Our Staff

Patti’s educational background in Business Administration, with both an A.A. and a B.A. from Oklahoma State University, was quite useful for the many years she worked in the Admissions Office of a local private elementary school. But it was the years spent volunteering while her own two children were in school, and the early childhood education classes she was motivated to take, that ultimately brought her talents to the teaching of young children. TSONS benefited greatly when she joined the teaching staff in 2005. She has brought a seasoned voice to every program offered at the school, both morning and afternoon, with every age level, and each camp program offered outside of the regular school year. She is enthusiastic, creative, and loves to travel. In addition, she has amazing organizational skills.

After teaching elementary school in South L.A. for five years, Ms. Dwyer became a nanny to twin girls attending TSONS. This was a fortunate connection for the school as she showed great skill and confidence with young children and thankfully she re-discovered her joy of teaching at this younger grade level. Fortunately, in addition to her Anthropology degree from UCLA, she also had a Pre-School/Elementary credential from Long Beach State. TSONS couldn’t wait to ask her to join the teaching staff after her twin charges moved onto kindergarten, which she was able to do in 2010. Jocie considers herself to be a serial hobbyist. She has such a passion for learning that it motivates her to constantly explore and attempt new and creative projects. She is an avid reader, amazing baker, and her current obsession is sewing.

Click here to read Kathy's welcome letter and biography.

Mrs. Alva received her B.A. in Early Childhood Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She began her teaching career in North Carolina where she taught second grade for seven years. After becoming the mother of two sons and moving to California, she discovered TSONS as a parent with her older son in 2000. Her obvious passion for young children and expertise in early childhood education made her a sought after substitute teacher, and TSONS was thrilled when she was finally able to join the staff permanently in 2008. Jennifer especially loves working with the youngest aged children in the nursery school and teaching Enrichment classes. In addition, she enjoys playing the piano, knitting, hiking and reading.

Mrs. Ostrowski (Mrs. O) received her B.A from the University of New Hampshire and attended The School of Visual Arts and Otis for graphic design and art.  She studied at National University for her Masters of Education and Credentials and later completed her child development courses at UCLA.

Jenny began teaching art for various programs throughout Los Angeles soon after she moved here from New York.   Between 2003-2008 Mrs. O was a K-1 co-teacher at an independent school until she became a mother.  Jenny has always had a passion for art and loves being around children.

Mrs. O is a busy mother of two.  She enjoys spending time with her family, creating art, taking walks and going to the beach.  Recently, Mrs. O also began managing events and social media for SOMEONE, a children’s book written by her son and husband!

It’s hard to imagine TSONS without April at the front desk. In 2001, after earning her B.A. in Sociology and a Certificate in Woman’s Studies from Colorado State University, she made her way to California and to TSONS. Over the past fifteen years, she has learned all aspects of the TSONS office and, although her work is quite comprehensive and encompasses more than they imply, she is probably best described as Office Manager and Admissions Coordinator. She is the point person both for initial inquiries about TSONS, as well as for current families who have questions about any part of the school program. She is the busy mother of two girls who are both TSONS alumnae. Her family loves camping, hiking, and going to the beach. She also enjoys those rare and special moments of quiet when she gets a chance to sit and read.

Mrs. Tennison has over thirty-eight years of early childhood teaching and administrative experience in a wide variety of capacities. After receiving her B.A. in Child Development, she became a Kindergarten teacher, owned a Home Day Care, and then was Preschool Director at another school. With her wealth of experience and calm, playful spirit, TSONS was beyond thrilled when she agreed to join the teaching staff in 2002. She especially enjoys teaching the Pre-K age child. You will often see her engaged in wild storytelling with her morning class. Penny developed TSONS’s outstanding DK program and brings her wonderful energy and enthusiasm to those classes in the afternoon. When she’s not working or busy with her two sons, she likes to be at the gym. Although she seems to have a quiet nature, she is truly adventurous and has even attempted jumping out of an airplane, repelling off of a tall building, and riding a motorcycle.