About
Mission
Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. And do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these” (Luke 18:16).
Incorporating the good news of Jesus in all it does, Building Blocks Christian Academy exists to equip children with the essential building blocks for this life and eternity.
Vision
Every child that attends Building Blocks Christian Academy will receive a loving, safe, exceptional education and most importantly, will learn how much their Savior Jesus loves them.
Meet the Team
Kaylen Orr
Director & Teacher
Kaylen has been with Building Blocks Christian Academy since its start in 2013. Before accepting the position at Building Blocks, Kaylen was a teacher and director at a small preschool in Escondido, California. Kaylen graduated from Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree. When not teaching, Kaylen enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and family. She is especially grateful for the warm Southern California weather after growing up in Wasilla, Alaska. Kaylen considers it a blessing to lead the staff & families of our Building Blocks community.
Sarah Gabb
Lead Teacher
Sarah is originally from South Dakota, but has also called New York City and Oaxaca, Mexico home before moving to Los Angeles. Having a Bachelor's degree in Education, she has experience teaching at both the elementary school and preschool levels. Sarah has been a part of the Building Blocks team since it opened in 2014.. Sarah loves a good cup of coffee and spending time with her husband and three children.
Sarah Ambrose
Lead Teacher
Sarah was born and raised in Saginaw, Michigan. After graduating from Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota with an Early Childhood Education Degree she began teaching at Building Blocks Christian Academy in 2015. Sarah loves helping our youngest preschoolers learn and grow. When she isn’t teaching, she enjoys kayaking and hiking.
Juely Moreira
Assistant Teacher
Juely was born in Minas Gerais, Brazil and raised in São Paulo, Brazil. She graduated in General Administration in the Metropolitan University of Santos, SP Brazil. She has lived in California since April 2005. Juley has vast experience in working with young children as she has worked as a nanny caring for children from 0 to 13 years old. She received her certificate in ESL and a California certificate in Child Development at El Camino College in Torrance, CA. Juely genuinely enjoys working with young children and helping them learn and grow.
Kerry Parr
Assistant Teacher
Kerry was born and raised in Los Angeles. She is experienced in field of Early Childhood education, working in a variety of programs over the years.. She holds a degree in Family Environmental Sciences with a focus on Family Studies from California State University Northridge. She has also completed Early Childhood Education courses through Santa Monica College. Kerry loves engaging with children and is happy to be a part of the Building Blocks community. She resides in Mar Vista with her husband and three children.
Shenoa Butler
Assistant Teacher
Shenoa has been a part of the Building Blocks team for over three years. She is very enthusiastic about helping young children learn and grow. In her spare time Shenoa likes to travel, spend time with friends, roller skate, hike, paint and dance! She also finds time to take care of her two pet guinea pigs. Her energetic nature is a blessing to our Building Blocks family.
Steven Gabb
Campus Pastor
Pastor Steven Gabb, his wife Sarah, and their three children – Adia, Alexandra, and Anders – have been at Hope Lutheran Church since 2007. They enjoy meeting and getting to know our Mar Vista neighbors, and look forward to partnering with the families in our community.
We are proudly partnered with the Hope Lutheran Church