ABOUT STRATA

Rachel Heck is the Executive Director and a Founding Partner of Strata Learning Collective. She brings a deep, long-standing connection to the organization’s work, along with a practical, forward-looking approach to leadership. Rachel’s experience with the organization spans nearly her entire life, beginning as a participant in school-age and teen programs and later evolving into leadership roles across innovation, operations, and program development. This breadth of experience informs her focus on thoughtful growth, strong systems, and learning environments that support both children and educators. Rachel brings a perspective shaped by lived experience, including her Indigenous heritage and her background as a first-generation college graduate. Rachel earned her Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies and Education from Notre Dame de Namur University, graduating summa cum laude. She has also completed coursework through UCLA Extension focused on inquiry-based, child-centered approaches to learning. She is currently pursuing an MBA at San Francisco State University, where she continues to deepen her expertise in organizational leadership and strategy. Beyond her professional work, Rachel has a strong commitment to service and community engagement. After high school, she served as a full-time AmeriCorps member with Habitat for Humanity, working directly with families to support stable housing and community development. She later continued this commitment through Rotary, remaining actively engaged in service-oriented leadership. Rachel is passionate about supporting staff, building meaningful partnerships with families, and strengthening the communities Strata serves. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, their two sons, and their two dogs.

Taylor White is the Director of Operations at Strata Learning Collective. She oversees hiring, staffing, and internal systems across the organization, with a focus on creating consistent, well-supported operations that allow programs and teams to thrive. Taylor earned her B.A. in Psychology from San Francisco State University and brings more than eight years of experience working with children and youth. Her background includes five years as a program director for a sports-based youth program, where she developed strong expertise in staff management, scheduling, and supporting engaging, developmentally appropriate experiences for older students. In her role at Strata, Taylor leads organizational processes related to staffing, onboarding, training, and day-to-day operations. She works closely with site leaders to support staff development, strengthen systems, and ensure programs run smoothly across locations. Outside of work, Taylor enjoys staying active, dancing, and spending time outdoors. She values community-building and is deeply committed to supporting both staff and students through thoughtful, responsive operations.

Justin Jimeno is a Program Specialist at Strata Learning Collective. He supports enrollment, attendance tracking, and administrative coordination across Strata’s programs, helping ensure systems run smoothly for families, staff, and site leaders. Justin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from San Francisco State University and an Associate Degree from Skyline College. His background includes experience in both education and customer-facing administrative roles, giving him a strong foundation in communication, organization, and operational support. Prior to his current role, Justin worked as an Administrative Assistant within Strata’s preschool programs, where he managed attendance, coordinated supplies, and responded to family and staff inquiries. He also brings experience from healthcare administration, supporting patient services and complex documentation processes. At Strata, Justin focuses on maintaining accurate records, supporting admissions processes, and assisting teams with day-to-day operational needs. Outside of work, he enjoys staying active, watching Marvel movies, and listening to hip-hop and R&B.

Anne Baronia is the Director of Business Services and a Founding Partner of Strata Learning Collective. She brings more than 30 years of experience in accounting and business operations, with a career rooted primarily in corporate environments. Anne joined the education sector with a strong appreciation for the impact that thoughtful operations have on program quality, staff support, and family experience. Her work focuses on financial stewardship, systems management, and creating the operational stability that allows educational teams to do their best work. Anne is known for her collaborative approach and her willingness to support staff across roles and programs. She values being present in the life of the organization and enjoys participating in school events and community activities. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and approaches her work with a sense of gratitude, care, and responsibility. Outside of work, Anne enjoys spending time with her husband and their two daughters, including cheering on her oldest daughter at UC Davis.

