CARLA POOLE

I have been the Executive Director of Atwater Park Center since August of 2013. I am very excited to be a member of the staff of this wonderful program. I was born and raised near New York City where I was on the faculty of The Bank Street Graduate School of Education for fifteen years. I was the director of the Infant and Family and Early Intervention Program at Bank Street. I have also worked with young children and their families in a wide variety of settings such as preschools, hospitals, shelters for homeless families, and homes. I am a birth to five developmental specialist with a Master's in Early Childhood Special Education and a Master's in Early Childhood General Education.

AMERICA RIOS

I am the new Director of Atwater Park Center and I am excited to work for and with the children, families, and community of Atwater Park Center. I previously worked for over a decade at Child 360 (formerly LAUP) as a Professional Development Advisor assisting early care and education providers with their educational and professional goals. I also worked on executing the administrative functions of various stipend programs: LAUP Stipend Program, CARES Stipend Program (known in Los Angeles County as ASPIRE), and QSLA Stipend Program. Before that I worked for Crystal Stairs Resource & Referral and managed the NAEYC Accreditation program.  I have a Bachelors degree in Psychology from Notre Dame de Namur. 

KATE CROWLEY 

I am the Consulting Occupational Therapist at APC. I began working with APC in 1998 and left for a while but loved the program so much that I returned. I am an occupational therapist with 39 yrs of experience working in a wide variety of organizations as well as with families and young children. I am also an instructor at USC in OT. I have two grown sons in their twenties whom I am very close and have two old dogs who may be over 100 in human years! When I'm not teaching at USC or working at Atwater Park Center I enjoy reading, hiking, theatre, dance, music, child development, neuroscience and working towards social justice.

BERTHA RODRIGUEZ

I am the Program Manager of Atwater Park Center. I really enjoy the daily contact and communication with families and children and working with the agencies that refer children to the Center. I started working at APC in 1983 as a part-time bilingual secretary – no computer, fax machine, copy machine or e-maiI – I used to type all the reports with two carbon copies – reports dictated by the teachers and recorded on a cassette. Copies of the reports were made on a stenographer machine! I love working with children and families – this has been a very rewarding experience and a blessing to share all this many years serving the children and families at the Center.

I have an Accountant Degree from Mexico – and I worked in accounting for five years in Mexico and for two years with my husband after moving to California. I also worked four years as a translator for the foreign students at Glendale Community College.

I live with my daughter Diana and my grandson Edson – and there is no greater joy than being called “mom” and now “nana.” I come from a big family, I have 8 sisters and one brother – they all live in Mexico with their families – but we call each other on a regular basis and most of the time we arrange our time to take vacations together.

I love reading, dancing, cooking, baking, walking, Zumba, going to antique markets (I collect antique silver) and spending time with my grandson and my daughter.

RICKY GONZALEZ

I am the Lead Teacher in Room 4 at APC. I first came to the Center in 2003. I have extensive experience with children who have special needs, including autism, speech delay, developmental delay, hyperactivity, behavior problems, and aggression.  I have attended many workshops, training programs, and in-services, which have enhanced my knowledge of the various types of play therapy. I am also working as a behavior specialist at a well respected community agency. I make home visits to special needs children. Because I am bilingual in English and Spanish, I am grateful that I can reach a wide range of families, especially those who are not familiar with their neighborhood resources. My mission is to help as many families as possible.

I have a big family of my own, which includes my wife, a son and four daughters. During the week, I make sure my kids focus on their academics and complete all of their homework. However, on the weekends, they enjoy their time outdoors by going to the park, zoo, amusement parks and road trips. My wife and I both have numerous extended family dispersed throughout the Western United States, Mexico and Central America. Thus, during summer vacation and other breaks, we make it a point to visit as many relatives as possible. We hope to cultivate a family centered orientation among our children, while also seeing various states in all their glory. 

MARTHA RODRIGUEZ

Co-Teacher in Room 1. I first came to APC in 2007. I have Teacher's permit and am specialized in Child Development and have attended  different trainings on issues such as Mental Health, Nutrition, and Disability Rights. Before I came to work here I was a Headstart teacher for over 16 years. I have three children who now have their own children and when I'm not teaching I like to be in nature, discover new places and spend time with my grandchildren!

VIOLETA RODRIGUEZ

I have been at APC since 2008. I am currently pursuing my degree in Special Education at East Los Angeles College. I am very passionate about working with children of all developmental abilities. To know that I made a difference in the life of a child, even for a moment, is incredibly rewarding. When I'm not working at APC I enjoy doing all sorts of arts and craft projects and painting.

KIRSTEN MASSER

I have been the home visit teacher at APC since 2008. I received my Bachelor of the Arts in Liberal Studies from Cal State Northridge. After I graduated, I taught preschool for over 10 years. I have 3 beautiful daughters who are very involved in show choir. My mother and one of my brothers live nearby. The rest of my family lives in the Midwest, where I grew up. I enjoy being very involved with my girls and their activities as well as reading and going to the movies.

DIANE CHAVIRA

I am a home visit teacher. I work one on one with children and their families in their natural environment. I have been working at APC since 2007. I am currently attending college to further my education and working towards my Associates Degree in Child Development. I have my Associate Teacher Credential as well as an Infant Toddler Certificate and a Special Education Certificate. Outside of APC, I am very close to my family. My mother is my best friend; I have a brother, two wonderful children and two beautiful nieces whom I love dearly. When I'm not helping children and their families, I like to spend my time off reading at home, cooking with my mother and playing board games with my kids.

LESLIE MEDINA

Classroom Aide