Our Staff
SHARI CLEGG
Director
Shari is a native of Oakland, California. She came to southern California to attend California Baptist University in Riverside, where she met her husband, Pastor Jack Clegg. Shari came to the Hummingbird Preschool in 2009 with an extensive background in early childhood education. She worked with preschool through elementary-aged children and children with disabilities at public, private and Head Start schools in Arizona and California. Shari and her husband have two grown children and three grandchildren. Shari likes to sing and play the piano. She relaxes by watching football, movies based on true stories, talent shows or the news. She enjoys cooking for large crowds at the church. One of her favorite times of teaching is just sitting under the tree chit-chatting with little ones about life. “It’s important to allow a child to tell their stories. It gives you a better understanding of their joys and fears which makes you to be a better teacher and friend. Listening to children helps you to understand what’s really important in life.”
GLORIA COOPER
Secretary
Gloria grew up in El Segundo, California. She and her husband were members of First Baptist Church for over 30 years. Several years ago she became the Church Librarian and subbed in the Accelerated Academy kindergarten and first and second grade classrooms when needed. She has been an active member and helper these last few years and now works full time as the Ministry Coordinator for the preschool and the Church. Gloria has always had a passion for working with children and assisting with Church activities. She loves being a part of the Hummingbird Preschool and working with the parents and children.
VINITHA LIYANAGE
Teacher
Vinitha (Vinnie) was born, raised, and educated in Sri Lanka. She earned her Associates Degree in the Montessori Method of Education to Young Children from the International Montessori Center in Colombo. Vinnie and her husband have one daughter, two sons and five grandchildren. After migrating to the USA she continued her studies at Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria. Her teaching started twenty years ago at the Ave Maria Montessori School, Colombo. As a member of the Lions Club International Vinnie volunteered to teach young children in the prison whose moms had been incarcerated. After moving to California she worked at the Children’s Montessori School and St Mary’s Preschool in Santa Maria. Later she moved to Thousand Oaks, where she worked at Pinecrest for ten years until they closed. While working part time at Ascension Lutheran she joined the Hummingbird Preschool family with the blessings of God to enhance the growth and education of our young children with love.
DEBBIE ROBSON
Teacher / Asst. Director
Debbie was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa shortly before her parents moved to Orange County where she was raised. After moving to Ventura County in the early 80’s, Debbie began her studies at Cypress College and then Moorpark College. She was a training store manager for Carl’s Jr. for 19 years when she decided to make a career change. She returned to college, finishing her early childhood requirements and began working at the Hummingbird Preschool in 2006. Debbie has a small ranch with horses and dogs. She has many siblings, nieces and nephews and enjoys taking them to her favorite place, the Colorado River, where she has a vacation home and a speed boat. Debbie enjoys working with our 4 and 5-year-old students, helping them master their pre-kindergarten skills.
NICOLE KRAMER
Teacher
Nicole Kramer was born and raised in North Dakota where she began her college education at Bismarck State College. Nicole and her family moved to California in 1996 and became very involved as members of First Baptist Church of Thousand Oaks. She completed her early childhood education requirements at Vanguard University in Southern California. Nicole began working at the preschool in 2007 and has been a teacher since 2010. She and her husband have two daughters who both have attended First Baptist Accelerated Academy. Family is a very important part of Nicole’s life and she spends her free time with her family. Proverbs 22:6 is a Bible verse that Nicole believes builds a strong foundation for children, states, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Nicole considers it an honor to be part of a child’s first steps in their journey through the education process.
JEN PERDUE
Teacher
Jen Perdue completed her early childhood education requirements at Vanguard University in Southern California. Jen began teaching at Hummingbird Preschool in 2013 assisting Debbie Robson with the Pre-Kindergarten class and then promoted to teacher in 2014. Jen and her husband joined First Baptist Church in 2013 and have a combined family of 8 children, 5 of who currently attend First Baptist Accelerated Academy. Jen, her husband and one of her daughters are musically talented and active are members in the praise team every Sunday. Jen's favorite Bible verse is: Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Philippians 2:3.