Charlene Sigman
Director and Founder

Charlene is a Speech-Language Pathologist with her Certificate of Clinical Competency as well as California Commission on Teacher Credentialing with Director Certification. Charlene is a graduate of the College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York where she received a Masters of Science in Education and Communication Disorders. Since 2001, Charlene's programs have served more than 2500 children. As an industry-pioneer in the field of education, in 2006, she received the prestigious Jefferson Award. The Jefferson Awards were established in 1972 by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis as a Nobel Prize that honors individuals for extraordinary public and community service.

Charlene and her husband Mitch have a son Jared and daughter Lucy.  

Email  |  925-829-9552 x 705

 
Azi Gamez
Inclusion Coordinator

Azi has been a wonderful addition to our family since joining us in February 2005. She graduated from UC Davis with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and has worked as an educator for the Yolo County Office of Education and Spectrum Center.  Azi has California Commission on Teacher Credentialing with Director Certification.

"Our mission to bring inclusive education to all children brings joy to my heart. Over the years I have watched so many of our students grow year after year and make so many strides and gains in their development. The passion our staff has for our mission and for our families makes me proud to be a part of this organization. I honestly can’t think of a better place for my own future children to attend preschool."

Azi has been awarded Employee of the Quarter.  She spends her spare time listening to music, shopping, and learning the art of photography.   

Email  |  925-829-9552 x 712  

Vanessa Venengas                         Lead Teacher and Tutor

Vanessa has been an invaluable member of the team since September of 2005. She graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology and majored in social services at Assumption College, Philippines. Upon moving to the US, she received a second Bachelors degree in Speech Language Pathology at Cal State, East Bay. Vanessa is credentialed by the State of California as a Teacher and she is a Licensed Speech-Pathology Assistant.

In her spare time, she loves to read, listen to music and shop.

“I came to work for School of Imagination after being referred by my college, who said that this was a fantastic place to work. I love working in our Infant Development Program because it is very rewarding to watch children achieve new milestones through various therapy exercises. I am excited to be part of team that works selflessly to meet the needs of our children.”

 Email  |  925-829-9552 x 714

Debbie Von Bergen                  Lead Teacher and Tutor

Since 2007, Debbie has been leading our Kindergarten Program together with Founder, Charlene Sigman. Debbie has a Bachelor of Arts and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential with CLAD, as well as Special Education and California Teacher Credential. Having taught Kindergarten in the public school system, Debbie helps ensure that students leaving our Kindergarten are prepared to thrive at their next school fantastic being surrounded by teachers and administration who are compassionate about the children they serve.

"I love that on the first day of class, each child brings has their own, mixed skill sets and talents. When they graduate, they are forming sentences with increased vocabulary and beginning math concepts. I feel strongly that SOI is a truly unique program that prepares children for elementary school and beyond. I admire that everyone at the school is truly committed to ensuring each child fulfills their potential. The whole school feels more like a family than a ‘workplace.’ I love it there because we are all there for the children and to make a difference in each child that walks through our door.”

In her spare time, Debbie enjoys camping and traveling with her husband Jim, son Lukas and daughter Ella.

Email  |  925-829-9552 x 0

Chrissy Marie Booe                   Lead Teacher and Tutor

Chrissy joined the SOI team in 2006 and is one of SOI's wonderful Preschool Teachers and Tutors. She has a Bachelors degree in Liberal Studies from San Francisco State University as well as a California Teacher Credential. 

"I came to work for SOI because it gave me an opportunity to interact with both children with disabilities and typical learning children.  Having a brother with special needs, I saw first hand how hard it can be to find the right teacher and/or aid.  I strive each day to do my best as an educator for both my students and parents and provide them the assistance they need to thrive."

Chrissy has been awarded Employee of the Quarter and was also a champion student-athlete for all four years at San Francisco State having won four All-Conference awards and two All-Regional awards. In her free time, Chrissy enjoys bike riding with her husband James and Daughter Jordynn.

Abby Zalar
Assistant Teacher & Tutor

Abby graduated Cum Laude from Ohio State with a Bachelors Degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences. She has also been trained for the Fast Forward® and Touch Math® programs.

"I am overjoyed to see the progress a child can make in such a small amount of time and feel incredibly lucky and grateful that I get to be a part of these children's lives.

In her free time, Abby likes to read, travel, and scrapbook and spend time with her family.

Email  |  925-829-9552 x 0

Jessica Coffin                       Assistant Teacher and Tutor

"I came to work for SOI because I wanted to be a positive influence on the children and families we work with as well as create a long-lasting difference in their lives.  I feel very rewarded to be part of their growth and strides towards the next level. I feel strongly that it is crucial for all children to receive the highest level of instruction, support and love that can be given. I am proud to be associated with a place were all are accepted with open arms."

In her free time, Jessica enjoys spending time with her family and dedicating herself to make a positive change in our community.

Jonni Warren
Assistant Teacher

"I came to work for School of Imagination because I wanted to be part of a team who are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of our children.  I feel SOI does a fantastic job in preparing our children for the demands of formal schooling. I feel like we are also helping each child build a steady foundation for being successful outside the classroom as well. 

In her free time, Jonni enjoys spending time with her family as well as designing and making her own jewelry.

925-829-9552 x 0 

Kellie Pulido                       Assistant Teacher

 Coming Soon

925-829-9552 x 0

Tanya Robles                   Operations Manager 

Cheryl first came to School of Imagination as one of our parents in 2004. Her son, Cavanaugh, has a developmental disability and has attended School of Imagination since the age of two. Because of her experience raising a child with a disability, Cheryl is dedicated to helping other parents find the resources and support they need. In addition to her work with our program, Cheryl has volunteered for the CARE Parent Network as a guest speaker and facilitator of a mothers support group and has been involved with Contra Costa County First 5, WestEd’s Early Start Family Resources and Supports Institute. In her previous life, before motherhood, Cheryl worked in television production. She is an avid digital photographer and produced our short film "A Future for Every Child: Building a Home for School of Imagination".

Contact Cheryl with your new child enrollment questions.