Meet Our Staff & Teachers

Elite Preschool's Christian Child Care Inspires Growth

Our Team

At Elite Preschool & Learning Center, our teachers and administrative team are dedicated to creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where every child can learn and grow. With experience in early childhood education and a genuine passion for working with children, our team is committed to helping each child build confidence and develop the skills they need for future success.

Angela Jimenez

Preschool Director

Braulia Jaimes

Preschool Teacher

Abbey Torres

Preschool Teacher

Alejandra de la Rosa

Preschool Teacher

Amethyst Nunez

Preschool Teacher

Mae Belderiza

Preschool Teacher

Valerie Lugo

Preschool Teacher

Angelina Romero

Preschool Teacher

Brittney Medina

Preschool Teacher

Daisy Muratalla

Preschool Teacher

Andrea Nunez

Preschool Teacher

Leiana Medina

Preschool Teacher

Aubreyona Smith

Preschool Teacher

Yolanda Valadez

Preschool Teacher

Gina Garcia

Preschool Teacher

Gabriela Razo

Preschool Teacher

Estella Medina

Preschool Teacher

Schedule A Tour Today

We welcome you to stop by our beautiful facility at any time for a tour of one or more of our amazing classrooms and activity areas. We have a weekly Children’s Praise and Worship Service on Friday afternoons at 3:00 PM.

We are located inside Gracewalk Church in Phoenix, Arizona and we welcome you to stop in and visit us.

Thank you for your interest in our childcare center and we look forward to meeting your family! See what our parents have to say about us on the Best Childcare!

Elite Preschool Image 1

Start your child on the road to success!

Call or schedule a tour today.

Ms. Angie Jimenez

As the Preschool Director at Elite Preschool & Learning Center, I have had the privilege of growing alongside our school. My journey began as an Assistant Teacher in the 2-Year-Old Classroom. Through hard work, dedication, and a passion for early childhood education, I learned how to lead a classroom as a teacher before advancing into my role as Director. It has been an incredible journey, and I am grateful for every opportunity to continue learning, growing, and serving our school family.

What I love most about Elite Preschool is the welcoming, safe, and supportive environment we provide—not only for our students and families but also for our staff. Elite truly feels like a second home, and I genuinely enjoy coming to work each day knowing that we are making a positive impact in the lives of children and families.

One of the most rewarding parts of my role is building meaningful relationships with our families. Watching children learn, grow, and reach new milestones while partnering with parents throughout their journey is what makes this work so fulfilling. I especially love being able to connect with and serve our Hispanic community through being bilingual. It is a blessing to communicate, build trust, and create strong relationships with families in their own language.

I am also incredibly thankful that Elite Preschool is a faith-based center where we have the opportunity to teach children about Jesus and share His love every day. Being surrounded by worship music throughout the day fills our hearts and reminds us of our purpose. It motivates and inspires us to continue growing, serving, and becoming more like Jesus in everything we do.

A few fun facts about me:
I absolutely love spending time with my family. My dream is to one day travel with them to Hawaii and Alaska, creating unforgettable memories and life experiences together. I believe building lasting memories and strong character is one of life’s greatest blessings.

Favorite Bible Verse:
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13

“Todo lo puedo en Cristo que me fortalece.” — Filipenses 4:13

Braulia Iveth Jaimes

With 9 years of experience in early childhood education, our Office Administrator has enjoyed being part of the many special moments and milestones that make each child’s journey unique. She loves witnessing the excitement, happiness, and growth of students while sharing in the accomplishments they achieve throughout their time at Elite Preschool & Learning Center.

One of the things she values most about Elite Preschool is the strong sense of family. She loves that the staff and families care for one another, support each other, and create a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued.

She enjoys being part of a team that makes a difference in children’s lives and appreciates the opportunity to contribute to a place where learning, kindness, and connection are at the heart of everything we do.

Fun Fact: She loves to cook and enjoys discovering new recipes to share with family and friends.

