Ms. Mary
Aide
Mary graduated from USC with a Business degree in January 1979. Since she enjoyed working with children, she took classes in Early Childhood Education from Glendale Community College. A move to the southernmost portion of CA in 1988 brought her to Imperial Valley College, where she earned more ECE credits and co-taught her first class at TLC Preschool in Brawley until 1990. She moved to the Central Coast with her family in 1992, and was an occasional substitute teacher at Coastal Christian Preschool in Arroyo Grande. She started with New Life Preschool in November 2006; she loves being a Teacher's Aide and can usually be found in the naproom.
Mary's husband, Vince, is a Pastor of Care Ministry here at New Life and they have two sons, David and Greg. Mary enjoys going for walks and reading everything (even dictionaries). She is a breast cancer survivor (2010).
Mary's favorite verse since she accepted Jesus as her Savior while in college is Romans 8:28, "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good
to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."
This verse came to mean more during her cancer battle, because although
our circumstances may change, our God always remains the same - our Rock,
our Fortress, and our Strong Tower. He is Faithful!
Ms. Ali
Preschool Aide
Ms. Ali has a heart for children and is passionate about creating a nurturing environment where they feel deeply loved, safe, and supported. Through play, creativity, and intentional connection, she strives to help each child grow socially, emotionally, and academically while building a strong foundation of kindness, curiosity, and the love of Jesus.
Outside of the classroom, she is a mom to her son, a photographer, a worship leader, and a foster parent. Her life is centered around faith, community, and caring for others. She loves grabbing a coffee and heading to the beach with her son and friends or family, taking walks, and soaking in the beauty of nature and the glory of God all around us.
Her faith is a big part of who she is, and she feels so grateful to share the love of Jesus with the children she teaches each day in a gentle, joyful way that points them to His love.