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Director ~ Mare Williams Mare comes to Aspirations School of Learning with over thirty years of teaching experience in the field of Early Childhood Education, having been a founding member of our school. During her last ten years as an educator at The Children's School in La Jolla, Mare became a Mentor Teacher with the State of California, earning a Specialization in the Reggio Approach and became a member of the North American Reggio Emilia Alliance. Mare has been a participant in the North American Study Tours held in Reggio Emilia, Italy on two separate occasions professionally. Her love of Italy has taken her there personally as a guide for other teachers as well as a photographer several additional times. Mare and her husband Duncan are both native San Diegans, now sharing this legacy at Aspirations with their grandchildren. An opportunity to follow their love of wine while working in the industry provided them a home and vineyard property in which to raise their four children in the Sierra Nevada Mountains near Lake Tahoe. It was here that her professional journey began as she worked as a Paraprofessional in the field of education. Her husband continues his professional career in the wine industry as a winemaker and vineyard developer. This allows for great conversation among family and friends around the dinner table! A published writer and passionate photographer, Mare has added to her teaching experience through continuous professional development and has earned degrees including a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Development with a focus on Child Development, as well as a Master of Arts degree in Human Development with a Specialization in Leadership in Education from Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena, California. One of her greatest joys as an educator has been participating in the development of an art program for the children and faculty of Aspirations called, "The Collected Works: A Retrospective Look at the Art of a Reggio Inspired Childhood." |
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Assistant Director ~ Sonya Lightfoot Sonya comes to Aspirations School of Learning with over a decade of experience in the field of Early Childhood Education, having worked with children of all ages from infants through school-age since 2010. She has been a dedicated member of the Aspirations community since 2014, in 2026 she stepped into the role of Assistant Director where she continues to grow professionally while building meaningful connections with children and families. Sonya holds both an Associate of Arts degree in General Studies with an emphasis in Social and Behavioral Sciences from Palomar College, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Development with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education from Pacific Oaks College. She has further enriched her professional journey through international study, participating in a week-long Spring conference in Reggio Emilia, Italy in 2019, where she explored the Reggio Emilia Approach in depth. Her passion for education was inspired early in life through her own experiences with caring and compassionate teachers. Sonya's teaching philosophy centers on the belief that children learn best through play, exploration, and meaningful interactions with their environment. She brings an interactive and responsive approach to her work, valuing each person's individuality and fostering a positive, engaging experience. One of her greatest joys as an educator is the opportunity to experience something new each day alongside the children and educators she shares her days with. A native of Oceanside, Sonya was raised in a large family, which has given her a deep appreciation for diverse family dynamics and the unique backgrounds each child brings. This perspective continues to inform her work with children and families in meaningful ways. Outside of the office, Sonya enjoys spending time with her husband, Kenny Jr., and their son, Kenny III, who is also part of the Aspirations community. In her free time, she enjoys photography, painting, practicing calligraphy, reading, and exploring San Diego. She also loves spending time with her dog, Pebble. |
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Office Manager ~ Tyler Fauls-Rivas
Tyler brings over 15 years of experience in Early Childhood Education, beginning his career in afterschool programs as a teacher and advancing into leadership roles as a Director. Since joining Aspirations in 2022 as an Administrative Assistant, Tyler has grown into his current role as Office Manager.
While he maintains a strong background in the classroom and steps in to support as needed, Tyler primarily oversees front office operations, including enrollment, ordering supplies, documentation, and overall administrative coordination. He works closely alongside Mare Williams, Director, and Sonya Lightfoot, Assistant Director, to ensure the program runs efficiently and effectively.
Outside of Aspirations, Tyler enjoys a variety of hobbies, including playing Magic: The Gathering at local card shops, as well as board games and video games. He also enjoys exploring new restaurants and cuisines with his spouse and their dog, Peanut.
Tyler's greatest passion in Early Childhood Education lies in fostering a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where children and families from all backgrounds feel welcomed and supported. His dedication to creating a positive community is at the heart of his work. |
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