Meet Nessa
Owner + Head Teacher
Nessa began her journey in education at San Diego State University while working at the YMCA in an after-school program. During this time, she tutored elementary students, guiding them through homework and projects, and discovered a passion for teaching.
After gaining valuable experience in the corporate world, she felt drawn back to education and pursued this passion on a global scale. This led to an opportunity in South Korea, where she taught English, reading, writing, phonics, math, science, and art to children ages 3 to 13. Alongside teaching, she managed foreign teachers for two of her three years, further developing her leadership and cross-cultural communication skills.
Now back in the U.S., Nessa brings her diverse educational experiences to Bright Beginnings Prep Academy’s Pre-K program. She is dedicated to creating a nurturing and innovative learning environment that sparks a passion for knowledge and growth, believing deeply in the transformative power of education.
Why Nessa Loves Teaching
Watching students grow and learn
Seeing students grow and learn has been incredibly rewarding. I love witnessing that spark when they grasp a new concept or have one of those "aha" moments.
Inspiring creativity
I enjoy encouraging students to express themselves in unique ways and to think outside the box.
Growing in confidence
It's truly amazing to watch students gain confidence. Seeing them become more independent and self-assured is a big part of why I love what I do.
Fostering curiosity
Fostering curiosity is so important to me. I aim to instill a lifelong love for learning that students carry with them beyond the classroom.
Making a difference
Ultimately, making a difference in my students' lives feels deeply meaningful. Knowing that my contributions can positively impact their futures is incredibly fulfilling.
Meet Theresa
Owner + Program Director
Theresa combines her business degree from San Diego State University with decades of experience supporting startup businesses. Her work with entrepreneurs has sharpened her leadership and innovative approach to creating dynamic learning environments.
Her passion for education began as an ESL tutor with Laubach Literacy in San Diego, where she also served on the Board of Directors. This experience, combined with earning her Speech-Language Pathology Preparation Certificate, deepened her understanding of language development and reinforced her dedication to fostering learning.
Inspired by her own children, ages 3 and 5, Theresa is committed to creating an environment that prepares young learners for kindergarten and beyond. At Bright Beginnings Prep Academy, she combines her business expertise, dedication to fostering growth and learning, and hands-on parenting experience to support academic success and inspire a lifelong enthusiasm for learning.
Our Story + Values
Theresa and Nessa are sisters who grew up in a large family of eight, part of an adventurous Air Force household (half of them now live in Tehaleh with their own families!). Their unique upbringing has shaped who they are today and the values they bring to Bright Beginnings Prep Academy.
Between the two of them, they’ve lived in three different countries, six states, and seventeen cities! Growing up on the move taught them to embrace change, adapt quickly, and immerse themselves in different cultures. These experiences instilled a deep sense of resilience, grit, and curiosity about the world.
Their love for exploring new places and learning about diverse cultures has become a central part of their lives. Now, they’re passionate about sharing these experiences with the next generation. Through their teaching, they strive to introduce young minds to a dynamic and exciting world filled with endless possibilities.
At Bright Beginnings Prep Academy, Theresa and Nessa bring a global perspective and a sense of adventure to their curriculum. They inspire children to be curious, embrace diversity, and discover the joy of learning in a way that’s both engaging and meaningful.
Their goal is to nurture not only academic skills but also a love for exploring, learning, and dreaming big—setting the stage for a life full of options and excitement!
