COASTAL FAMILY SCHOOL
Brittney Grimshaw
Preschool Director
Brittney Grimshaw joins the Coastal Family team with close to two decades of school leadership experience. She has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Human Service: Executive Leadership. Not only are we blessed to have her as the Head of our School, but she also serves as the Director of Children's Ministry at our church. We are thankful for how the Lord is using her to encourage and growth the families of our community!
David Pennington
Executive Director/Associate Pastor
David Pennington is the Pastor of Youth and Children at Family Baptist and has the joy of being an overseer of Coastal Family preschool. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Westmont College, an MDIV in Christian Ministry from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and is also Director qualified for our preschool with all the necessary early childhood education courses to support our school in any role. He has a wife named Katherine and four wonderfully wild boys!
Coastal Family Toddler Staff
Erika Garcia
Toddlers Teacher
Erika was born and raised in Santa Barbara. She found her passion working with the littles after her daughter Anniyah. She loves being a mommy to both of her girls (and we love having them at preschool!). Erika is a wonderful toddler teacher, she loves watching the babies in her classroom grow. She is kind, compassionate, funny and detail oriented. In her free time she loves spending time with her family and bonding with her girls.
Yaritza Flores
Toddler Teacher
Yari Flores has taught both infants and toddlers at Coastal Family Preschool. Yari has her bachelors degree in child development and years of experience serving families of young children as both a teacher and child development specialist. Yari is passionate about watching young children grow, learn, and express their unique personalities each day. Every child in her care feels as safe, valued, and loved in our classrooms as they do at home.
Coastal Family Preschool Staff
Maggie McCourt
Preschool Teacher
Ms. Maggie has been our 2-3 year old teacher at Coastal Family School for the last 5 years! Maggie’s bright smile and warm demeanor bring delight to her students. Her playful and energetic personality engages her students and encourages their zest for learning. We are so thankful for her and what she brings to our Coastal Family!
Yaritza Santes
TK Teacher
Yaritza Santes was born and raised right here in Carpinteria. She earned her Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Santa Barbara City College and her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Studies from CSU Channel Islands. She has always had a passion for working with young children, and we feel incredibly blessed to have her as a part of our CFP family! She grew up surrounded by a big, loving family and can’t wait to be a mom one day! She is passionate about helping children learn, grow, and discover new things and loves that they teach her so much in return.
Portia Lising
Preschool Teacher
Portia is a wonderful addition to our team. Her bright smile and gentle demeanor make her the perfect comfort and friend to all of our preschoolers. From swinging them on the playground, to ensuring they have everything they need to make everyday a great day at preschool, Portia is a gem! She is currently completing her Early Childhood Education units at SB City College and we are thrilled to have her as a part of the Coastal Family.
Martha Perez
Preschool Teacher
Ms. Martha joined our team fall of 2023 and brings with her 12 years of experience working with toddlers and preschool aged children. Her dedicated care and love for her students is evident in their smiling faces. She is a local to Carpinteria and we are so thankful to have her on our team!
Kat Pennington
Rover Teacher
Ms. Kat has been a part of Coastal Family since its birth playing a variety of roles but is now a rover preschool teacher! She has a degree in Kinesiology from Westmont College and has worked with children in a wide range of settings. She is a mom of 4 boys and the Lord has given her a great love for children. She is excited to serve the community in this way!
Coastal Family Infant Staff
Tina Medel
Infant Teacher
Tina Medel begins her 3rd year at Coastal Family with years of experience and education as a master teacher in child development. Her warm presence and bright smile create an environment of comfort and joy for her students. The Medel family are long time Carpinterian's and they have raised three wonderful boys. We are blessed to have her in our Coastal Family!
Sophie Morales
Infant Teacher
Sophie Morales was born in Ventura and raised in Santa Barbara. She is the mom of two sweet little ones and found her passion for helping children grow & learn even more so after having her daughter Leilani and son Adriel. She enjoys watching all the babies develop into such wonderful children; from infants in her classroom moving up to the toddler then preschool classes is such a bittersweet experience! She loves being a part of the team at CFP that works together to help the children grow. Sophie's personality is so bright and she brings so much fun to our team at CFP!
Jessica Hernandez
Infant Teacher
Tina Medel begins her 3rd year at Coastal Family with years of experience and education as a master teacher in child development. Her warm presence and bright smile create an environment of comfort and joy for her students. The Medel family are long time Carpinterian's and they have raised three wonderful boys. We are blessed to have her in our Coastal Family!
