STAFF & TEACHER DIRECTORY
Jean Abrams
Gigi Baltes
Regional Office - Office Manager
I have a Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management and worked with the Philippine Department of Tourism’s International Marketing Division for many years. This gave me the opportunity to travel around Europe and work with the department’s European offices. I moved to Jackson from the Philippines for a job in hospitality in 2002. My husband and I met while working in the same hotel. We both love the mountains that we made Jackson our home to raise our two boys. I joined CLC as Office Manager in August 2008.
Jen Baxter
Jan Bernethy
Patti Boyd
Nanci Brown
Emily Burns
Berry Burton
Rafter J Assistant Manager
Christina Campos
Head Start - Teacher
I have been working with children at the CLC for 8 years. I have been working at Head Start, Early Head Start, Willow Preschool, and doing Home Visits, currently I am a teacher in the Head Start classrooms. I was born in Bogotá, Colombia and I have been living in Jackson Hole for 12 years. I got married to David E Basye from Jackson, 8 years ago. I used to work as Civil Engineer in Colombia, but I love to work with children, so after I started working with the CLC, I got a Child Development Associate and I am taking College classes towards my AA, and looking into getting a BA and Master in Early Childhood Education. I am happy to be working with a great team of teachers!
Lori Cely
Hedgehogs (Infants) Teacher
I am originally from Pennsylvania, and I moved to Jackson about 12 years ago. I have been married for 2 and 1/2 years, and my husband and I enjoy the beauty of life in Jackson Hole together. I am the Lead Infant Teacher here in Rafter J. I have worked with The Children’s Learning Center for 9 years. I began working as an Early Head Start teacher with The Learning Center, and after several years, I began working with this department. I love working with young children and infants. I started babysitting at a young age, and I knew I wanted to pursue a career working with children. I continued through high school, and into my college years working in several early childhood centers, and beyond. It has been many years of learning about the different and fascinating ages and stages that young children go through. I am currently studying for my Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education.
Adrienne Coca
Montessori Preschool Teacher
Hello my name is Adrienne Coca and I am the lead teacher in the Montessori classroom. I was born and raised in Jackson, graduating from Jackson Hole High School in 2001. I then attended Montana State University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Family Science. Upon graduating, a close friend of mine recommended that I look into Montessori teacher training. As a former Montessori student, I was excited at the idea of becoming a teacher of this wonderful philosophy. I attended the Caspari Montessori Institute in Boise, ID in 2007. Upon completion of the teaching course and a supervised internship, I earned my teaching certificate. In the summer of 2008 I returned to Jackson and was thrilled to begin working in the Mercill Montessori classroom. I am blessed that my parents live in the valley and that my sister is not too far away in Salt Lake City where she is a NICU nurse. When not teaching I enjoy spending time with my husband and friends, singing, traveling, reading and being outdoors.
Cindy Corona
Mercill Sparklers (1 to 2 year olds) Teacher
Graciela Corona
Hedgehogs (Infants) - Teacher's Assistant
I am from Tlaxcala, Mexico where I grew up in a large family always babysitting. I love children and when I first moved to the US in 2007, I knew I would pursue a career working with children. I first came to Jackson, then moved to California, but I was ready to get back to Jackson because I love the quality of life here. I’ve worked at the Children’s Learning Center since moving back to Jackson three years ago. I’m currently in the process of earning my Child Development Associate credential. In addition to studying and working, I have two beautiful girls of my own who keep me busy at home.
Amy DeWitt
Big Piney Teacher
Anthony English
Early Head Start / Head Start Bus Monitor
Robbi Farrow
Jane Finch
Cherie Flores
Early Head Start / Head Start - Data Manager
I was born and raised in this wonderful community of Jackson Hole. When I turned 18, I moved to Minnesota and it is here where I started my life if working with children. I worked in an hourly drop off center and went to night school to receive my Early Childhood Certificate. After nine years, I moved back to Jackson to raise my children closer to my family. I have been working for Children’s Learning Center for a little over seven years. I started out as a co-teacher in one of the infant/toddler programs and then moved into a teaching position for Early Head Start. After three years in Early Head Start, I applied for the Data Manager position for the Head Start programs. I have now been doing this job for three years. I truly enjoy my job due to the wonderful and supportive CLC staff and the ability of getting to know more of our community’s families as we serve them.
John Fogerty
Big Piney Special Education Teacher
Kristin Galloway
Hitzia Garnica
Early Head Start - Teacher
I have worked at the Children’s Learning Center for 9 years. I obtained a Child Development Associate for children birth to 3 years old. I am working on my Associate Degree in Early Childhood. I like to work with families and children and be part of their development.
