Meet the St. Bart's Preschool Staff
St. Bart’s Preschool is fortunate to have a qualified, dedicated and caring staff. Our teachers are dedicated to providing an excellent foundation for a lifetime of learning and are committed to sharing the joy and love of learning with young children. All of our teachers meet the state requirements for Early Childhood Education units and actively participate in continued educational courses. All are CPR and First Aid certified and have passed a rigorous background check. We maintain a maximum class size of 10 children in our 2’s program (1:5 ratio) and 12 children (1:6 ratio) in our 3’s, 4’s and Pre-K programs. Each class has a qualified teacher and an adult aide.
Tracey Buzo
Director
Over the past 13 years, I have been fortunate to be able to follow my childhood dream of working with children as a volunteer, teacher, and assistant director. Now, I am honored to say that I am the Director of St. Bart’s Preschool.
My passion is working with children because I love watching that spark in their eyes when they discover something new in the world around them. I seek to encourage each child and guide them on their journey through this early stage of life while celebrating their individuality. I believe, together with the staff, we will nurture a healthy learning environment while offering positive guidance to all the children and their families.
I am truly blessed to be part of the St. Bart’s community. When not at preschool, I enjoy walking on the beach and watching movies. As well as spending quality time with my husband, our 3 children and 3 rescue dogs. I invite you to come by and say hello!
Sheila Martin
Assistant Director / Exploring Together Teacher
I feel so blessed to have worked at St. Bart’s for the past 13 years. I live in Carmel Mountain Ranch with my husband and 17 year old daughter. I’m originally from Chicago and moved to San Diego in 2001. I have a BA in Elementary Education and did my M.Ed. coursework in Curriculum and Instruction. I taught Kindergarten for many years and since 2010 I have worked at St. Bart’s Preschool teaching and aiding in every age group. I love exploring new restaurants in San Diego, shopping with my daughter and taking evening walks with my husband.
Lydia Almeida
Pre-K/TK Teacher
During my 9 years at St. Bart’s, I have assisted in teaching several of the age groups. I also have the pleasure of teaching a successful and popular Spanish Enrichment class for the last five years. I am married to my wonderful husband Ron. We have two grown children. My daughter lives in Texas and my son is attending college locally. When I’m not teaching, I love to garden and read.
Alyssa Pelican
3's Teacher
In 2013 my family and I moved to San Diego from Chicago. Both of my boys attended St. Bart’s Preschool, and are now successful middle school students. I feel so blessed to be part of such a wonderful preschool team. I previously taught the 4’s program here at St. Bart’s and have spent the last four years teaching math and language arts to small groups in the special education resource program at Creekside Elementary. It feels great to be back in early education.
Margie Fiocco
Pre-K/TK Teacher Assistant
For over 10 years, I’ve worked as a preschool teacher and teacher’s aide. I have been at St. Bart’s for 4 years. I love working with children and watching them learn and grow. It is my goal to instill a love of learning for each child. I have been happily married for 33 years. We have 2 grown children Tony and Ashley.
Shannon Habib
3's Teacher Assistant
I have been living in San Diego since 2000 and we have raised our children in this wonderful community. I’ve taught preschool to four and five year olds in the past and am looking forward to being back in the classroom with young children. Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary is a passion of mine as well as volunteering in local charities. I enjoy reading, movies, and sports.
Bianca Tronaas
2's Co-Teacher
I have over three years of experience working in early childhood education on military installations. I believe creating a safe and welcoming environment is the first step in a child being successful in the classroom. I will work hard to help build the early fundamentals while balancing creativity and fun. I have two young keiki of my own, a two-year-old daughter and a three-year-old son.
Ivone Venegas
2's Co-Teacher
I’m Ivone Venegas and was born in Mexico and moved to Pasadena when I was a teenager. I have been happily married to my high school sweetheart going on 22 years. We have two children, Pam 21yrs and Patricio 4yrs. I love working with children, watching them learn, grow and explore. I started in this field as a volunteer at my daughter’s kindergarten class. For over 10 years, I have been working as a Teacher, Teacher Assistant, and in administration in both private and public schools. My family and I moved to San Diego from Pasadena in 2017. I enjoy exploring San Diego and continue learning about the hidden gems of San Diego, like the hiking trails, the variation of activities, and the weather.
