Ms. Calderon knew she wanted to work with children from the time she started volunteering at summer camps while she was in middle school. After spending her summers with children, Leonela made the choice to continue her education in the Early Childhood Education field. Leonela recently graduated from California State University, Chico, in 2024 with a bachelor's degree in Child Development. 

Throughout her time in Chico, Leonela completed several internships in preschool and elementary schools. Half of her internships were in bilingual schools, which allowed her to work with a diverse community. While being a full-time student, Ms. Calderon also worked part-time at the Chico Child Development Center for 2 ½ years. She taught children ages 2- 5 years old, and she helped create the preschool curriculum and a variety of activities for the children in her care. 

Leonela was born and raised in San Rafael and has been part of the Saint Raphael Church community since she was baptized here at 8 months old. Leonela is from a family of 6 and loves spending quality time and attending church services with her family. She also enjoys exploring the outdoors, going to concerts, and reading romance books.

Leonela is excited that each day will bring the delight of engaging with young minds, whether it's building elaborate block towers, exploring the textures of finger paint, or singing songs. Beyond the simple joys, there's the intellectual stimulation of crafting an engaging curriculum that is carefully designed to foster developmental milestones. For Ms. Calderon it is a continuous process of observation and adaptation, ensuring each child's unique needs are met.