Dedicated to your child's growth and development
Our Principal’s Message
Dear Sea Breeze Families,
Welcome to Saint Ambrose Sea Breeze School! My name is Jerelyn Weber and I am your School Principal. I am so excited to begin the new school year with each child and the family they bring with them. It is my hope that this year begins a lifelong love of learning for your child. Your child will have the opportunity to discover new things, meet new friends and make many memories. This is a very important step in your child’s education, and I am committed to making your child’s school experience an exciting time, full of fun, growth and development.
While your child is at Sea Breeze, the dedicated and committed teaching staff will provide a wide variety of learning and play experiences throughout the day. Children will develop new social/emotional, cognitive, and physical skills. Children will also develop their thinking, reasoning, decision making, and problem solving skills. In each classroom, children will be actively engaged in activities which are relevant and meaningful to their lives and learning. I look forward to supporting and guiding you and your children as they make new discoveries and engage in learning adventures.
Our curriculum is play-based and we believe that children learn very vital life skills while actively engaged in play. Young children learn best by playing and following their own curiosities, by solving real problems, such as how to balance a stack of blocks, or how to negotiate a zipper, put together a picture puzzle and most of all, by making mistakes and trying again. Did you know that when children paint at the easel they are developing their imagination and creativity; and when they finger paint they learn concepts of size, shape and location that they will need as they begin to learn math skills. Although you cannot always read their writing, it is important that children scribble and draw so that they can learn the basic strokes of letter formation and the appropriate pressure needed to write correctly in the future.
I believe that children grow and develop most when there is a strong connection between home and school. You know your child best, and your input is critical to their success. Please always let us know how to best meet the needs of your child. My door is always open to you and I encourage you to contact me or your child’s teacher if you have any questions or concerns about your child. Together we will work as a team and make this an enjoyable and meaningful experience for your child!
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to be an important part of your child’s education. I look forward to an exciting new school year with the Sea Breeze Families!
Staff Bios
Jerelyn Weber
My name is Jerelyn Weber and I joined Sea Breeze School in 2013 and have been working in the Early Education Field for over 30 years. I have been a Classroom Teacher, a Director, a Curriculum Developer and a Trainer of Early Childhood Teachers. I have also been an evaluator with NAEYC and NECPA and have evaluated hundreds of centers around the country.
I attended the University of Hawaii and UCLA. I have a Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education and a Masters Degree in Education. Prior to becoming an Educator, I served in the US Air Force.
I love serving as a Principal. My passion is developing positive relationships with everyone within the community, working with children as they grow, supporting teachers and staff so they can reach their highest potential, strengthening a connection between home and school, and fostering a positive school environment. At our core, we know that the hometown school partnership is what allows us to provide a positive school experience for all children.
I believe each child has unique strengths, individual differences, and specific learning styles that are to be embraced to support growth, development and learning potential.
In my time away from school, I enjoy looking for antiques, shopping and spending time with my children and grandchildren.
Renee Sheldon
I have been at Sea Breeze School for 27 years and have been in the field of education for over 30 years. I am currently the Director and Transitional Kindergarten teacher. I attended Cañada College, San Francisco State University and Notre Dame de Namur University. I have an AS in Early Childhood Education and a BA in Liberal Studies with a major in Elementary Education. I enjoy sports, cooking, boating and spending time with my family.
Mark Weber
Hello! My name is Mark Weber and I have taught Transitional Kindergarten and Preschool II. I have worked at Sea Breeze school since 2013 and I’m currently enrolled at Mission College studying for my Master Teacher Certificate in Child Development.
I like to spend time with friends and go to the mall on my time off.
Debra Darling
Hello! My name is Debra Darling. I joined Sea Breeze School in 1999. Over the past years, I’ve had the privilege of working in many of our different programs and classrooms. Prior to joining Sea Breeze, I completed my BA degree in Human Development with an emphasis in childhood development from Cal State University, Hayward. I also earned an Early Childhood Education Certificate and an AS degree in Early Childhood from Cañada College.
Outside of school, I’m a proud “born and raised” native of San Mateo and continue to live here with my husband and our two young children. I cherish spending time with family and close friends. In fact, family is at the heart of everything I do, which is why I’m so delighted to welcome you to our family here at Sea Breeze School.
Jamie Briones
My name is Jamie Briones. I graduated from Skyline College with my Associates of Science degree in Early Childhood Education in 2006. I have been working with children in school settings since 2001 and have been with Sea Breeze School since 2006.
When I am not at work, I enjoy many things but especially: spending time with my husband and our son, reading, and anything Star Wars.
Danielle Ghiozzi
My name is Danielle Ghiozzi. I have been in the field of early childhood education for 22 years. I have my Early Childhood Education Certificate from Cañada College. I love working with young children and am grateful for the opportunities I have had in my career. I currently teach Transitional Kindergarten. I was blessed to have joined Sea Breeze School in May of 2017. It has truly become my dream job.
In my time away from school I love spending time with my family. We love watching scary movies together. I also love reading, scrapbooking, and organizing!
Maria Lou Gaitan
My name is Maria Lou Gaitan, I have been working at Sea Breeze School since 2011. I have an ECE Certificate from Skyline College.
Cheyenne Johnston
Hi! My name is Cheyenne Johnston and I became a part of the Sea Breeze School staff in November 2020. I currently have 12 ECE units from Cañada College and am currently finishing my certificate in early childhood education. I have 2 years’ experience teaching in preschool as well as 4 years’ experience working in home daycare assisting with infant/toddler playgroups. I believe in the power of learning through play and that each child deserves a nurturing and stimulating environment that encourages and respects their curiosity, independence and capabilities in physical and social-emotional growth. Something interesting about me is I have been a part of an SRI International research study for the last 8 years and have been one of their longest continuing candidates for their study.
