Toddler Classroom
Lucia Aguirre
My name is Lucia Ortiz Aguirre and I am the Lead Teacher and Instructional Assistant in the Toddler Room. I was hired in 2008 after receiving my AA in Child Development from Cuesta College. My favorite part about working with children, especially toddlers is being a constant source of security and affection. It’s usually a toddlers first time away from home and family and building a special and safe relationship with each child and seeing them blossom into a happy and confident child is special. My favorite activity is going on buggy rides around campus and visiting staff, the farm, doing nature walks, and going on bug hunts.
I was a Cuesta College Children's Center Preschooler! My first experience of school was in this amazing program with my favorite teacher ever Don Norton. Now, I love to take spontaneous trips with my children and husband to find new places to explore.
Damaris Santander
My name is Damaris Santander. I am currently a toddler and preschool assistant teacher in North County. I started working at Cuesta in June 2021 as a childcare assistant (floater). I took dual enrollment courses for Early Childhood Education at Cuesta during high school and continued on from there. I will finish my Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education in Spring 2023.
My favorite part about working with children is forming connections and bonds. Building meaningful relationships with children to create a safe, loving, and nurturing environment is essential. My favorite activity in the classroom is reading books to the children. I enjoy bringing words to life with silly voices and taking the children on a grand adventure with books. I am a Taylor swift enthusiast! However, I am a music head, so I love to talk and learn about everything that is music.
Middle Littles Classroom
holland_keithtuinstr@cuesta.edu
I started working at Cuesta College Children’s Center in April 2020. Yes.... starting a new job when there was a shelter at home order was super calming, but everything worked out! I received my Associates degree in Early Childhood Education from Cuesta College in Spring 2012.
My favorite part about working in the field is getting to see the relationship that is formed between teacher, student, and parents. It's so sweet when a parent greets you first thing and tells you their child has been talking about you all weekend long. My favorite activity to do with children is watching them make art. Anything can be glued, and everything can be called art.
A favorite hobby of mine is I have picked up golf again. I played the sport in high school but with Covid and state closures I had to find something that would keep me calm. I'm excited to see how much I've kept in memory from 15 years ago.
Preschool Classroom