Preschool Director
Leslie Bosserman, M.Ed., CPCC, has a long-standing professional background in education and leadership. As an entrepreneur and mother, she runs The Makers Place™ and Lead With Intention® and is actively involved in the Greater Sacramento community. Her background in Early Childhood Education and passion for supporting parents and families is only paralleled by her love for local coffee and hosting events that bring people together. As the Preschool Director, Leslie supports the administration of our Mini Makers™ Preschool, including admission, enrollment, hiring, and training.
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BeHAVIOR ANALYST
Joel Bosserman, M.A., BCBA, has over a decade of professional experience supporting children and families as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst working in early-intervention for school districts and in-home programs. He recently joined our teaching team full-time in our Mini Makers™ Preschool where he focuses on teacher training and creating innovative classroom environments. Joel also works on a consultative basis when families need more behavior support and parent training. In his free time, he enjoys distance running, CrossFit, karaoke, and playing board and card games with his family and friends.
OUR TeachING TEAM
LEAD TEACHERs
Kathy Almanza is currently in school completing all the requirements to apply to a Physician Assistant program. She has a strong passion for working with kids and genuinely enjoys building connections with families and children. Kathy started on our team as a high school intern through the Thousand Strong Program with the Sacramento Metro Chamber and has taken on a wide range of roles across the program over the year. She also helps plan and organize monthly Parents Night Out events. In her free time, she enjoys doing puzzles, traveling, and organizing for fun!
Yuliya Vilchis has her degree in Early Childhood Education and also holds a California Child Development Master Teacher Permit and Site Supervisor Certificate. With 20 years of experience working in Early Childhood Education, she has cared for infants and toddlers as well as taught preschool, kindergarten, and school-age children. In her free time, Yuliya enjoys activities with her children from drive-in movies, to hiking, swimming, roller skating, bowling, ice skating, tennis, and soccer.
ASSISTANT TEACHERS
Jessica McPheeters is currently studying Library and Information Science and Child Development at Sacramento State University. She aspires to work at a public or school library after graduation. Jessica has a passion for reading and wants to share her love of reading with children. She also enjoys going hiking, watching movies, crocheting, and singing. Jessica enjoys spending time with children and is excited to be working with our Mini Makers!
Selenia Alvarez Gomez is a mother of three with both personal and professional experience caring for children. She enjoys working with kids and finds joy in watching them discover and learn new things each day. Known for her patience, Selenia creates a nurturing and supportive environment for children to grow. In her free time, Selenia loves spending time with her husband and children, whether it’s going to the movies, enjoying family outings, or curling up with a good book.
Sophia Molina studied Early Childhood Education at American River College and completed the ECE Apprenticeship Program. She is very musical and plays guitar, tenor saxophone, and most percussion instruments. In her spare time, Sophia enjoys reading, writing, playing with her dogs, and listening to music. She is excited to support our Mini Makers™ as they learn, grow, and develop along with her and also serves as a Lead Caregiver in our Mini Makers™ Studio.
Teacher’s Aides
Carolina Avalos Samano is currently attending Sac State studying Child and Adolescent Development. She is serving as our opening Teacher’s Aide and also as a Caregiver in our Mini Makers™ Studio. Carolina loves spending time with family and friends, in nature, listening to music, and eating delicious food. She is excited to work with the Makers Place team!
Makayla Madkins studied Film, Media, and Social Justice with a focus on communication, creativity, and community-centered work. She has experience working with children in preschool and school district settings, including supporting students with social and cognitive disabilities as a paraprofessional. Makayla has also worked as an au pair abroad, which strengthened her communication skills and passion for working with children across different environments and cultures. In addition to her childcare experience, Makayla has lived and traveled abroad through art history programs in France and Italy. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, knitting, photography and watching reality TV with her friends.