Favorite Bible Verse:
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me.” — Psalm 28:7

Abbey Torres

With over 7 years of experience in early childhood education, our Office Administrator has had the privilege of being part of the growth and development of children across all classrooms at Elite Preschool & Learning Center. She enjoys seeing each child’s unique personality shine as they learn, grow, and reach important milestones.

One of the most rewarding parts of her role is being able to witness the children’s journey throughout their time at Elite. She loves watching them discover new skills, celebrate achievements, and create memories that she hopes they will carry with them for years to come.

She loves being part of Elite Preschool because of the genuine care and dedication shown toward every child. Elite is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment where students are encouraged to dream big, believe in themselves, and understand that they are uniquely created by God.

Fun Fact: She has always loved reading! When she was younger, she enjoyed reading large chapter books and could finish an entire book in just one day. She also loves science-related studies and holds an Associate Degree in Biological Sciences.

Favorite Bible Verse:
“Let all that you do be done in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14

Alejandra Magaly de la Rosa

With 3 years of experience in early childhood education, our Assistant Teacher works with our 3-Year-Old Classroom, where she is passionate about creating a safe, loving, and encouraging environment where children feel valued and supported.

One of the most rewarding parts of her role is being able to contribute to each child’s growth and development. She believes every child deserves a place where they feel safe, loved, and confident to explore, learn, and discover something new every day.

She enjoys the joy that fills each classroom moment—from the smiles and laughter to the new experiences and learning opportunities that happen throughout the day. Knowing that she plays a part in supporting each child’s development and well-being is what makes her work so meaningful.

She also holds a Leadership Certification, bringing dedication, responsibility, and a strong desire to continue growing as an educator.

Favorite Bible Verse:
“Let the little children come to Me; do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” — Mark 10:14

Amethyst Violet Nunez

With 3 years of experience in early childhood education, our Assistant Teacher works with our 1- and 2-Year-Old Classrooms, where she enjoys creating meaningful connections and supporting each child’s growth and development.

One of the things she loves most about working with young children is building a special bond with each student. She enjoys being part of their everyday experiences, celebrating their milestones, and watching them learn new skills as they grow in confidence and independence.

She loves being part of the Elite Preschool & Learning Center family because of the positive environment we provide for our students. Every day brings new opportunities for fun, learning, and exploration. Seeing the children enjoy themselves, participate, and create happy memories makes every moment worthwhile.

Her passion for children and dedication to creating a loving classroom environment make her a wonderful part of our Elite team.

Favorite Bible Verse:
“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” — Psalm 34:14

Guada Mae Belderiza

As a Teacher Assistant, she enjoys working with our 1-, 2-, and 3-Year-Old Classrooms, where every day brings new opportunities to learn, laugh, and grow alongside her students. She has a passion for helping young children explore the world around them through play, hands-on learning, and meaningful interactions.

Her favorite part of teaching is playing with the children, introducing them to new experiences, and watching their natural curiosity come to life. She believes every question, smile, and milestone is an opportunity to encourage a lifelong love of learning.

She loves being part of the Elite Preschool & Learning Center family because of the supportive and welcoming environment. She appreciates how patient and understanding everyone is and values the guidance and encouragement she receives as she continues to grow as an educator.

Favorite Bible Verse:
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” — Matthew 28:20

Valerie Lugo

I am so excited to be part of the Elite Preschool & Learning Center family. I have an Associate Degree in Arts and Applied Science, and I have a passion for learning new things and sharing that excitement with my students. I look forward to meeting each child, getting to know their unique personality, and creating fun and meaningful learning experiences in the classroom.

One of my favorite hobbies is cooking and baking custom desserts. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy going to the movies, spending quality time with my family, riding quads, and playing softball. I love fruit, my favorite season is Fall, and my favorite colors are pink and gold. My favorite animal would have to be my sweet puppy, Pumpkin!

Most importantly, I am a believer in Christ Jesus, and my faith is a very important part of who I am. I strive to demonstrate kindness, patience, love, and compassion in everything I do, especially when caring for and teaching my students.

