Our Team
La Jolla Presbyterian Church Preschool is built on the strength of our nurturing and inspiring staff.
Leadership Team
Barbara
De La Loza
Preschool Director
Barbara is honored to serve as the Preschool Director of La Jolla Presbyterian Church Preschool. She possesses an Associate’s Degree in Child Development from MiraCosta College, a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and a Master’s Degree in Child Development and Early Childhood Education from Wheelock College in Boston, MA. Before becoming the La Jolla Pres Preschool Director in 2014, she obtained twenty-three years of experience as a preschool college professor teaching Child Development and Early Childhood Education at MiraCosta College. Throughout her twenty-three years of experience, her journey has led her through many years as a Sunday School volunteer, nine years as a Program Coordinator for the YMCA, over ten years as a Early Childhood Education Instructional Specialist for MiraCosta College, a year as a full-time assistant director for Shandon United Methodist Church Preschool and Kindergarten in Columbia, SC, and a lifetime of loving and caring for children. She is passionate about working with children and feels blessed to be able to learn from them each day.
Julie Gibbs
Administrative Assistant
Julie Gibbs has been a member of La Jolla Presbyterian Church since 1980 and began working at the Preschool in 1997 as the Administrative Assistant. She previously served as the Early Childhood Coordinator for the church, managing the nursery through preschool age programs on Sundays. Julie has also taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School Fun Week. Prior to joining LJPC Preschool, she taught preschool in Mississippi and then was a substitute teacher for all ages in the San Diego Unified School District. Julie graduated from the University of Mississippi with a B. A. in Sociology and Social Work and earned her Teaching Credential from San Diego State University. Her three grown sons all attended LJPC Preschool, as well as her two precious granddaughters. Her middle son and daughter-in-law followed in her footsteps and also work at the church. Julie loves to read, go on long walks and spend time with family and friends.
