LPPP Teachers & Staff
Teacher Jackie
Jackie Martin | Director
Jackie believes childhood should be filled with wonder, belonging, and joyful discovery. She sees preschool as much more than preparation for kindergarten—it is where children begin building confidence, compassion, resilience, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.
Everything Jackie does is guided by one enduring belief: we are raising capable, compassionate, and resilient human beings through relationships, play, and community. She is committed to creating an environment where every child feels safe to explore, every family feels welcomed and supported, and every parent is recognized as an essential partner in their child's journey.
With nearly 30 years in early childhood education, including more than a decade as Director of Laguna Parent Participation Preschool, Jackie combines experience, research, and heart to steward the school's vision and support its families. She holds a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education and is the recipient of the California Council of Parent Participation Nursery Schools Teacher/Director Award. Jackie is also a Certified Music Together Teacher, a published author, and a frequent presenter and mentor within the early childhood education community.
Families often describe Jackie as calm, patient, authentic, and deeply invested in every child who walks through LPPP's doors. She believes children thrive when they are truly known, trusted, and encouraged to become their authentic selves. Her greatest joy is watching children—and their parents—grow in confidence together while building a community that feels like a second home.
Teacher Sarah
Sarah Fougeray | Teacher
Sarah is passionate about helping children grow into confident, kind, and curious learners. She believes every child is unique and deserves a safe, nurturing environment where they feel valued, encouraged, and inspired to explore. Through hands-on learning, meaningful relationships, and plenty of fun, she strives to help each child build confidence, develop a lifelong love of learning, and reach their fullest potential.
Sarah earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and is currently pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Development and Education. As she continues her education, she is exploring different areas of specialization to discover where she can make the greatest impact in the lives of children and families. Her background includes years of leadership as a General Manager, owning a successful pet care business, and extensive experience working with children and families in cooperative preschool settings.
Outside the classroom, Sarah enjoys spending time with her two boys, exploring the outdoors, caring for animals, and creating lasting family memories. She is grateful to be part of the LPPP community and looks forward to inspiring a love of learning in every child she teaches.
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Teacher Nicole
Nicole Manfredo | Teacher
Nicole Manfredo earned a Bachelor's of Science degree in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention from U.S.C., leading to a career in the healthcare industry as an administrative analyst. Upon having children, she became a stay-at-home mom. She discovered her love of being in the classroom and teaching preschool-aged children while being a parent at LPPP with her two sons.
This will be Nicole's seventh year at LPPP. Both of her sons completed three years at LPPP. Her oldest son started 5th grade this year and her second son started 3rd grade this year. Throughout her time at LPPP as a parent, she was a part of the fundraising team and a substitute parent teacher. As a parent at LPPP, she saw firsthand the benefits of learning through play and developing prosocial behaviors at the preschool age. As a teacher, Nicole enjoys helping children learn these skills as well, setting them up with a love of learning, exploring, and positive social play going forward.
During her spare time, Nicole enjoys going to the beach, swimming, trips to the lake, reading, going on new adventures, and spending time with her family.
Teacher Cat
Cat DiNardo | Teacher
Cat is a dedicated educator who combines creativity, experience, and a strong commitment to early childhood learning. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Digital Graphics and contributes her artistic expertise to both the school’s design projects and the creative experiences she provides for students. Cat’s career working with children began as a nanny, where she discovered a true passion for nurturing growth and development. After raising her three children, she became actively involved with LPPP, spending three years immersed in the school’s philosophy and building valuable skills in both parenting and child development. This experience reinforced her belief in the importance of supporting families as well as children, inspiring her to resume her formal studies in Early Childhood Education.
Cat approaches teaching with the belief that every child has unique potential and thrives when encouraged to explore, create, and learn in a supportive environment. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, playing ice hockey, and expressing her creativity through crafting and art.
Teacher Lilly
Lilly Green | Teacher
Lilly has a background in Early Childhood Education and holds Bachelor’s degrees in both English and Art History. She worked as a preschool teacher for several years at a Reggio-inspired preschool in Long Beach. After taking a break from work when her son was born, she returned to the same school a few years later as an atelierista (art teacher), sharing her passion for art with preschoolers. She later took another break when her daughter was born. After moving to Mission Viejo, she discovered LPPP as a parent when her daughter reached preschool age.
LPPP helped Lilly rediscover her love of working with young children. Over the next few years, she served as a working parent on the curriculum team and then as a substitute teacher. She was welcomed onto the teaching team last year and is excited to continue sharing her experience and passion with the LPPP community.
Outside the classroom, Lilly enjoys spending time with her husband, their two children (ages 10 and 7), and her large family. She enjoys hiking, going to the beach, painting, movies, and traveling with her family.
Ms. Carissa
Carissa Fleshman | Operations Manager
Carissa's compassion, dedication, and foresight help keep LPPP running smoothly.
Carissa holds a Master's Degree in Counseling from Sacramento State and has a background in teaching music. As a parent member prior to becoming staff, Carissa served on the Membership Team and as Secretary. Today, She is responsible for much of the behind-the-scenes work such as policy implementation and parent job training.
Carissa gets immense joy out of building an administrative foundation that supports the families of this school. She believes in LPPP’s philosophy of promoting the education and growth of not only children but also their parents.