My Favorite Bible Verse — Psalm 28:7

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am

Angelina Romero

Hello! My name is Angelina, and I am a Teacher Assistant at Elite Preschool & Learning Center. I started working as a Teacher Aide at the age of 16, and I am currently a senior in high school. I am excited to meet new students, learn about their personalities, and continue gaining experience working with children.

Education is very important to me, and I work hard to maintain good grades while balancing school and work. Maintaining my grades is also an important requirement for me to continue working, which motivates me to stay focused and do my best both at school and at Elite.

Throughout my teenage years, I have volunteered with different organizations and programs, including the Boys & Girls Club and other school programs, to gain experience working with children. I take my job seriously and understand the responsibility that comes with caring for young children. My family encourages me to continue my education after high school, and I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds for me.

Outside of school and work, I love spending time with my family and going to church. My faith is very important to both me and my family, and it is a big part of who I am.

A Little More About Me:

  • My favorite color is dark green.
  • My favorite animal is the raccoon.
  • One of my favorite things to do is spend time with my family.
  • Going to church and growing in my faith are very important to me.
  • My favorite Bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11.

Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

Brittney Rachelle Medina

With 2 years of experience in early childhood education, our Lead Teacher is passionate about creating a loving, safe, and engaging environment for our 2-Year-Old Classroom. She enjoys helping young children discover the world around them while building the confidence and skills they need to grow.

Her favorite part of teaching is the unconditional love her students share and the excitement they show when they learn something new. Whether they are reaching a milestone, learning a new word, or exploring through play, she loves celebrating each accomplishment alongside them.

What she loves most about Elite Preschool & Learning Center is the caring community. She believes the staff genuinely love being part of each student’s everyday life and are committed to helping every child feel valued, supported, and encouraged.

Fun Fact: She comes from a family of animal lovers! At home they have 4 dogs, 3 turtles, 1 fish, and 1 cat, making every day an adventure.

Favorite Bible Verse:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:5–6

Daisy Muratalla

With over 20 years of experience in early childhood education, our Pre-K Lead Teacher is dedicated to preparing children for a successful transition into kindergarten and beyond. She is passionate about helping her students grow academically, socially, and emotionally while encouraging them to develop confidence and independence every step of the way.

One of the things she values most about teaching at Elite Preschool & Learning Center is being part of a faith-based school. She believes that working in a Christ-centered environment not only allows her to positively impact the lives of her students but also strengthens her own personal spiritual growth each day.

She holds an Early Childhood Education Certificate, bringing years of knowledge, experience, and a genuine love for teaching into her classroom. Her goal is to create a nurturing environment where every child feels encouraged, capable, and ready to reach their full potential.

Fun Fact: She is a proud mom of six boys and absolutely loves being a “boy mom!” Her family keeps life exciting, and she enjoys every moment of the adventure.

Favorite Bible Verse:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:5–6

Andrea Theresa Nunez

With over 18 years of experience in early childhood education, our Lead Teacher is passionate about helping children learn, grow, and reach new milestones each day. She finds great joy in watching her students develop new skills, build confidence, and master concepts that prepare them for future success.

One of the things she treasures most about working at Elite Preschool & Learning Center is the opportunity to openly share her faith. Being part of a Christ-centered school allows her to teach with purpose, encourage children through God’s love, and help build a strong foundation of faith alongside academic growth.

In addition to her experience in education, she also holds a Criminal Justice Certification, bringing valuable knowledge, leadership, and a strong commitment to creating a safe and nurturing environment for every child.

Favorite Bible Verse:
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” — John 3:16

Leiana Medina

With 6 years of experience in early childhood education, our Lead Teacher is dedicated to creating a nurturing, engaging, and positive learning environment for our 2-Year-Old Classroom. She believes these early years are filled with opportunities for growth and discovery, and she loves being a part of each child’s journey.

Her favorite part of teaching is showing love and encouragement to every student while watching their faces light up as they learn something new. Whether it’s mastering a new skill, exploring through play, or reaching an important milestone, she enjoys celebrating each child’s accomplishments.

She loves being part of the Elite Preschool & Learning Center family because of the welcoming atmosphere and the amazing people who make coming to work enjoyable every day. The supportive environment and strong sense of community make Elite a place she is proud to call home.

