Teachers at UMC Preschool – Burlingame
Our Team
UMC’s teaching staff are highly educated, professional, bi-lingual, patient, caring, and humorous. Each of our teachers are CPR & First Aid Certified, Mandated Reporter Certified, Pesticides & Lead Certified.
“You can learn more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.”
–Plato
Meet the Teachers
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Teresa Campbell
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Program Director, Teresa Campbell, M.Ed. has been working with young children and families for over 30 years as a program director & master teacher.
Prior to joining UMC, she owned and operated Kidink Preschool, Inc. since May of 2000. Teresa earned an A.S. Degree in ECE, a B.A. Degree in Child & Adolescent Development and a M.A. Degree in Education. She holds a California teacher permit as a Child Development Program Director.
Teresa is a California Early Childhood Mentor to aspiring preschool teachers, a Professional Growth Advisor for the State of California, a public speaker and published writer as well as an Assistant Professor at SMCCCD (San Mateo County Community College District) Skyline & Cañada Colleges and teaches child development dual-enrollment courses to high school students earning college and high school credits.
Teresa enjoys spending time with her husband, three human children, one canine son, family, and friends.
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Vikki Gomez
Celebrating her 19th year at UMC!
MASTER TEACHER
Mixed AgeVikki holds a BA in Liberal Arts with an emphasis in Sociology as well as Early Childhood Educational units at the Site Supervisory level. Vikki has been a part of UMC Preschool since 2005, as a co-op parent, as well as beginning her teaching career as an aide. Subsequently, in 2010, Vikki became Lead Teacher in the Preschool Class, Co-Director in 2016, and Director in 2022.
Outside of UMC, Vikki enjoys spending time with her family, reading, gardening and staying connected with friends and relatives. Vikki’s personal goals include learning something new every day, and making each day count.
“My enjoyment of teaching is found in the simple exchange of a thoughtful gesture, of words innocently spoken and the creativity of an idea made solely by a child. The radiant smile of an accomplished feat, the pondering of completing a task and sometimes the need of just being.”
Vikki teaches the value of love and respect to students by listening, nurturing, validating and allowing students to confidently learn to problem solve, make their own decisions and advocate for themselves.
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Liz Lucero
MASTER TEACHER
ToddlerMaster Teacher, Liz Lucero, A.A. has worked 12 years with children of all ages, infancy to age 5 years. Liz is fortunate to have experience working at both large chain center based programs and smaller family based programs.
Liz holds an A.A. Degree in Early Childhood Development and is currently furthering her college education in child development.
Liz is passionate about creating a nurturing and stimulating environment where young children can learn and grow. She believes in fostering a love for learning through play-based activities that cater to children’s needs and interests.
In her free time, she enjoys nature photography and spending time with family.
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Devin D’Emilio
ASSOCIATE TEACHER
Mixed AgeAssociate Teacher Devin D’Emilio, has worked the last 3 years with preschool children ages 3 months to 5 years. He is currently furthering his education in child development.
Devin enjoys teaching young children large motor activities and believes spending as much time as possible in an outdoor environment is key.
In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his family, bowling, concerts, and traveling.
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Tess Balenbin
TEACHER ASSISTANT
Teacher Assistant Tess Balenbin, originally from the Philippines and immigrated to the U.S. more than a decade ago.
Tess graduated with a B.S. in Physical Therapy in Manila, but didn’t practice in the U.S. Tess’ first preschool experience was as a co-op parent at UMC for 2 years. When her son moved to TK last school year, she began subbing for UMC and another program.
Tess is currently enrolled in college taking child development courses. She enjoys doing home projects and activities with her son, she loves to read and online shop.
Our Approach
By nurturing, listening and guiding our students, we teach the values of love, respect and determination and create the foundation needed for problem solving, decision making and self-advocacy that will assist them throughout life. Read more about our approach to education.
Our Programs
UMC Preschool - Burlingame offers unique programming for children ages 18 months to 5 years old.
We have half-day and full-day options 2, 3, or 5 days a week.