Our Team

I completed my associate’s in early childhood education in May of 2019 from College of the Canyons and shortly after got hired here at PlayMakers Preschool! This is my first job in this field, and I plan to continue my education in child development. I’m dedicated to providing a safe and loving environment for children to grow and am passionate about making a difference in their lives. I grew up in Lake Elizabeth, which has been my home for about 20 years. I love my family, my dog (Ryli), and my friends with all my heart.

I have been a preschool facilitator for little iLEADers for a little over 3 months. I have worked in child care since 2001. I’ve lived almost my entire life in the Santa Clarita Valley. I now live in Frazier Park with my fiance Tom who’s a plumber and our 2 kids Elijah & Alex. On the weekends we go on family hikes and visit the local skate park. Our number one love is going camping.

I grew up in Castaic in a very large family. My husband, Matthew, and I have two children, Mackenzie and Jace, ages seven and four. We love to travel. We live in Elizabeth Lake. We have two German shepherds and two cats. I am obsessed with crafting, home decorating, and being with my family. I started working with children my junior year of high school through a work-study program, then immediately attended college, where I completed 33 early childhood education units. I also am certified in first aid and CPR. I now have more than 10 years of experience and have been a part of the PlayMakers Preschool family since February 2018. I am so happy to say that I found my tribe!

I was raised in the Santa Clarita Valley along with my older brother. I received my bachelor’s degree in liberal studies from California State University, Northridge. While attending College of the Canyons for my early childhood education units, I found my passion for teaching preschool. Prior to joining PlayMakers Preschool, I was SCVi’s After-School Program Coordinator for four years, working with children in grades TK-8. In my spare time, I enjoy going to the movies and theme parks, reading, photography, and especially spending time with my family and friends.

I’m a facilitator for iCREATE here at PlayMakers Preschool. I’ve been working for iCREATE since 2019. I have three units of Early Childhood Education. I am attending College of the Canyons to receive my associate’s degree in ECE. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family.

I am a facilitator here in the Blue Room at PlayMakers Preschool. I have 18 units in early childhood education, psychology, and CPI training. I also, have training and experience as an Applied Behavioral Therapist working with children with disabilities.

I moved to Santa Clarita from the San Francisco area when I was seven years old. I grew up here in Santa Clarita with my older sister, Elizabeth. I started playing softball when I was 12 years old, played on travel teams and then went on to play for Hart High School. From Hart, I went to College of the Canyons, where I studied psychology and early childhood education. I enjoy spending my weekends with family, friends my boyfriend (Curtis) and my dog (Bentley). I have worked at PlayMakers Preschool since May 31, 2018. I have three nieces who go to SCVi. I have been working in the field for 10 years.

I am so happy you’ve taken some time out of your day to learn more about PlayMakers Preschool! I am the program director here, and I can tell you this is the best school I’ve worked for, hands-down, and the philosophy is so appropriate for young children! There are numerous studies showing how play-based learning is the way in which children are inspired to become lifelong learners.

I have been working in early childhood education for 20 years, and I’ve had the pleasure of serving families as both a teacher and administrator. I have my BA in psychology from California State University, Northridge, and my MS in child development. My favorite part of the job of director is both mentoring staff as well as partnering with families to provide education and care specific to their child’s needs. I also really enjoy hosting special events around the school: Grandparents Day, summer picnics, and the Holiday Open House, just to name a few.

I was raised mostly in Santa Clarita Valley, and being part of the small town of Castaic means a lot to my family and me. My husband, Roy, and I are high school sweethearts, and we have two children, Mariah and Cruz. Aside from being passionate about the child development field, I value most my role as a mom and I will always put my family first. In our family free time we’re always out at the lake soaking up the sun and enjoying water sports! Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. My email address is candice.correa@playmakerspreschool.org. Have a fantastic day!

My name is Wendy Ruiz. I am honored to be a part of the PlayMakers Preschool family!

I have lived in Santa Clarita Valley since 1995 with my husband, Robert, and three boys, Ryan, Riley, and Ramsey. We are proud to say that we are one of the founding families of SCVi.

My professional experience spans from working directly with children ages 12 weeks through 5 years, working as a program coordinator and curriculum specialist, to training staff and programs in the areas of open-ended curriculum, natural play spaces, and infant/toddler development, to name a few. I was the Director of Infant/Toddler Programs for College of the Canyons Center for ECE, Lab School for 11 years, and am currently a full-time faculty member, specializing in Infant/Toddler Development and Supervision of Early Childhood Programs. In addition, I am an Infant/Toddler Specialist for PITC (Program for Infants, Toddlers and Caregivers) and the Department of West Ed, as well as Director Mentor and Mentor Selection Committee Member for the California Mentor Teacher Program. I sit as Week of the Young Play Day Chair for the board of the Southern California Valley Association for the Education of Young Children (SCVAEYC) and have organized the WYOC Play Day for over 10 years.

I received my BA in Child Development from California State University, Northridge, and my MS in Child Development/Child Life from the University of La Verne.

Thank you for taking a few minutes to get to know me. I look forward to getting to know you, too! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions. You can reach me at wendy.ruiz@playmakerspreschool.org.