Huntington Beach City School District

Rochelle Nguyen, Early Childhood Education Director

Rochelle Nguyen brings over 19 years of experience in early childhood education to her role as Director of Early Childhood Education for the Huntington Beach City School District. She has served as a preschool teacher, assistant site supervisor, supervisor, and director, giving her a well-rounded understanding of early learning programs.

Rochelle holds a Master’s degree in Child Development and a Program Director Permit. She is dedicated to creating nurturing, inclusive, and high-quality learning environments that support children’s social, emotional, and academic growth.

As Director, Rochelle collaborates closely with families, educators, and district leadership to ensure programs reflect best practices in early learning and family engagement. She believes the early years lay the foundation for lifelong learning and is proud to lead programs that foster curiosity, confidence, and a love of school.

Beth Young, Preschool Supervisor

Jocelyn Carbajal, Early Childhood Technician
714-378-2033 | jcarbajal@hbcsd.us 

Ms. Jocelyn has been a valuable member of the Huntington Beach City School District (HBCSD) since 2018, fulfilling various responsibilities as an Early Childhood Technician, particularly in aiding families through the enrollment process. Committed to staying familiar of best practices in her field, she recently obtained a Child Development Associate Teacher Permit from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. As a mother of two, Ms. Jocelyn takes great pleasure in supporting the children and families within the HBCSD community.

Permit: Child Development Associate Teacher

Mrs. Anna Chen | Preschool Instructor 

Ms. Anna has worked for HBCSD since 2022.  She currently holds an Associate of Arts Degree and Preschool Lead Teacher Permit from Orange Coast College.  Ms. Anna believes that each child learns in their own unique way, and understands it is her responsibility to provide ample opportunities where children can discover and become confident in their ability to learn.  She also believes children learn through hands-on experiences. 

Permit: Child Development Master Teacher

Mr. Sheldon Stires | Substitute Instructor

Mr. Sheldon has worked for since 2019.  He has earned an Associates of Arts Degree in Elementary Education, and is currently attending Arizona State University in pursuit of a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Educational Studies.  Mr. Sheldon believes all children should have an equitable access to education regardless of any unique circumstances.

Mrs. Kellie Gamboa | Instructional Assistant

Permit: Child Development Associate Teacher

Angelica Ortega

Emily Thorpe

Mrs. Sara Fletcher | Preschool Instructor

Ms. Sara has worked with HBCSD since 2013.  She has earned an Associate of Arts Degree from Orange Coast College.  In addition, Ms. Sara has also earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master of Arts Degree in Child Development.  With her personal education, Ms. Sara has worn many hats in the field of Early Childhood including: Preschool Director, Curriculum Coordinator, and Lead Teacher.  Ms. Sara understand her responsibility to provide children with a caring, nurturing, and safe environment that invites them to engage in meaningful and purposeful activities that foster the social, emotional, and cognitive skills that will enable them to be successful in their future school experiences.

Mrs. Shari Blaich-Kawai | Preschool Instructor

Ms. Shari has worked for HBCSD since 2012.  She holds an Associate of Arts Degree from Orange Coast College where she also earned a Certificate in Early Childhood Education.  Ms. Shari is currently enrolled at Ashford University, where she is completing a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education.  While pursuing a higher education, she was Scholarship Grant recipient from Future Teachers of America.  Ms. Shari believes it is an honor to share in the excitement when a child discovers for themselves all that they are capable of, all that they can dream, and all that they can master. 

Permit: Child Development Site Supervisor

Mrs. Jenny Stires | Instructional Assistant

Melissa O’Donnell

Yen Nguyen

Mrs. Tammy Tang | Preschool Instructor

Ms. Tammy has worked for HBCSD since 2017.  She has a passion for fashion and education that prompted her to attend the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) and California State University, Long Beach (CSULB).  Ms. Tammy holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Liberal Studies from CSULB, and believes that teaching children is a gift as there are endless possibilities when looking through their lenses.

Permit: Child Development Master Teacher

Ms. Joanie Deckert | Instructional Assistant

Ms. Joanie joined the team at HBCSD Preschool Academy in 2023, bringing with her two years of dedicated experience in early childhood education. She attended Coastline College, where she earned not only one but three Associate of Arts Degrees in the fields of Human Services, Social Behavioral Sciences, and Arts and Humanities in the same year. Her commitment to her field was further demonstrated by obtaining a certificate in Early Childhood Education during her tenure at Coastline. Ms. Joanie is enthusiastic about applying her knowledge and skills to nurture and educate students in the full-day classroom setting.

Permit: Child Development Site Supervisor

Mrs. Sara Parisi | Instructional Assistant

Permit: Child Development Master Teacher

Mrs. Molly Kiefer | Preschool Instructor 

Ms. Molly has worked with HBCSD since 2007.  Ms. Molly has participated in several higher education courses emphasizing in Early Childhood Education.  Being a mommy and a teacher are the only jobs she envisioned having as a young girl.  She enjoys every day working with her students, and is hopeful to have many more years with the Preschool Academy.

Permit: Child Development Associate Teacher

Mrs. Rachel Dufresne | Instructional Assistant

Permit: Child Development Master Teacher

Ms. Natalie Marquez | Instructional Assistant

Permit: Child Development Master Teacher

Angie Castaneda