The staff is comprised of fully qualified teachers and aides who bring with them a variety of personal and professional experiences. Teachers are required to continue their education each year by attending classes or workshops relevant to their work with young children. Once a year, an in-service day is taken by the staff.

Kathy LaRussa, Director and teacher, begins her eighteenth year at Oneonta this fall. She attended Southern Utah State College in Cedar City, Utah and began her teaching career at Bishop Manogue Catholic High School in Reno, Nevada. As an Oneonta parent, she served on the Parent Board for six years. In 1990, when her youngest child began school, Kathy was offered the position of teacher for the four day four-year-old class. In March of 2008, Kathy was offered the role of School Director and teacher of the three day four-year-old class. She has earned a Basic Core Certificate in Early Childhood Education through UCLA and is in the process of completing her final class to obtain her Advanced Core Certificate. She has also received certification in the Gesell Developmental Readiness Assessment Test for Kindergarteners. In her free time, Kathy enjoys spending time with her husband Frank and three children - Andy, Kelly and Matt, reading, sporting events and cooking.

Karen Vahala received her B.A. in Studio Art from Scripps College in 1985 and a Certificate Degree in Textile and Surface Design from FIDM in 1988. Following a career as a graphic artist, she took a hiatus to start a family. She joined Oneonta as the three-year old teacher in 2006 after having been on the parent board for four years during the years of her two children’s attendance. Currently working towards her certificate in Early Childhood Education, Karen also enjoys spending her time gardening, reading and hiking.

Dolores Alvarez joined Oneonta Co-operative Nursery School in 2002 as the Teacher’s Aide for the three-year-old classes. In March, 2008 she was offered and accepted the position as a teacher for the four day four-year-old class. Dolores started her career in Education while her two children attended Arroyo Vista Elementary School in South Pasadena. She progressed from a classroom volunteer to employment as Yard Supervisor. Dolores has attended numerous Child Development training workshops and is certified in CPR and First Aid. Currently, she is in the process of earning an Associate Certificate in Early Childhood Education at Pasadena City College. Upon completion, she plans to continue her degree in Education. Dolores enjoys spending time with her family, watching movies, reading a good book and making creative chocolates.