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
Administrator
Water & Earth Pod Assistant
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
Enrichment 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
Fire Pod Teacher (2's Classroom)
Iliana “Ms.Illy” ( Ï-LÄ’) 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)
Ms. Julie is an Air Pod teacher. She graduated from USC with a degree in Psychology and Occupational Therapy. As a member of the Awaken Dreams team, her mission is to foster social emotional connections, self autonomy, exploration, and critical thinking. She loves music, art and having lots of fun with her students.
