STAFF
Maxine Linda McManus
CEO Cherish the Family, Inc./Owner of Joyce’s Toluca Lake Preschool since 2004
Hello! My name is M. Linda McManus. Being a mom is the best job I’ve ever had! Being my sons first “teacher” led me to the Education field. I discovered through hands on learning and discovering the world through my child’s eyes. It was exciting and so much fun. It changed the trajectory of my career 180 degrees! From Television Production Executive to working with kids! The best decision ever. I co-designed a highly prestigious after school program –Enrichment Educational Experiences, Inc. with my business partner of 25 years Nancy Simpson.
I also purchased Joyce’s with Peggy Ransom and Rocky Karbel which changed my life!! I am so grateful!! I became the sole owner of Joyce’s in 2012. I am married to Craig for over 40 years and have an awesome son, Christopher. I am a proud daughter of immigrants from the Philippines. I have 3 siblings, Betty, Ken and Ric. My mom, Felicidad was a nurse and my dad, Maximino served as a Sgt. Major in the Green Beret in the Vietnam War twice. We travelled a lot and the love of celebrating every culture was ingrained in us. I believe in volunteerism.
My off times from the school, you will find me walking dogs for Pet Adoption Rescue Center, teaching art to homeless children at the Rescue Mission in Northridge, leading a women’s group and crisis care at Bel Air Church, or helping women as a newly Life Coach/Mentor through WHAT FUELS YOU? Program part of Cherish the Family, Inc. At home I love to garden, read, cook and eat, and during football season…. there’s no budging me from the games!!
Most importantly I enjoy my family. I believe that ALL children are gifts to us and our job as educators is to help them find what those gifts are and nurture them in every way. Will they be scientists, architects, artists, musicians, entrepreneurs, computer designer’s, doctors, inventors, astronauts? We let them experience all of that at Joyce’s. My goal in owning Joyce’s is to help create a place where children and their families flourish in an environment built to encourage, to dream and to believe. A school is not just a building-- the main walls that support a school are the people. I am proud to have the best teacher and administrative staff ever! They also believe our core values and believe in your children. Please enjoy meeting them here!
Ms. Amey
School Director
Hello! My name is Amethyst Singh, or Mrs. Amey. My family is from Chile and the Philippines, but I was born in Los Angeles, and raised in Morro Bay, California. I find joy serving on the Media Team at my church Legacy City and leading a Women's Bible Journaling Study. My amazing husband Johnny and I are parents to our daughter Isabella and fur baby Foxxy. I am an essential oil advocate, with a passion for all things Disney. In my spare time I enjoy baking, gardening, cycling, traveling, reading, playing board games and spending time with family and friends.
I have had the privilege of being a part of Joyce's Toluca Lake Pre-School and Kindergarten since 2015. After spending two years teaching at Joyce's, I was excited to expand my role as Director. Together with a team of amazing and creative teachers, I am committed to providing our families with a loving and developmentally sound foundation for a lifetime of learning. I am so grateful to be a part of Joyce's as the impact I make in our students' lives makes for an even bigger and completely gratifying impact in my own life.
Ms. Bonnie
Office Manager/Financial Coordinator
Hello! My name is Ms. Bhanit, or Ms. Bonnie and I am the Operations Manager/Financial Coordinator. I was born in Thailand. I came to the United States in 1976 and lived in Maryland and the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area for over forty years. I have my Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science from the University of Maryland. I worked in a Montessori School in Washington, DC as an Administrative Assistant and Office Manager for over thirteen years.
I decided to move to California in August 2017 to be close to my daughter’s family, who resides in Burbank. I enjoy living in California now more than ever as I have three grandchildren to keep me happily busy. Being around children always keeps me active - I thoroughly enjoy my job!
Ms. Tati
Teacher
Hello! My name is Ms. Tati and I am Lead Teacher in the Red Group. I was born in La Paz, Bolivia and I moved to the United States when I was six years old. I graduated from North Hollywood High and later attended Los Angeles Valley College where I studied Child Development and Bookkeeping. I’m married and I have two adult daughters. I’ve been at Joyce’s since 2003. I love to teach and I love to watch children learn. In my spare time, I enjoy dining out, going to the movies, camping and spending time with my family, friends and dog Sophie.
Ms. Paris
Teacher
Hello! My name is Miss Paris. I was born in Burbank, CA. I am a student at Los Angeles Pierce College, majoring in Child Development.
