Meet Our Teachers & Support Staff at Bright Beginnings Preschool & Child Care
Theresa
Founder & CEO
Theresa is the founder and CEO of Bright Beginnings Preschool & Childcare, which she established over 10 years ago here in Arizona. Prior to founding Bright Beginnings, she owned and operated childcare centers in the state of California, gaining invaluable experience in the field. Theresa holds multiple degrees in human services, family therapy, and business, which she combines to lead with both compassion and expertise of over 25 years in the field. As the Executive Director, she oversees the day-to-day operations of the center while also guiding all business entities as CEO. Her vision, leadership, and dedication to quality care make her the heart and driving force behind Bright Beginnings.
Heather
Enrollment & Facilities Specialist
Ms. Heather has been a dedicated member of the Bright Beginnings team for 7 years, starting as a teacher and, for the past few years, serving on our administrative team. In her current role, she oversees the center's enrollment and recruitment efforts, ensuring we meet the needs of our children and families. Ms. Heather is also responsible for ensuring our center complies with all Arizona licensing and program requirements, maintaining the high standards of care and education that Bright Beginnings is known for.
Gerard “G”
Media & Marketing Specialist
Mr. G brings a wealth of knowledge in media, content creation, and photography, helping shape the overall look and feel of our brand. He plays a key role in enhancing our presence across social media and community platforms, ensuring that Bright Beginnings' vision and values are showcased in the most engaging and impactful way. His expertise helps us connect with families and the community while maintaining a strong, vibrant brand.
Ted
Head Chef/Kitchen Manager
Ted is our head chef, overseeing all kitchen and meal service operations at Bright Beginnings. With decades of experience in the restaurant and food service industry, along with a degree in Culinary Arts, Ted brings a wealth of knowledge to our team. He is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing all of our meals and menus, ensuring they are both nutritious and delicious. Ted also manages our kitchen, making sure we are fully compliant with CACFP guidelines so our children receive high-quality, balanced meals every day.
Marcia Johnson
Marcia Johnson is a dedicated early childhood education professional with over 30 years of experience in the field. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and an Associate of Arts in Child and Family Organization. Marcia began her journey as a preschool teacher in 1998 and has since held numerous leadership roles, allowing her to grow and lead with purpose within the early childhood education community.
Beyond her work as an educator and leader, Marcia is deeply committed to advocacy efforts that support children and families in underprivileged communities. She is actively involved in promoting the importance of early childhood education and enjoys sharing her knowledge through workshops and presentations. Marcia is passionate about shaping future generations by strengthening the foundation of early learning.
Administrative Team
Center Assistants
Frank
Center Assistant
Mr. Frank, affectionately known as "Papa Frank" by both the kiddos and staff, is our go-to guy for keeping everything running smoothly. A true jack-of-all-trades, he ensures our facilities are well-maintained while also offering love, care, and attention to our infants during the morning hours. He gives the cool “grandpa” energy we all look forward to every day.
Arianna
Center Assistant/Infant Care
Arianna has always had a natural love for working with children and finds true joy in being part of their everyday discoveries and milestones. She believes that the early years are some of the most important in a child’s life, and she is passionate about creating a classroom where children feel safe, understood, and genuinely cared for. Arianna strives to build meaningful connections with each child, celebrating their individuality and encouraging their confidence as they grow. She also values strong partnerships with families, knowing that trust and communication help create the best possible foundation for success. With patience, kindness, and a warm heart, Arianna works to ensure every child feels at home and excited to learn each day.
Toddler 2's Program Team
Meliza
Teacher
Meliza is a passionate and dedicated early childhood educator who is committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment for young children. She believes that every child deserves to feel loved, valued, and supported as they grow and develop. Meliza enjoys planning fun, hands-on activities that encourage curiosity, creativity, and confidence. With a warm and positive approach, she ensures that each child feels at home while building strong foundations for lifelong learning.
Preschool / School Age Program
David Morgan
School Age Teacher/EAK Teacher
David has been a child educator for six years and currently works with the school-age program at Bright Beginnings Preschool and Child Care. He also mentors new teachers, helping them grow and succeed in the classroom.
Before becoming a teacher, David worked as an RBT and habilitation trainer, supporting individuals with autism. He helped adults learn essential life skills such as cooking and cleaning and worked with young children to reduce challenging behaviors and encourage positive growth.
Outside of work, David enjoys working out, hiking, running, gaming (mostly Destiny), reading, and writing. His dedication to learning and helping others shines through in everything he does.
We’re proud to have David as part of our Bright Beginnings team!
Connect with our team to learn more about the programs and services available for your family.
