Kids Stuff @ Santiago Hills

Hi Santiago Hills families! I have been working for Kids Stuff since 2007. I began my time here as a recreational leader and have never looked back. I graduated from UC Irvine in 2008 with a B.A. in Psychology and Social Behavior and a Minor in Education. I love meeting new kids and families and showing them what amazing things we have for them at my site. I've been so grateful to Kids Stuff for giving me the skills that I can now use in Fatherhood. Lastly, the kids here will tell you I'm a board game maniac and am always looking for a friend to play a game with. My son, Henry, might be too young now but I can’t wait for the day to play games with him!

Hello, Kids Stuff families! My name is Monica and I am thrilled to be your new Assistant Director at Santiago Hills! I’ve been working at Kids Stuff since 2021 and truly love it. I graduated from Cal State Los Angeles in 2020 with a B.A. in Sociology. Growing up, I’d help my mom babysit my younger cousins and would try my best to create wonderful memories with them. We’d open up our own fancy restaurants, turn my house into “Disneyland”, and would play my favorite board game-Candy Land. I’m happy that I get to do the same with all of the kids here and create fun, lasting memories for them to look back on. It has been a joy getting to know the kids’ unique personalities and their favorite activities that make them smile. The staff and kids make everyday feel special, which is why I’m so thankful to be part of Kids Stuff!

Hi Kids Stuff Family! Like for many of our kiddos, Kids Stuff is also my home away from home. In 1999, at the age of 19, I started at Kids Stuff as a recreational leader and knew right away that my heart for children was in the right place. I graduated from UCI in 2002 with a B.A. in Sociology and Education and received my M.A. and Teaching Credential in 2004. Shortly after graduating, I knew my teaching career would forever continue at Kids Stuff and not in the classroom as I had originally planned. As Kids Stuff's Administrator Director now, I truly love working alongside the Directors and Leaders! I love mentoring them and helping them in shaping our Kids Stuff kiddos to be respectful, loving, hard working, kind and compassionate citizens and most importantly, to feel important! At home, I love spending time with my husband and two children, Nicholas and Sydnee. My husband and I enjoy coaching and watching our kids play sports. When we have some free time away from sports, we love to go camping and spend family time together wherever that may be. I am so thankful and blessed to be part of the Kids Stuff Family!