LIZARDS - Key Persons
Cassie O'Neil has been working with the State Preschool Programs since June 2005 and has been the Site Supervisor for the Faller State Preschool for High Desert Leapin' Lizards since 2007. Cassie completed her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Hope International University and holds a Child Developmnent Site Supervisor permit through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. She further completed additional Early Childhood Development courses through Cerro Coso Community College. Cassie has said that she enjoys "helping kids reach the next stage of their lives and become stronger students throughout their educational years." Cassie is responsible for the planning, training and supervision of the Faller State Preschool Program year-round.
Job Titles:
- Site Supervisor for Faller Afterschool
Laura Coffee has been working with High Desert Leapin' Lizards, supervising programs for 20 years. She began her work in child development in 1992 and has worked as a Teacher Aid, Teacher, and Center Director, impacting both preschool and school age children through developmentally appropriate, quality programs for over 29 years. Laura has an Associate's degree in Child Development and holds a Child Development Site Supervisor permit through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Laura completes all of the registration for the State Preschool programs and is responsible for the planning, training and supervision of the State Preschool Program and Afterschool Programs all year-round.
Job Titles:
- President of the Board of Directors
Linda has been working in the early child field for over 30 years all in the Ridgecrest area. She holds an associate's degree from Cerro Coso Community College as well as a Bachelor's and Master's in Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood from Cal State Bakersfield. She teaches early childhood education classes for Cerro Coso and is a substitute teacher for Sierra Sands Unified School District.
Linda has been married for 42 years and has three adult children. In addition she is the proud grandma of 4 grandchildren (1 boy and 3 girls). In her spare time she likes to camp, read, crochet and spend as much time as possible with her grandchildren.
In addition to serving as President of this Board she has been a member of the Early Childhood Council of Kern since 1998. She also serves on both the Kern AEYC and the Eastern AEYC Boards.
Job Titles:
- Site Supervisor for Faller State Preschool
Job Titles:
- Site Supervisor for Inyokern State Preschool
Sally Valiton taught various elementary grades in Sierra Sands for 25 years. She retired in 2009. Currently, she enjoys travelling with her husband, Don, reading, and painting.
Job Titles:
- Site Supervisor for Inyokern Afterschool
Job Titles:
- Site Supervisor for Pierce State Preschool