Our Staff

Hi Families,

I’m Tara Nelson! Welcome to the Bethlehem family. Many moons ago, I was a preschooler here at Bethlehem, it’s fun to be back where I first started school!

I grew up in Encinitas and have lived in the area most of my life, I spent 7 years in Lake Tahoe, but missed my hometown. I am a fifth generation of coastal North County and feel lucky to have grown up in such a beautiful place.

I have worked with children since my teens in a wide variety of settings, however I have found that my passion is the preschool/TK age! One of my favorite parts of teaching this age group are those little “light bulb” moments, I live for those! And of course, all the giggles and hugs! I strive to be the best teacher I can be and love learning and exploring the Child Development field. My goal each day is to provide your child with a loving, fun, enriching, and exciting environment where they can thrive and build on the foundation of future learning.

I live in Encinitas with my husband Cory and furry children Roxie and Martini. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, concerts, riding my Ebike, going to the beach and pool, a good Netflix binge, shopping at Target and HomeGoods and spending time with my family and friends! I look forward to getting to know you and your child this year!
XOXO

Hi, my name is Robin Secades!

I am a San Diego native, living in North County all my life. I am a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and I have an Associates in Arts Degree and a Child Development Associate Teacher certificate.

Prior to joining the Bethlehem community, I worked in the public school supporting the learning activities in Pre-k and Kindergarten, including fostering the needs of preschool children in special education. This experience, along with my education and being a parent myself, has made me the teacher I am today; meeting children where they are, with patience, kindness, and encouragement to be their very best.

My husband Marc and I are proud parents of two grown sons, both Eagle Scouts, now in college.

Our other family member is our black lab named Tulip.
In my free time, I enjoy running and walking with my dog Tulip and Jazzercise.

I’m excited to be your teacher this year!

Hi!

My name is Kelly Simcoe, and I am excited to be part of Bethlehem Community Preschool.

I am delighted to be able to work with children and their families. My love of working with children started when we had our 1^st daughter and decided to become part of a wonderful and vibrant homeschool group. I have spent time as a homeschool educator for the last 12 years and have loved absolutely every minute of it.

I hold a Bachelors degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder and a Masters degree in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine.

I live in Cardiff with my husband Jim and our two teenage daughters, Kaya and Noa. We are lucky enough to also share our home with our 3 rescue dogs and 2 rescue cats. Our children currently attend San Dieguito Academy and Oak Crest, and we are happy to be part of those exciting communities.

I enjoy spending time with my family and our pets, travel, spending as much time as possible outdoors in nature, hiking, and getting to explore new places. I also enjoy reading and am always excited to learn new things.

I am looking forward to meeting and getting to know you.

My name is Meredith Toraason. I love being a part of the Bethlehem teaching staff. I was born and raised in the awesome town of Encinitas, California.

I graduated from California State University San Marcos with a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies with an emphasis on child development. I then went on to obtain my teaching credential from CSUSM. I was a full-time substitute teacher in the Encinitas Union school district.

My husband Matt and I have five beautiful boys: Nolan, Wyatt, Quinn, Jonas, and Theo. My oldest son first attended Bethlehem in 2009. I immediately felt a connection to the school and the unique sense of community that exists among the parents and staff. I feel so fortunate to have had all my boys attend this awesome school.

When I’m not in the classroom, my family and I love escaping to Mexico for the weekend to surf and eat fish tacos. I also enjoy taking barre classes at studio barre. Reading, crafting, and cooking are passions of mine too!

Looking forward to a great year!

Hello!

My name is Rena, and I am so excited to join the Bethlehem family! I was born in Chicago but raised in Oxnard, California. I have been living in San Diego for the past seven years, and I continuously feel so lucky to live here!

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies from San Diego State University and am expanding within the Child Development field.
As early as third grade, I remember wanting to become a teacher because of Mrs. Cervantez. She created such a fun and safe environment which is what I aim to provide for your child. I am passionate about inviting students to share their ideas, take risks, and meet their full potential.

In my free time, I love to get lost in a book, find new coffee shops, hang out at the beach, craft, and go on adventures with my fiancé Jordan and our dog, Gus! I look forward to getting to know you and your families.

Hello!

My name is Susanne Turner, and I am so excited to be part of the Bethlehem Preschool family! My husband Walt and I have been married for over 30 years and moved to Carlsbad just a few years ago. We have three wonderful, grown sons, and this summer we gained a beautiful new daughter in law as well!

Both my college education and teaching degree were completed at the University of San Diego. I absolutely love teaching preschool and have done so for over 15 years. Being able to work with young children and watch the wonder of discovery and excitement as they learn something new is such a privilege. Every day is a wonderful new adventure and the children’s big smiles are my biggest reward.

When not at school, I enjoy spending time with family, hiking with friends, walking my dogs, going to the beach, reading, and traveling. I am really looking forward to a terrific year of learning, play, and creating wonderful memories here with all of you.