Our Teachers
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Nancy
Born and raised on Long Island, NY till I was 12, then moved to Los Angeles, where, in college, I met my future husband Harvey Cohen. We have three awesome kids and five equally awesome grandkids! We have lived in Santa Cruz since 1976, and I started Rocking Horse in my house when my kids were very little. I love being active outside...running is my passion as well as growing things...children, animals and plants! I feel so grateful every day to be able to do this work that is so much fun and so very important! How many jobs are there where you can dance in the morning and everyone will join in?
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Megan
I was born and raised in Chico Ca and moved to Santa Cruz right after high school. I worked retail and waited tables while I put myself through the ECE program at Cabrillo and got my dream job here at the ranch in '06. In addition to being a wife and mama, I love doing puzzles, taking road trips, and exploring the mountains! I am blessed to have an amazing group of friends from grade school that have now become our "framily" who we love to visit whenever we can. I believe that everything happens for a reason and I am beyond grateful to get to do what I love everyday!
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Breanna
I’m from Santa Cruz, born and raised. I studied at Cabrillo, then transferred to San Jose State to get my bachelors in Child Development. I love the beach, spending time with my family and friends, and traveling. I feel really lucky to be able to do what I love everyday and work in such fun and positive environment with amazing kids!
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Disco
The best dog in the world, Disco has been at the ranch for 14 years. You can usually find him out in the yard, basking in the sun or hanging on the deck eagerly awaiting the kids arrival. He is a great helper when it comes to cleaning up after the kids eat and treats are his favorite!
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Maegan
Working with children is one of my greatest joys in life. I earned my liberal arts degree from Cabrillo, my B.A in Child development from San Jose Sate, and a multiple subject credential from Bethany University. I have been working at the Ranch on and off for the last 28 years. I also taught kindergarten, first grade and owned and operated my own small family daycare for 9 years. When not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, reading, gong on hikes, and spending time in nature.
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Susanna
I was born and raised in Santa Cruz, and even after traveling all over, it’s still my favorite place! I earned my Bachelors Degree at UC Davis back in 2021 and I’m on my way to pursuing a career in Family Counseling. I have a massive love for traveling, camping, and gardening. So much magic is created here at Rocking Horse Ranch and I’m so grateful that I get to spend my time here!
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Trelou
I have been at Rocking Horse Ranch for four years and have been teaching children for six years. I hold a BA from SSU and my 35 units of Early Childhood Education were earned in the Cabrillo ECE program. I have two teenagers at home and in college and they are my pride and joy. When not at work you can find me gardening, biking, cooking and walking my dogs.
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Christy
I am from Louisville, Kentucky and moved to Santa Cruz in 1976. I have had lots of jobs from operating room attendant, prep cook, cabinet making/carpentry, house painting, lawyer, and ECE teacher. Being a teacher is the best fit, most fun, and fulfilling. I ride a bike and have never had a car!
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Elliot
Originally from Kodiak, Alaska, my family moved to Marin County, CA when I was 5, where I spent the rest of my childhood. I came to Santa Cruz in 2017 to pursue my bachelors degree at UCSC, and have lived here ever since. When I’m not at work, you can find me running, biking, camping, water coloring, reading, and spending time in nature. I love sharing life’s daily wonders with young children and I feel so incredibly grateful to be part of Rocking Horse Ranch Preschool, and share the beauty of the Santa Cruz mountains with our amazing community!