About
Our Mission
CLC empowers children and families, fosters belonging, and strengthens our community through exceptional early education.
Our History
Children’s Learning Center (CLC) is Teton County’s oldest and largest provider of early childhood education, evolving since the mid-seventies to meet the needs of local families and children. In 1972, The Learning Center was established to provide early intervention for children with developmental disabilities and to conduct free developmental screenings for children ages birth through five. In 1977, The Learning Center expanded to provide special education services in Sublette County. Because children with special needs learn best in a classroom environment alongside their typically developing peers, we added inclusive preschool programs in both counties in 1992.
In response to the need for early education and parenting services for a growing population of low-income and at-risk families, Early Head Start and Head Start became part of The Learning Center in Teton County in 2001 and 2002. In 2008, The Learning Center merged with Community Children’s Project to form Children’s Learning Center. This merger enabled CLC to offer a complete range of early education and childcare services. Currently, CLC constitutes more than 40% of childcare slots in Teton County, and one in three kindergarteners in Teton County School District is a graduate of our programs. We are the sole provider of developmental screenings, therapies, and special education preschool for Teton and Sublette counties.
Meet the Leadership Team
Sarah Johnston
Development Director
Sarah Johnston
Development Director
Sarah is originally from Madison, Alabama and has lived in Teton Valley since 2013. Sarah has worked for CLC since 2023. She graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in public relations. After working in PR for a couple years, she moved to Jackson to work for Teton Valley Ranch Camp, where she had worked in college. Sarah has worked for local nonprofits ever since. She spent some time at Teton Science Schools, and prior to CLC worked in development for One22 Resource Center for more than four years. During her time with One22, the demand for services increased dramatically during the pandemic, and the fundraising budget increased as a result. Sarah is excited to be working for an organization that is so critical to the livelihood of working families in our community. She knows firsthand how important it is to have reliable, trustworthy childcare, and is thrilled to be a part of ensuring that CLC continues to be a top choice for local families. Sarah and her husband have two young daughters. In her free time, Sarah loves spending time outside with her family – skiing, hiking, fly fishing, etc. She also loves to cook and travel.
Miriam Morrillon
Finance Director
Miriam Morrillon
Finance Director
Miriam is from Mexico City, Mexico and has lived in the Jackson area since 2000. She started working for CLC in 2003. Miriam is a Certified Public Accountant and has over 20 years of experience in finance and accounting. She enjoys working in a team with her co-workers and ensuring everything runs smoothly within CLC. Miriam is married and has two children, as well as two dogs, Chico and Charlie. When she is not at work, Miriam enjoys volunteering at Hole Food Rescue, hiking, and watching a good movie with her family at home.
Mariana McFarlane
Family and Community Partnership Coordinator
Mariana McFarlane
Family and Community Partnership Coordinator
Mariana McFarlane is originally from Mexico City, Mexico. She moved to Teton County in 2000 and has been with CLC since 2002. Mariana has worked with kids and families for more than 25 years. She studied Library of Sciences at the College of Sciences and Humanities by the National Autonomous University of Mexico then completed her social work at the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City. Within her position at CLC Mariana loves how every child and family is different, and enjoys working with children and families and leaving a lasting positive impact. Mariana is married and has a daughter who is full of energy. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family.
Heather Menke
Quality Assurance Coordinator
Heather Menke
Quality Assurance Coordinator
Heather Menke is originally from Michigan and moved to the Jackson area in 2005. Heather has worked for CLC since 2009. During her time on staff she has worn many hats, first as a toddler’s teacher, then in 2014 she transitioned to Rafter J where she became the Site Manager, and in 2021 she accepted her current role as the Early Childhood Education Program Coordinator. Heather completed her Associates in Early Childhood Education in 2021 and is now working on completing her Bachelors Degree. Heather enjoys how her position gives her the opportunity to work across both Teton County sites, work directly with staff families and children, and grow in her own professional development. Heather has one son, Brenden, who is a CLC graduate. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her significant other, Jon, her son, and her family and friends. Heather also enjoys snowmobiling, camping, boating, traveling and watching her son play sports.
Cyndi Fischer
Education and Disabilities Coordinator
Cyndi Fischer
Education and Disabilities Coordinator
Cyndi Fischer is originally from Eureka, California, she moved to Teton County in 2003 and has been on staff with CLC since 2018. Cyndi received her General Education Teaching certification in California in 1995 then began teaching at elementary schools overseas including Morocco, Japan and Colombia. After returning to California in 2002 she taught Middle School Language and Arts for two years, Kindergarten for two years, then moved into teaching Head Start/Early Childhood. In total, Cyndi has spent 7 years in Early Head Start and Head Start classrooms, 2 years in administration, and 8 years in training and technical assistance with Head Start. In between teaching, training, and technical assistance Cyndi was the education director at a small private school in Victor, Idaho for 2 years. What Cyndi loves most about her role is the people she works with, and watching kids reach their goals. Cyndi has been married to her husband for over 20 years, has two children, and a menagerie of animals (from horses to guinea pigs and a bunch in between!) She loves living in the Tetons and taking advantage of all this area has to offer. She enjoys skiing, hiking, riding horses, hunting, rafting, yoga and spending time with her family.
