Meet Our Staff!

“If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet,

you also ought to wash one another’s feet.”

John 13:14

Virgine Halladjian

Director & Founder of LPG

My name is Virgine Halladjian. Thank you for considering LPG as the place for your child’s early development. I have over 20 years of reputable experience in early childhood development, and am the owner, founder, and director of LPG since its start in 2014.

Before opening LPG, I worked for over 20 years as a lead preschool teacher where I positively influenced the lives hundreds of children. I built LPG from the ground up to be a fun, safe, and clean space for the children of the community to thrive, grow, socialize, and learn to love God.

I oversee a wonderful teaching staff and help design curriculum to help children learn in the name of the Lord.

I look forward to meeting you and answering any questions you might have!


Sally Marquez

Teacher - Toddlers

At LPG since April 2018

Ms. Sally loves teaching and feels it is her greatest passion and gift from the Lord. She is returning to LPG after previously working as a TK lead teacher for 3 years. She only left to be a caretaker for her late husband. Sally has also taught Sunday school at her Church for 38 years! Ms. Sally studied Child Development and recently returned to school to stay current and up to date on her teaching strategies.

Sally strives to give every child love, a sense of belonging, and an excitement for learning and adventure.  Sally also has 3 children of her own; two of them are also teachers! In her free time, Sally loves to go on walks, babysit her 19-month-old grandbaby, play with her doggie, and bake.

Nour Samara

Teacher - Toddlers

At LPG since February 2019

Hello, my name is Nour Samara. I am the teacher in the Toddler’s classroom alongside Ms. Sally.

I have been working with children for over 3 years. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the Damascus University and also a certificate of achievement in Accounting from Citrus College.

I studied Child Development and Teaching at Citrus College and am presently continuing my education, which I enjoy very much.

Marie Saikali

Teacher - Room 3 (2’s and 3’s)

At LPG since 2024

Hello, my name is Marie Saikali. I studied Child Development at Citrus and Chaffee College. I have been working with children and in special needs education for 12 years. It’s my passion to work with kids and help them grow.

Elin Salyb

Teacher - Room 2 (4’s and 5’s)

At LPG since August 2021

My name is Elin Salyb. I have a BA in social work.

I studied Child Development at Citrus College. I have over 10 years of experience working with kids ages 2 to 5. I also teach Sunday school classes at my church. I love kids so much and I love teaching them. l am grateful to be part of the Learn, Play and Grow Preschool team!

Mary Zaarour

Assistant Director

At LPG since Summer 2019

Hello, my name is Mary Zaarour. I have over eight years of experience working with children from the age of 3 to 13. I currently have a Master’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis in clinical training. I love working with our future generation!

Silvia Saikaly

Floater

At LPG since November 2021

Silvia Saikaly serves as a teacher at LPG Preschool where she is primarily responsible for the care of TK students. Her responsibilities include the support of student needs, the design of learning programs, and the upkeep of a healthy learning environment.

Silvia has a true passion for working with our youngest learners! Helping each child progress in all areas of their development—academic, social, language, motor, and spiritual. This is a challenge that she is honored to accept daily.  She strives to create a community of learners that nurtures this growth in a positive, fun environment.

With more than 30 years of hands-on experience working with a variety of children of all ages, she has a variety of certificates, and education that she utilizes to enhance the student experience. 

In her free time, Silvia enjoys cooking and being with her family.

Marlen Nakoud

Floater / Toddler Teacher

At LPG 2018-2019; returned March 2022

My name is Marlen Nakoud. I have my child development certificate from Citrus College, and I’ve been working with children for over 12 years. I love the world of children, I love to listen to their stories, and I especially love to encourage them to read and learn!

Christine Halladjian

Teacher - Room 3 ( 2’s and 3’s)

At LPG since 2024

Christine Halladjian is a recent graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of California, Irvine (UCI), where they completed their studies in the spring of 2024. Based in Glendora, Christine has been working with LPG for the past few months, gaining valuable experience in their professional field. Christine is passionate about staying active and balancing personal interests outside of work. They enjoy reading, hiking, and weightlifting, finding these activities physically and mentally rewarding. Whether exploring the great outdoors on a hike or challenging themselves at the gym, Christine believes in maintaining a healthy lifestyle that fosters both physical and personal growth. With a foundation in political science and a growing career as a preschool assistant teacher, Christine is excited for what the future holds and eager to continue developing professionally and personally.