Fun Fact: She comes from a big family with six siblings and is also a proud dog lover with four dogs!

Favorite Bible Verse:
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” — Matthew 6:34

Aubreyona Smith

With 5 years of experience in early childhood education, our Lead Teacher has enjoyed working with a variety of age groups. She began her journey teaching our 2-Year-Old Classroom and now proudly leads our 3- and 4-Year-Old students, helping prepare them for continued success both academically and socially.

One of her favorite parts of teaching is getting to know each child’s unique personality. She believes every child is different and enjoys discovering their individual strengths, interests, and learning styles while creating a classroom where they feel loved, supported, and encouraged to grow.

She loves being a part of the Elite Preschool & Learning Center family because of its caring and welcoming atmosphere. The compassion shown by both the staff and families makes it a wonderful place to teach, learn, and build lasting relationships.

Favorite Bible Verse:
“God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.” — Psalm 46:5

Yolanda Valadez

As an Assistant Teacher in our 3-Year-Old Classroom, she brings a positive attitude, a love for learning, and a commitment to growing alongside her students. Although she has been part of the Elite Preschool & Learning Center family for 8 months, she has embraced every opportunity to support her students and become part of our school community.

She believes that every day is a new opportunity to learn—not only for her students but for herself as well. She enjoys the challenges that come with teaching because each experience provides a chance to grow, improve, and become better. She is inspired by the intelligence, creativity, and brightness of her students, and working with them brings her great joy.

One of her personal values is the importance of continued growth and self-improvement. She believes there is always something new to learn and strives to develop herself in every area of life, both personally and professionally.

Her dedication, positive mindset, and willingness to learn make her a wonderful part of the Elite Preschool & Learning Center team.

Favorite Bible Verse:
“Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called…” — 1 Timothy 6:12

Gabriela Razo

With 2 years of experience in early childhood education, our Assistant Teacher enjoys working with children ages 1 through 5 years old, supporting their growth, learning, and development throughout their early years.

What she loves most about working with children is watching them grow and seeing the joy that comes through their smiles each day. She believes every child brings something special to the classroom and enjoys creating loving connections with each of her students.

She truly loves all of her students and feels grateful for the opportunity to be part of their everyday experiences, helping them learn new skills, build confidence, and create happy memories.

Fun Fact: In her free time, she enjoys deep-sea fishing and cheering on the Arizona Cardinals!

Favorite Bible Verse:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:5–6

Gabriela Razo

With 2 years of experience in early childhood education, our Assistant Teacher enjoys working with children ages 1 through 5 years old, supporting their growth, learning, and development throughout their early years.

What she loves most about working with children is watching them grow and seeing the joy that comes through their smiles each day. She believes every child brings something special to the classroom and enjoys creating loving connections with each of her students.

She truly loves all of her students and feels grateful for the opportunity to be part of their everyday experiences, helping them learn new skills, build confidence, and create happy memories.

Fun Fact: In her free time, she enjoys deep-sea fishing and cheering on the Arizona Cardinals!

Favorite Bible Verse:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:5–6

Estella Medina

Hello! My name is Estella Medina, and I am a Teacher Aide at Elite Preschool & Learning Center. I am currently attending high school while also working part-time at Elite after school. I enjoy having the opportunity to assist in different classrooms and help wherever I am needed throughout the preschool.

Serving others has always been important to me. I have had the opportunity to volunteer at my church in different ministries, and through those experiences, I discovered how much I enjoy helping others. When I was given the opportunity to work with children at Elite, I was excited to become part of the team and continue growing and learning.

I come from a family of six siblings, and four of them are younger than me, so being around younger children has always been a big part of my life. I also take my education seriously and work hard to maintain good grades while balancing school and my job.

A Little More About Me:

  • I enjoy reading and going on walks.
  • I love art, and one of my favorite hobbies is drawing.
  • My favorite color is green.
  • My favorite animal is the orca whale.
  • My favorite seasons are fall and winter.

    

— Philippians 4:6–7

 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”