Our Staff

Joyce Woodruff (Lead Teacher/ Director) has taught at WPNS since December 2003.  In 1986, Joyce earned by B.A degree in Human Development form Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena. She chose to attend this college because it specializes in Early Childhood Education with an emphasis of developmentally appropriate and anti-bias curriculum.  Joyce also has 30 units towards a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management/Organization Development, taken at Chapman University. Her goal is to put the two paths together in establishing a high quality preschool.  Joyce has worked in the Child Development Field for over 15 years; holding many positions; teacher, director, Childcare Co-Coordinator and Staff Trainer. Joyce was President of CCPPNS (the California Council of Parent Participation Nursery Schools) for the past two years and is currently the Vice President in charge of membership.  She has experienced many different types of programs types, which she feels has confirmed that children are more successful in environments where parents are involved, that are developmentally appropriate, provide choices, and look at each child as an individual.  

She has combined these elements at WPNS and her efforts have been recognized with several awards.  Joyce was awarded CCPPNS Teacher of the Year in 2007.  In 2009, Joyce received the President’s Choice Award from CCPPNS.  Children are Joyce’s passion, and at WPNS, we strive to create an environment where children feel loved, secure in being who they are, and stimulate a joy for "exploring and wanting to find out more."