Meet The Team

Shannan Watkins, MA/MBA

Executive Director

Shannan’s vision has been the driving force behind the agency and her creativity and knowledge has helped us remain a leader in Monterey County. Shannan has an Associate of Science degree in Child Development from Monterey Peninsula College, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Development with minors in Developmental Education, Early Childhood Education, and Childcare from Pacific Oaks College, as well as a Masters of Arts degree in Human Development with minors in Leadership in Human Services and College Teaching, also from Pacific Oaks College. She also possesses her Program Director Credential. She has been President of the local Association for the Education of Young Children as well being elected to California Association for the Education of Young Children State Board. She is currently the Chair of the Monterey County Child Care Planning Council as well as teaching child development courses at Monterey Peninsula and Hartnell College specializing in infant & toddler care. In her spare time, she provides consulting services to other child development programs, specializing in programs funded by the California Department of Education, Early Care & Learning Department.

Debbie Hanson, MA

Operations Director

My passion for working with children started at a young age and has evolved over the years. I started out as the neighborhood babysitter at the age of twelve. As a young adult I attended Early Childhood Education courses and began working in the Early Childhood Education Field.

Over the years I have held positions from assistant preschool teacher, preschool teacher, program director, operations director, and adjunct faculty. In October 2023 I was hired by Early Development Services as Operations Director. As the Operations Director at Early Development Services, I get the opportunity to partner with families through the Parent Advisory Council (PAC). I am fortunate to be here working alongside an amazing team that shares the same passion. The work we do is rewarding in many ways.

My favorite book to read to the children was Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See? By Eric Carle. It was later as an adult that I came to appreciate the simplicity the book extends to young children’s intricate learning.

Melanie Allison, MA

Educational/Pedagogical Director

As far back as I can remember, I knew I wanted to work with young children. I wanted to provide them with an abundance of wonderful memories.  I also knew higher education was also a must for me.  I started my Early Childhood Education career as a teacher assistant, and worked toward my goal of becoming a lead teacher, center director, MPC Instructor, and finally landing a position as one of four agency directors at EDS. At EDS I am able to work in the classroom supporting teachers and children which is a position I hold dearly in my heart. Each stage of my career has enabled me to give back to the community.

I enjoy the great outdoors, spending time with my grandchildren, exercising, traveling, Disneyland, and laughing deeply. 

In all the years of collecting young children’s books and reading to young children, one of my favorite books is King Bidgoods Taking a Bath written by Audrey Woods. It is lighthearted, fun, and full of imagination.

Elsa Aguilar

Family Childcare Home Education Network Manager

I was born in Salinas CA. Raised in the city of Seaside CA. I am the third child of a family of seven. Growing up we would always pretend play to be in school with my sisters and brothers. I took some ECE courses at MPC and Barstow this is where my passion for child development began. After having my children I realized how important it is to have a strong foundation of child development.

In my spare time I love spending time with my family we enjoy hiking, beach walks, and cooking.

Growing up my favorite childhood book was “The Hungry Caterpillar.”

Letty Caldera

Enrollment Manager

I have been working for over 26 years in this field. I enjoy working and helping our families.

I have three children one son and two daughters. I also have two handsome grandsons and one beautiful granddaughter who are my pride and joy. I enjoy gardening and cooking for my family, especially for my grandchildren who love everything I make for them.

One of my favorite books is Charlotte’s Web.

Olivia Cessa

Administrative Services Manager

My joy and pride are my two beautiful girls. They are the reason I’m working hard towards accomplishing a long-dormant dream of graduating college with an Associate of Science in Administration. I’m following the “lead by example” approach; even though, deep down, I know that it does not necessarily guarantee that my girls will follow.

At this stage in life, my fairytale dreams of what I was going to be when I grew up are long gone! When I was little, I dreamed of being a math teacher, a professional dancer, and/or a famous painter – with no regrets or disappointments, I’m none! Life happened and my path was shifted away from becoming any of them. In my free time, I love watching YouTube videos, listening to my audible books, thrift shopping, and spending time with my family. Enjoying a day of napping and not getting out of bed is my all-time favorite.

I began my journey at EDS as an Administrative Assistant. It has been 18 years of great learning opportunities, professional growth, and plenty of humbling moments! I am looking forward to many more years of laughter, coworker bonding time, and, of course, hard work.

Becky Buckner

Center Director, Peninsula Center for Infant & Toddler Development

I earned my Associate of Science degree in Early Childhood Education in 2008 from Monterey Peninsula College. I then went on to earn my Bachelor of Science degree in Family Science at Concordia University, St. Paul. I have worked with Early Development Services since 2000, starting as an Assistant in the first Infant Room at Avondale Child Development Center.  Since 2010 I have been the Center Director at Peninsula Center for Infant and Toddler Development. I have worked with many different ages; however, my passion and heart belong to my babies. I have studied RIE and Pikler Philosophy and was lucky to participate in the intensive 2-week RIE foundations course twice as well as countless training in the Early Education field. 

I view each child as an individual and offer respectful caregiving. It brings me joy to share my knowledge and experience in my specialization with my co-workers, my team, and our families to help others view infants in a new light.

