Sue Ray
I am APC's Acting Executive Director and Fiscal Director. I have worked here at APC for the past 35 years. I was a math major at Cornell and began working with computers in 1950, when computers used punch cards! I have been involved in many volunteer projects throughout the years and have always served as treasurer. I came to APC after serving as Chairman of the Board as a volunteer at the Blind Children's Center where I also ran the center. I have two children: a daughter who lives in England with her husband and two children and a son who lives with me. When I'm not crunching the numbers at APC, I enjoy traveling and watching sports. Back to top
Kate Crowley
I am the Consulting Program Director here at APC. I began working with APC in 1998 and left for a while but loved the program so much that I returned. I am an occupational therapist with 35 yrs experience working in a wide variety of organizations as well as with families and young children. I am also an instructor at USC in OT. I have two grown sons in their twenties whom I am very close and have two old dogs who may be over 100 in human years! When I'm not teaching at USC or working at Atwater Park Center I enjoy reading, hiking, theatre, dance, music, child development, neuroscience and working towards social justice. Back to top
Bertha Rodriguez
Frankie Diamond
I am the supervising teacher. I have been at APC for 16 years. I began working here in 1990 and then left for a period of four years, but I missed it too much and came back. I received my Master's Degree in Early Childhood Special Education from Cal State Los Angeles. Prior to that, I received my BA in Anthropology from UCLA. I am married and have a beautiful family made up of my four children and twelve grandchildren. When I'm not here at Atwater Park Center I root for the Lakers, love to go wine tasting and learn about different types of wine, go to the movies and expanding my knowledge about brain development. Back to top
Ricky Gonzalez
I am the Lead Teacher for Room 3. I have been working at Atwater Park Center for the past 11 years. I have extensive experience with children who have special needs, including autism, speech delay, developmental delay, hyperactivity, behavior problems, and aggression. I am currently working on finishing my Bachelor's Degree in Child Development and Education. I have attended many workshops, training programs, and in-services, which have enhanced my knowledge of the various types of play therapy. I am also working as a behavior specialist at a well respected community agency. I make home visits to special needs children. Because I am bilingual in English and Spanish, I am grateful that I can reach a wide range of families, especially those who are not familiar with their neighborhood resources. My mission is to help as many families as possible.
I have a big family of my own, which includes my wife, a son and four daughters. During the week, I make sure my kids focus on their academics and complete all of their homework. However, on the weekends, they enjoy their time outdoors by going to the park, zoo, amusement parks and road trips. My wife and I both have numerous extended family dispersed throughout the Western United States, Mexico and Central America. Thus, during summer vacation and other breaks, we make it a point to visit as many relatives as possible. We hope to cultivate a family centered orientation among our children, while also seeing various states in all their glory. Some trips have included visiting the Grand Canyon, Utah, driving on the Golden Gate Bridge and fishing in Lake Cachuma. Back to top
Santos Mundo
I live in El Sereno with my family. Atwater Park Center has been a part of my family for over 21 years. The center has provided me with a variety of trainings which have helped me to grow professionally and acquire much knowledge about working with children with special needs. In my time off, I enjoy playing many sports such as basketball, soccer, and bike riding. Back to top
Jeanette Hidalgo
I am a floater teacher which helps me learn about all the children in the center. I have been working at APC for three and a half years. After graduating from High School, I attended the Central University of Ecuador where I majored in Psychology. After arriving to the United States, I enrolled in Glendale Community College where I obtained my Associate in Science Degree and my certificate in Child Development. I finished my program with academic honors for outstanding achievement.
Before working at APC, I worked as a baby sitter for five years. Then I became very involved in my children's education and I became the chair person of the Atwater Head Start Program as well as the secretary of the Policy Committee of the PACE Head Start. These positions helped me learn about the policies and procedures of the pre-school. I then worked as a teacher's assistant for a year and 11 years as a pre-school teacher in a Head Start program. Their trainings enhanced my knowledge in many aspects including child development and children with special needs.
I have been married for 26 years and live in Hollywood with my husband, three sons, daughter in law, and my grandchild, Leila. When I'm not at APC I enjoy reading books, watching TV and spending time with my family. Back to top
Olga Hernandez
I am married with two lovely children. I have worked as the teacher of Room 2 since 2005. Since that time, I have worked my way through school and have accomplished many personal and professional goals. I have obtained my Teaching Credentials as well as my Associates Degree in Child Development. I feel very fortunate to work here and have the support and flexibility to have so many opportunities to grow as a professional. Back to top
Leslie Koch
I am the Lead Teacher for the childcare program and spend my afternoons in Room 2.