Brittany Gibeau
Chiselers (1 to 2 year olds) Teacher
I am from Evergreen, Colorado where I grew up in a close-knit family that enjoys rock climbing, skiing, and mountain biking together. I started babysitting when I was about eleven and knew right away that I had found something I love. I studied psychology and English at Montana State University in Bozeman graduating in the spring of 2010. I moved to Jackson with my now husband right after graduating college and we cannot see ourselves leaving anytime soon!
Camille Gifford
Becky Gregory
Development Coordinator/Office Assistant - Sublette County
Amy Haynesworth
Mercill "Floating" Teacher
Bixler Heather
Pinedale/Big Piney Special Education SLP Aide
Janell Hergert
Mercill "Floating" Teacher
Annel Hernandez
Early Head Start - Teacher
I have worked for the Children’s Learning Center for 6 years. I like to see the progress that each child obtains during the school year and I enjoy building good relationships with families so that we can work together for their children’s best future. I obtained my CDA certificate in early childhood and I’m currently taking college classes to obtain my Associates Degree.
He trabajado para Children’s Learning Center por 6 años. Me gusta ver el progreso que cada niño obtiene durante el año escolar y construir una buena relación con las familias para poder trabajar juntas para un mejor futuro de sus hijos. Obtuve mi CDA Certificado en infantes/niños y actualmente continúo tomando clases para obtener mi Titulo Técnico.
Sonia Hernandez
Head Start - Teacher
I have been working for The Learning Center for 8 years. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics and hold a CDA for children 0-3 years old. I love to be part of young children’s lives, because they are full of joy and desire to acquire knowledge.
Davey Hough
Bethany Hunter
Cheri Johnson
Martha Johnson
Amy Kallaugher
Megan Lally
Raccoons Preschool Teacher
I am a native of Charlottesville, Virginia and have been living in Jackson since the summer of 2010. I am the assistant teacher for the Raccoons preschool class. I completed my Master’s in Art History at the University of Virginia and have worked in early childhood educational programs at a public preschool in Virginia and at the National Museum of Wildlife Art here in Jackson.
Miriam Lenz
Montessori Preschool Teacher
My name is Miriam Lenz and I am an Aide in the Montessori classroom. I have been teaching Montessori preschool for thirty years. I obviously love it. I previously taught elementary school and loved that too. When my oldest son was preschool age we put him in a Montessori preschool. We were in awe of what he learned. Then his teacher moved. We had two other children who needed Montessori. We hired a nanny and I took the American Montessori program in Boulder, Colorado. I bought the school and have been teaching since that time. In 2000 I was asked to bring my program to what was then the Community Children’s Project. C.C.P. evolved into Children’s Learning Center. My husband, Bob, and I moved to Jackson in 1975 from Montana. We have four children, three of whom have been Montessori trained.
Leticia Liera
Chelsea Linn
Lisa Mason
Special Education - Sublette County
Family Service Coordinator – Pinedale
Laura Mata
Melissa Mawyer
Regional Office - Tuition Billing Manager
Dede McDonald
Special Education - Teton County
Mariana McFarlane
Early Head Start / Head Start - Program Manager
My name is Mariana McFarlane, and I’m from Mexico City. I studied Library of Science at the Sciences and Humanities School at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). During my professional Practices at the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City, I realized that I really wanted to work closer with children. Then in 2000 I moved to Jackson Hole Wyoming and I started to work at the Children’s Learning Center. Right now I’m the Program Manager for the Children’s Learning Center Early Head Start and Head Start programs. I really like to work with children, their families and the teachers. Each child is so unique and the most amazing thing is that we can learn so many things from them. I believe that one of the greatest and simplest tools for teaching and learning is to care and love.
Anne McNulty
Teton County Education Co-Director - Rafter J
I am originally from the Chicago, IL area. I grew up in Lake Forest, IL and then attended college at Loyola University New Orleans. After graduation, I stayed in New Orleans and began my teaching career. I started off teaching Kindergarten through 8th grade Spanish at St. Dominic School. I also began to work with Volunteers of America helping out with the New Orleans public schools After-school Activities Program where I coordinated the Pre-Kindergarten activities. In 2008, I received my Teaching English as a Foreign Language Certificate while volunteer teaching at Orkeeswa School in Monduli, Tanzania. Most recently, I was living in San Jose, Costa Rica where I was teaching English as a Second Language to children and adults. I am very excited to now be a part of the educational community in Jackson!
Sarah Meisner
Heather Menke
Comets (2 to 3 year olds) Teacher
My name is Heather Menke, and I am the Lead Teacher in the 2’s (Comet’s) classroom. Born and raised in Michigan, I moved to Jackson in July 2005, and love absolutely everything about this community. I enjoy playing softball, camping, boating, skiing, and snowboarding. Spending time with my family in Michigan is important and we visit often which is wonderful. I have worked for Children’s Learning Center since September 2009. My beautiful son named Brenden has been an influence in my decision to work in the field of early childhood education. Being a new mother and watching my son grow and learn has changed my life. I earned CDA (Certificate of Child Development) in 2011 and am currently working toward my Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. My goal is to earn a BA in Early Chldhood Education in the next few years.
