Kim Adams - Program Director
Kim Adams has been program director of the Dragon Zone childcare center since the spring of 2008. Kim excels at designing environments in which children can safely learn and explore. With over 20 years of experience educating and operating preschool/childcare centers as well as a degree in Creative Arts from San Jose State, Kim has a rare understanding of the ways in which children perceive and interact with their world. Kim owns and operates a preschool in Palo Alto. Kim has led workshops and trainings on creativity and curriculum both locally and nationally and is an early childhood development mentor teacher.
Kim has enjoyed being an active member of the LVCS parent community from its beginning. Kim identifies herself first as a mother, and uses what she has learned as a mom to partner effectively with families and the community.
Lena Barta - Site Supervisor
Lena Barta is the Dragon Zone Site Supervisor, which keeps her busy inside the classroom and out. Lena has been in the child development field since 1999 and has loved every minute of it. Something special Lena brings to D.Z. would be her love and affection towards kids. Children and adults alike respond well to Lena’s kind and gentle spirit. Lena is currently enrolled at Las Positas College and is finishing her classes in Child Development Supervision and Administration. Lena lived in Livermore for ten years and recently moved to Tracy. Lena is happily married and enjoys being a mother of a teenager. She has 2 pet Chihuahua’s named Sweetie and Noname. Her hobbies and interests include shopping, hiking and spending quality time with her family.
Gina Bartlett-Dragon Zone Teacher
Gina Bartlett has lived in Livermore most of her life. Growing up here has given her a special understanding of this exceptional community. Gina has been teaching at Dragon Zone since September 2007. Gina attended college at Las Positas. She has two wonderful boys that keep her going non-stop. In her free time, Gina sells Cookie Lee Jewelry when ever she can. Something special Gina brings to DZ would have to be her happiness and understanding of the kids. Gina enjoys working with children and communicating with their families.
Colleen Christiansen- Yard Supervisor and Dragon Zone Teacher
Colleen is a Livermore native and an LVCS parent. Colleen attended Columbia Community College in Sonora after high school, and then returned to Livermore to raise her family. Colleen worked several years at LLNL in the plant engineering department. She rediscovered her love of working with children when she was asked to work at LVCS as a yard supervisor. Colleen has expanded her work at LVCS to include the morning program at Dragon Zone. The children respond well to Colleen’s genuine interest and concern for them, as well as her kind and loving demeanor. In her spare time, Colleen enjoys spending time with her family and working in her garden.
Eric Folsom- Dragon Zone Teacher Aide
Eric joined the DZ team in 2008. He is working on a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering at San Jose State University. He enjoys running, soccer, backpacking, and playing the guitar. Eric brings enthusiasm and creativity to his work at Dragon Zone. The children relate to his sense of humor and his gentle demeanor. Working at Dragon Zone has been a great experience for Eric, and he hopes to continue working at Dragon Zone for many years to come
Aishlin Greene- Dragon Zone Teacher
Aishlin Greene will have her AA in liberal arts and sciences in Spring 2010 and from there hopes to attend San Jose State University to get her Bachelors degree in Nursing to become a Registered Nurse at a children’s hospital. Aishlin has been a part of the Dragon Zone team since July 2007 and has enjoyed every minute of it. She has had an opportunity to work with each grade level at DZ and values each child’s stage of development. She likes spending time with all the kids and getting to know them. Aishlin lived in Switzerland for 5 years and brings her multicultural experiences, creativeness and athleticism to Dragon Zone in the form of activities, crafts and games. She enjoys interacting with the kids and providing a fun and safe environment for them.
Carla Guzman-Dragon Zone Teacher
Carla Guzman has lived in Livermore for the past nine years. She has been a valuable member of our staff since 2007. Carla works at Dragon Zone along with her mother (Luisa), and her sister (Pammie). Carla is currently attending Las Positas College. Her plans are to transfer to a State University where she will pursue her degree in child development. Her love of children doesn’t end at work, Carla has a niece Giselle, whom she cherishes her time with. Carla is very compatible with her third and fourth grade class and in turn creates intriguing and stimulating projects. In her free time she likes shopping, reading, and hanging out with her friends and family, as well as experiencing new and rewarding times.
Luisa Guzman- Dragon Zone Aide
Luisa has been a part of the Dragon Zone team from the beginning! Luisa is our resident "mom", enhancing our program with her nurturing and service-minded attitude. The children enjoy the snacks Luisa prepares, and the staff always appreciates her efficient management of the DZ kitchen.
Pamela Guzman- Dragon Zone Teacher
Pamela Guzman has recently completed her BA in psychology and minor in sociology and business administration at San Jose State University. She has been working at Dragon Zone since 2007 and loves her work. Pam brings an energetic personality and dynamic curriculum to her work at Dragon Zone. She sees her strongest key element as being able to easily bond with the children. Pam finds helping children grow and learn rewarding and interesting. In her spare time she loves listening to music and spending quality time with her warm and loving family.
Becca Kolman
The most recent addition to our DZ staff, Becca joined the DZ team in the summer of 2011. Becca attends Cal State East Bay working toward earning her B.A. Becca brings to our team an enthusiasm for sports and outdoor activities. She lives in Livermore and enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Chris Shirley-Dragon Zone Teacher Aide
Chris joined the Dragon Zone Team in our first year. Chris finds time in her busy schedule working as an instructional aide at Joe Mitchell Elementary School, tutoring, and being a mom, to work at Dragon Zone once a week. The children and families enjoy Chris' loving and approachable nature.
Sharlee Solis- Dragon Zone Teacher
Sharlee has been working in the field of Child Development since 2006. She is currently enrolled at Las Positas College completing her general education. Sharlee began her work at Dragon Zone in the winter of 2008 and is an outstanding member of our team. Sharlee primarily works with our kindergarten and lower elementary students, . The children, families, and staff enjoy Sharlee’s friendly and charismatic personality. In the future, Sharlee plans to continue her work in childcare or a related field. Some of Sharlee’s hobbies include running, reading and social event planning.
.
