About the Preschool Faculty

Kristine Vardanyan - Director of Preschool
For over 15 years, Kristine Vardanyan has been involved in different capacities in the field of early childhood education. Her varied roles have included: Master Teacher, Mentor Teacher, Executive Director, Child Advocate, and College Lecturer. She received a B.S. degree from California State University, Los Angeles. She then earned Master of Arts in Human Development with an emphasis on College Teaching from Pacific Oaks College, which is one of the leading institutions in the United States that focuses on early childhood development. In December of 2005, Kristine created St. Sebastian’s Preschool program and since then has proudly and successfully led the Saint Sebastian Preschool through the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Accreditation process. Currently, Kristine is pursuing a Doctoral degree in Education from Loyola Marymount University.

Bessy Arriaza - Preschool Teacher
Bessy Arriaza is very excited to be a member of our Preschool team. She joined St. Sebastian Preschool in 2006. Bessy has been teaching preschool for the past 14 years, working at two other preschools in the Los Angeles Area. She will be transferring to California State University at Los Angeles (CSULA) where she will be completing her Bachelor’s of Art in Child Development. Afterwards, Bessy plans to earn her Master of Arts in Child Development. Bessy has always dreamt of being a teacher and is happy to be part of the St. Sebastian School community. Working with children and their families is her lifelong passion and one of the most rewarding professions.

Christine Yerikian - Preschool Teacher
Christine Yerikian is proud to be a part of our St. Sebastian preschool team. Christine joined St. Sebastian in September 2006. Since she was a young child, Christine knew that she wanted to be a teacher. She looks forward to coming to her “second home” everyday to help facilitate our children’s growth and work with the parents as a team. What Christine loves the most about working with children is their constant need to always learn. She believes that children learn the most when they are in an environment that is respectful and in tune with their interests and needs. Christine has an Associate of Arts Degree in Child Development and is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Child Development from California State University, Northridge.

Dania Rizk - Preschool Teacher
Dania joined St. Sebastian Preschool in January 2010. For over 10 years, she has been proudly sharing her gifts and talents with children and their families. Dania received a Bachelor of Arts in Child Development and is currently exploring graduate degrees. She hopes to attain a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Child Psychology with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy. Dania believes that children are competent learners and deserve utmost respect and unconditional encouragement to thrive. Furthermore, she believes the bridge between school and home should serve as the foundation to help children reach their fullest potential. Dania wakes up every morning looking forward to the bright smile of every child.