Kids Garden of Languages International Preschool Team:
Elke Schweigert Miller >> Owner/Founder/Executive Director
Hello and welcome to Kigala. My name is Elke Miller. I was born and raised in Munich, Germany and came to Los Angeles in 1989 to study International sales and Marketing. I was recruited as the Liaison for International Offices by a business in Marina Del Rey and was a key player in starting up a contracting corporation where I became the Director of Finance. I have devoted the last five years of my life to the development of Kigala International Preschool and the Goethe International Charter School. I live with my two little girls, who are both bi-lingual, and my husband Philip, a producer, writer and Emmy nominated editor of a children’s TV series, in Venice Beach, CA. I am very active in the German Community and have founded a German Community network group, Deutsche Gemeinde LA or “German Community LA” and organize events for families, children and women, as a member of the German-American Club of Santa Monica. I am the founder/president of Kigala Preschool as well as the founder/board president of Goethe International Charter School (see details under news and links) and the President of Friends of Goethe (supporting the Goethe Institute of Los Angeles). I love hanging out with my family and friends, and to go rollerblading and skiing. Hope to see you soon at Kigala, Goethe International Charter School or one of our many fun events.
Patricia Villagomez >> Director/Teacher
Hi, I am Patricia Villagomez. I received my degree from UCLA in Early Childhood Education. I have been working with preschool age children for the last 12 years. I feel privileged to be working with the amazing families and children at Kids Garden of Languages (Kigala). When I am not wearing my Director's hat, I love to play chasing games with the children, dance, and doing science experiments.
Jessy Morales >> Teacher/Spanish Program
Hola to everyone, my name is Jessy Chaheme-Morales. I have been working with children & families for over fifteen years in both private & public schools. I'm passionate about working with children, and always encourage their sense of wonder. I have a certificate in Child Development; as well as a B.A. in Liberal Arts- with a concentration in Child Studies. I am currently in Graduate School for Psychology. I have been married for 14 years, and have three children ages, 13, 7, & 2. My hobbies include; creative writing, poetry, art, & music. I look forward to working with all of you.
Susi Fimpel >> Teacher/Spanish and German Program
Hello! I am Susi. I was born in Juelich, Germany. I have been traveling all over the world for the last 17 years. I live in Los Angeles with my husband and have 3 children. I am certified preschool teacher from SMC. I plan to continue my education taking Early Childhood Education classes and Reggio classes. I am a very nurturing teacher and like to bring out the children's creativity by offering novel learning experiences. I also have a passion for language development and how children acquire it. In my spare time I like to do crafts at home. I speak French, English, German, and now I am learning a bit of Spanish!
Doreen Dessee >> Spatzen Teacher
I am Doreen. I was born and raised in Germany and worked there as a certified Preschool teacher. I continue to pursue my education and I am currently taking Early Childhood Education classes at SMC. When you come to Kigala you can find me in the "Spatzen" class in the toddler program. I love singing and dancing with my little spatzen.
Susanne Wilson >> Spatzen Teacher
My name is Susanne Wilson. I am originally from Hamburg, Germany, but I have been living in the United States for 29 years. I live in Santa Monica with my husband and two children. I am a certified Early Childhood teacher and I work in the toddler program with my partner, Doreen. My favorite things to do with the toddlers are: read books, play with balls, and do dramatic play.
Bettina Krieger >> Bienen Teacher
Hello, I am Bettina. I was born in Hannover, Germany but grew up in Bavaria. I moved to the United States in 1989. I've been married for 11 years and have a 9 year old boy. I have attended SMC for my Early Childhood classes. I love the Reggio approach, therefore, I have attended numerous workshops and classes offered throughout LA. My favorite things to do as a teacher are: letting the children explore with different natural materials and mediums and providing special opportunities for them to develop their senses and thoughts in all the different domains.
Nadine Bahr >> Baeren Teacher/Assistant Director
Hello, I am Nadine Bahr. I am from Hamburg, Germany. I came to the United States to pursue my degree in Early Childhood Education. I hold an AA degree from IVC and have plans on furthering my education. Currently, I take classes at Santa Monica College and Reggio Emilia courses as often as possible. I work with the 4 year olds. My favorite thing to do with the children is build structures with recyclable materials. I enjoy my time at Kigala helping the children with their kindergarten readiness skills. When I am not in the classroom, I like to take walks by the beach, and sew handbags and clothes!
Lyda Eddington >> Music Specialist
My name is Lyda! I am a Master Level Orff Schulwerk music teacher, harp therapist, and HealthRhythms Drum Circle Facilitator. I have been teaching Early Childhood music classes in preschools in West Los Angeles for the past eight years, and teaching music and drama to grades KG through 5th at New Roads Elementary School. I received my Early Childhood Education Certification from Loyola Marymount University. I play the harp, piano, flute, guitar, and banjo in addition to pitched and un-pitched percussion instruments. I love singing and dancing with the wonderful children and teachers at Kigala!
Gi-yeon Buehler >> Yoga Specialist
I was born and raised in Germany and moved to LA three years ago. I completed my Yoga Teacher Training at "Yoga Works NY" and "Yoga Playgrounds" in LA. My three year old daughter is currently enrolled at Kigala. I enjoy teaching creative movement and yoga to the Spatzen, Bienen, Baeren and Amigos in both German and English.
Veronica Cabello >> Program Coordinator/Parent Education/Professional Development
I am Veronica Cabello. I have been working with children and families for the last 25 years. I hold a Masters degree from CSLA with a special certification in Parent Education. I rejoice in working with children and their families. Among the many things I like to do with children are singing, dancing, and... simply conversing with them. WhenI am not around them, I develop curriculum for the different age groups; prepare and conduct professional development workshops for teachers as well as parent education workshops; and also work in administration.
Anne Erbe-Kloo>> Program consultant
Anne is a German native who has lived in Los Angeles for the past 20 years. She is the director of the California Kids Development Center, a Preschool through Elementary school, with 130 enrolled students. She has both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, with 27 years of teaching and administrative experience. She lives with her husband and two sons.