Our Staff

All of our teachers and aides meet the highest qualifications specified by Community Care Licensing of the State of California.

Mary Gudgel

Site Supervisor & Fully Qualified Teacher

Mary received her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from Azusa Pacific University in Southern California. She has also completed credential courses at Cal State Stanislaus. She has been a substitute teacher for both the Merced and Atwater City School Districts. Mary is also the Preschool Coordinator at First Baptist Church on Sunday mornings. Mary and her husband Brian have two sons.

Mary’s favorite children’s book is “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” and her favorite flavor of ice cream is “anything with chocolate.”

Kim Tolbert

Site Supervisor & Fully Qualified Teacher

Kim received her Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Development from Bethany University in Santa Cruz, California. Kim has been a teacher in both California and Oklahoma, her home state. Kim and her husband Tyson have three sons.

Kim’s favorite children’s book is “Love You Forever” and her favorite flavor of ice cream is mint chocolate chip.

Cindy Saelee

Aide & Substitute Teacher

Cindy has completed courses in Early Childhood Development at Merced College.

Cindy is also on nursery staff at First Baptist Church on Sunday & Tuesday mornings. Cindy and her husband Chan have a daughter and a son. Cindy’s favorite children’s book is “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” and her favorite flavor of ice cream is cookies ‘n cream.

Amy Westlund

Administrator & Aide

Amy received her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Azusa Pacific University in Southern California.

Amy is also the Nursery Coordinator at First Baptist Church on Sunday mornings. Amy and her husband Todd have three daughters. Amy’s favorite children’s book is “I Know a Rhino” and her favorite flavor of ice cream is mint chocolate chip.