Meet The Team at Wild Roots School!

We’re proud of our Wild Roots family of dedicated staff and passionate educators for Infant Care, Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten.

JUMP TO: Temecula Team | RSM Team

Brittany Stehle, M. Ed.

FOUNDER & HEAD OF SCHOOL

Brittany is the founder and Head of School of Wild Roots Holistic Learning Center. For more than 15 years, she has worked to create an early learning experience that is nurturing, beautiful, purposeful, and full of wonder. She believes deeply that early education helps shape not only how children learn, but the confidence, character, curiosity, and compassion they will carry into the future.

Brittany earned her bachelor’s degree in Social Work from San Diego State University, an AMI Montessori diploma through the Montessori Institute of San Diego, and a Master’s degree in Education through Loyola University Maryland. Before founding Wild Roots, she operated Little Horse Montessori, a home-based program that grew into her vision for a more holistic, personal approach to early childhood education.

Her approach blends Montessori’s independence, practical life, and purposeful work with the creativity, collaboration, and open-ended exploration of Reggio Emilia. As both an educator and a Wild Roots parent, Brittany understands the importance of creating a place where children are truly known, warmly cared for, and inspired to become capable, thoughtful people who will help shape their communities and the world ahead.

Wild Roots Temecula Team

Lidia Najera

Center Director

GET TO KNOW LIDIA

Lidia has been teaching at Wild Roots since it opened in 2012. She holds her Bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Education from Cal State San Marcos and received her Montessori Assistant Teaching Certificate through the Montessori Institute of San Diego (MISD).

Lidia has a passion for early education and especially loves to work in an environment that focuses on education and development of the whole child. Lidia devotes herself to continuing her education and professional growth and to daily learn and discover alongside the children.

“When one teaches, two learn.” ― Robert A. Heinlein

Margarita Juarez

Program director

GET TO KNOW MARGARITA

Margarita has been teaching for 21 years! She has been with Wild Roots Preschool since 2013. She is Montessori trained from The Montessori Institute in Denver Colorado for children 0-3 years, and from the Seton Montessori Institute in Chicago Illinois for children 3-6 years. Margarita has a passion for teaching young children and preparing the classroom environment. She also enjoys making handmade classroom learning materials. She believes that a prepared environment will call to young children and bring them great happiness and satisfaction. She loves witnessing the children grow in confidence and pride through their work in the classroom. Margarita also chose Wild Roots for the early childhood education of her own twin boys, who are now big boys in elementary school!

"One test of the correctness of educational procedure is the happiness of the child.” (The Absorbent Mind)

Wild Roots RSM Team

Taylor

CENTER DIRECTOR
WILD ROOTS RSM

GET TO KNOW TAYLOR

Taylor has been working with kids nearly her entire life and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education as well as Child Development coursework. She has done everything from nannying to pastoring a kids ministry to now directing childcare! She has spent the last few years just outside of Seattle as an Early Childhood Education Center Director with the YMCA, but she is originally from Orange County and is happy to be back in the sunshine! Taylor has two exuberant children enrolled at Wild Roots, Harper and Archie, who can usually be found barefoot and/or covered in dirt. Inspired by her children, she believes wholeheartedly in high-quality care and education that fosters growth of the whole child while cherishing the magic of childhood. She loves music, theatre, and arts of all kinds (especially fiber arts!) and strives to incorporate them into daily activities as much as possible. She is a lifelong learner, constantly reading and researching, and is always interested in connecting with and learning from her students and families. She loves spending time with her kids, husband, and cattle dog, Billie, particularly at Disneyland, the beach, or anywhere outdoors. She is thrilled to be at Wild Roots and is so excited to get to serve kids and families!

Sydney

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
WILD ROOTS RSM

GET TO KNOW SYDNEY

Sydney has been working in Early Childhood Education for several years and brings a thoughtful, child-centered approach to her work in the classroom. With a strong background in child development and social and behavioral sciences, she has developed a deep understanding of how young children learn and grow. Sydney is especially inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy and values creating environments that invite curiosity, creativity, and meaningful exploration. She believes the classroom acts as a “third teacher,” intentionally designed to reflect children’s interests and support open-ended learning experiences. Sydney finds so much joy in watching children grow in their confidence and take pride in their work. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys working out, spending time outdoors, visiting Disneyland, and anything creative or arts-related. She is passionate about creating a positive environment where children feel happy, safe, and excited to learn each day.