At Trinity Preschool, the entire staff works closely together to build relationships with the children. We are here to guide each child’s unique developmental needs in a group-learning environment. At the same time, we provide engaging program activities that are intended to prepare each child for academic success, build social and emotional intelligence, and to support their spiritual development.
Arianna Pacheco
Preschool Director
Arianna began working at Trinity Preschool just after graduating from Westmont College with her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She taught our three-year-olds who quickly became some of her favorite people in the world. Later she went back to school to complete her AS in Early Childhood Education ("a little backwards I know, but that was my path!"). Arianna always knew she wanted to work with children, but this first year of teaching solidified that fact. After a few years of teaching, she became the director of a new preschool in her home town of Carpinteria. Now back at Trinity, she is excited to carry on the traditions of gathering as a school to celebrate and grow. You can find her by following the sounds of music coming from the office or by looking for her head buried in an organizing project.
“Coming back to Trinity was such an answered prayer as I asked the Lord what He had in store for my life. It is such an honor to meet with these students and learn from them, just as much as they learn from us. I want every interaction with a student to leave them feeling like they are heard just as much as we want them to hear us. Doing so creates a community where everyone feels that their opinions and skills are being heard and used.”
Courtney Houston
Toddler Teacher
Ms. Courtney joined the Trinity Preschool team in the fall of 2021 with years of experience with children. She loves seeing and helping children meet their developmental milestones at school. When she is not at school she loves being outside and being active. Courtney has played basketball most of her life, including at her college Eastern Nazarene. She loves trying new things and being adventurous. Courtney is a great addition to our staff with her overall happy and outgoing demeanor.
Coming Soon!
Toddler Teachers' Aide
We look forward to introducing you to our new aide soon!
Cindy Martinez
Toddler Teacher
Ms. Cindy came to Trinity in the fall of 2021 with a sweet and quiet presence perfect for a toddler teacher. She was ready to take on this new role with much knowledge and wisdom beyond her years. She is working on a degree in Early Childhood Education at Santa Barbara City College. Cindy says that being around children just brightens her day! If Ms. Cindy finds free time, she is getting coffee and taking a walk.
Elena Lopez
Toddler Teachers' Aide
Ms. Elena came to Trinity in the summer of 2023 after working as a CNA and care giver for many years. She was born and raised in Santa Barbara, attending both San Marcos High School and SB City College. She worked in children's ministry for many years as a volunteer and is excited to be back working with kids! In her free time you can find her outside spending time with her family and chatting away with friends.
Kendra Barber
Preschool Teacher
Kendra came to Trinity in the fall of 2019. Since then she has been nothing but a breath of fresh air and just a wonderful preschool teacher! She has had years of experience working with young children and came to Trinity to not just teach children but to help grow their minds and expand their knowledge of Jesus. Kendra is loving, kind, and connects well with students, and she is currently attending Santa Barbara City College for further Early Childhood Education. Since starting her teaching journey here at Trinity she has fallen in love with teaching the kids all about emotional intelligence! In her sparetime, you can find Kendra enjoying a good cup of coffee and reading.
Marisa Mata
Preschool Teacher
Since her start at Trinity in the fall of 2021, Ms. Marisa has added a warm and loving support to our kids, their families and our staff. She has been working with kids since she was 14 years old. Marisa is currently taking Early Childhood Education courses at SBCC with the hopes of becoming a kindergarten teacher down the road. Her favorite aspect of teaching is that not only does she have the privilege of teaching kids, but they also teach her new things every day. Ms. Marisa also loves to walk alongside students in their journey with Jesus. In her free time she loves being with her family and going on walks with her Corgi puppy.
Andria Ortiz
Preschool Teacher's Aide
Ms. Andria joined the Trinity staff in early 2023. Her lighthearted personality that makes her a great addition to our team! Her main reason for wanting to work at Trinity stems from her love of working with kids and serving her community. She is currently enrolled in an Early Childhood Education program so that she can one day become a preschool teacher. Andria's favorite parts of working with kids is watching their faces light up when they learn a new skill as well as laughing with them about life! In her free time, she says you can find her indulging in creative projects, watching a good movie or spending time with her cats.
Shannon Zamora
Pre-K Teacher
Shannon has graced Trinity with her gift of teaching over many years, including teaching our Toddler class over a decade ago! She was delighted to return to Trinity Preschool in the fall of 2019 as the PreK teacher, and we are so thankful for the strong and loving person she is, and all that she brings to the Trinity team. Shannon has a passion for teaching God’s word and instilling in children how valuable they are to Him! She is so gifted in connecting with her students and creating a fun learning environment!
Lisa Thompson
TK Teacher
Ms. Lisa moved from Atlanta in July 2020 and quickly joined the Trinity family. In 2005, she fell in love with teaching preschoolers and is continually amazed by what they discover! She always has an enthusiastic smile and contagious laugh that makes children feel loved and valued. During her down time, she enjoys cooking, running, and exploring her new Santa Barbara hometown.
Sammie Kuo
Pre-K & TK Teachers' Aide
Ms. Sammie joined our team in the fall of 2022. She has a passion for building relationships with kids and sharing God’s love. She’s worked with children for many years through church ministries and tutoring, and hopes to help them grow a desire to know Christ. She loves worshipping God with kids and learning from them. Sammie will graduate this Fall from UCSB with a degree in Communication and an Education minor. She enjoys thrift shopping, playing volleyball with her family, and getting boba milk tea from SoCal.
Preschool Board
Dr. Don Gilman
Board Chair
Karen McLean
SB Community Church Executive Pastor
Paige Chase
SB Community Church Interim Pastor - Children & Families
Lauren gusland
Parent Representative