Ashley Miller
Crisanto Morales
Head Start - Bus Driver/Transportation
Why I work with children: I have worked with the Children’s Learning Center for 6 years transporting children. I am an experienced driver and have worked for other companies in town. The best part of my job is working with the teachers as we teach the children to be safe around the bus and help them to be aware of how safe pedestrian behave. I also work with families and have an annual presentation at parent committee meetings and I give all sorts of information related to transportation in town and safety tips. My credentials are: Certified SAFE DRIVER, PASS (passenger service and safety), Certified Child Restrain Technician and I have a Commercial Driver’s License .
Por que trabajo con los niños: He estado trabajando con Children’s Learning Center por 6 años transportando los niños. Tengo experiencia como conductor y he trabajado para otras compañías en este pueblo. La mejor parte de mi trabajo es el trabajar con las maestras y ensenarles a los niños como se deben de comprotar para estar seguros en las calles. También trabajo con las familias y una vez al año les doy toda clase de información relacionada con el transporte en el pueblo y consejos. Mis credenciales son: Certificación de Conductor Seguro, Seguridad y Servicio para el Pasajero, Certificación de Sillas para niños y Licencia Comercial de Vehículos.
Miriam Morillon
Blanca Moye
Early Head Start / Head Start - Home Visitor/Health Coordinator
My name is Blanca Moye. I am US Citizen who was born in Mexico City. I have lived in the Jackson area for 12 years. After completing several workshops regarding nutrition, parenting skills, childhood development, and community needs, I began working as a Parent Educator for the national program “Parents as Teachers.” I am also certificated as a medical translator. For the last five years I have worked with Early Head Start as the Health Coordinator and Home Visitor for our families. I am married and have two children.
Linda Nelson
Elaina Oliver
Special Education Teacher - Teton County
Mike Ordal
Rafter J "Floating" Teacher
Hello, my name is Mike Ordal and I work here at the Learning Center as a floater position. I grew up mostly in Boulder, Colorado, though most of my extended family is from Fargo, North Dakota. I have two sisters, a brother, a mom and dad. I’m proud to say they have all visited me here in Jackson and are super jealous. Growing up I was the oldest, so my parents made me watch my younger siblings. Although it wasn’t the greatest time, it helped me become a more knowledgeable teacher. I’ve been working with kids at the Learning Center a little over a year and a half and have learned quite a bit over that time. I enjoy working with kids because they are all different and much smarter than most people think. They can be very hilarious as well. It feels great to think you can have a positive effect on an up and coming person’s life and that’s the best part of coming to work everyday!
Beronica Oseguera
Lora Oz
Mercill Sparklers (1 to 2 year olds) Teacher
Emily Palmer
Rafter J "Floating" Teacher
I grew up in Jackson, and attended the Learning Center when I was in preschool. I have experience working with children in the valley, as well as at a daycare for unwed mothers in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, and helping out with a friend’s family in Belgium. Working with children is a passion of mine – I believe they have so much to teach me, and I love helping them explore the world and learn new things.
Chris Philbin
Early Head Start - Teacher
Why I work with Children: I have worked with children for 9 years. I studied social work and I am now working toward getting my AA in Early Childhood Education. I have experience in working in special education as well as with children with challenging behaviors. I enjoy being part of children’s joys in learning, laughing, and growing helping them along to be a successful part of their community. Credentials: I have my CDA and working on my AA in Early Childhood Education. I plan on continuing my education to get my BA in Early Childhood Education.
Por eso trabajo con los niños: He trabajado con niños de 9 años. Estudié trabajo social y ahora estoy trabajando hacia la obtención de mi AA en educación infantil. Tengo experiencia en trabajo en educación especial, así como con los niños con comportamientos desafiantes. Me gusta ser parte de alegrías infantiles en el aprendizaje, riendo, creciendo y ayudarlos junto a crecer para ser una éxito parte de su comunidad. Credenciales: Tengo mi CDA y trabajo en mi AA en educación infantil. Tengo intención de continuar mi educación para obtener mi BA en educación infantil.
Nicole Philbin
Head Start - Teacher
I have worked with children for 9 years and have been at Head Start for 3 years. I am from Jackson and now I live in Victor. I studied Elementary Education and I have experience working in special education and working with children with challenging behaviors. I have my Bachelor’s degree from Middlebury College and am currently working on my CDA. I love making a difference in children’s lives and helping them succeed in school as well as their day-to-day life.
