I have a bachelor’s degree in Child Development/Family Relations from the University of Maine and a MA in Early Childhood Education from CU Denver. I have 35 years of experience working with children infants to five years old. I grew up in Massachusetts and have been in Summit County for 30 years. My husband and I have three grown children and we spend our spare time skiing, hiking, and being together as a family. Working with young children brings immense joy and fulfillment to my life. Witnessing the growth and development of these young minds is a truly rewarding experience. Every day is a new adventure.

I am so excited to start the adventure at Mountain Sprouts. I grew up in Washington state and received my BA from Western Washington University in Literature. I moved to Colorado in 2002 with my family and started to work in Early Childhood Education in 2006. I attained my MA in Early Childhood Education at CU Denver in May 2023. I love to read, cook/bake, snowboard and hike with my (now) grown up daughters and husband. Watching children learn and grow is the best part of my life.

Ms. Ashley has been a proud Summit County resident since 2016 and currently lives in Breckenridge with her husband, Kevin, and their three children—Ellie (13), Cameron (11), and Miles (4). Before entering the field of early childhood education, Ms. Ashley served as a Victim Services Coordinator for the 5th Judicial District Attorney’s Office Special Victims Unit and as a multidisciplinary coordinator, collaborating with community partners on prevention efforts and strengthened responses to trauma. She also served as the Director of TreeTop Child Advocacy Center and worked extensively as a child forensic interviewer. These professional experiences have shaped her strong commitment to creating supportive, nurturing environments where children can learn, grow, and thrive. Ms. Ashley brings a deep passion for fostering resilience, curiosity, and confidence in young learners, honoring each child’s unique strengths while encouraging them to explore the natural world with joy and wonder.

With over 10 years of experience caring for children, Ms. Makeda brings energy, creativity, and a whole lot of heart to everything she does. She has worked with children from 3 months to 16 years old in settings ranging from daycares to summer camps, and spent two years in Florida teaching swim lessons and water-safety skills to infants and children. Ms. Makeda also has experience working with children with disabilities, using dance and music therapy to encourage confidence, self-expression, and joy. When she’s not working with kids, you can find her enjoying the performing arts or diving into a magical fantasy book.

Ms. Alyssa was born and raised in the Chicagoland area. Her mother owns a home child care center and that is where her experience and love for working with children started. Since then Ms. Alyssa has worked with children ages newborn - 18 years and children who have special needs. When Ms. Alyssa isn’t working, she spends her time hiking, camping, e-biking, and baking.

I was born in Summit County, raised skiing at Copper Mountain. I am currently attending Summit high school and going into my junior year. In my free time I enjoy diving, cheering, going to concerts, and doing crafts. I have been babysitting for various family’s the last couple years and enjoy working with children. 

Ms. Alanna is so lucky to get to be a part of the Mountain Sprouts family and enjoy our wonderful school! She grew up in Colorado and has always loved skiing, hiking, biking, kayaking, and camping. She lives right here in Copper with her dog, Summit, cat, Obi, and many plants and fish. Ms. Alanna has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a specialty in supporting culturally and linguistically diverse learners. She has experience teaching at the Elementary level, coaching ski racing, and nannying, and has worked with kiddos from 6 weeks to 16 years. Ms. Alanna loves exploring concepts creatively and helping children explore outdoors while learning how to protect nature.

Ms Mere grew up in Camden, Maine. She earned her degree in Sociology and Psychology from Whitman College. She began working with children as a ski instructor at age 14, which she continues here at Copper in the winter. Her introduction to childcare was rooted in outdoor education, something she continues to hold a passion for. When she is not in the classroom, you can find her hiking, going to concerts, drawing, or reading.

Ms. Abby grew up in Leadville and graduated from Adams State University with her BA in Elementary Education. She has been working in Early Childhood Education for the last four years and coaching the Lake County Middle School Cross Country Team each fall. Ms. Abby enjoys skiing, hiking, and being outside.

Ms. Corey is overjoyed to be working at Mountain Sprouts Academy. She grew up in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania and attended Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. She graduated in 2025 with a Bachelors in English Secondary Education. Ms. Corey relocated to Summit County in November 2025 and now spends her winters working as a Youth Ski Instructor here at Copper Mountain. Through the years, Ms. Corey has observed various learners across all age groups, whether it was through student teaching 10th graders  in Wilkesboro, North Carolina or substituting in various classrooms in Pennsylvania, or teaching ages 3 and above how to ski. When Corey is not teaching, she loves reading, skiing, hiking, playing outside with her friends, and snuggling up with her cat Momo. 

Ms. Emili grew up in San Diego and earned her degree in Psychology from the University of California, Irvine. She has experience working in diverse childcare environments, including autism centers, summer camps, and respite care. Emili is passionate about play-based learning and outdoor education, and she loves helping children explore the world through curiosity and play. Outside of work, she enjoys yoga, hiking, baking, reading, and traveling.