Built on Experience, Care, and a Passion for Early Learning

Meet the Team

Varala Durai

Varala Durai is the owner of Mt. Taylor Children's Center. She has had a great interest in teaching, even as a child. Her qualifications begin with a business degree from Madras University in India. She discovered her real passion in the field of education and working with children. She pursued her child development education at De Anza College, California, and UCLA. Varala has worked with preschoolers, toddlers, and kindergarten-age groups. Additionally, she has volunteered hundreds of hours in public schools as a Spectra teacher. Spectra is the most comprehensive, discipline-based art education program available for grades K-8. She is also a trained member of the YMCA Project Cornerstone Silicon Valley.

Karen Guerin

Karen Guerin is the director of Mt. Taylor Children's Center located on Slater St. in Santa Rosa. She has been working with children in Sonoma County since 1979. She has worked with children ages 2-10 years but found her passion to be with preschool children. Karen started working at Mt. Taylor in 1999 as a Threes teacher. She later became a pre-K teacher and then director. What she appreciates most about working at Mt. Taylor is that all children are treated as individuals. Her goal is to help every child feel accepted, safe, and comfortable at school. It is important to her that children move on from our program with a strong sense of self and confidence that they can take with them wherever they go.

Amberly Bunch

Amberly Bunch is the director of our Vineyard Creek site located off Airport Blvd. Amberly has been working with children in various capacities since 2010. Amberly earned her associate degree from Santa Rosa Junior College and finished her schooling with a bachelor's degree in human development from UC Davis. Amberly started her career as a teacher with at-risk kindergarteners in a charter school.

She gained some teaching experience with preschool children in private schools and public schools. For a short time, Amberly provided special education services to preschool-aged children in their homes. Before joining Mt. Taylor, Amberly helped to co-manage and lead staff at a preschool with seven classrooms and 100 children. Amberly believes that it is important for children to master the skill of emotional development before they move to kindergarten—skills such as interacting with peers, managing their own feelings, and effectively communicating their personal needs.

Martha Avina

Martha Avina is the director of our Rohnert Park location. She joined Mt. Taylor in 1998 as an assistant teacher while attending Santa Rosa Junior College. She completed her education and began working as a full-time teacher. Martha has worked at all three of our locations until settling in as director of Mt. Taylor Too in Rohnert Park. Martha is well skilled in helping children self-regulate. She brings her wonderful sense of humor into the classroom, as well as her enthusiasm for the work. Her classroom is filled with laughter and giggles. Martha is bilingual and appreciates that we have such a diverse staff.

Our Purpose

Our purpose is to provide a safe and caring environment in which each child may develop socially, emotionally, cognitively, and physically at his or her own rate. We will assist each child in that growth by providing consistent loving direction, appropriate activities, and encouragement. We also serve as a resource for parents. Our average ratio is one early childhood educator for every eight children.

Our Goal

Our goal is to provide the highest quality care, guidance, and education for young children in an atmosphere of love, respect, and cooperation. We believe that through being responsive to children's emotional, intellectual, physical, and developmental needs, they will develop positive self-esteem, confidence, and a caring attitude toward others.

Quality Preschool and Childcare That Fits Family Life