Owner/Director
My name is Jen and this is my 18th year in education! I grew up just down the road in Temecula and graduated from the University of California, San Diego with a bachelor's degree in psychology and a minor in education. I also received my California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and Master of Education degree from UCSD.
After graduating, I returned to Temecula where I spent 9 years in the classroom before deciding I wanted to have more time at home with my young family. The past 8 years I have worked for an independent study charter school where I work closely with students and their families to ensure a positive and productive educational environment.
My love for working with the littles and being hands on with my craft is what inspired me to start Olive Tree Academy! I am thrilled to be offering a program where I can share my passion of teaching and learning with so many others. My philosophy of education is rather simple. I believe that every child can be successful and strive to do everything in my power to help students grow to their fullest potential all while having fun! I hope you will join us!
On a personal note, I have been married to my husband Ryan for 15 years and we have two incredible kiddos. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, and crafting.
Lead Teacher
Hello, my name is Sarah and I’m excited to start my 18th year in education! I graduated from California State University, San Bernardino with my Bachelor’s of Arts Degree is Liberal Studies with a minor in Music and my multiple-subject teaching credential. I continued my education and received my Masters of Arts Degree in Education Administration.
As soon as I received my teaching credential, I jumped right into the classroom! After being a classroom teacher for several years, I jumped into administration! I enjoyed all facets of education! After working in administration and Student Support Services for 4 years, I went back into the classroom to work with students first-hand. My teaching philosophy is to build and maintain positive relationships with students (at any age or level) and inspire them to love learning!
My journey of being a classroom teacher and administrator then led me to becoming a first time mother! I have been a Stay-at-Home mom for the past 4 years to my son. Not only am I a proud mom to my son but I also have two beautiful step-daughters and a very supportive husband. We enjoy spending time together, going on nature hikes, archeology, and sports, especially football!
Teaching Assistant
Hi, my name is Alayna. I have ten years of experience coaching and working directly with young children. For the past three years I have been working with middle schoolers as a paraprofessional. It was an amazing three years of learning and growing with the talented young adults I was so blessed to work with, but deep down inside I knew that it wasn’t my forever job. Little kiddos have always been my cup of tea, so when this opportunity of being able to work at Olive Tree came about I knew it was my dream job! I am looking forward to watching the children learn, develop, and grow throughout the year.
I have lived in my Menifee my whole life and been very involved in the community. I graduated in 2017 from Heritage High School. I started coaching volleyball as soon as I turned 18. I was a volunteer coach for four years before I took my first paid coaching gig at the high school I graduated from. That same year I coached my first club volleyball team for a small, nonprofit, local club. I have continued to coach club and high school for the past 4 years. I am 22/24 on all of my club players making their high school teams.
On a personal note, I am a dog mom to a chihuahua-terrier mix named Goliath! I have two younger siblings who I have had the privilege of babysitting, spoiling, and supporting as they grow into young adults. They have been my inspiration for the impact I can have on young children which pushed me in the direction of working with little friends.