STAFF
Jill Jones
Co-Director, Discovery Room (2 & 3 year olds)
Miss Jill’s son graduated from ANS in 2011, and it was his journey that sparked her passion for connecting with and, ultimately, teaching young children. She and her husband Alan were active and thoughtful participants in the school community, and, by the time her son graduated, she was hooked. She enrolled in UCLA’s Early Childhood Education program and came back to ANS to teach full-time.
Miss Jill is a kind and patient guide to the children as they make their way through the world of ANS. She considers their time together an extraordinary adventure, and her enthusiasm is contagious.
Stefanie Zieger
Co-Director, Discovery Room (2 & 3 year olds)
The beauty of the co-op model is that parents become so involved with the day-to-day activities of the school. It was by working alongside her two daughters while they were at ANS that Miss Stefanie realized how passionate she felt about being involved in teaching the very young. The experience was life changing, and she soon began her education toward becoming a teacher. In her words, “I just couldn’t get enough of ANS!” Each year at the school, she learns from the children, the families, and her colleagues, which in turn enriches her teaching. She is an immensely fun and creative presence in the classroom.
Melissa Hall-Sahand
Art Room (3-5 year olds)
Miss Melissa teaches by the motto that’s been instilled in her by Miss Milly: “At Altadena Nursery School, we respect children.” This sense of respect and generosity indeed permeates her classroom. Though most of her formal experience has been teaching elementary school children in both English and Spanish, having kids of her own (both ANS kids) inspired her to turn her career toward educating the little ones. She completed a master’s degree in Human Development at Pacific Oaks College, and has brought this wealth of experience to ANS. As she put it, “I have worked in numerous educational establishments and have never before come across a community that is so dedicated to the development of each and every child.”
Desiree Ramos
Block Room (3-5 year olds)
Ms. Desiree joined the Block Room as lead teacher in 2024. As a parent of three children, she fell in love with play-based learning and recognized the positive impact being part of a co-op had on her as a parent and on her children’s growth and development. After spending seven wonderful years as a co-op family, Desiree decided to pursue a profession in early childhood education and received her Associate’s degree in Science and Early Education.
When not teaching at ANS, Desiree enjoys spending time with her husband and kids, watching or playing soccer, creating art, and thrift shopping.
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Jamie Buffington
Aide
Ms. Jamie is an alumni ANS parent (class of '08) and has joined the team as a teacher's aide in 2025. She adores the preschool years of childhood and brings her enthusiasm for life and love of all things orange to ANS. As a former Orange Sale chair during her time as a parent, Ms. Jamie is a cheerleader for all our families and our extensive community.
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