Staff

Renee Whitlock-Hemsouvanh Director
My name is Renee Whitlock-Hemsouvanh. I am the Director of Hidden Valley Community Preschool. I have been working with children my entire life. I have earned degree in Child Development and Early childhood Education. I understand your journey to find just the right program for your child. We are dedicated to ensuring a high quality experience for not only your child but your family as a whole.
Preschool is the beginning of your child’s educational career second only to the important, learning and relationships shared between parent and child. I believe that devoted teachers, caring parents and eager children, can together explore the wonder and possibilities during the time we are together. We are working toward the common goal of preparing our children for the world and life ahead.

Maegan Aherne - Assistant Director
Hello, my name is Maegan Aherne. I grew up in Sebastopol California and I have lived in Santa Rosa the last 5 years. I have completed child development units at both Santa Rosa Junior College as well as Cerro Coso. I have been involved with children for many years as a nanny, teacher, mother, and now as the Assistant Director.
Art has been an interest and passion of mine since I was very young. Children are natural explorers with an intense desire and will, to make sense of their world. I believe that by allowing them to use various materials they can explore feelings and ideas and communicate it to others as well as themselves. I am excited to share and observe the process of children’s studying, analyzing and reflecting as their creations develop and unfold.

Sally Soundara - Teacher
Hi, my name is Sally Soundara. I was born and raised in Fresno, California. It was in 2004 when I decided to move to Sonoma County to further my education after high school. Currently, I am attending Sonoma State University to obtain my Bachelor’s Degree in American Multicultural Studies towards the Teaching Credential Program and attending the Santa Rosa Junior College to complete my early childhood education (ECE) units. I always knew that I wanted to work with children. I started off attending SSU majoring in Pre-Nursing. Nursing has been a passion of mine since high school but knew that I loved children. It was then I was introduced to a position as a mentor for an after school program for a non profit organization called Americorps. I worked with Americorps as a mentor for first and second graders. I found that this was what I loved doing. I began here at Hidden Valley Community Preschool in 2007 and have I enjoyed working as a teacher assistant. I hope to continue my work with children and look forward to see where this leads me.

Shawn Singmeuangthong-Aterierista
Hi there, my name is Shawn Singmeuangthong, a native of Santa Rosa, Ca. When I was a young girl, one day I watched my father sketch a monkey on plain paper and ever since then, art has been so fascinating to me. So, I attended Sonoma State University as an art student and obtained my Bachelors Degree in Art Studio, emphasizing in Photography and minoring in Art History. After finishing up my degree, I wanted to combine art in my career and also wanted to work with children. I found that working with preschoolers was a good start because they have so much creative expression. With that, I attended Santa Rosa Junior College and received an Associate Teacher Permit in Early Childhood Education. My future goal is to obtain a Masters Degree in Education, add on a Teaching Credential, and hope to bring special art to elementary age students. I also enjoy being outdoors and that riding my bike around town, hiking in the wilderness, canoing down the river, or just being with family and friends make me happy and silly.

Deziree Albaugh - Classroom Assistant