He trabajado con niños por 9 años y he estado trabajando en Head Start por 3 años. Soy de Jackson y estoy viviendo en Victor. Estudie en la Universidad para Maestra de Educación Primaria y tengo experiencia en educación especial y con niños de comportamiento desafiante. Tengo una licenciatura de la Universidad de Middlebury. Actualmente estoy trabajando en mi CDA. Amo hacer una diferencia en las vidas de los niños y ayudar los a triunfar en la escuela como también en su vida diaria.
Martha Ptasnik
Laura Ramnarine
Special Education - Sublette County
Speech/Language Pathologist
Lisa Rhyne
Special Education - Sublette County
Occupational Therapist – Pinedale
Kristin Rivers
Assistant Cook
Rhonda Salerno
Early Head Start
Rhonda has been in the field of Education for over thirty years in a variety of capacities, teaching those from early childhood through university level. She holds an elementary teaching certificate in both Michigan and Alaska and has a BA in Education from the University of Michigan with an Early Childhood Endorsement. She has completed her coursework for an MA in Human Development from Pacific Oaks College. Her educational administrative background includes writing curriculum and conducting teacher trainings and in-services as an Education Specialist for the Alaska Department of Education, founding and directing a children’s center serving University student interns, directing a regional Child and Family Resource Center, and providing Early Childhood and Family Consulting. She is the recipient of the Early Childhood Advocate of the Year award from the National Association for the Education of Young Children and served as the local and regional President of NAEYC in Alaska for several years. Her passion lies once again in the classroom with the little ones, their parents and her very capable teaching colleagues.
Sonia Schupp
Special Education - Sublette County
Occupational Therapist
Jodi Siegfried
Regional Office - Human Resources/Donor Services
I was born and raised in Southern California and earned a BA at UCLA (Economics) and a MA at Pepperdine (Psychology). After working in the financial industry for 15 years, I was ready for a change. On a weekend trip to Jackson in 2001, I decided to quit my job and come here for the summer. And of course I couldn’t leave! I have been working as a Human Resources Manager for the last 8 years, and started at Children’s Learning Center in 2008. I live with my husband Brian and our son Aaron in Melody Ranch.
Jennifer Stephenson
Special Education - Sublette County
Special Education Teacher and Program Coordinator
Jamie Swartzfager
Wendy Tarver
Michele Terry
Montessori Preschool Teacher
Hi my name is Michele Terry, I was born and raised in Washington State, I have lived in Jackson for almost 6 years and I love it. I have worked at CLC since 2007, I work in the Montessori classroom, I have my CDA and look forward to continuing my education learning more about the Montessori philosophy. I enjoy working with the families and the children and feel that I learn from them everyday.
Anna Thornock
Early Head Start - Teacher
My name is Annakarina Thornock, I have lived in Jackson for five years. I am so happy to be able to work with all of you and your wonderful children. I have been working with young children for over eleven years babysitting. I started substitute teaching at the Childrens’ Learning Center two years ago. I discovered that I love being in the classroom and wanted to become an Early Childhood Educator. I am currently pursuing my Associates degree in Early Childhood Education at Central Wyoming College.
Mi nombre es Annakarina Thornock, tengo viviendo en Jackson 5 anos. Me siento contenta el poder trabajar con ustedes y sus hijos maravillosos. He estado trabajando con niños por más de once años. Empece a trabajar en Children’s Learning Center hace dos anos sustituyendo. Descubri que me gusta estar en el salón de clase y quise ser educadora. Actualmente estoy estudiando un asociados en educación de la niñez temprana en la universidad central de Wyoming.
Rachael Williams- Reno
Chiselers (1 to 2 year olds) Teacher
My husband and I have recently moved from Billings, MT to Teton County. I have been working with children since I was 14 years old, babysitting for family friends and volunteering for social gatherings. From my time spent babysitting I knew I wanted to pursue a career in Education. I graduated from MSU-Billings with a degree in Political Science, History and Education. I am excited to be working at Children’s Learning Center in a toddler room and watching the kids explore every day!
Makenzie Witzgall
Laura Zepko
Mercill Sparklers (1 to 2 year olds) Teacher
My name is Laura Zepko and I am the Teacher’s Aide in the Raven’s Preschool at Mercill. I was born and raised in Western Massachusetts. I attended the University of New Hampshire and graduated with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Outdoor Education in 2010. Throughout college, I volunteered working with adaptive hiking programs and rock climbing programs for kids. I hope to eventually get my Masters degree in Outdoor Education or Recreational Therapy and to continure working with kids in an outdoor setting. I have lived in Jackson on-and-off for four years, and love to ski, hike, and trail run. I wish there were more hours in the day to spend outside. I love working with kids and I am very excited to be here at the Children’s Learning Center!
