As the leadership team at the ECELS, we look forward to serving families and the community with quality care and education for young children.
Coordinator/Director
Tamara Holthaus
Phone: 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
René Robelin
Phone: 760-744-1150 x3375
I have had the privilege of “growing up” professionally at the Palomar College Early Childhood Education Lab School (formerly the Child Development Center). My journey began in 1994 as a Palomar College Child Development student completing observations at the CDC. Shortly after, I joined the team as a Teacher’s Aide and continued to advance within the program.
In 1997, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies from CSUSM and was promoted to Master Teacher. I was thrilled to begin this next phase of my career, teaching toddlers and learning from the experienced educators around me. In 2003, I stepped away from my position to focus on raising and educating my own children—a rewarding chapter that lasted 11 years.
In May 2014, I returned to the Lab School part-time, and since January 2017, I have served full-time as a Site Supervisor in a leadership role. I currently hold a Director Permit through the California Department of Education. In this position, I wear many hats: overseeing enrollment, managing the food program, maintaining our website and waitlist data, creating promotional materials, organizing and distributing the monthly newsletter, and assisting in classrooms as needed. In 2021, I earned my Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education.
I truly enjoy supporting families and building strong relationships. Sharing our program and watching children grow and develop a love for learning is one of the most rewarding parts of my work.
When I’m not at the Lab School, you’ll find me playing games with family and friends, hiking at Dixon Lake, cross-stitching, baking, or tending to my succulent garden. Giving back to the community is a passion of mine, and my family has been involved in several youth programs and clubs over the years. My three children are now young adults, each pursuing their own goals and dreams.
I look forward to meeting you and partnering with your family to support and serve you!
Site Supervisor
Claribel Zorrilla
760-744-1150 Ext. 2574
My name is Claribel Zorrilla. I have worked in the Child Development field for 13 years, 11 of those in Head Start. I have my Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a Minor in Education and Dance from the University of California, Riverside. I also attended the University of San Diego’s Leadership Academy and took courses in Non-Profit Management and Leadership. I took the majority of my Child Development courses at Mira Costa and currently have a Site Supervisor Permit.
My passion is early childhood education, and I look forward to working together to provide your child with an engaging and high-quality educational experience. I am a firm believer in ongoing professional development for myself and staff and a sense of community for families. I am committed to our students, teaching staff, and families.
I am very excited to be a part of the leadership team at the Palomar Lab School.
ECELS 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!
Photos used with permission from Great Expressions Photography