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Un Mundo De Amigos Preschool

Staff

Our Caring Staff at UMDA

We are committed to providing a world-class preschool education to children living in underserved areas within the City of Long Beach.

Laurie Petersen

President & CEO

Our President and CEO Laurie Petersen has held key management positions with nonprofit organizations for more than 35 years and has more than 15 years of experience as a board member of nonprofit organizations, including service as vice chair of the board of trustees of Antioch University Los Angeles and current co-chair of the Long Beach Mayor’s Fund for Education. She is also a member of the Munzer Foundation Task Force dedicated to recruiting top students to early childhood education (ECE) and providing scholarships for ECE students. Laurie also volunteers as a court advocate for CASA of Los Angeles.

 

Committed to assisting underserved populations and promoting social justice, Laurie has focused her time and skills on overseeing UMDA since its first location was established in 2008. She continues her commitment through the development of a third campus scheduled to open in 2025. Laurie holds a Master of Business Administration from Pepperdine University and a bachelor’s degree from Antioch University.

Un Mundo de Amigos Preschool Staff

Elisa Coburn

Executive Director

With over 30 years of experience, Elisa Coburn is a seasoned professional in early childhood education, working across public and private sectors in both teaching and administrative capacities. Her work is dedicated to fostering inclusive environments that celebrate diversity and promote equitable learning opportunities. Elisa has taught child development and administration courses at several local colleges and is currently pursuing an Ed.D. in Early Childhood Education Leadership to deepen her impact in the field.


Elisa earned her B.A. in Child Development (with a Business Administration minor) and M.A. Ed in Early Childhood Education. Raised in Los Angeles, Elisa is a mother of two daughters. Her lifelong immersion in early childhood education shines through in her warm, engaging, student-focused approach. Elisa is actively engaged in shaping educational policies and practices that promote inclusivity and equitable learning opportunities for all children.

Highly QualifiedLead Teachers

Un Mundo de Amigos Preschool Lead Teachers hold a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, as well as a Site Supervisor Permit, issued through the State of California. Our Teachers have 24 or more units in Early Childhood Education, as well as a Child Development Teacher Permit. We employ highly qualified, CPR and First Aid certified teachers and have a 1:8 ratio. All employees go through a thorough background check and receive clearance, at the state and federal level, to work with children.

  • Bachelor’s Degree & Highly Qualified
  • Background Checked & Cleared
  • CPR  & First Aid Certified Teachers
  • 1:8 Child to Teacher Ratio
Un Mundo de Amigos Preschool Teachers
Preschool Staff
Licensed Preschool in Long Beach - Un Mundo De Amigos
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