The Ark Valley Preschool Team

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Director

Courtney brings an extensive 10-year background in early childhood education. In 2016, she began her career in ECE at a Reggio-inspired school in Breckenridge, where her passion for working with children was ignited. There, she learned the foundational philosophies of the Reggio approach, which she has carried with her into every classroom and program she has worked in.

After Breckenridge, Courtney moved to Crested Butte, where she worked as a teacher for four years before becoming Director in 2024. As a director, she values transparency, communication, and curiosity and strives to create environments where children, families, and educators can thrive.

Courtney and her family moved to Salida in April 2026, and she is honored to continue doing the work she loves as the Director of Ark Valley Preschool. In her free time, she is working toward completing her master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education and enjoying all of the incredible outdoor activities Salida has to offer—running, rafting, skiing, and camping, to name a few—or simply chasing her 18-month-old around.

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Administrative Director

Rayna brings years of experience in early childhood education, along with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a strong background in school operations and family support. Throughout her time in the field, she has worked as a classroom aide, administrator, and member of school leadership, giving her a well-rounded understanding of what children, families, and educators need to thrive. She is passionate about creating a welcoming, dependable preschool community where every child feels safe, valued, and encouraged to explore. Outside of work, Rayna enjoys tattooing, river dips, and spending time with her partner, Zach, and their son, Arlo.

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Bear Buddies Lead

Melisa has been part of Ark Valley Preschool since its beginning, bringing a Master’s in Educational Psychology and a B.A. in Psychology to her work with young children. Before joining AVP, she taught kindergarten in Denver, where she discovered her passion for creating calm, intentional spaces that help children thrive. In the Bear Buddies classroom, Melisa offers a grounded presence that helps toddlers feel safe, supported, and eager to explore. She believes in fostering a love of learning through nature, books, music, and discovery. Melisa and her husband, Alex, live in Poncha Springs with their two boys, Owen and William. They enjoy hiking, playing at the river, and spending time at the lake. She looks forward to getting to know each family this year.

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Moose Crew Lead

Aubrey is a longtime local who has always dreamed of being a teacher, creating safe, supportive spaces where children can explore and express themselves. She began working with children at Monarch, organizing the ski program, leading activities, and eventually becoming a Level One Ski Instructor. Aubrey taught in the Caterpillar Program and led adult beginner lessons, sharing her love for winter sports and the outdoors. She later became a certified Montessori assistant at Salida Montessori Charter School, where she spent two years supporting the Sunflower class and building lasting connections with students and families. In summer, Aubrey works as a nanny and babysitter for many local families. She’s passionate about helping kids grow confident, adventurous, and resilient in our beautiful Colorado community.

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Moose Crew Lead

Dan is a co-lead teacher with the Moose Crew and a proud dad to two children. He has over seven years of experience teaching in toddler and Children’s House Montessori classrooms and has also worked as a ski instructor and soccer coach. Dan believes that hands-on exploration and time in nature are among the best teachers, and he brings that sense of adventure into every learning experience. Whether rafting, hiking, or coaching, he creates moments that spark wonder, build confidence, and foster connection. In the classroom, Dan’s goal is to help every child feel safe, brave, and free to be themselves. Outside of school, he’s often on the river—sometimes in creative, hand-built crafts—and enjoying the outdoors with his family.

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Moose Crew Aid

Jessica brings a calm, nurturing energy to the Moose Crew, shaped by years of hands-on experience in early childhood education. Before joining AVP, she worked for the YMCA in California, leading early childhood programs, supporting teachers and families, and ensuring classrooms met licensing and quality standards. Jessica holds a Child Development Associate credential and is fluent in both Spanish and English, helping her connect deeply with children and families from diverse backgrounds. Her teaching style is quiet and observant, focusing on building trust, confidence, and connection through gentle guidance. She is passionate about emotional development and creating safe, enriching spaces for children to thrive. Inspired daily by her joyful daughter, Jessica is excited for the growth, learning, and connection ahead.