Uniquely Qualified Teachers
The teachers at Young Minds Learning Academy all share the same passion and dedication for teaching young children. All of our teachers here are highly qualified and experienced. Currently, each of our three lead teachers possess Masters Degrees in Education.
Jennifer Kerkes, Director/Lead Teacher
Throughout her career, Jennifer has expanded her knowledge of educating young children by teaching children in multiple grades, pre-k through 1st grade. In addition to her experience as a classroom teacher, Jennifer also had the opportunity to develop grade level curriculum, create and lead multiple teacher workshops, as well as continue to develop her knowledge of early childhood education. Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of California, San Diego. She continued on to graduate school at UCSD where she earned her California Teaching Credential as well as her Masters Degree in Education.
Melissa has been teaching for the past seven years in grades pre-k through 2nd grade, instilling in students the love of learning, a firm academic foundation, and the tools to get along and work with others. Melissa has also taught several professional development workshops and created engaging and developmentally-appropriate curriculum that emphasizes higher-level thinking. Melissa attained her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychobiology, with a minor in Anthropology, from UCLA. For graduate school Melissa attended UCSD's Teacher Education Program with Jennifer Kerkes, where she acquired her California Teaching Credential, Supplementary Science Credential, and Masters Degree in Education.
Molly loves working with kids. Before coming to Young Minds Learning Academy, she taught pre-k and 2nd grade. Molly attended UCLA as an undergrad, majoring in Communication Studies and minoring in English. She later returned to her alma mater to obtain a California Teaching Credential and Masters Degree in Education and, in the process, completed a thesis on conflict resolution among young children. Molly also has Early Childhood Education (ECE) units from UCLA Extension.