Meet Our Teachers
Elena Mannwieler, Owner
Ms. Elena brings Storyland a background in business and marketing along with a BA of Arts in Early Childhood Education and a BA of Science in Biochemistry. Elena retired her career in business and marketing in order to spend more time with her two young children and to become a teacher. In her spare time she enjoys outdoor hiking, running, and spending time with family and friends.
Email: Elena@storylandschool.com
Debbie Colvin, Director
Ms. Debbie has been with Storyland for 11 years. As a fully qualified educator, she was head teacher in the Teddy Bears toddler classroom for 8 years, then assistant director of enrollment, curriculum and programs for 2 years, and today the school director. Ms. Debbie is married and is the mother of three girls ages 16, 8, and 4. Personally she enjoys the outdoors, drawing, painting, yoga/pilates, and dance.
Email: Debbie@storylandschool.com
Sara Hutchinson, Assistant Director
Ms. Sara began working at Storyland School as a Regional Occupation Program student in 1997. Upon completion of her program she stayed on to work as a teacher’s aide until she received her teacher qualifications in Early Childhood Education. Since then she has taught in our Looney Tunes, Mickey Mouse, Teddy Bears, and Goof Troop classrooms. Today she is our Assistant Director and is responsible for managing the operational functions within the school’s administration. Ms. Sara is married and has an infant son. Personally she enjoys being outdoors, camping, and reading science fiction novels.
Email: Sara@storylandschool.com
Jessica Torres, Tiggers Teacher (Kindergarten Readiness)
Ms. Jessica is the head teacher in the Tiggers classroom. She is a fully qualified teacher with 8 years of experience working with children. Ms. Jessica is married and has two young girls ages 5 and 2. She enjoys spending quality time with her family, baking, and scrapbooking.
Email: Jessica@storylandschool.com
Stephanie Baigorria, Goof Troop Teacher (Kindergarten Readiness)
Ms. Stephanie comes to Storyland with 11 years of teaching experience and is certified through the American Montessori Academy. She is currently attending Las Positas college to continue her Early Childhood Education. Ms. Stephanie is the head teacher in the Goof Troop classroom. Personally Ms. Stephanie enjoys snowboarding, hiking, dancing, and dirt bike riding. In her spare time she likes to spend time with her family, friends, and her 5 year old son.
Sara May, Looney Tunes Teacher
(Early Pre-K)
Ms. Sara is the head teacher for the Looney Tunes classroom. She has a bachelor's degree is Child Development as well as her teaching credentials from San Jose State University. She has 11 years of experience which includes being a student teacher at Santa Clara Unified School District as well as being an early childhood educator for special needs children at Via Services in Santa Clara. Sara's interests include color guard, dance, four wheeling, camping, and horseback riding. She is married and has two young sons. Sara is a Storyland School alumni as she attended Storyland when she was a preschooler.
Email: Saramay@storylandschool.com
Jose Jimenez, Goof Troop Teacher (Pre-K)
Mr. Jose is our Goof Troop teacher. Prior to teaching, he served 9 years in the U.S. Army as a drill sergeant. He was also a wrestling coach for Milpitas, Overfelt, and Arch Bishop Mitty High Schools for over 10 years. He is married and has a 21 year old son. He enjoys football, college/freestyle wrestling and golfing.
Email: jose@storylandschool.com
Shelley Ancora, Looney Tunes Teacher (Early Pre-K) and Little Rascals Teacher (Kindergarten)
Ms. Shelley is a teacher for both our Looney Tunes and Little Rascals classrooms. She has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology as well as a teaching credential permit. She has over fifteen years of teaching experience from both New Jersey and California. Shelley is married and has two children ages 12 and 17. Personally she enjoys cooking, exercise walking, and spending time with family and friends.
Email: Shelley@storylandschool.com
Brittany Vargas, Mickey Mouse Teacher (Early Pre-K)
Ms. Brittany is the head teacher in the Mickey Mouse classroom and has over 8 years experience in teaching children. She is a fully qualified preschool teacher and is continuing her education at Las Positas College. Prior to coming to Storyland, she worked at Quarry Lane School in Pleasanton. Personally, she enjoys spending time with her husband, family, and friends.
Email: Brittany@storylandschool.com
Cassie Robles, Teddy Bears Teacher (Toddler)
Ms. Cassie is a teacher in the Teddy Bears classroom. She began working at Storyland as a Regional Occupation Program student and is currently attending Las Positas College to continue her early childhood education. Personally Ms. Cassie enjoys playing softball and spending time with her family.
Email: Cassie@storylandschool.com
Rebecca Graves, Mickey Mouse Teacher (Early Pre-K)
Ms. Rebecca is a teacher in the Mickey Mouse classroom. She is currently attending Las Positas College to continue her early childhood education. She is working towards a teaching degree and would like to teach at the elementary level in the future. Personally Ms. Rebecca enjoys swimming, surfing, and scuba diving. Recently she has also taken up golf and is enjoying getting out on the course. Most importantly Ms. Rebecca is enjoying life as a new mom.
Email: Rebecca@storylandschool.com
Ashley Rowland, Teddy Bears Teacher (Toddler)
Ms. Ashley is a teacher in our Teddy Bears classroom. She began her experience in Early Childhood Education while she was a Regional Occupation Program (ROP) student and has now been working with children for over 6 years. She is continuing her education at Las Positas College. Her experience includes working with pre-school and elementary age students both in the traditional and montessori style settings. Personally Ms. Ashley enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with her dog Kobe.
Email: Ashley@storylandschool.com
Ana Velazquez, Teacher
Ms. Ana has over 5 years of exprience working with young children. She is currently attending Las Positas College to continue her studies in teaching. She plans on tranferring to San Jose State in the near future to earn her bachleor's degree in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Ana's interests include arts and crafts, painting, cooking, and being outdoors. She also enjoys spending time with her two younger brothers, as well as her family and friends.
Email: Anav@storylandschool.com
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