Our Team
Neighborhood Christian Preschool Staff Members are dedicated professionals who guide children through their young educational journey. We provide spiritual, physical, emotional, and cognitive learning experiences. In addition, we create positive, caring relationships with our young children and their families in hopes of developing bright young minds and contributing members of our community.
At NCP we are continually working to further develop our professional skills and knowledge by attending on-campus training, conferences, college courses, professional growth advising, and working with consultants within the Early Childhood Education field.
In addition to Neighborhood Christian Preschool’s Staff continuing education, we are all trained in First Aid/CPR, fire and earthquake preparedness, lockdown procedures, and SmartCare Communication. Staff qualifications include California Child Development Permits, quarterly ECE units, A.A., B.A., and Master’s education.
Maritza Cruz
Infant Lead Teacher
Ms. Maritza began working with young children in 2008, when she fell in love with caring for infants. Over the years, she had worked with all different ages but went back to working with infants when she came to NCP in 2017. Ms. Maritza continues her Early Childhood Education by completing her continuing education units and maintaining a Child Development Permit. She spends her free time with her husband, serving with other ministries.
Ms. Maritza is inspired to work in early childhood education because she is making a difference in the lives of her students and their families. She loves watching the children play in the courtyard each afternoon.
Laura Harnish
Teacher
Ms. Laura came to NCP for a new direction after 40 years in the dental field. With 3 years prior experience in Child Development, she decided to come back to her first love – caring for children. Laura and her husband have raised one son and have been involved with children all their lives through children's ministry at church and through foster care with Santa Clara County. She is honored to assist in loving and caring for your children.
Ms. Dianna Pugal
Master Teacher
Ms. Dianna started her journey as a teacher at Neighborhood Christian Preschool in 1995, and she has been with us ever since, leading our Morning Chapel and Prayer. In addition to her many years of experience, Ms. Dianna also holds 12 ECE credits from Deanza and SJ City.
She believes in setting a positive example while teaching children healthy boundaries using God’s word and prayer and is passionate about seeing a young child’s life change. Her favorite part of the day is being silly with the children and seeing their faces light up when they read Bible stories together.
Ruby Herrera
Teacher
Ms. Ruby has been working with kids for 12 years and has been an ECE teacher since 2021. Her goal is to teach her students to love themselves as God loves them. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Ruby is a Dance and Children’s Ministry leader at The Cathedral of Faith.
Julie Scian
Master Teacher
Ms. Julie has worked with young children from infants to six years old since 1999 and with Neighborhood Christian Preschool since 2011. For many years, she has strived to create a safe environment for children and build a solid Christian foundation by teaching her students about Jesus. Ms. Julie is inspired when children grasp a new concept, and she sees the joy light up in their faces, especially during circle time when they sing songs, pray for the day, and welcome each child to the circle.
Ms. Julie loves the Lord, the outdoors, hiking, the ocean, animals, and going to hockey games. Go Sharks!
Angelique “Angel” Hollstrom
Assistant Teacher
Ms. Angel has been with NCP since 2021 and is currently working towards her teaching license. She also has volunteer experience, including working with children through programs such as VBS with her church, working directly under the Kids’ Pastors, and completing two years of an Outreach Class through Valley Christian High School, where she tutored and volunteered for afterschool programs.
Ms. Angel is inspired to work in the Early Childhood Education field because she knows the importance of creating a safe environment with a Godly foundation for the children. She believes it is an honor to instill the values of love, kindness, equality, and selflessness into them. Being a Disney lover, Ms. Angel’s favorite part of the day is watching the children’s imaginations at work while they are in free play!
Zechariah Kennedy
Assistant Teacher
Mr. Zech has just completed his first year in ECE! His hobbies include riding bikes, listening to music, going to baseball games, and magazine hunting at Barnes and Noble.
His favorite verse is John 16:33 "In this world you will have trouble, but take heart I have overcome the world."
Zech loves working at NCP and his favorite part is being involved in our student's daily life and helping them have structure and guidance. The most rewarding part of working in this field for him? He gets to watch see how much our friends at NCP are learning and growing.