Nikki Kim
Owner/Administrative Director
I have been involved in the early childhood field for over 30 years. I have a Bachelor's degree in Human Development with a childhood option from California State University, East Bay. I have worked as a preschool teacher in our community for 12 years and currently I am a large family childcare provider for infants in and toddlers in my home. I do pop into the preschool occasionally in the mornings and get to work the last couple of hours of the day 2-3 times a week to keep in touch with all of the families. I look forward to meeting and serving more children in our community.
Kim Scalla
Site Director/Panda Teacher
I have worked in the childcare field here in Scotts Valley for over 35 years. I studied Early Childhood Development at Cabrillo College. I have worked as a preschool teacher for many years. I was a licensed home daycare provider for preschool-age and after-school kindergarten care for 11 years. The past two years I worked at Vine Hill Elementary School as an Aide in one of the kindergarten classes. I feel very fortunate Nikki has asked me to work with her as her site director. I am very happy to be working with preschoolers again!
Lexi Davis
Teacher
I have a Bachelor's of Science degree in Kinesiology from California State University, Monterey Bay and an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. I spent my childhood watching all of my little cousins, moved on to babysitting as a teenager, and have worked at Nikki's Childcare for four years. I love teaching preschool at the Learning Workshop Preschool can't wait to get to know all of our new friends!
Samantha Birmingham
Koala Teacher
I have worked in the early childhood field for 25 years. I studied Early Childhood Development at Cabrillo College and have been trained by First 5 in the SEEDS and Raising a Reader programs. I have cared for infants, toddlers, preschool and pre-K children in preschool centers in Santa Cruz County and also worked as a nanny. I have a nine year old son who goes to Brook Knoll Elementary and a four year old daughter who attends the Workshop. Currently, I am loving splitting my time between the Workshop and Nikki's Childcare, working with the littles on Tuesdays this fall and being the Koala teacher MWF.
Nicole Toccalino
Koala Teacher
I graduated in May, 2023 from California State University, Channel Islands with a Bachelor's Degree in English and a Theater Arts minor. For a long time I've wanted to become a teacher, but never properly got to student teach due to the Covid-19 pandemic; therefore, this job will give me a proper feel for the teaching world. I have completed the required ECE units needed to be a qualified preschool teacher and will teach the three year old class this fall on Tuesdays and Thursdays, while being an aide on MWF. I am so happy working with the preschoolers and helping their little minds learn. I hope the children love being in the preschool as much as I love seeing and helping them learn new things everyday!