Meet the Ortega Staff
Brigette Gauthier
Program Director
I started working with children in 1989 but took a break to start a family and be a stay at home mom. I volunteered at Ortega school for many years, in 2010 when a position opened up at TTT I jumped at the chance to get back into the field! It was the perfect way to get back to doing something I really enjoy and still be close to my kids who also attended Ortega at the time. I have taken classes at Skyline in Early Childhood Education and am still continuing my education.
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In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my two kids, going to Blackberry Farm, watching football and attending Paint Nite's with my friends. I am CPR and First Aid Certified.
Janine Almeida
Assistant Director
I first started working with kids in 2016 working as a summer camp coordinator for a campground. I began working at TTT in 2021. Since working here I have found a renewed love for working with kids.
When I’m not working, I am spending time with my three kids hiking, visiting historical sites, museums and volunteering at the Elk’s Lodge. I also enjoy cooking and doing science experiments with my kids. I have 15 ECE units and I'm currently enrolled in more college courses to further my education.
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I am CPR/First Aid certified.
Nichole Lancaster
Preschool Lead Teacher
I started working with kids in 2006 as an aide at Babe’s Preschool. I loved my job so I took classes and became a teacher and later the assistant director. Babe’s closed and I took a break from work to care for my kids just before the pandemic. I really missed working in a preschool and I wanted to get back into the field, I saw TTT was hiring and thought it would be a good match. I started here in 2022.
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When I am not working I enjoy spending time with my family, going to Disneyland and riding my horse.
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I am CPR/First Aid certified.
Kaylee Gauthier
School Age Teacher
I attended TTT when I was in First Grade when my mom first started working here and grew up learning about the program from both sides. I understand the importance & vulnerability of the job. I like that I can help kids develop & be a positive influence for them, I also enjoy being a leader and role model. I started working at TTT in 2022.
When I’m not working I like to hike, bake, read and spend time with friends.
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I am CPR/First Aid certified
Daniele Damato
School Age Teacher
I started working with kids in 2016 as an aide at Babe’s Preschool, when they lost their lease I took time off from working. I started with TTT in 2022.
I love working with kids and it feels great knowing I am making a difference in their lives and being a positive influence.
When I am not working I enjoy spending time with my nieces and nephews, baking and being with my dogs.
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I am CPR/ First Aid certified
Gwen Domingo
Aide
I have been with the Pacifica School District as a paraprofessional since 2012 first at Sunset Ridge and now at IBL. I have also coached cheerleading at Alta Lima Middle School as well as El Camino.
With my kids all grown and off to college I wanted to fill my days so I started working with TTT in 2022 as an aide.
Growing up my mom was a foster mom so I have always had kids in my life and I love watching them grow and learn. When I’m not working I love to travel and spend time with my kids and friends.