Meet the Toddler Team
Our team is trained in early childhood development, education, and the Reggio Emilia method.
Dora Escoboda
Lead Toddler Teacher
Dora Escobedo is a passionate early childhood educator and nationally recognized leader in outdoor learning with more than 40 years of experience creating meaningful, nature-based learning environments for young children. She is a Certified Outdoor Classroom Specialist Level III, holds a Site Supervisor Permit, and has completed extensive coursework in Early Childhood Education through Mount San Antonio College, the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and Ventura College.
Throughout her career, Dora has led classrooms at renowned programs including the Child Educational Center at Caltech/JPL, Bright Horizons, Head Start, and the Carpinteria Children's Project, where she has inspired both children and fellow educators through Reggio Emilia-inspired, emergent curriculum and outdoor learning.
Dora believes that children are natural explorers and that some of the richest learning happens outdoors through curiosity, observation, and meaningful connections with the natural world. She has helped schools earn recognition as Outdoor Classroom demonstration sites and is committed to creating beautiful environments that foster creativity, confidence, ecological awareness, and a lifelong love of learning.
Alejandra Osuna-Mendez
Toddler Teacher
Alejandra Osuna-Mendez brings a unique blend of early childhood education, language instruction, and community engagement to The Little Blue Crèche. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Foreign Languages from the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, where she specialized in Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL). She also holds an Early Childhood Teaching Certificate.
With more than eight years of experience as an ESL educator, Aimme has taught children from a wide range of cultural and linguistic backgrounds, creating engaging lessons that build confidence, communication, and a lifelong love of learning. Throughout her career, she has developed curriculum, assessed student growth, collaborated with families and fellow educators, and advocated for the unique needs of multilingual learners.
As a bilingual educator fluent in both English and Spanish, Alejandra values the power of language to build relationships and foster belonging. She believes every child deserves to feel seen, heard, and celebrated for who they are. Her warm, patient nature and collaborative spirit help create an environment where children feel safe to explore, ask questions, and grow with confidence.
Brianne Vogel, M.A. Ed
Outdoor Director
Brianne (Brie) Vogel is an educator whose passion for nature, wellness, and child development inspires every learning experience she creates. She holds a Master's degree in Educational Studies from Western Governors University and a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in Psychology from California State University, Channel Islands. Brie has also earned certifications as a School Garden Coordinator, Agricultural Literacy Educator, Environmental Action Civics Educator, and Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. She is completing her Early Childhood Education Permit through Ventura College, further strengthening her expertise in supporting young children during their most important years of development.
Throughout her career, Brie has woven environmental education into meaningful, hands-on experiences for children of all ages. As the Head Teacher of Farm to Table at Lanterns Global, she designed interdisciplinary lessons centered around land stewardship, animal care, and environmental science while nurturing children's social-emotional growth through collaborative learning. She has also served as a Garden Enrichment Educator, Agriculture and Nutrition Educator, Outdoor Educator, and classroom teacher, helping students discover the joy of planting, harvesting, exploring ecosystems, and building lasting connections with the natural world. Her work reflects a deep belief that children learn best when they are actively engaged, curious, and immersed in authentic experiences.
Mia Leonui-Flores
Toddler Teacher Substitute
Mia Leonui-Flores is a compassionate educator who brings warmth, energy, and a strong commitment to supporting young children as they learn and grow. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice at California State University, Northridge, after earning two associate degrees from Ventura College in Criminal Justice and Social & Behavioral Science. Alongside her studies, Mia has completed her Early Childhood Teaching Certificate.
Mia's experience working with children spans a variety of settings, including her role as an on-call substitute teacher for both Encounter Preschool and The Little Blue Crèche, where she supports children ages three to five by creating positive learning environments, adapting to individual classroom needs, and building meaningful relationships with students and staff. Prior to joining the classroom, she worked as a private nanny, providing individualized care, encouraging children's independence, and creating safe, nurturing spaces where children could thrive. These experiences have strengthened her belief that every child deserves to feel secure, respected, and encouraged to explore the world with confidence.
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