Christa C. Dunlap, M.A.
Program Director, Child & Family Studies Center
Christa C. Dunlap received her Bachelor's Degree in Child Development from CSUN in 1991, and completed her Master's Degree in Educational Psychology: Early Childhood in 2008. Her thesis was on mentoring in early childhood education. Christa has worked as a Preschool Teacher, Parent Educator, Lead Teacher, and Director of Operations at the CFSC for the over 20 years. Her areas of interest include Parent Education, Child Development, Adult Development, Inclusion, and Mentoring Relationships.
818-677-3131
christa.dunlap@csun.edu
Annie Cox, M.A.
Early Childhood Programs Director, CHIME
Annie Cox is the Director of the CHIME Infant & Toddler Program and the CHIME Preschool Inclusion Program that operates at the CFSC. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Masters Degree in Educational Psychology, Early Childhood Special Education. Her professional experience in the field of education extends for the past thirty years. Annie has served as a part-time instructor, master teacher, and fieldwork supervisor for the Department of Special Education at CSUN. She currently trains and supports teachers in the field of Early Childhood Special Education and since 1989 has provided mentoring and supervision for university students at CSUN. Annie has contributed significantly to the development of the CHIME mission and philosophy, supported development of new programs including the CHIME Charter Elementary School, and mentored newer members of the staff and leadership team.
818-677-2922
annie.r.cox@csun.edu
Pariza Karamali, M.A.
Lead Teacher, Full Day Preschool
Pariza is the morning Lead Teacher in the Full Day class for the CFSC (Lab School.) She has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Social Behavior, a Master's Degree in Educational Psychology - Early Education, and a Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential. She began working at the Lab School as a student assistant intern in 1997, then moved into a Lead Teacher position. She has taught in both the Half Day, Full Day and Kindergarten classrooms.
When not at the Lab school, she teaches a course at CSUN on the Foundations of Teaching and Learning and enjoys reading and spending time with her husband and daughter.
Salomon Torres, B.S.
Lead Teacher, Afternoon
Salomon is the afternoon Lead Teacher for the full day classroom. He has a bachelor's degree in Child and Adolescent Development with an emphasis in Early Childhood Development, and a Child Development Master Teacher Permit.
When not at the Lab School, Salomon enjoys going to concerts, playing with his two dogs and going out with friends.
Fiama Puccini, M.S.
Lead Teacher, Extended Day
Fiama is the Lead Teacher in the Extended Day classroom. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Family and Consumer Sciences and a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science. Fiama began working at the CFSC Lab School as a student assistant intern in 2018. She has been in a Lead Teacher position since 2019.
When she’s not at the Lab School, Fiama enjoys reading, building legos and jigsaw puzzles, watching tv, and spending time with her dog, cat, and friends/family.
April Alvarez, M.S.
Lead Teacher, Half Day Preschool
April currently holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences with an emphasis on Child Care Administration, a Master’s in Family and Consumer Sciences with a focus on Family Studies, and holds her Child Development Program Director Program permit. She has been in the early childhood education field since 2004. She worked at the lab school from 2009- 2015 as a Lead Teacher of the Full Day and Half Day classrooms. She has been back as the Lead Teacher of the Half day class since 2021.
When she is not at the Lab School, she enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, cheering on the Dodgers, trying new foods, and having a nice cup of coffee.
Erika Sue Barnathan, M.A.
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher, CHIME
Erika's educational background includes a Bachelor's Degree in Child Development, a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Special Education, and the Early Childhood Special Education Credential. She has over 30 years experience working with young children with special needs and has been at the lab school since 1990 with CHIME. She has taught an undergraduate Special Education course at Santa Monica City College, and has extensive experience in mentoring early childhood special education students at CSUN.
When not at the Lab school, she enjoys hiking with friends, spending time with her husband and catching up with her daughter on Facetime.
