Director
Colleen Wilson (Ms. Colleen) is the Preschool Director. She has been with us since March of 2015. For almost 40 years, Colleen has served as a Director of Early Childhood Programs in the Bay Area. Colleen has a true passion for working with young children and families. Colleen was born and raised in Sacramento. Colleen is now a resident of Concord. Inspired by her passion for children, Colleen received her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the State of California, Sacramento.
Colleen also holds a Site Supervisor Permit through the State of California. Colleen enjoys spending time with her family and loves being a Grandma. She also enjoys shopping, baking and hiking.
“The staff and families here truly make it fun to come to work every day. This is my home away from home. I strive to set a positive example for the staff. We love to get creative, messy and have fun with the kids! I get paid to play all day!”
Pre-K Busy Bee Teacher
Diana Reitz (Ms. Diana) has been with St. Michael’s since June of 2015. She is the Pre-K Busy Bee classroom teacher. Diana has been working in the field of Child Development for over 25 years, and the past 24 years were as a Pre-K teacher. Diana has her AA in Early Childhood Education from Diablo Valley College. Diana grew up in Rome, Italy and then moved to the Clayton area. She now lives in Antioch with her family. Diana enjoys spending time with her family and visiting the Hawaiian Islands. She has 2 boys and girl and they all love to play sports. She also is blessed with a sweet grandson and granddaughter!
“I love working with the Pre-K kids, they’re hilarious. I enjoy teaching Pre-K and watching the children grow tremendously from the beginning to the end of the year. I also love working at such a great school that provides a loving and caring environment.”
Pre-K Tiger Teacher
Misti Thompson (Ms. Misti) is the Pre-k Tiger classroom teacher. She has been with since 2017 and loves being a part of our staff. Misti earned her Early Childhood Development units at Los Medanos College and Diablo Valley College. We are very fortunate to have Misti as a teacher, as she has worked in the field for over 20 years! Misti was born and raised in Concord. She lives in Concord with her husband, son and rabbit named Hershey. Her son is just graduated from Mt. Diablo High School. Misti enjoys walks, hiking and bike riding with her family. They also enjoy relaxing at home.
“Pre-K is such an awesome age! They are all so much fun and make me laugh all day. I love teaching them new things and know that they’ll use the skills throughout the rest of their lives.”
Pre-K Llama Teacher
Franie Whitney-Millar (Ms. Franie) is the Pre-K Llama Teacher and is new to St. Michael’s Preschool staff, but not new to the field. Franie has been a teacher since 2019. Franie attended DVC, where she acquired her units in Early Childhood Education. Franie started her teaching journey at St. John’s Preschool in Clayton. She loves the Christian environment our school offers and is thrilled to be apart of out staff. Some of her favorite things include spending time with her 2 sons, enjoying coffee and tea (especially from Starbucks), the color green, goats, gardening, drawing and painting, and reading—particularly historical fiction. She also love going to the movies and dining at her favorite restaurants.
“I love being a heavy influence in these kids lives. This job keeps me young at heart. I truly learn something new from them every day.”
Cub Class Teacher
May LaMarre (Ms. May) has been at St. Michael’s Preschool since 2021. She grew up in Florida and graduated from Lyman High School in 2016. After graduation, she moved to California and enrolled at DVC. After a few semesters, May took some time off from school. She went back to DVC right before starting at St. Michael’s, and once she started working here she immediately fell in love with the field and received the rest of her ECE units/Certification from DVC. May is currently enrolled at DVC, working towards a transfer degree in Data Science. During her free time, May loves to go thrifting and to the flea market with her husband.
“I love the families that we have. I also love the staff and being able to be apart of it!”
Piglet Class Teacher
Charlotte Kuok (Ms. Charlotte) is one of the teachers in the 3-year-old Piglet class and is delighted to be part of the St. Michael’s Preschool community. She started at St. Michael’s in 2025. Charlotte has been involved in childcare in various capacities for over 10 years. Her formal work in early childhood education began as a teaching aide at a Reggio-inspired preschool in Los Angeles. After earning her B.A. from Smith College, she spent five years supporting families as a birth doula before returning to the classroom. Over the past year, Charlotte has taught at a variety of preschools across the Bay Area as a substitute teacher. While she had planned to continue substituting, she was immediately drawn to the warmth, thoughtfulness, and care that define St. Michael’s. Charlotte lives in Oakland with her husband and their dog, Chicharon. Outside the classroom, she enjoys cooking, trying new restaurants, exploring local hiking trails, and traveling.
“In my classroom, play is the work of childhood— and the best kind of work there is!”