Cherie Flores
Data, ERSEA, Health & Nutrition Coordinator
Cherie Flores
Data, ERSEA, Health & Nutrition Coordinator
Cherie Flores is a Jackson, Wyoming native. She started working for CLC in 2004. Cherie received her ECE certificate from Rasmessen Business College in Bloomington, Minnesota. She has enjoyed seeing the changes over the years at CLC, in her coworkers, and within herself. Cherie is married with three children, all who are boys. She enjoys spending her free time with her family and cooking.
Nicole Philbin
Executive Director
Nicole Philbin
Executive Director
Nicole Philbin is a native to Jackson, Wyoming. She started working for CLC in 2009 and has worked with young children for over 20 years. She started working in Elementary Schools when she was still in High School where she taught English to dual language learners. Nicole studied Elementary Education in college and worked as a Special Education Paraprofessional after she graduated. Nicole has worked with children birth-5 years since 2009 and absolutely loves it! Nicole completed her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Special Education in 2015. She loves being able to experience the children’s joy and curiosity every day. She also really enjoys working with teachers and supporting them to do this important work. Nicole is married to her amazing husband and has three children, Christopher, Harper and Korbin. She and her family love enjoying everything Teton County area has to offer. They spend their summers in Teton National Park enjoying the lakes and hiking, and spend their winters at Grand Targhee skiing. She also enjoy reading and movie nights together with her family.
Meet Our Staff
Abby O’Neill
Operations Manager
Adriana Carrillo Farfan
Hedgehogs Teacher
Alejandra Franco
Comets Teacher
Alejandra Leon Hernandez
Support Staff
Angela Butikofer
Speech Language Pathology Assistant
Anne Kaiser
Inclusion Provider
Annie Johnson
Rafter J Site Manager
Ariadna Andrade Guerrero
Kitchen Assistant
Astrid Andujar-Vega
Support Staff
Becky Gregory
Sublette Development Coordinator/Pinedale Site Manager
Beronica Oseguera
Mercill Site Manager
Bibiana Bonilla
Ravens Teacher
Cristina Campos
Early Head Start Home Visitor
Daniela Briceno
Head Start Support Teacher
Daniela Cruz Torres
Substitute
Daviana Ramirez Caballero
Chiselers Teacher
Diana Garcia
Hedgehogs Teacher
Diana Ruiz
Support Staff
Elsa Lemin
Early Head Start Home Visitor
Emilie Rendall
Family Service Coordinator
Emily Menck
Fatima Ramos Montiel
Raccoons Teacher
Gloria “Cecilia” Contador Robles
Sparklers Teacher
Gloria Aguilar
Support Staff
Hannah Gage
Speech Language Pathologist
Heidi Schrum
Enrollment Coordinator
Hitzia Garnica
Early Head Start Home Visitor
Holly Madole
Special Education Teacher/Mental Health Coordinator
Irais Sosa
Support Staff
Irma Garcia Sosa
Support Staff
Isidra Vargas Hernandez
Support Staff
Jaqueline Cuellar
Head Start Support Teacher
Jasmin Moreno
Chiselers Teacher
Jen Baxter
Occupational Therapist
Jen Woolf
Inclusion Provider
Jennifer Castillo Ayala
Support Staff
Jennifer Lopez
Penguins Preschool Teacher
Jenny Olvera
Inclusion Provider
Jessica Castillo Ayala
Otters Teacher
Jessica Sosa Garcia
Sparklers Teacher
Joyce Susano
Penguins Preschool Teacher
Julie Kollenborn
Special Education Data Manager
Justin Finch
Owls Teacher
Kat Wolaver
Preschool Teacher
Katie Benson
Speech Language Pathologist
Katrina Finch
Mountain Lions Teacher
Keily Garcia Vasquez
Comets Teacher
Kim Taylor
Preschool Teacher
Lisa Mason
Special Education Manager & Family Service Coordinator
Lytsi Garcia
Administrative Assistant
Maria “Chayo” Gonzalez
Stars Teacher
Maria Eugenia Ayala
Stars Teacher
Mary Beth Mason
Special Education Teacher
Mashayla “Shay” Helm
Inclusion Provider
Molly Barber
Speech Language Pathologist
Nancy Perez Perez
Support Staff
Rilla Ferreria
Ravens Teacher
Robbi Farrow
Occupational Therapist
Salma Martinez
Substitute
Samantha O’Brien
Otters Teacher
Sonia Hernandez
Head Start Coach
Sonia Mendez
Bears Preschool Teacher
Sonia Schupp
Occupational Therapist
Teresa Gonzalez Romero
Food Program Manager
Wendy Williams
Special Education Teacher
Yadira Sosa
Bears Preschool Teacher
Join our Team & Make an Impact
Children’s Learning Center is always looking for qualified, enthusiastic people to join our team! If you have a love for children, boundless energy, and a strong work ethic, CLC is the place for you. Benefits include six weeks off, employer-paid health insurance, an amazing retirement program through the Wyoming Retirement System, a Flexible Spending Account option, and professional development and growth opportunities.
Open Opportunities
Board of Directors
Tote Turner, Chair
Melanie Bennett, Co-Vice Chair
David Park, Co-Vice Chair
Marina Hoggan, Treasurer
Katie Mannen, Secretary
Karina Carrillo
Emily Frappart
Courtney Marvin
Ruth Steele
Emeritus Board
Betsy Carlin
Audrey Cohen-Davis
Tami Crosson
Jeff Goltz
Lisa Lord-Price
Greg Mason
Mark Mickelson
Ann Willott
Janet Woodland