I am a mom, sister, and daughter, and enjoy spending time with my family and friends. In my spare time, I enjoy immersing myself in new experiences, dancing, traveling, reading, and even a nap or two. Most of all I enjoy being with people, meeting new people, and creating joy and laughter.

My favorite childhood books were ‘Curious George’ and ‘Clifford the Red Dog’. 

Candace Frazure

Center Director, Orom Children’s Center

I have worked with children since 2004 and have been fortunate to be with Early Development Services the entire time!

I have lived in Salinas my whole life which has allowed me to create so many long-lasting relationships. I am married to my wonderful husband and together we have 4 wonderful children. We have one son who is the oldest of the children and three beautiful daughters. I enjoyed spending time with my family going camping or going to my favorite place on earth, Disneyland!

One of my favorite children’s books to read with the children would be, The Very Hungry Caterpillar as the children always enjoy seeing how much the caterpillar will eat and then transform into a beautiful butterfly.

Erika Santistevan

Center Director, Crescita Children’s Center

I was born and raised in Salinas, CA. I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Human Development with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education from Washington State University. Go Cougs! As well as my California Program Director Credential.

I have a wonderful husband and two fur babies. In my spare time, I try to go to watch some of my teams play: SF 49ers, SF Giants, SJ Sharks, LA Lakers & WSU Cougars. I also love going to the movies and spending time with my family. I love collecting Nightmare Before Christmas, Grogu, Frida, Sugar skulls, and any cute Halloween décor.

My favorite book series growing up was Goosebumps (or anything R.L. Stine).

Ghennay Woods

Center Director, Avondale Children’s Center

I earned my AA in Early Childhood Education in June 2007 and my Bachelor of Art Science in July 2018. I’ve been with the Agency since 2008.

My hometown is Panama, Panama City. I am creative, have positive energy, and like to encourage others to work harder and succeed. My favorite hobby is baking and spending time with my family.

My favorite book is “All Are Neighbors by Alexandra Penfold.”

Jennifer Sebolino

Center Director, CSUMB Children’s Center

I was born in the Philippines and came to the USA in 1998. I received my Associate Degree from MPC in Child Development and my Bachelor’s degree from CSP in Family Science. I’ve been with Early Development Services since 2005.

I love working with children because every day is something different with them. Family is everything to me so I believe that it is not what we have in life, but who we have in our lives that matters.

Growing up, I didn’t have a favorite children’s book. However, as a parent, my favorite book to read to my children is “ Love You Forever”. As a teacher, “ Pete the Cat” is so popular and became one of my favorite children’s books. I always look forward to the new series and read it with the children

Maria Aliotti

Assistant Center Director, Orom Children’s Center

I was born and raised in Pebble Beach, CA by my amazing parents whom instilled their traditional Sicilian values in my two older brothers and myself. I graduated from San Jose State University with my bachelor’s degree in Child and Adolescent Development with a focus on early childhood education. I’ve been working in childcare since 2017 and have been with EDS since 2021.

When I’m home, you can find me spending time with my family and friends while playing board games or going to concerts. I also spend time with our Orom therapy dog, Puddles. I love to read.

My favorite children’s book is “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?”. I especially enjoy reading that to the children.

Sheriden Cooley

Center Director, Avondale Children’s Center

In 2016, I started working for EDS, freshly out of college, I didn’t have a clue what I wanted to do. About six months into working at Avondale, I realized I left work smiling every day, and that I deeply enjoyed working with children and seeing things from their perspective. That’s when I took a deep dive into learning everything I could about early childhood education. I quickly earned my associate degree in early childhood education so I could be a lead teacher, eventually finding my way to becoming Avondale’s Center Director.

Throughout this journey, I also married my college sweetheart, traveled around the world, and had my first child. I’ve enjoyed my time exploring the States and a few countries with my husband and my family. I can’t wait to show my daughter the world and see it from her perspective.

My favorite book as a child was The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle.

Staci Rich

Center Director, Betteravia Children’s Center

I have been in the ECS field for over 30 years, and at this same location for over 27 years.

Alongside my career, I love spending time doing family activities and driving my classic cars! 

Growing up my favorite book was Charlotte’s Web. 

Tianna Delpozzo

Center Director, Highlands Early Education Center

I have been working with Early Development Services since 2021. I have my degree in Early Childhood Education from Peninsula College in Washington. I was born and raised on the Monterey Peninsula and have always enjoyed exploring the natural beauty of the area. My favorite part of working with children is engaging in rich conversations that foster exploration and curiosity.

In my free time, I like to paddleboard around the bay, hike, do all kinds of crafts, and spend time with my kittens.

My favorite children’s book is The Rainbow Fish.

Tiffany Allen

Center Director, Tisztelet Children’s Center

I’ve been with the Agency since 2006. I have my Associate of Science degree in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor of Science degree in Family Science. Currently, I am one of the agency’s dog handlers of a black lab named “Cali” who is in training to be a certified therapy dog for my center. Cali and I spend every weekend taking classes to help Cali learn new skills and tricks.

In my free time, you can find me spending time with my family, going on hikes, fishing, hunting, baking, and playing board games.

A few of my favorite childhood books are Crinkle Crinkle Little Star by Justin Krasner and The Napping House by Audrey Wood.