Heather Lingemann
Program Director & Teacher
My passion for teaching and learning from young children developed during what felt like a wandering journey. As a recent graduate from Cal. State Univ., Chico, I was unsure about my career path. A short stint in public relations and fundraising led me to retail management, where I learned the importance of goal-setting, teamwork, and helping customers. During this time, I became a single mother and wanted to balance my role as her mom with a career. Eventually, I realized that retail wouldn’t allow me to nurture my daughter into a caring and inclusive person, which is why I started my small family child care home to meet that need.
After several years of providing childcare for young children, my daughter started kindergarten, leading me to consider new opportunities. I had the chance to volunteer at a local preschool for children with special needs alongside typically developing peers. The teachers showed incredible compassion and patience. I felt I was meant to follow this path, so I returned to college to earn my teaching credentials for children with developmental disabilities and other exceptional needs.
While teaching special education in elementary school, I was always searching for ways to connect with my youngest students, who had a genuine love for learning. I found a job working with children with severe and multiple disabilities in grades Transitional Kindergarten to Second. After a few years, I seized an opportunity to step back from teaching and spend time with my preschool-aged twins before they started kindergarten. During this time, my husband noted that I am happiest when I am playing and exploring with young children. This insight, along with hard work, led to the creation of Creative Minds Early Learning Center.
Sharing in the knowledge growth of young children fuels my heart and is a way I can give of myself to help others. I am so honored to be chosen by our local area families to nurture and guide their most precious children. Email me: info@creativemindschico.com
Anissa Sligar
Lead Preschool Teacher
Hi! I am from central California and have lived in a few places including Tennessee and Indiana. It’s amazing to see how different each place is. I am an early childhood educator while I am also pursuing my bachelors degree in Elementary Education. I have been teaching at preschools for about 4 years now and this experience has been like no other. I am able to learn what it is like to be a teacher and gain knowledge of so many things such as lesson planning, day-to-day routines, and so much more. I hope each child in my class feels welcome and safe. I believe that each student is unique and powerful in their own way and helping them learn that is such a gift. 💜
Angelina Sanchez
Preschool Teacher
I’m a student at CSU, Chico, studying child development.
Faith Medrano
Lead Toddler Teacher
I am currently a full-time student at CSU, Chico majoring in child development, a field that fuels my passion for nurturing young minds. I have 2 Associate degrees from Butte College in Child & Adolescent Development & Social and Behavioral Science, which have provided me with a solid foundation in understanding the complexities of childhood and adolescence. As a mother of three amazing young children, I find that my role as a parent deeply enriches my studies, allowing me to apply what I learn in real-life situations every day! Previously, I was a cook in the US Army, an experience that taught me discipline and resilience, but I left the military soon after the birth of my first child to pursue my true calling: caring for and teaching little minds. I believe that with the right guidance, every child can flourish, and it brings me immense joy to support their growth and development. 💗
Rica Dawa
Preschool Teacher
Hi! I am honored to play and teach your children here at Creative Minds ELC, where each day is a new adventure filled with laughter and learning. When I am not here at work, I am often found hanging out at home with my favorite friend, Bagel, my purrrfectly cuddly kitty who brings endless joy and comfort to my life. I’m also a college student pursuing a degree in social work and child development, as I am deeply passionate about supporting children and families in their growth journeys. I love that our center welcomes children of all abilities to thrive and grow here in their own awesome way, fostering an inclusive environment where every child can discover their unique potential and make lasting friendships. I believe that by nurturing each child’s individuality, we help empower them to become confident and capable individuals, ready to face the world with creativity and resilience.
Amelia West
Preschool Teacher Aide
Hello, I am currently a full-time student studying child development at CSU, Chico. My favorite employment opportunities have always included caring for and playing with children, as I find great joy in nurturing their curiosity and creativity. This is my first opportunity to work in an early learning center as a preschool teacher’s aide, and I am very excited to grow along with your children while building meaningful connections with them. I believe that every moment spent together is a chance to inspire them and foster their development. I hope to help them develop their amazing skills into becoming loving, respectful friends, who understand the importance of kindness and cooperation, setting the foundation for their future relationships and interactions with others.
I may not be a super hero,
but I am a preschool teacher
close enough!