At Joyce’s - I have the honor of pouring love and positivity into our children, (five days a week!) My objective is to make a daily impact and to bring creativity to each lesson. I am extremely passionate about identifying and enhancing children’s natural gifts and talents!
Whether I’m in the classroom, or in my spare time - My aim is to please God! I enjoy praying, journaling, and going to Bible studies with friends. I love to sing, write music, play guitar, dance, dabble with beauty, health, and fitness!
Ms. Lindie
Teacher
Hello! My name is Ms. Lindie. I was born and raised in Sherman Oaks, California. I love where I’m from! My husband and I share three amazing kids: Liam, Lukas, and Lindsay. Ever since I was a little girl I have always wanted to be a teacher, as working with children is my passion.
I majored in Child Development at Los Angeles Valley College. In my spare time I enjoy serving in the children’s ministry for my church, practicing yoga, hiking and spending time with my family and dogs. I’m so excited to be a part of Joyce’s!
Ms. Geraldine
Teacher
Hello! My name is Ms. Geraldine. I am Lead Teacher in Aqua Group. I am a mother of three daughters’ and I have seven grandchildren! I knew I would work in the field of child development. It has always been a passion of mine. I enjoy teaching and children are our future. In my free time I enjoy going to church, watching movies, trying new foods and spending time with my family.
Ms. Andrea
Teacher
Hello! My name is Ms. Andrea. I am Lead Teacher in The Green Group. I was born in Glendale and was raised in Sun Valley. I live with my partner and two teen daughters. I graduated from Van Nuys High and l went to Los Angeles Mission College where I studied Child Development.
Ever since I was little I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I’ve been at Joyce’s since 2017. I’m so blessed to be working here. I am passionate about teaching children to learn to love learning. I enjoy working with children, they bring life and joy into my life. I’m excited to have a positive impact on these children while helping them develop skills they will need later in life.
I have a passion for Pandas & Football (Rams). My favorite things to do when I’m not teaching are traveling, going to national parks, listening to music, organizing my house, cycling, cooking and spending time with my family and friends, oh and Loki my dog and my two cats Missy and Tiger. I have had the wonderful opportunity to travel to different states with my partner which brings me happiness.
Ms. Amelia
Teacher
Hello! My name is Ms. Amelia. I am originally from Los Angeles, California. I graduated from Grant High School and I am currently attending Los Angeles Valley College majoring in Child Development. I have always enjoyed working with kids. Before Joyce’s, I was a babysitter. It is such a rewarding feeling watching kids express themselves in every way possible. Working at Joyce’s has been such an amazing experience for me. In my spare time I love going to sports games, such as baseball, soccer and hockey. I also enjoy going out to the movies, museums, concerts, Disneyland, working out, and spending time with my brother when he is home from the Marines.
Mr. Johnny
Music Director/Teacher
Hello! My name is Mr. Johnny. I was born in Sacramento but grew up in El Centro, California. I am a musician and play the drums, the guitar and vocals. I currently play on the worship team for my church Legacy City. I love to help people draw closer to God through worship music. I have a passion for Batman and motorcycles. I graduated from Motorcycle Mechanics Institute in 2014 and I am currently furthering my education at Western Barber Institute. I enjoy relaxing at the beach with my wife Amethyst and our dog Foxxy, surfing, riding my Harley and spending time with our families.
I have been at Joyce’s Preschool since 2003. I am currently a co-teacher and Joyce’s Music Director. Music plays a huge part in my life and is an essential part of every child’s development. I find joy in imparting the love of music on to my students and watching them express themselves in both my music class, and during our musical performances.
Ms. Sienna
Teacher
Hello! My name is Ms. Sienna. I was born in Brawley, California. I have experience in working with children for 3 years at Design 39 in San Diego, California. I have always had an interest in working with children from a young age. Growing up I would volunteer to take care of infants and toddlers in the nursery at my church.
I love to nurture and be there for children and understanding them and building their foundation at a young age and seeing them become who they want to be and finding their interests. In my free time i love to paint, go shopping, and going out to eat and trying new restaurants!
Ms. Heidi
Teacher
Hello! My name is Ms. Heidi. I am 50 years old and I’ve been teaching students ages 2-3 for 20 years! I love teaching because children bring such fun and happiness into my life. I have 2 children of my own, Maxx and Molly. Molly is 13 years old and Maxx is 15 years old, I love them so much and I love spending as much time with them as I can. I have a passion for Wonder Woman! In my spare time I love to shop, babysit and swim!
