preschools Granite Bay Ca.

Melissa Mendoza, M.Ed.

Founder & Director

Melissa Mendoza is an early childhood educator, entrepreneur, and advocate for innovative learning experiences. With more than 20 years of experience in education, she holds a Master's Degree in Education with an emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction from Notre Dame de Namur University, where her research focused on second language acquisition in young children. She also earned her Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Studies from San Francisco State University.

In 2008, Melissa founded Step by Step, Paso a Paso, creating a nurturing, hands on learning environment where children develop a love of learning through exploration, creativity, and meaningful experiences. Her passion for early childhood education extends beyond her local community. She has collaborated with the University of Notre Dame to support curriculum development for the Early Childhood Development Center at Saint Bakhita's in Kalongo, Uganda, and currently serves as President of the Saint Bakhita's Innovation Foundation, helping expand educational opportunities for children and families around the world.

Melissa believes that education has the power to transform lives and communities. Whether she is developing curriculum, creating new learning spaces, or supporting schools across the globe, her work is driven by a commitment to helping children thrive.

Fun Fact: Melissa is a visionary at heart. She loves turning big ideas into reality, from founding schools and creating a farm based learning program to helping build educational opportunities for children in Uganda.

Darden Marx

Director

Darden Marx holds degrees in Early Childhood Education and English and brings a deep appreciation for child led learning to her work at Step by Step, Paso a Paso. Her teaching philosophy is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, which views children as capable, curious, and active participants in their own learning. She believes the most meaningful education happens when children are given the freedom to explore, ask questions, and engage with the world around them.

For Darden, the farm school setting provides the perfect environment for discovery and growth. Surrounded by nature, animals, and endless opportunities for hands on learning, she encourages children to develop confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. Her goal is to help each child leave the classroom as a thoughtful, capable, and curious young scholar.

Fun Fact: Before becoming a teacher, Darden studied to be an opera singer. She still occasionally surprises her students with a coloratura aria during music time, bringing a little extra joy and wonder to the day.

Rubi Nuño

Head Teacher

Rubi Nuño holds a degree in Psychology and brings over 10 years of early childhood education experience to Step by Step, Paso a Paso. She is passionate about creating nurturing environments where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to learn. Rubi believes that children thrive when they are given the freedom to explore, create, and discover at their own pace, and she is dedicated to fostering growth in all areas of development.

Drawing from both her educational background and classroom experience, Rubi thoughtfully supports each child's social, emotional, artistic, and academic journey. She values building strong relationships with children and families and understands the importance of creating meaningful learning experiences that encourage curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

Fun Fact: Rubi has a creative spirit and loves incorporating art, hands on projects, and imaginative play into the classroom, making every day an opportunity for discovery and joy.

Leah Pulido

Head Teacher

Leah Pulido brings over 28 years of early childhood education experience to Step by Step, Paso a Paso. She holds an Early Childhood Education (ECE) certification and has worked in a wide variety of educational settings, including Montessori, play based, preparatory, and private preschools, as well as transitional kindergarten and afterschool programs. Her diverse background allows her to draw from a range of teaching philosophies and approaches to meet the unique needs of each child.

Leah is passionate about creating a warm, engaging classroom environment where children feel valued, supported, and encouraged to learn through exploration and meaningful experiences. She believes that strong relationships, hands on learning, and a nurturing atmosphere are the foundation for helping children develop confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.

Fun Fact: Outside the classroom, Leah is a member of an 80s cover band and loves performing music that brings energy, nostalgia, and fun.