Ms Erica Watkins 

This is Erica's third year at The Growing Place, teaching the Parent Toddler class. Erica received a BA in Liberal Studies form Cal State Long Beach followed by a Masters in Education from Pepperdine University. She taught both Kindergarten and 1st grade for 10 years in the Las Virgenes Unified School District and then took time away from the classroom to raise her children. Erica and her husband Brad have 5 kids ranging in age from 14 to 22. While her kids were in elementary school, Erica spent those years volunteering in classrooms, working with students and teaching art. In the Parent Toddler classroom, Erica loves introducing quality literature and process art experiences to her students.

Mr Rhett Swanson
 
 Rhett has joined us this year as an Assistant Teacher in the Parent Toddler class. He started as a parent in our Parent Toddler class with both of his children and enjoyed it so much he jumped at the opportunity to join the Growing Place staff. He sees that "The Growing Place has been a wonderful place for my children to learn and grow in a supportive environment and to make great friendships."
Rhett has a degree from USC in International Relations and is currently enrolled in Child Development courses at Moorpark College. After USC he spent many years pursuing acting in Los Angeles and met his wife Shannon in acting classes before moving to her hometown of Thousand Oaks. He is look forward to his first year and watch the children's personalities and curiosity grow throughout the year.