Shelley Marquez is the Director of Learning Success at Strata Learning Collective. She brings more than 22 years of experience in early childhood education, including 17 years in leadership roles supporting educators, children, and families. Shelley earned her Bachelor’s degree and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Santa Clara University. Her background includes ongoing professional learning in early childhood education through coursework at community colleges throughout the Bay Area, reflecting her commitment to thoughtful, developmentally informed practice. At Strata, Shelley supports program quality, educator development, and instructional consistency across sites. She works closely with teaching teams and site leaders to strengthen learning environments, support reflective practice, and ensure programs align with Strata’s values and approach to learning. Outside of work, Shelley enjoys day trips with her husband and twins, watching movies, camping, and spending time with her dogs.

Shawna McCune is a Program Specialist at Strata Learning Collective, with a primary focus on admissions and family engagement. She supports families as they explore programs, navigate enrollment, and find learning environments that align with their children’s needs. Shawna holds a Certificate in Project Management from Year Up, where she completed professional development coursework in business operations and workplace management. She brings strong organization, leadership, and communication skills to her work, helping ensure admissions processes are clear, thoughtful, and family-centered. Her background includes experience as an Admissions Director at a local school, where she supported enrollment growth, led tours, coordinated school and family events, and partnered closely with families throughout the decision-making process. She has also worked as a Registration Coordinator, assisting families with program selection, after-school enrollment, and financial aid processes across multiple programs. Shawna believes that every child deserves care and learning experiences that honor their individuality. She is committed to helping families identify programs where children can feel supported, confident, and able to thrive. Outside of work, Shawna enjoys crocheting, crafting, baking, and spending time with her family. She values creativity and is always exploring new ways to stay inspired.

Ty Durekas is a Strategic Advisor and Founding Partner of Strata Learning Collective. He brings extensive experience in education, organizational leadership, and strategic development, with a career spanning both corporate and educational settings. Ty began his professional career in global project management before founding Children’s Creative Learning Centers, Inc. (CCLC) in Sunnyvale, California. Under his leadership, CCLC grew into a network of high-quality early learning programs and was later acquired by Knowledge Universe. Following the acquisition, Ty continued to support employer-sponsored child care initiatives and contributed at the executive level, focusing on program quality and organizational growth. Ty joined the Strata partnership in 2018, drawn to the organization’s strong community roots and long-standing commitment to children and families. Today, he serves in an advisory capacity, offering strategic guidance informed by decades of experience in education and business. Outside of his professional work, Ty enjoys spending time with his three daughters, being outdoors, listening to music, and following his favorite sports teams.

Colleen Rocks is the Director of Programming at Strata Learning Collective. She oversees curriculum development and program design across Strata’s early learning, after-school, and camp programs, with a focus on consistency, engagement, and age-appropriate learning experiences. Colleen’s connection to the organization spans many years, beginning as a camp participant and later continuing through roles as a Teen Leader and educator. This long-standing experience informs her understanding of how programs evolve over time and how thoughtful design supports both children and staff. Colleen earned her Bachelor of Arts in Childhood Development from San Francisco State University. Her background also includes work as a Recreation Leader with San Bruno Park and Recreation, where she supported large-scale youth programming and community-based activities. She is CPR and First Aid certified. At Strata, Colleen is committed to creating learning environments that are both meaningful and enjoyable, supporting children as they grow socially, emotionally, and academically. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, exploring new places, and is a devoted Disney enthusiast.

Conner Chicoine is the Intervention Specialist at Strata Learning Collective. He supports students, educators, and families through targeted behavioral interventions and collaborative problem-solving across Strata’s programs. Conner holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Sonoma State University and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy through Touro University Worldwide. His background combines academic training with hands-on experience supporting children with a range of social, emotional, and behavioral needs. Conner began working with school-age children in 2017 and later expanded his experience in a residential treatment setting, where he supported children facing significant emotional and behavioral challenges. At Strata, he works alongside educators and families to develop thoughtful, individualized strategies that support student success and strengthen communication between home and school. Outside of work, Conner enjoys disc golfing, hiking, rock climbing, and following hockey, especially the San Jose Sharks.