Meet the Preschool Team
2025-2026
Waverly’s preschool teachers have substantial knowledge of child development, years of experience working with young children, and a strong commitment to the philosophy of the preschool program.
Connie Rodarte
Connie is the preschool director. Connie has a B.A. in Spanish and human development from the University of California, Davis. She previously worked at The Little Preschool as a preschool teacher and summer program director. Connie says, “Every day is a new learning opportunity when working with children. Their daily discoveries serve as a reminder of the importance of creating an environment that supports their developmental needs.” (Email)
Emmarose Alef
Emmarose is a preschool lead teacher. She earned her teaching credential and M.A. in teaching from the University of Portland. Emmarose also holds a B.A. in education and a minor in Japanese from Pacific University. Before coming to Waverly, Emmarose taught kindergarten and 1st/2nd at the Sycamore School in Malibu. She previously worked as a preschool teacher at Patterson Preschool Cooperative in Eugene, Oregon. As an early childhood educator, Emmarose believes it is important to respect and hold space for children to play, explore, and ask questions about the world. (Email)
Stephanie Brito
Stephanie is the preschool associate teacher. Stephanie graduated with a bachelor’s in child development from Cal Poly Humboldt. Most recently, she worked at Altadena Children’s Center with the toddler group. (Email)
Alexia Ramirez
Alexia is a preschool lead teacher. She graduated from California State University, Fullerton with a B.S. in child and adolescent studies and has worked with children from birth through transitional kindergarten. Before joining us at Waverly, Alexia was a lead preschool teacher at Discovery Days Preschool. (Email)