Dream Team
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Carlyann Oquendo, PHD
CEO Founder/Director
"Dr. Carly" is the driving force behind Awaken Dreams. She has been an educator for upwards of 15 years. She received her BA at Pepperdine University and her MS at the City College of New York. In 2020, Dr. Carly earned a doctorate in Early Childhood Development at Walden University. Her passion for teaching, creative flare, and sincere love for all children is the heart of our school.
Nicole Jacoby, BA
Assistant Director/Water Pod Teacher (4's/TK Classroom)
Jacoby is so excited to explore with the Dreamers as one of the 4's/TK teachers in the Water Pod as well as our assistant director here at Awaken Dreams! She received her BS in Environmental Science at UC Santa Barbara and has been teaching for 9 years. Jacoby draws a lot of inspiration from her love of nature both as an environmental steward and an avid outdoor recreationalist. So let the adventure begin!
Tiff Ala
Fire Pod Teacher (2's Classroom)
/After School Specialist
Miss Tiff is a teacher in the Water Pod Classroom! Prior to joining Awaken Dreams, Tiff worked as an event coordinator and activity planner for an after school program. She has ample experience in organizing learning activities within the context of playtime. Within the classroom, Tiff aims to foster an environment that encourages creativity and cultivates a passion for learning in children. She is currently working on receiving her Bachelors in Early Childhood Education. She is always learning new ways to lay the foundation for building strong friendships, exploring the world around us safely, creating and using one's imagination, and learning the value of kindness in the classroom as well as the outside world. She is so excited for this creative journey!
Sandra (Sandy) Flores-Conway
Fire Pod Teacher (2's Classroom)
and P.E. Specialist
Sandy has been teaching yoga and fitness since 2013. She received her A.A and A.S in Sociology at Santa Barbara and continued her education at UCLA and UNLV. Her innate and passion for teaching led her to the fitness industry after discovering how much the mind, body, and soul truly ignite your power once tuned in. Her natural expertise of working with children led her to become the yoga specialist for Awaken Dreams last summer! That opened the opportunity of joining the Awaken Dreams Team. Her passion for teaching, music, and fitness brings all the energy needed here at Awaken Dreams and she has never been happier to share all things mind, body, and soul.
Iliana (Illy) Francisco, BA
Air Pod Teacher (3's Classroom)
Iliana “Ms.Illy” ( Ï-LĒ) joined the Awaken Dreams Team in June of 2023 seeking the “classroom” experience. She graduated with her Bachelor’s in Psychology at City College of New York. She began working with children as a Behavior Technician and found her passion in supporting young minds. Ms. Illy strives to make learning interactive and enjoyable for all ages, as she is also a continuous learner and enjoys finding unique ways to encourage all types of learners.
Yulimar (Julie) Ramos, BA
Air Pod Teacher (3's Classroom)
Hello! I am Ms. Julie and I am one of the Air Pod teachers. I graduated from USC with a degree in Psychology and Occupational Therapy. I love Music and Art! As a member of the Awaken Dreams Team, my mission is to foster social emotional connections, self autonomy, exploration, critical thinking and lots of fun with my students️!
Ashley Punte, BA
Administration/Fire Pod Teacher
(2's Classroom)
Ashley has been working in the field of education since 2013. Since graduating with her BA in Elementary and Special Education, Ashley has worked extensively with children of all ages and capabilities; including working as an ABA therapist for several years. Within the classroom, Ashley strives to create safe spaces to explore and discuss social emotional topics that are relevant to our students and the world around them.
Yasky Gonzalez, BA
Earth Pod Teacher (K-2nd Classroom)
As Yaskara looks back on the past 14 years, She feels grateful for the privilege of being a part of each child's educational journey. Working with young children has been a deeply rewarding journey for her. Each day, she feels fortunate to witness the wonder and curiosity that emanate from their eager minds. Their boundless energy, creativity, and capacity for growth have continually inspired her to strive for excellence in her teaching practice.
