Ramona Dalgarn
Teacher Ramona graduated from CSUCI in 2024 with a degree in Developmental Psychology. Outside the classroom, Teacher Ramona enjoys spending time with her cats and experimenting with vegetarian cooking. She also has years of experience working with children as a respite caregiver and aide in special education classrooms. She loves the philosophy and community of the Co-Op!
She has been working at the Co-Op for three years with our youngest and oldest students!
Our Teachers
Denae Lassen
Hi! My name is Teacher Denae!
After many years as a parent at the Co-op, I’m thrilled to be a teacher. With experience as an art teacher, live-in nanny, and a mother of 3; I am excited to explore the world with the little learners in my classes. I believe hands-on and experimental play is good for the mind and the soul!
I have a passion and drive to always be learning. Non-fiction and true crime are my favorite genre for book and podcast. I love spending time outside; either in my garden, hiking as a family, or just swinging in the hammock with a sketch book. If we’re not outside, you’ll find me destressing in the kitchen experimenting with recipes.
I’m so excited to spend this next school year with you children and I hope to foster the love of learning I’ve had!
Simply best,
Denae Lassen
Our Director
My name is Shaylee Stewart, and I am thrilled to introduce myself as the director of Pleasant Valley Cooperative Preschool. I graduated from California State University Channel Islands in 2014 with a degree in health communications, focusing on non-profits. My journey in education began as an in-home preschool educator at Tiny Scholars from January 2014 to August 2015.
Driven by my passion for education, I pursued a teaching credential at Cal Lutheran University and received my multiple subjects teaching credential. I had the pleasure of teaching 4th grade from 2015 to 2020. During this time, my husband and I welcomed our two daughters. In 2020, I chose to stay home and found the wonderful community at Pleasant Valley Cooperative Preschool, where we have cherished every moment. We have since welcomed our third daughter and can't wait for her to grow up at the Co-op!
As a family, we spend our time outdoors, enjoying the beach, river, camping, and traveling. Nature is truly my happy place. I am excited to continue my journey at the co-op as Director, bringing families, children, and teachers together to build a beautiful foundation of education. I look forward to meeting and working with all of you!
Warm Regards,
Shaylee Stewart