Tiffany is a seasoned training and leadership development professional with over 25 years of experience, grounded in her early studies in Child Development at California State University, Fresno. Her passion for early childhood development and advocacy for children with special needs—especially those on the autism spectrum—guides her commitment to inclusive, developmentally responsive practice.

As a G.E.C.C.A. facilitator, she translates teaching and child development theory into practical strategies that strengthen instructional quality, professional conduct, and leadership capacity in early learning settings. She has also designed holistic S.T.R.E.A.M. programs that spark creativity and critical thinking, and continues to inspire young learners as an after‑school music teacher at iLearn Academy Charter School.

Maelonie Tamondong, a mother of five and a dedicated business owner, is a leading figure in community care on Guam. Alongside her husband, Jim, she has co-founded and operates a diverse portfolio of enterprises that serve all age groups.

Her foundational work in early childhood education includes The Giving Tree Preschool network, which focuses on high-quality, nurturing environments. Within this sphere, she also serves as an Internal Instructor for GECCA, providing specialized training in ECE topics, leadership, and management.

Expanding her community commitment, Maelonie established Helping Hands Adult Day Care, Guam's first private facility of its kind, and recently launched the island's pioneering intergenerational daycare.

Cristin Ertel, NBC-HWC, is a Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach trained through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, with advanced coursework in preventing burnout and hormone health. She integrates behavior change science and supports her clients in creating sustainable well-being. 

Her work emphasizes that sustainable caregiving requires personal well-being, helping individuals build realistic, supportive systems that allow them to show up with greater presence, patience, and capacity in both their personal and professional roles.

Leah Ann Balansay, MA is an Elementary School Counselor with the Guam Department of Education, where she has served students, families, and educators for over 13 years. She holds a Master of Arts in Counseling and a bachelor's degree in Social Work. Leah is committed to fostering the academic, social-emotional, and overall well-being of children through a comprehensive, whole-child approach. As a G.E.C.C.A. instructor, she will support early childhood professionals by providing practical strategies for integrating social-emotional learning into everyday teaching and fostering supportive, inclusive learning environments. She is passionate about partnering with teachers, school leaders, and families to help every child thrive.

Join our team of early childhood experts!

If you’re a subject‑matter expert whose work aligns with NAEYC Professional Standards—especially in early learning, health and safety, or educator development—we’d love to feature your bio here. Share your expertise, inspire our community, and help elevate the quality of early childhood education across Guam.

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Send your letter of interest and resume to admin@guamcaregiversacademy.com.

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Or click here for more info and resume uploads

Remiliza is a distinguished public health expert and consultant specializing in regulatory compliance, health, and sanitation. As the founder of RIO Consultants & Trading—established in 2023—she provides essential guidance to Guam businesses, helping them secure necessary licenses, permits, and regulatory compliance, from pre-construction plan reviews to facility evaluations and operational licensing RIO Consultants & Trading.

A former Environmental Public Health Officer at Guam’s Department of Public Health and Social Services, Remiliza led initiatives in sanitation oversight across food facilities, child care centers, and schools. She is a certified ServSafe® Food Protection Manager instructor and exam proctor, in addition to being a Basic Training-A Trainer recognized by the Guam EPA.

Geraldine “Geri” Unpingco is a Certified Parent Instructor (AJ Novick Group, 2021) and has managed home-based child care for children aged 1 to 5 since 1996. She currently serves as Manager of Raynger Consulting Group and owns Just Kidding Family Daycare. Geri produced two Chamorro children’s music albums—Yengyong, Yengyong Mungnga Mamahlao and Yengyong Ta'lo Music & Children’s Art Exhibit—and is preparing a third, Yengyong Krismås.

From 2007 to 2009, she led Guam Child Care and Development Association (GCCDA) as President and has extensive experience working with children with autism, Down syndrome, and developmental delays.

With over 21 years of dedicated service in the medical field, Corine serves as the
Superintendent of Aerospace Medicine for the 624th Aerospace Medicine Flight
within the U.S. Air Force Reserve. In this capacity, she leads 23 clinical personnel,
manages daily operations, and ensures the medical readiness of over 200 Airmen.
Her career is defined by a steadfast commitment to the United States Air Force
(Guard and Reserve), where she has mastered the intersection of high-stakes
clinical management and strategic leadership.
Parallel to her military career, Corine has been a successful small business owner
for more than seven years. Based in Guam, she is a cornerstone of community
safety, providing essential Basic Life Support and First Aid certifications to help
residents save lives. Beyond her clinical duties, she is a fierce advocate for female
leadership, specifically focusing on empowering the female military entrepreneur
community. Corine provides the resources and mentorship necessary for women to
bridge the gap between service and successful business ownership.

Barbie Jane Agahan is a seasoned trainer and coach with a heart for helping people rediscover
their passion and purpose. With a master’s degree in marketing and human resources and over a
decade of experience in leadership development and training, Barbie specializes in creating
engaging, impactful sessions that blend education with energy, laughter, and heart.
As the founder of itsBarbieJane, LLC, a training and development company, Barbie has worked
with professionals across various industries—bringing a unique blend of empathy, enthusiasm,
and real-world insight to every room she enters. Her mission is to recharge, inspire, and remind
individuals of their worth and impact, especially those working in caregiving and service-driven
fields. Participants love her fun, interactive style and leave her sessions feeling valued,
empowered, and ready to take on the world with renewed purpose.