridge in 1990 with a Bachelors Degree in Art. While in college, she worked for the los Angeles Unified School District where she brought her creativity and love of working with children together as an aide in an after-school program for elementary school children.  Through the years, Patti has continued to bring her talent in art and her love of inspiring children to her own twin daughters' preschool and elementary school classrooms. As a head room parent for 6 years, she volunteered in the classrooms, planned art projects, organized class functions, and was a leader in communication between room parents.  Patti is now continuing her love of working with children by enrolling at West L.A. College to complete her ECE Certificate.

Andrea Mendez-Santos

Teacher - Polar Bears & Sea Lions

Los Koalitas - Spanish Immersion

“Teacher Andy” is currently a student at Santa Monica College majoring in Early Childhood Education and will be transferring to a 4-yr university to complete her degree. She recognizes the importance of children being able to explore and create on their own. She’s excited to be a part of the Green Beginning Community as “they welcome you and treat you like a part of the family.” Andy is entering her 2nd year as a teacher.

Carol Noguera

Administration

Teacher - Pea Pods

Carol has been in the ECE field for 22 years and this is her first year at Green Beginning. She earned her Masters Degree in Child Development and has worked with children ranging from 2 to 6 years. She’s grounded in the belief that children deserve respect, kindness, and are active participants in their journey of growth and development. Her commitment is to providing an environment that's rich with opportunities for meaningful connections, active play & exploration, problem solving and wonderment.

Andrea Trujillo

Teacher - Bumblebees & Blue Jays

Andrea is in her 2nd year at Green Beginning. She is currently studying at Cal State LA and working towards her degree in Speech Pathlology. And after she began teaching, she now has a second major in Early Childhood Education.

Jesus Sanchez

Teacher - Pea Pods

Los Koalas - Spanish Immersion

Jesus joined our team in the middle of our 2021-22 school year to help support our Spanish Immersion program. He came highly recommended by the ECE Dept at Santa Monica College. He is currently in his last semester at SMC and will graduate as a preschool teacher with his AA degree this summer.

Kick Start Dance

Meghann Lucas Movement Specialist

Kick Start Dance Studio has been in business for 14 years and offers amazing classes in a variety of styles. They teach children all of age and have been great with introducing movement to help foster bilateral coordination and exercising in a fun way!