Our Early Learning Programs and Services Team

The Early Learning Programs & Services team is made up of passionate, knowledgeable, and dedicated professionals who care deeply about the well being and success of young children and their families in Tehama County. From enrollment to education, our staff works together to provide high-quality support and services that make a lasting impact. Whether helping families navigate resources, guiding early educators with professional development, or creating safe and nurturing learning environments, the Early Learning Programs and Services team brings heart, skill, and a whole lot of teamwork to everything we do!

 

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Alyssa McCombs
Alyssa McCombs, M.A. Director, Early Childhood Education
Program Director Permit, M.A. degree in Early Childhood Education Trauma Studies/Organizational Leadership, B.A. degree in Sociology, A.A. degree in Child Development, A.S. degree in Social and Behavioral Science

Alyssa has been working in the ECE profession since 2005. Alyssa has one school aged child and loves cooking, reading, and gardening with her family. In addition to working in the Early Learning Programs and Services department at TCDE, Alyssa works as an Adjunct Faculty at Shasta Community College in the Early Childhood Education department, and Pacific Oaks College in the Child Development and teacher Credentialing program, working to build a stronger and more reflective Early Childhood workforce. Alyssa is dedicated to cultural humility and strength-based practices in both her personal and professional experiences.

Alyssa ha trabajado en la profesión de ECE desde 2005. Alyssa tiene un hijo en edad escolar y le encanta cocinar, leer y hacer jardinería con su familia. Además de trabajar en el departamento de Programas y Servicios de Aprendizaje Temprano de TCDE, Alyssa trabaja como profesora adjunta en Shasta Community College en el departamento de Educación Infantil y en Pacific Oaks College en el programa de Credencialización de Maestros y Desarrollo Infantil, trabajando para construir una comunidad más sólida. y una fuerza laboral de la primera infancia más reflexiva. Alyssa se dedica a la humildad cultural y las prácticas basadas en la fortaleza tanto en sus experiencias personales como profesionales.

Holly Rhoads
Holly Rhoads, Early Learning Programs and Services Manager

Holly is a dedicated early childhood education professional with nearly two decades of experience in the field. She is passionate about creating nurturing, inclusive learning environments and believes in the power of strong partnerships with families and the community to support every child’s success. Outside of work, Holly enjoys outdoor activities, reading, and spending quality time with her husband and their four wonderful children.

 

Holly es una profesional dedicada a la educación infantil temprana con casi dos décadas de experiencia en el campo. Le apasiona crear entornos de aprendizaje enriquecedores e inclusivos y cree en el poder de las sólidas alianzas con las familias y la comunidad para impulsar el éxito de cada niño. Fuera del trabajo, Holly disfruta de las actividades al aire libre, la lectura y pasar tiempo de calidad con su esposo y sus cuatro maravillosos hijos.

Lisa DeFonte
Lisa DeFonte, CPIN Region 2 Lead
Program Director Permit, BA in Psychology, AA degree in General Education, and AS degree in Human Development

Lisa is married with 3 children. Lisa loves to spend time with family and friends, go to the beach, and volunteer in her community. She has 30 years of experience in Early Childhood Education and is passionate about high quality early childhood experiences for all children. Lisa is excited about working with Early Educators and looks forward to working with them to support their professional development journey and inspiring them in their early learning environments. She also is looking forward to collaborating and supporting Early Childhood programs (public and private) and school districts UPK/TK programs.

 

Lisa está casada y tiene 3 hijos. A Lisa le encanta pasar tiempo con familia y amigos, ir a la playa y ser voluntaria en su comunidad. Tiene 30 años de experiencia en Educación Infantil y le apasionan las experiencias de primera infancia de alta calidad para todos los niños. Lisa está entusiasmada por trabajar con educadores de primera infancia y espera trabajar con ellos para apoyar su trayectoria de desarrollo profesional e inspirarlos en sus entornos de aprendizaje temprano. También espera colaborar y apoyar los programas de primera infancia (públicos y privados) y los programas UPK/TK de los distritos escolares.

Trisha Williams
Trisha Williams, Early Childhood Programs Coordinator
Program Director Permit, B.A degree in Psychology

Trisha has been dedicated to the field of Early Childhood Education since 2010, bringing years of experience and passion to her work with young children and families. She is married to her husband, David, and together they have a blended family of three daughters and two sons. Trisha is also a proud grandmother to one granddaughter, whom she loves spending time with. Outside of work, Trisha loves making memories with her family, attending sporting events, camping, and fishing. 