Sharon Dick
I am Sharon Dick. I have been a teacher at Sea Breeze School since 2018. I started teaching in 1984. I really love teaching and I have learned so much from children over the years. I have an Early Childhood Education certificate and my AA from Cañada College. I have gone to many ECE conferences over the years to update my education.
All children need is a little help, a little hope, and somebody who believes in them.
Carol Frisch
My name is Carol Frisch. I have lived here in Foster City for over 36 years! I have 2 sons and 5 grandsons! I have always enjoyed working with and teaching young children. I enjoy spending time with my grandsons, shopping, playing with my 3 dogs, and being with friends and family. I have been with Saint Ambrose Sea Breeze School since 1987! I completed my studies at Cañada College and have taken extra courses throughout my career that include workshops and seminars offered by different schools over the years. I am now the Health and Safety Coordinator at Sea Breeze and enjoy working with all of the children.
Verene Ferrona
I am Verene Ferrona. I attended Cañada College to get my ECE units to teach. I have been working with children for 25 years and at Sea Breeze School since 2015. I have also raised a daughter and a son. My philosophy: Children are unique and wonderful and so much fun. What a wonderful gift!
In my spare time, I love to garden, sew, bake, spend time with my family, and travel to my favorite place, Hawaii.
Aida Irizarry
My name is Aida Irizarry. I have been working at Sea Breeze School since August, 2006. I have been an After School Director since then. I am a people person and love to work and play with children and get to know their families.
My main goal is to let the children have fun while learning. It is my philosophy to make each child feel special and make them feel confident in whatever they are good at. I believe in giving them the strength and foundation to be leaders. If they are weak, I give them the tools to be strong.
I love to make the children laugh and enjoy being at school. It makes me happy to see them happy!
I became a teacher because while I watched my own 3 children get older, I knew I still wanted to help other children find their potential. I love to watch them talk, laugh, and be silly. I also like to teach them educational games, which a few of them are already playing at adult levels. I am proud to have taught them these games, so that someday they can say Mrs. Irizarry taught me that game at Sea Breeze School!
I enjoy spending time with my family. We love eating out and have fun reminiscing about anything and everything. I love to sing, dance, and watch movies too!
Norma Castillo
My name is Norma Castillo and I joined Sea Breeze School January, 2022 and I have been teaching for almost 20 years. I attended Skyline College and got my A.S. degree in Early Childhood Education and a child development teacher permit. Teaching is my passion and working with children is a blessing to me.
Nancy Kirk
My name is Nancy Kirk. I graduated from the University of Toledo with an Elementary Education Degree. I received my Early Childhood Credential from Cañada College. I worked for Sea Breeze School for 17 years, then took 7 years off. My family is very important to me!
Mariella Aguilar-Campo
My name is Mariella Aguilar-Campo. I have been teaching for 24 years. Ever since I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to teach young children. I went to Cañada College to earn a certificate in Early Childhood Education right after high school. I am continuing my education at Cañada College. I have taught children of all ages. I am a very dedicated teacher who will go above and beyond to ensure a fun and safe environment. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my fur baby, and my wife. I love going to the beach, sporting events, and spending time with friends and family.
Kelly Graham
My name is Kelly Graham. I have been an Early Childhood Educator since 2014. I received my AA in Early Childhood Education from Rasmussen University and am enrolled in the Early Childhood Education Bachelor degree program.
Marissa Zarzar
Hi, my name is Marissa Zarzar. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development and a minor in Education. I have worked with children in different settings. Starting from volunteering at the YMCA and Camps to being a Counselor, After School Teacher, a Preschool Teacher and a Behavioral Therapist. Taking a Psychology class in high school sparked my initial passion to be a CAD major. I want to eventually get my Master’s Degree and become a High School Counselor one day. I’m excited to be a part of the team in reaching my goals and expectations to further my career.
I’m a visual learner that’s motivated, dives head first into things and likes to challenge herself. I have a twin brother and three younger sisters. CAD excites me because I enjoy working with kids and families. It’s satisfying seeing children achieve their highest potential and build on their character development. I look forward to seeing the students excel in the academic program and see their creativity fly. I’m very passionate about connecting with the students and seeing their pleasurable faces. I can’t wait to be with the kids and empower their thinking to the best of their abilities.
I love watching sports and cheering on my favorite Bay Area teams. In my free time I like biking and hiking. I have du. Staying up watching horror movies with my cousins and laughing with my friends with a good sense of humor. I also enjoy baking, doing puzzles, doing word searches and artsy things.
Maria Aldana
Hello, my name is Maria Aldana, and I’m excited to share a little about myself. I’ve called San Mateo home for 25 wonderful years. After trying out a few different careers, I found my passion in teaching! While studying at SFSU, I worked at an ABA company, which really helped me learn how to support kids in navigating their behaviors. I’ve volunteered in lots of classrooms and have coached kids’ sports, which has been such a joy! I truly enjoy engaging with children because their curiosity about the world is infectious. One of my absolute favorite things to do with kids is read. There’s something magical about watching them discover new ideas and react to the world around them. As a parent myself, I truly understand the effort it takes to raise children. I believe it’s essential to work together with families and students as a team, supporting one another in this journey. I can’t wait to make a positive difference together!