Elementary Staff

Noreen Ottalagano - Pre-Kindergarten

Experience: Noreen Ottalagano has been working with preschoolers for the past 30 years. Having earned her Associate’s Degree from Grossmont College, she has blessed the community at Faith Chapel Preschool, churches, and for the past five years, Pre-Kindergarten at Heartland Christian Homeschool Center. Noreen has focused on Child Development enjoying the total growth of each child. All of Noreen’s talents are evident in her classroom – music, art, reading, writing, phonics, and the reality of God’s Word.

Interests: I married my 2nd grade sweetheart and we have 3 daughters. I enjoy being with my family, especially my grandchildren! Quiet time is important and I love Beth Moore's Bible studies. I also enjoy writing curriculum both for school and church. My husband is a pastor and I am currently overseeing the Children's Ministry.

Personal comments: I'm blessed that God has allowed me to work with children and families. I can't imagine doing anything else!

Principal’s comments: Don’t be fooled by Noreen Ottalagano’s quiet nature. She’s a wonderful, consistent, positive trainer of little people. You would be hard-pressed to find anyone else who would serve as a greater example of a mother’s heart and a godly woman. We are so grateful that Noreen has shared her talents with our Heartland families.

Laurie Wortman - Kindergarten and 1st Grade

Experience: Involved in education for 26 years; teacher's aide for two years; teacher for six years; sign language teacher, interpreter for 16 years; camp counselor; pre-school teacher, Sunday school director, pre-school workshop speaker; homeschooled her own children for six years.

Interests: Writing curriculum, crafts, camping, helping special needs children.

Personal comment: "I love reaching the heart and character of people; helping them discover their full potential is my passion. Making learning fun, applicable and exciting makes me love being involved in education."

Principal's comment: "Laurie has a unique knack for inspiring everyone she touches - connecting with students and parents alike, she is highly influential. Laurie is a natural. Imaginative and fun-loving, Laurie finds wonder in all. She expresses her creativity in the hands-on lessons which capture the attention of all ages."

Tessa Gibson - 1st and 2nd Grade

Experience: Tessa is currently working on her Bachelor’s Degree and has greatly appreciated her on-campus college classes as well as those she can take online. While enjoying her education, these online courses have enabled her to do the thing she loves – teach at Heartland. Having trained under the highly skilled, excellent veteran teachers, Sharon Mason and Laurie Wortman, Tessa is now looking forward to all the wonderful, creative ideas she has gained under their tutelage. Tessa attended Heartland from Kindergarten through High School and graduated Valedictorian of her class. During these years, she was involved with Heartland’s high school leadership core, mentored Jr. High students, and was a member of the worship team at Journey Community Church. From tutoring children to working at summer camps and high school retreats, Tessa has chosen a field that highly suits her God-given talents and abilities.

Interests: Spending time with my new husband,traveling, music, reading, my family and friends

Personal Comment: It is a blessing to have the opportunity to work with children. It is highly rewarding to team up with the parents of each child so we can support those children in building a strong foundation for themselves. Not only are we aiming for a strong academic foundation, but also a strength in their character and in their relationship with God. More than anything, we want to impart the love of God to these students. When children feel certain that they are loved by their God and family, they will thrive.

Principal’s comment: “Tessa is sweet and lovely. Her students want to do well just for her. With strength of character, kindness, and discipline, Tessa is a wonderful role model. She is a breath of fresh air to all those around her, while bringing a quiet boldness that benefits all. Tessa unashamedly gives credit to God for everything.”

Sylvia Flores - 3rd and 4th Grade

Experience: Sylvia Flores holds a B.S. in Business Information Systems, which has served her well as she organizes every room in which she has worked. In the past three years, Sylvia has worked in 3rd and 4th grades and in the middle school and in the math department. While home schooling her daughter, Sylvia has enjoyed being a Girl Scout leader for the past six years and most recently an AWANA leader.

Interests: Loves to read, learning new things, enjoys camping and swimming.

Personal comment: “I feel so blessed to have this amazing opportunity to work with children and be a positive influence in their lives. There are so many things in life that attempt to beat us down; I want them to know how much God loves them and that they can do anything they set their minds to with Christ’s help.”

Principal’s comment: “What a delightful, easy-going, loving woman. Children and parents alike will be thrilled to sit under such an organized, kind person who loves God and loves learning. Sylvia is excited to be in her new room, which reflects her enthusiasm.”

Melanie Deyling - 3rd and 4th Grade

Experience: Teacher's aide for five years; teacher for 13 years; pastor's wife and youth ministries; home schooled her own children for 17 years.

Interests: Traveling, fine arts, family.

Personal comment: "Watching the strugglers' faces when they finally 'get it' makes all the work worthwhile. I enjoy the daily writing assignments and Bible time, provoking thinking and discussion. Most of all, I love creating a homey atmosphere; my students are like a family."

Principal's comment: "Did someone say, "Children learn when there is no stress?" Melanie's room is the epitome of learning in the comfort of your own living room. Her natural, creative design talents enhance the pleasantry of learning; she makes the process so normal that students are unaware of how consistently on track they are with their academic goals."

Susan Ross - 5th Grade

Experience: Susan Ross earned an Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts while pursuing her studies in elementary education. Susan has taught Bible School, Sunday School, and even physics at Gateways Summer School. Wife and mother of three children, Susan has worked at Heartland for the past three years. An experienced home schooling mom of four years, Heartland is blessed to have her.

Interests: Reading, gardening, spending time with family, planning outings, traveling

Personal comment: “I love working with children. To be a part of the growth process from the first day of school until the last is such a blessing. Watching not only their educational growth, but also the growth of Christ in them brings me great joy.”

Principal’s comment: “Susan is positive, enthusiastic, and never says quit. Her love for her students and desire for them to grow academically and spiritually shines through in everything she does. Her creativity and energy know no bounds.”