Staff

The Reggio Emilia approach recognizes three primary teachers in a child's life. The first teacher is the parent, the second is the classroom teacher, and the third is the environment. Classroom teachers play a complex role as researchers, guides, resources, and co-learners. As educators, they curate the school environment for the children. They actively encourage, respond to, and extend children's play, aiming to foster lifelong learners driven to seek answers to their questions, formulate hypotheses, test them, and analyze the results. Acknowledging children's inherent curiosity, our responsibility as educators is to nurture and perpetuate that innate spark, ensuring it continues to thrive and grow.

Shireen Lopez

My name is Shireen Lopez, and I am passionate about early childhood education.
I believe children learn best when they are part of a caring, connected community where their ideas are valued, and their curiosity is encouraged. As Preschool Director, I am passionate about building strong relationships between children, families, and educators so that we are all working together in support of each child’s growth and development.
Inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, I see children as capable, creative thinkers who thrive in environments that encourage exploration, collaboration, and meaningful experiences.
I have been working in education since 2006, with 9 years of experience as a Preschool Director. I also hold a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, which supports my approach to thoughtful leadership, organization, and community building.
I am married and the mother of two daughters, who are truly my world. Being a parent has deepened my appreciation for the importance of nurturing, supportive relationships and meaningful partnerships between home and school.
Nothing brings me more joy than watching children gain confidence, build meaningful connections, and develop a sense of wonder about the world.

Pam Session

Hi there! My name is Pamela Session, and I work as a co-teacher at Ascension Lutheran Preschool. I earned my AA degree in liberal arts from Los Angeles Harbor College before transferring to California State Long Beach to pursue a degree in Family Consumer Sciences-Child Development and Family Studies, which I successfully completed. I have more than 20 years of experience in early education and have had the pleasure of learning different philosophies such as creative curriculum, HighScope, emerging curriculum, Developmentally Appropriate Practice, and Reggio Emilia inspired. Among these, I find Reggio Emilia particularly fascinating, as it emphasizes teaching children based on their interests and perspectives. As an advocate for children, I strongly support their growth and development by providing guidance and assistance. Teaching young children is my passion, and I consider it a calling from God that I wholeheartedly embrace.

Rosa De La Cruz

Irene Kang

Hello! My name is Irene Kang, and I am so excited to be part of your child's learning journey.
I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media from Otis College of Art and Design and completed
Early Childhood Education coursework at El Camino College. My background in both art and
early childhood education allows me to create engaging, hands-on learning experiences that
inspire creativity, curiosity, and confidence in every child.
As a teacher, I am inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, which views children as capable,
curious, and creative learners. I believe children learn best through play, exploration, meaningful
relationships, and opportunities to express themselves in many different ways. I enjoy creating
invitations to learn that encourage children to ask questions, investigate their ideas, collaborate
with others, and discover the world around them.
My goal is to provide a warm, safe, and nurturing classroom where every child feels valued,
supported, and encouraged to learn at their own pace. I love incorporating art, music,
storytelling, sensory play, nature, and open-ended materials into our daily activities, allowing
children to explore, create, and build confidence while developing socially, emotionally, and
academically.
Before joining the preschool classroom, I worked as an Enrichment Art Teacher and a Korean
Teacher, where I taught children through creative projects, songs, games, and interactive
activities. These experiences strengthened my passion for helping young learners discover their
interests while fostering independence, problem-solving, and a lifelong love of learning.
I look forward to partnering with your family to support your child's growth and development.
Thank you for trusting me to be a part of this exciting stage in your child's life. I can't wait to
learn, create, explore, and grow together this school year!

Scott Hawkins

Life is a journey of unexpected twists and turns. We don’t know what the future holds, but we know who holds the future. With that in mind, God has been constantly surprising Pastor Scott. He was born and raised in the South Bay and then went to Concordia University in Irvine where he completed a degree in theology with a minor in Biblical Languages. After college God sent him on a road trip where he served churches from California to Maine. This trip helped him see God’s vast and wonderful church. When he came home he went to Fuller Seminary and met his beautiful bride, Emily. When he completed seminary and got married. God called Pastor Scott and Emily to move to Alabama where they served as the Associate Pastor at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Birmingham Alabama for six years. While in Alabama they learned about all things college football, BBQ and God’s faithfulness in blessing them with two wonderful daughters; Grace (born in 2010) and Hope (born in 2015). God surprised them all by calling them back to South Bay, where they are enjoying serving as the Senior Pastor at Ascension Lutheran Church, and had their third child, Isaac (2017).
Please click HERE to learn more about the church staff and council.

Donna Calimquim

Hello! My name is Donna Calimquim, and I am excited and honored to be part of the Ascension Lutheran Preschool family.
I am a certified Early Childhood Educator with credentials in Early Childhood Education, School Age; Early Childhood Education, Multicultural; and a Child Development Permit with a Specialization in Early Literacy.
With over 25 years of teaching experience in a variety of educational settings and philosophies, I have gained a deep appreciation for the many ways children learn, grow, and thrive. Every child is unique and I am passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences that inspire curiosity, build confidence, and foster a lifelong love of learning.
Teaching has been one of the greatest joys of my life. I value the strong relationships I build with children, families, and colleagues. I believe that working together creates the best foundation for a child’s success. I am committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and faith-filled environment where every child feels valued as a unique child of God and is encouraged to grow academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.
I look forward to partnering with your family and making a positive, lasting impact on the lives of the children entrusted to my care.