Marina Gantioque/Founder
A devoted mother of three, Marina made the heartfelt decision to leave a successful career in finance to focus on raising her family. During this time, she sought out meaningful and educational play experiences for her children—ones that encouraged connection, creativity, and growth in a nurturing setting.
Inspired by the joy of small-group learning and the power of personal connection, Marina began envisioning a place where young children could explore, learn, and thrive through quality interaction and play. From that vision, Circle Time was born—a space designed to bring families together and foster development through hands-on, one-on-one experiences.
Today, Marina continues to pursue her passion for child development. She works for Claremont Unified School District and is studying to become a Speech-Language Pathologist, combining her professional experience with her deep love for supporting children’s communication, learning, and growth.
Miss Maria/Master Teacher
With over 12 years of experience as a Preschool Teacher at Claremont Baptist Preschool, Miss Maria brings a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and creativity to Circle Time. Her strong educational background in Early Childhood Development, Growth, and Observation has shaped her deep understanding of how young children learn best—through curiosity, connection, and play.
As Circle Time’s Master Teacher, Miss Maria plays an essential role in guiding and enhancing our curriculum development, ensuring that every class supports the individual needs of each child. Her thoughtful approach, nurturing spirit, and dedication to early education inspire both children and families to learn and grow together.
Miss Gina/Assistant Teacher
With over 10 years of experience as a Preschool Teacher and Assistant Director, Miss Gina brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to Circle Time. Her warm and caring personality shines through in everything she does, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for both children and families.
We are so excited to have Miss Gina as part of our Circle Time team, where her passion for early education and nurturing spirit will help our little learners thrive.
Miss Monica/Master Teacher
Miss Monica holds an Associate Degree in Child Development and brings a wealth of experience, energy, and compassion to Circle Time. For the past four years, she has dedicated her work to supporting children with special needs, helping each child grow with confidence and joy.
Currently pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree, Miss Monica is passionate about continuing her journey in education and hopes to become a Kindergarten Teacher. Her patience, creativity, and dedication to nurturing young learners make her a wonderful part of the Circle Time family.
Miss Sky/Assistant Teacher
With over 10 years of experience working with children, Miss Sky brings a wealth of knowledge, enthusiasm, and care to Circle Time. Her joyful spirit and dedication to creating engaging, nurturing learning experiences make her a valued member of our teaching team.
Miss Sky is passionate about helping children discover their unique strengths through play, creativity, and exploration—making every moment at Circle Time both meaningful and fun.
Miss Jessica/Assistant Teacher
Miss Jessica joins Circle Time with over two years of experience as a Program Leader at Think Together, where she supported children’s growth through creative and engaging learning experiences.
Her enthusiasm, patience, and dedication to helping children learn through play make her a wonderful addition to the Circle Time family. We’re thrilled to have Miss Jessica bringing her energy and passion to our classrooms!