Ms. Michelle
Toddler Aide
Room 1
Michelle Liwanag was born and raised in Arroyo Grande and wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. She has a deep love for her hometown and community. Michelle first started her child development journey in high school as an elective. She enjoyed it so much that when she graduated high school she majored in Child Development at Allan Hancock College and earned her core Early Childhood Education credits. Michelle has 10 years of experience working with children of all ages through the Head Start programs and both her parents have been part of the Head Start programs for over 35 years, you could say child development runs in her blood!
Michelle’s most important role in life is being a mom to her daughter Ellie and being a dog mom to her dog Kingston. Besides children, one of Michelle’s other passion’s in life is animals and has been involved with animal rescue at Woods Humane Society. She also took a Veterinary Assistant course through Cal Poly.
Michelle’s favorite bible verse is
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8Love never fails.
Ms. Kyah
Toddler Teacher
Room 2
Ms. Kyah has a heart for teaching little ones and helping them grow not only in knowledge, but also in kindness and joy. She loves Jesus and finds strength in her favorite scripture, Psalm 56:3-4, which reminds her to trust God in all circumstances.
Outside the classroom, Ms. Kyah enjoys hiking, spending time in God’s creation, and making memories with her friends and family. She is grateful for the opportunity to share God’s love with her students each day and to help them discover the beauty of learning, laughter, and faith.
Ms. Ali
Toddler Aide
Room 2
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.
Ms. Sam
Toddler Teacher
Room 1
Sam is excited to be part of the New Life Preschool family again! She was on staff in various roles from 2006 until 2015, when she left to work as a full-time nanny and start her family. Sam now enjoys spending her days with her 2-year-old daughter and loves watching her learn and grow.
Her favorite Bible passage is 1 Corinthians 13:4–7:
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”
This verse reflects Sam’s heart for nurturing children with patience, kindness, and love in all she does.