Trisha se ha dedicado a la educación infantil desde 2010, aportando años de experiencia y pasión a su trabajo con niños pequeños y familias. Está casada con su esposo, David, y juntos forman una familia reconstituida de tres hijas y dos hijos. Trisha también es la orgullosa abuela de una nieta, con quien disfruta pasar tiempo. Fuera del trabajo, a Trisha le encanta crear recuerdos con su familia, asistir a eventos deportivos, acampar y pescar.

 

 

Kayla Diehl
Kayla Diehl, ECE Coordinator
Program Director Permit, A.A. Degree, B.S. in Early Childhood Development

Kayla has been working in the ECE profession since 2002. She is married to her high school sweetheart and they have 3 daughters and 3 dogs together. Her hobbies include being outdoors, hiking, and shopping. She has lived in Tehama County her entire life, except the 4 years her husband was enlisted in the Army.

Kayla ha trabajado en la profesión de ECE desde 2002. Está casada con su novia de la secundaria y tienen 3 hijas y 3 perros juntos. Sus pasatiempos incluyen estar al aire libre, hacer senderismo e ir de compras. Ha vivido en el             condado de Tehama toda su vida, excepto los 4 años que su esposo estuvo alistado en el ejército.

Nicole Dewsnup
Nicole Dewsnup, Early Learning Quality Specialist
Early Learning Quality Specialist, A.S degree in Child Development & Site Supervisor Permit, attending Western Governors University

 Nicole has been working in Early Childhood Education since 2013. As a wife, a mother of five, and a full-time student outside of work, she stays pretty buys. She likes to read, cook, paint, camp, dance, and make fun memories with her family in her free-time. Working with children and families in the community gives her a sense of fulfillment.

Nicole ha trabajado en educación infantil desde 2013. Como esposa, madre de cinco hijos y estudiante de tiempo completo fuera del trabajo, sigue siendo una buena persona. Le gusta leer, cocinar, pintar, acampar, bailar y crear recuerdos divertidos con su familia en su tiempo libre. Trabajar con   niños y familias de la comunidad le da una sensación de realización.

Sandra Weakley
Sandra Weakley, Early Childhood Specialist
B.A; Business and Human Resource Management, A.S; Early Childhood Education

Sandra has worked in the ECE profession since 2002, she is passionate to work with children and families. She has a son and daughter who are attending Chico State University. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and dogs.

Sandra ha trabajado en la profesión de ECE desde 2002 y le apasiona trabajar con niños y familias. Tiene un hijo y una hija que asisten a la Universidad Estatal de Chico. En su tiempo libre le gusta pasar tiempo con su familia y sus perros.

Charlene Payment
Charlene Payment, Early Learning Programs and Services

With a deep passion for children and families, Charlene is dedicated to advocating for them both in her community and at the state level. She serves on several community boards to support families and also finds joy in serving senior citizens. Some of her favorite things include spending time with loved ones, caring for her many animals, and learning new things. Her hobbies include painting, writing poetry, camping, reading, and serving her community, as well as spending time in the great outdoors of Northern California. She enjoys fishing, hiking, exploring the vast forests, relaxing on the beach, and cozying up by the fire with a good book in the winter. She also finds joy in growing plants and admiring wildflowers.

 

Con una profunda pasión por los niños y las familias, Charlene se dedica a defenderlos tanto en su comunidad como a nivel estatal. Forma parte de varias juntas comunitarias para apoyar a las familias y también encuentra alegría en servir a las personas mayores. Algunas de sus cosas favoritas incluyen pasar tiempo con sus seres queridos, cuidar a sus muchos animales y aprender cosas nuevas. Sus pasatiempos incluyen pintar, escribir poesía, acampar, leer y servir a su comunidad, así como pasar tiempo al aire libre en el norte de California. Le gusta pescar, hacer senderismo, explorar los vastos bosques, relajarse en la playa y acurrucarse junto al fuego con un buen libro en invierno. También encuentra alegría en cultivar plantas y admirar las flores silvestres.

Crystal Sides
Crystal Sides, Early Learning Programs & Services, Enrollment Specialist

Crystal has been working for TCDE since 2015. Crystal’s hobbies include working out, going on cruises, eating healthy, and spending time with family. Crystal is married to JJ and together they have five children; one son and four daughters, and two grandchildren.

Crystal ha trabajado para TCDE desde 2015. Los pasatiempos de Crystal incluyen hacer ejercicio, viajar en cruceros, comer sano y pasar tiempo con la familia. Crystal está casada con JJ y juntos tienen cinco hijos; un hijo, cuatro hijas y dos nietos.

