Our Faculty
Carolyn Nye
Carolyn Nye is the Art Patio teacher. She has worked at NCUMP for 6 years and has 23 years previous teaching experience.
“I love going home at the end of the day covered with paint, glue, clay, etc., after facilitating hands-on outdoor experiences for all of the children.”
Louise Rense
Louise Rense teaches pre-kindergarten. She has a master’s degree in Child Development and Family Relations. She has more than 25 years teaching experience, with 13 at Newport Center United Methodist Preschool.
“I love NCUMP because we prepare the children for kindergarten, and at the same time, meet the needs of each individual child by teaching within a developmental context. The children make wonderful memories and develop a lifelong love of learning.”
Sharon Ziglar
Sharon Ziglar has 24 years of experience in the field of Early Childhood Education, 21 of those years at NCUMP. She has an associate degree in Child Development and 10 years experience as a mentor teacher for the CA Early Childhood Mentor Program.
“I enjoy keeping abreast of current early childhood issues through continuing education opportunities. I love the emphasis NCUMP places on a child’s social and emotional growth, as well as their academic and literacy development.”
Jennifer Hett
Jennifer Hett has a bachelor’s degree and an associate degree in Early Childhood Education, and 34 years teaching experience. She spent many years teaching at UCI, and the last four years at NCUMP.
"My time at NCUMP has been an amazing journey with so many wonderful children. Each day brings a new adventure."
Carla Lippnik
Carla Lippnik has an associate degree in Child Development and an Early Childhood Certificate. She has been teaching for seven years, six of which have been at NCUMP.
“I find it a joy to be a part of this staff and a blessing to be a part of the children’s lives. I look forward to being here everyday.”
Debbie Maso
Debbie Maso has been an Early Childhood Educator for 40 years, and she has worked at NCUMP for the last 10 years. She has an associate degree in Early Childhood Education.
“I enjoy keeping up with new trends in Early Education. I value my experiences at NCUMP every day; this is a wonderful place to be.”
Sharon King
Sharon King teaches pre-kindergarten. She has a bachelor’s degree in Art and English, an associates degree in Early Childhood Education, and a K-8 State Teaching Credential. She has 24 years of teaching experience and has taught at NCUMP for 18 years.
“I enjoy working at NCUMP because it provides an atmosphere that supports both academic and personal growth for each child.”
Maggie Brewer
Maggie Brewer has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with an Early Childhood emphasis, and she did her graduate work in Early Childhood Special Education.
“I have taught in preschools and elementary schools for the last 19 years and I can say without a doubt that my 10 years at NCUMP have been the most rewarding in my career. I love this place.”
Carol Hoppe
Carol Hoppe has been teaching music at NCUMP since 1987. She currently teaches kindergarten music at Lincoln Elementary, Mariners, Our Lady Queen of Angels and Harbor View schools. Carol has a B.A. in Sociology with a minor in Music, and a California Teaching Credential.
“I have loved every minute of teaching at NCUMP. It is amazing to see how creative children are during music and how much they love singing.”