Academic Director
Susan DeCristofaro Rogers
B.A. Point Loma Nazarene University
M.A. Point Loma Nazarene University
Professional Organizations
National Association for the Education of Young Children
California Association for the Education of Young Children
San Diego Association for the Education of Young Children
Association of Childhood Education International
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development
American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences
International Dyslexia Association
Susan DeCristofaro Rogers feels fortunate to be serving the ECLC as Academic Director. When she was a college student the ECLC became an extremely influential aspect of her training. Later, both of her children attended the ECLC. As a parent, Susan feels the ECLC played a vital part in her children’s development emotionally, socially, cognitively and physically. The Point Loma Nazarene University is truly blessed to have a laboratory school on campus. It is a classroom within a classroom.
Susan also teaches Early Childhood courses for the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences. She teaches Early Childhood Education, Administration in Early Childhood Education, Practicum in Early Childhood Education and Development of Children with Special Needs. Susan has a B.A. in Child Development and a M.A. in Teaching and Learning and is currently working on her Ph.D. in Early Childhood Education from Walden University. Susan enjoys walking, cooking and spending time with her family.
Site Director, Four Year Old Class Teacher
Aleta Slater
B.A. Point Loma Nazarene University
M.A. Seattle Pacific University
Professional Organizations
National Association for the Education of Young Children
California Association for the Education of Young Children
San Diego Association for the Education of Young Children
Association of Childhood Education International
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development
Mrs. Slater is the mother of two grown children and an experienced educator and administrator. She has a deep love for all children and finds it a joy to create and participate in early learning experiences with young children. She is a musician, writes children’s music, and uses musical experiences in the classroom to make the learning experience fun. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, interior decorating, playing the piano, listening to music, and participating in church activities.
Laboratory Teacher, Three Year Old Class
Tamara Heinz
B.A. Point Loma Nazarene University
Professional Organizations
National Association for the Education of Young Children
California Association for the Education of Young Children
San Diego Association for the Education of Young Children
Tamara feels absolutely blessed to work with young children.
God has given her a passion and a love for children. She loves spending time getting to know each child for their own uniqueness. Tamara is working on her Master's degree in Special Education at PLNU. She attends the Rock Church and is involved in the Hospitality Ministry. Tamara also enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Laboratory Teacher, Afternoon Three and Four Year Old Class
Michelle Groves
B.A. Point Loma Nazarene University
M.A. Point Loma Nazarene University
Professional Organizations
National Association for the Education of Young Children
California Association for the Education of Young Children
San Diego Association for the Education of Young Children
Michelle has taught at the preschool, elementary and community college levels. She has a B.A. in Child Development and a M.A. in Education-Teaching and Learning. Michelle loves teaching young children. She enjoys watching their growth and development throughout the year. Finding each child's unique strengths is her favorite aspect of teaching. She has two children of her own and feels extremely fortunate to have the Early Childhood Learning Center as a part of their education. Michelle is a children's literature enthusiast and enjoys spending time with her family.
Office Assistant
Vonda Rodeheaver
A.A.S. Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Vonda brings 20 years of administative assistant experience to the Early Childhood Learning Center. She thoroughly enjoys working with the families of the Center.