Our Team
Meet the 10th Street Team
Each educator at Big and Tiny has outstanding experience, degrees in early childhood education, and a commitment to ongoing professional development. Above all, a passion for education and desire to make a difference in each child’s learning journey and life.
Lacie Newlin
Director
Lacie Newlin is the Educational Director here at Big and Tiny 10th Street. Originally from Indiana, Lacie received her B.S. from Purdue University before moving to Chicago to pursue her Masters Degree in Child Development at Erikson Institute. She has been privileged to work in Early Childhood Education for twenty years and continues to be fascinated by young children’s genuine curiosity. In her spare time she loves camping with her basset hound, Norman and spending time with her family.
Jessica Stromberg
Assistant Educational Director
& Preschool Teacher
Jessica holds a Bachelor’s degree in early childhood development from CSULB and has been working with young children for over 15 years. She is passionate about early childhood education and has developed robust strategies to best foster children’s growth. She is committed to creating a safe and nurturing space for children as well as ensuring that all families in our community are taken care of.
Jimena La Motta
Educator - Art & Spanish
Speciality Teacher
Jimena is originally from Spain. She holds a bachelors degree in Journalism as well as Theatre and Acting major from the Complutense University in Madrid, Spain. After working as a professional actress for many years, she moved to LA where her career in early childhood education started. Jimena joined Big and Tiny 3 years ago as a Spanish teacher. She brought creativity and a new way of teaching Spanish to the little ones. Jimena is a very talented artist, illustrator and loves designing animations outside of work.
Jordan Andrade
Educator - Pre-Kindergarden
Jordan has been a friend of 10th Street for many years, and this year we are very pleased to have her as our Pre-K teacher.
Jordan has taught and directed both preschool and elementary classrooms and brings a wealth of experience and joy to our children and families.
Kimberly Platero
Educator - Preschool
My name is Kimberly Platero and I have been working with young children for over 10 years. I have earned my Bachelor's degree in Child Development as well as a credential in multiple subjects. I find it a tremendous joy teaching children and hope to provide a positive long lasting impact on the lives of all my students. I love creating an environment where children have the opportunity to thrive through both learning and play as well as feel seen, supported and excited to learn
Maurisha Jones
Educator - Infant Assistant
Moe’s passion for working with young children comes with her appreciation that every day feels new, exciting and full of wonder. She enjoys helping children navigate new experiences and acquire new life skills.
Erin Bloom
Director of Marketing & Partnerships
Erin brings years of marketing, editorial, and management experience to the team. As a fellow mom of a toddler, Erin is thrilled to be a part of this wonderful community that supports the entire family.
Klara Shenk
Substitute Teacher
Klara Shenk is originally from the Czech Republic. She holds a bachelors degree in education, and has two children of her own. She initially started as an elementary school teacher but soon found her calling in early childhood education. Drawing on her extensive experiences as both a classroom teacher and in-home childcare provider, Klara creates meaningful, play-based experiences that support each child’s individual growth.
Annie Wendorf
Substitute Teacher
Hi Big and Tiny 10th Street families! Meet Teacher Annie, a Santa Monica native excited to return to her old stomping grounds as our Assistant Teacher. She graduated from Wesleyan University in 2023 with degrees in Studio Art and Art History and spent the past two years working in fashion in LA. She’s passionate about creativity, play, and learning, and is excited to bring that spirit into the classroom! Outside of school, she loves reading, writing, yoga, meditation, and spending time outdoors.
Annika Shultz
Assistant Teacher
Annika Schultz has a Bachelors in Psychology and Studio Art from Kenyon College and is excited to be an assistant assistant teacher this year. She became passionate about early childhood education while researching maternal mental health and child development in college. Her favorite part of this role is encouraging infants’ and children’s creativity and skill acquisition.
Reana Ogarro
Tiny School Teacher
Reanna studied Early Childhood Education at West Los Angeles College and brings 8+ years of experience in early childhood education, specializing in infant and toddler care and lead teaching. She is passionate about creating nurturing, engaging classrooms where children feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. Reanna is a proud mom to her 8-year-old daughter, Jadarose, and her family is from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys exploring new cities, trying new foods, and spending quality time with her loved ones.
Lauren Maldonado
Little School Teacher
Lauren is a Human Services major with a background in elementary education and two years of AmeriCorps civic engagement service. Her experience in classrooms, youth programs, and community spaces has shaped her approach with patience, creativity, and a focus on building meaningful relationships. She loves helping children feel seen, supported, and confident in themselves. Originally from Chicago, Lauren enjoys playing guitar, skateboarding, and finding new ways to bring creativity into learning.
Jasmine Castro
Teacher
Jasmine has over 10 years of experience working with children of all ages, from newborns to teenagers and deeply passionate about supporting their growth and development in safe, nurturing, and stimulating environments. Jasmine is always striving to help children become happy, healthy, and well-rounded individuals. She is dedicated to ongoing professional development and has completed various certifications and workshops, including Montessori techniques, CPR, Child Abuse Awareness Training, Child Development and Adapting Play for Children with Special Needs.