I have been at APC for almost ten years. I began as a home early interventionist and as the lead teacher for the afternoon program. I have an early childhood special education credential from Cal State Los Angeles and I received my B.A. from the University of Southern California. Before I came to APC I worked with LAUSD and did two long-term substituting positions and that is when I discovered I loved early childhood special ed. It has been my passion since then.
When I'm not teaching children I enjoy spending time with my close-knit family. My father is a doctor that specialized in genetics and my mom was a writer that collaborated on all of my father's projects. I have two sisters and two brothers and three children: a son and twin daughters.
In addition to being passionate about special education, I love traveling all over the world. However, most days you can find me on my bike whizzing through the streets of Silverlake.Back to top
Martha Rodriguez
Co-Teacher in Room 1. I have been working at APC for over 4 years. I have Teacher's permit and a specialized in Child Development as well as several different trainings such as Mental Health, Nutrition, and Disability Rights. Before I came to work here I was a Headstart teacher for over 16 years. I have three children: 24 year old twins and a 28 year old. When I'm not teaching I like to be in nature, discover new places and I love to spend time with my grandchildren! Back to top
Kirsten Masser
I have been the home visit teacher at APC for the past three years. I received my Bachelor of the Arts in Liberal Studies from Cal State Northridge. After I graduated, I taught preschool for over 10 years. I have 3 beautiful daughters who are very involved in show choir. My mother and one of my brothers live nearby. The rest of my family lives in the Midwest, where I grew up. I enjoy being very involved with my girls and their activities as well as reading and going to the movies.Back to top
Diane Chavira
I am a home visit teacher. I work one on one with children and their families in their natural environment. I have been working at APC for the past 4 years. I am currently attending college to further my education and working towards my Associates Degree in Child Development. I have my Associate Teacher Credential as well as an Infant Toddler Certificate and a Special Education Certificate. Outside of APC, I am very close to my family. My mother is my best friend; I have a brother, two wonderful children and two beautiful nieces whom I love dearly. When I'm not helping children and their families, I like to spend my time off reading at home, cooking with my mother and playing board games with my kids.Back to top
Esmeralda Aguayo
I am the Teacher Aid in Room 2. I have been working at Atwater Park Center for three years. I obtained my Baccalaureate Associates Degree in Child Development and have had the opportunity to learn even more with the special trainings offered here at the center. I enjoy my time off playing basketball and going to Disneyland. Back to top
Pearl Corrales
I am the Teacher's Aid in Room 1. I have been at APC for nearly five years. I received training in special education at East Los Angeles Occupational Center. Before that, I worked as a supervisor at a Plastic Company for over 26 years.
I have four sons and 10 grandsons and one granddaughter who I love very much. I enjoy going out for breakfast on the weekends with them. I also really enjoy going for long walks and to the movies with my husband. Back to top
Violeta Rodriguez
I have been the assistant teacher in Room 2 since 2008. I am currently pursuing my degree in Special Education at East Los Angeles College. I am very passionate about working with children of all developmental abilities. To know that I made a difference in the life of a child, even for a moment, is incredibly rewarding. When I'm not working at APC I enjoy doing all sorts of arts and craft projects and painting. Back to top
Loamy Cibrian
I am a teacher's assistant at the Atwater Park Center for over 4 years. I attended the East Los Angeles Occupational Center where I studied special education. As part of the courses I had to complete field training and observation hours at local public schools including the Perez School and Atwater Elementary. I really love my job here at APC. It's very rewarding to take care of all of the children and help them improve in all of their skills and stages of development. I believe it is so important to always give the best of myself to everyone I work with.Back to top
Melinda Rivas
I am one of the volunteers at APC. I have worked in Room 3 for the past six months. In the past I worked for an LAUSD as a special education teacher's assistant. I have two sisters and when I'm not teaching, I enjoy swimming and watching movies. Back to top
Kirsten Stuart
I have been the on-site speech therapist here at APC since 2010. I am a graduate of CSULA. I received my degree in Communication Disorders. I trained in oral-motor techniques, early intervention techniques with ASD population, phonological awareness skills for pre-readers.
I am the mother of two wonderful children; A gifted daughter and a special-needs son.
When I'm not working with children, I enjoy reading, theatre, travel, time with family and volunteering at my daughter's school. Back to top