Marlene Cabral
Marlene Cabral, Enrollment Specialist

Marlene has been working for TCDE since 2023. Marlene's hobbies include reading, painting, and spending time with her friends and family. She is grateful to be a part of the ECE team and loves contributing to the growth and well-being of children and families in our community!           

Marlene trabaja para TCDE desde 2023. Los pasatiempos de Marlene incluyen leer, pintar y pasar tiempo con sus amigos y familiares. ¡Está agradecida de ser parte del equipo de ECE y le encanta contribuir al crecimiento y bienestar de los niños y las familias de nuestra comunidad!

Lydia Marvel
Lydia Marvel, Early Learning Programs and Services, Administrative Assistant lll

Lydia has worked as an Administrative Assistant III since 2022. She is passionate about being part of a team and helping others. Lydia’s hobbies include making memories with her son Henry, spending time with her family and friends and her dog Tilly, listening to music, cooking/baking, and decorating for any occasion or season.

Lydia trabaja como Asistente Administrativa III desde 2022. Le apasiona ser parte de un equipo y ayudar a los demás. Los pasatiempos de Lydia incluyen crear recuerdos con su hijo Henry, pasar tiempo con su familia y amigos y su perro Tilly, escuchar música, cocinar/hornear y decorar para cualquier ocasión o estación.

Patricia Banks
Patricia Banks, Childhood Learning Programs and Services, Administrative Assistant lll

Patricia has been part of the team as an Administrative Assistant since 2018, bringing dedication and heart to her work every day. She and her husband stay busy raising their two wonderful children, who keep life full of laughter and adventure.

Outside of work, Patricia enjoys a variety of crafts and spending quality time with her family. Whether she’s crafting something beautiful or making memories, she values the simple joys of family and creativity.

Patricia forma parte del equipo como Asistente Administrativa desde 2018, aportando dedicación y pasión a su trabajo cada día. Ella y su esposo se mantienen ocupados criando a sus dos maravillosos hijos, quienes llenan su vida de risas y aventuras.

Fuera del trabajo, Patricia disfruta de diversas manualidades y de pasar tiempo de calidad con su familia. Ya sea creando algo hermoso o creando recuerdos, valora las sencillas alegrías de la familia y la creatividad.

 

 

 

Jackie Espinoza
Jackie Espinoza, Early Childhood Specialist
Site Supervisor Permit, B.A degree in Childhood Development, M.A degree in Special Education

Jackie has been in the ECE profession since 2019. Jackie’s hobbies include listening to music, watching TV/movies with her husband Henrique, and spending time with her family.

Jackie ha estado en la profesión de ECE desde 2019. Los pasatiempos de Jackie incluyen escuchar música, ver televisión o películas con su esposo Henrique y pasar tiempo con su familia.

Graciela Ramirez
Graciela Ramirez, Help Me Grow, Family Resource Liaison

Graciela has worked in the ECE profession since 2014. She is married to her husband Cris and has one son. Her hobbies include gardening, being outdoors, and caring for her many farm animals.

Graciela trabaja en la profesión de ECE desde 2014. Está casada con su esposo Cris y tiene un hijo. Sus pasatiempos incluyen la jardinería, estar al aire libre y cuidar de sus numerosos animales de granja.

Norma Chavez
Norma Chavez, Help Me Grow, Family Resource Liaison
A.S in Human Development

Norma has been working for TCDE for ten years. Her hobbies include spending time with her family, cooking, and enjoying her birds singing. Norma is married to Francisco, and together they have 3 boys.

Norma trabaja para TCDE desde hace diez años. Sus pasatiempos incluyen   pasar tiempo con su familia, cocinar y disfrutar del canto de los pájaros. Norma está casada con Francisco y juntos tienen 3 hijos.

Rocio Rico
Rocio Rico, Help Me Grow, Family Resource Liaison

Rocio has worked in the ECE profession since 2017. She is married to her husband Gustavo and together they have two daughters. Her hobbies include cooking, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Rocío trabaja en la profesión ECE desde 2017. Está casada con su esposo Gustavo y juntos tienen dos hijas. Sus pasatiempos incluyen cocinar, viajar y pasar tiempo con su familia.

Yasmin Solorio
Yasmin Solorio, Family Resource Liaison
Child Development and Family Studies Certificate & Associate Teacher Permit

Yasmin started in the ECE profession in 2001 in Napa Valley. She has been married for 21 years and has 2 daughters and 3 boys. She enjoys spending time with family, listening to music, going out on runs and hunting.

Yasmin comenzó en la profesión de ECE en 2001 en Napa Valley. Está casada desde hace 21 años y tiene 2 hijas y 3 niños. Le gusta pasar tiempo con la familia, escuchar música, salir a correr y cazar.