ECE Lab School Coordinator/Director
Tamara Holthaus
760-744-1150 x2578
My name is Tamara Holthaus and I am the Early Childhood Education Lab School Coordinator. I have been an early childhood professional for forty years, twenty years as a teacher, and twenty years as an administrator. I am also an instructor at Mira Costa, where I teach night classes for the Child Development Department. I have three adult children, and we are all happy residents of Oceanside, California.
I have a passion for this field and believe that all young children should have access to a high-quality program. Our program demonstrates high quality in every way and in every classroom. I feel very privileged to be part of the ECE Lab School team; it is an honor to work in a program with such high standards. I would like every parent to know it is my goal for all Lab School children in our program to develop a lifelong love for learning. This can only be achieved by providing children with positive guidance and meaningful learning experiences. It is our mission to strive to meet the needs of every child and family in our program.
Site Supervisor
Lisa Casas
760-744-1150 x8135
It has always been a passion of mine to work with young children. Seeing their growth and development over a short period of time is extremely rewarding and fulfilling. It is my pleasure to work at the ECE Lab School as a Site Supervisor.
I began my career working with children in 2007 at a small preschool in Escondido. After gaining experience with that school, I moved on to a larger preschool within a school district setting out on the coast. There I was a lead classroom teacher, office assistant, and an after-school head teacher/enrichment coordinator. I am very excited to be a part of the leadership team here at the ECE Lab School.
My education started in 2007 when I began taking Child Development courses here at Palomar College. In 2010, I transferred to Cal State San Marcos where I received my BA in Human Development with an emphasis in Children’s Services. After a brief pause, I returned to school at Pacific Oaks College and achieved my MA in Early Childhood Education in 2014.
While taking classes at Palomar College, I met my husband. We got married in 2011 and in February 2019 we welcomed our first child which has been both challenging and exciting! In our spare time, we enjoy off-roading in the desert, camping in the mountains, and creating DIY projects around our house.
ECE Lab School Liaison
Tanessa Sanchez
760-744-1150 x5011
Greetings and hello. My journey began in the 1990’s running a home daycare to stay home with my own son before we both went on to preschool and elementary school. For the last 25 years, I have enjoyed teaching and working with children from 18 months to 64 years old, from preschool to community college. A true representation that you are never too old to learn new things. I am currently an Assistant Professor in the Child Development & Education department where I find great joy in sharing my adventures.
My many roles at Palomar include full-time faculty, the California Early Childhood Mentor Teacher Coordinator, and the Lab School Liaison. I am a strong advocate of early childhood education and raising the level of professionalism for both those working in the field as well as the children and families we serve.
Working alongside the ECELS and witnessing the wonderful opportunities for students of all ages to learn, grow, and develop as they strive to reach their potential fills my bucket upon each visit. Their philosophy and standards of teaching continue to engage and inspire growth and relationships. Together we strive to build and strengthen our community and it often starts with our youngest future Comets!