Our Staff

Lorraine Duran, Director

Lorraine is highly appreciative to be a part of the Discovery Gardens community for over 5 years! She currently holds her BA in Child Development from Humboldt State University and has been teaching for 9 years. Teaching in Humboldt was truly a magical experience, having the Redwood forest as a backyard. She has attended seminars on Loose Parts curriculum, ACES, and outdoor classrooms and is passionate about the Reggio Emilia philosophy, multicultural/inclusive curriculum, as well as cooking and woodworking with the children.

Lorraine is currently pursuing her master's degree at the University of La Verne. Having grown up in Los Angeles by Dodger Stadium, she still spends much of her time there visiting grandparents and going to Dodger games. When she is not working, she enjoys exploring the outdoors, spending time with family, and trying new restaurants.

Alex Pluma, Environmental Teacher

Alex is currently finishing up her Environmental Science degree at Oregon State University. She is honored to be able to use the knowledge she has gathered over time through activism, school, and research to teach the young environmentalists of the world. Her previous work in childcare allows her to properly engage with and supervise your children while also implementing lessons on the environment. Alex is all about getting outdoors. Whether it be to read, crochet, or take her two pups on a walk, she is thankful for all that mother Earth has to offer.

Selena Quero, Philosophical Teacher

Selena is incredibly excited to have a mentor role in Discovery Gardens Fullerton. While Selena was attending Fullerton College, she discovered the Reggio-Emilia Philosophy. She had many great professors that motivated her passion and her love for Early Childhood Education. She continued her studies there and graduated with an Associate degree in Early Childhood Education. 

The best thing about learning alongside the child is seeing their different strengths, personalities, and perspectives about the world around them. Selena especially appreciates being a witness to the milestones and breakthroughs in each child! In her off time, her favorite things to do are hiking on trails, spending time with her family, and eating out.

Angeles Martinez, Assistant Director

Angeles has had the privilege of guiding children’s learning in early childhood for 6 wonderful years and has been a part of the Discovery Gardens Fullerton community since December of the year 2023. In 2022, she graduated summa cum laude from CSUSB with her bachelor’s degree in child education. She believes that play-based learning is crucial to the development of the child as a whole and enjoys learning alongside the children. She loves being part of the Discovery Gardens community because the philosophy reflects her own core values which are celebrating curiosity, growth, and the natural world.

Celeste Duran, Teacher

Celeste is grateful for the opportunity to learn alongside the children every day at Discovery Gardens since February 2025. She is currently attending Rio Hondo College with the goal of becoming a Child Life Specialist. She enjoys building meaningful bonds in her work with children and prioritizes supporting the whole child socially, emotionally, and cognitively. She believes that the sky is the limit when it comes to children’s growth and development.

Arely Covarrubias, Teacher

Arely is currently studying Early Childhood Education and is passionate about supporting young children’s learning and development. She has been part of the Discovery Gardens family for nearly a year, working closely with children, teachers, and families to create a caring, safe, and engaging learning environment. She believes children learn best through play, exploration, and meaningful relationships. Her goal is to help every child feel safe, confident, and excited to learn each day.