Piglet Class Teacher
Keri Rojas (Ms. Keri) is one of the 3-year-old Piglet Class Teachers. She has been working at St. Michael’s since 2019. Keri has been working in education since I was 19 years old, with much of her experience being in Special Education before transitioning to Early Childhood Education. Keri believes every child is unique and she strives to nurture the whole child- socially, emotionally, and academically. Keri is a strong advocate for learning through play and hands on experiences that inspire curiosity, joy and free thinking. Outside the classroom, Keri is married to her high school sweetheart, and they have 2 amazing daughters. In her free time Keri loves coaching competitive soccer, gardening, and spending time outdoors with her family.
“It will be fine, it always is.”
Duckling Class Teacher
Jennifer Andrews (Ms. Jennifer) is the 2-year-old Butterfly classroom teacher. She joined the St. Michael’s team in 2020 and is overjoyed to be here! Jennifer attended Diablo Valley College and received her ECE unites there. Jennifer has been in the field and worked as a teacher for over 16 years. She was born and raised in Concord and now lives in Bay Point with her husband of 10 years and their Pembroke Welsh corgi named Zoey and her gang of cats. Jennifer does not have any children of her own yet, but she definitely wants a family of her own soon. Jennifer loves to play tabletop board games like D&D, reading high fantasy fiction and likes to go wine tasting.
“I love the social/emotional connection with children, watching them grow, explore and succeed is incredibly special.”
Duckling Class Assistant
Maria Munoz (Ms. Maria) joined the St. Michael’s team in 2021 and she loves it here! Maria is currently attending DVC and working towards completing her ECE units. Maria was born in Mexico and came to California when she was 3. She is fluent in Spanish and we love that she teaches the kids new words all the time! Maria has been a part of the church’s Youth Program since 2014. She loves being here at St. Michael’s and everyone who is a part of it. Maria currently lives in Bay Point with her husband and cat. Maria loves bumble bees, spicy food and Harry Potter. Maria also loves preforming in theater shows and Broadway. She is very talented!
“I love being a part of St. Michael’s and having the opportunity to watch kids grow and develop.”
Sea Turtle Teacher
Kittie Saldivar (Ms. Kittie) is the 2/3-year-old Sea Turtle Class teacher.
Kittie graduated from Sonoma State with a bachelor’s degree. She attended Diablo Valley College where she earned her Early Childhood Education units. Kittie has been at St. Michael’s Preschool since 2012 and Kittie loves being a part of Michael’s team. She enjoys learning and exploring every day with the children. Kittie lives in Concord with her husband and her cats, dog and chickens. She enjoys volunteering, cooking, baking and gardening. Kittie loves visiting her nieces and nephews. She likes traveling and visiting the Hawaiian Islands.
“I love seeing the children’s faces light up when discovering new things. It’s so magical to watch. I also love that we are all family here!”
Sea Turtle Class Assistant
Ethan Dale (Mr. Ethan) joined the St. Michael’s team in 2025 and is having a blast! Ethan is currently enrolled at Diablo Valley College and is wrapping up his associate’s degree in communication. Although Ethan was born in San Jose, he lived his early years in the state of Virginia before moving back to the Bay Area in 2009. Ethan served his church’s middle school youth program for 8 years and loved every minute of it! He currently lives in Bay Point with his wife and cat. Ethan loves Warhammer, board games, and a good lasagna!
“I love being at St. Michael’s and I’m excited to help!”
Floater Teacher
Louis Abano (Mr. Louis) is our “do all” teacher. He helps out in every classroom and assists wherever needed. He has been with St. Michael’s since 2013. He has over 15 years of experience working with young children. Louis completed his Early Childhood Education courses from Contra Costa College and truly enjoys being an educator. Being one of the rare males in the early childhood education field, Louis feels that he can offer a different and unique approach and perspective to the children and staff. Louis lives in Hercules with his wife, 2 boys and dogs. He enjoys coaching soccer, playing sports and is a foodie. Louis loves to travel and enjoys going to the Hawaiian Islands.
“I love being a part of the staff- we joke all the time. I love that we all have so much fun!”
Staff Support
Jen Stanton (Ms. Jen) is an experienced and dedicated educator who has taught at St. Michael’s since 2021. Jen is currently providing support to all students, teachers, and Ms. Colleen. With over 15 years in Special Education, Jen is a strong believer in progress over perfection, aiming to make every child feel seen, heard, loved, and valued as they discover their passion for learning. When she’s not teaching, Jen loves spending time with her family, which includes her husband of almost 25 years and her 3 amazing adult sons who will “forever be her babies.” She’s a SoCal girl at
heart, who roots for the Dodgers and Lakers! Jen also enjoys being in the outdoors, whether camping, hiking, exploring beaches, or simply soaking up the sunshine.
“Helping others is the secret sauce to a happy life.”