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Executive Director

Hi there! I’m Carmel Burton, and I am truly honored to serve as the Director of Ark Valley Preschool.

I bring a background in Education and Visual Arts from Regis University, along with years of hands-on leadership and creative experience in the field of education. After graduating, I taught art in Denver, served as the Assistant Coordinator for an enrichment program, and led a middle school homeroom, supporting both academic growth and social-emotional learning. I also spent many summers as the Assistant Director of a youth camp in Chicago, where I developed a passion for program design, staff mentorship, and building joyful, community-centered environments. Through hands-on merchandising training, I discovered my love for creating intentional, beautiful, and functional learning spaces — a passion that deeply aligns with the Reggio Emilia philosophy that guides Ark Valley Preschool today.

In addition to my academic background, I have specialized training in Nurturing Parenting, and am currently pursuing certification as a Breathwork Facilitator — a practice that directly supports our focus on mindfulness, emotional regulation, and whole-child well-being. I am also a certified Level One Reiki Practitioner, which enhances my commitment to cultivating calm, energetically supportive spaces for both children and staff.

I am committed to designing spaces where children can thrive — spaces that nurture independent thinking, emotional growth, community collaboration, and lifelong curiosity.

My husband, Dan Burton, and I are fortunate to live in beautiful Chaffee County with our energetic and happy three-year-old, Luigi Bear. Our family loves exploring the outdoors — you can often find us rafting, hiking, running, or camping whenever we get the chance.

Feel free to ask me about the latest book I’m reading, the song I’ve been playing on repeat, or the podcast I’m currently tuned into. I’m always eager to connect, grow, and co-create with our wonderful community!

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Lead Preschool Teacher, Moose Crew

Assistant Director

Hello, my name is Janet Chambliss and I am so excited to teach at Ark Valley Preschool this year! I have over 16 years experience teaching PreK and Kindergarten. I’m married to Mark and we have 2 grown kids in their 20’s. They are my absolute biggest joys in life and I understand the love you feel for your own little ones. Trust me, that never goes away! My interests are hiking, riding my Ebike around town, hanging out with my family and reading. Oh, how I love reading! I’m looking forward to getting to know all of you and watching your children learn and grow this year!

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Lead Toddler Teacher, Bear Buddies

Hi everyone! My name is Melisa Townsend, and I am so excited to be a part of the Ark Valley Preschool community. I studied education and educational psychology at the University of Colorado, and I taught kindergarten in Denver. My husband, Alex, and I moved to Poncha Springs 2 years ago with our sons, Owen and William. We are thrilled to be here and love to go out and explore. I like to read, sing, hike, and play with my kids at the lake or river. I am excited to get to know your kids and to help nurture their love of learning.

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Teacher, Moose Crew

Operations Coordinator

Howdy! My name is Rayna Stem and I’m so excited to be a part of the Ark Valley Preschool community! I am from Oklahoma, but have also spent ample time in New Mexico, Oregon, and have been in Colorado for about 8 years. I have a Bachelors in Psychology as well as Studio Arts. I plan of starting an online Masters program through Metro State in 2024 to obtain an LCSW and become a clinical counselor, with a focus on youth mental health. I moved to Salida in September, purchased a camper, and have been living and redoing it (they don’t help much) with my dog Wayne, and cat Paycheck. My hobbies include painting, drawing, hot springs lounging, and soaking up the Salida sun! I’m excited to develop a loving and trusting relationship with both your kids!

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Yoga Teacher & Part Time Teacher

Hi there, my name is Cassie Buckberg. I am a mom of 3 kiddos, and I always felt the need for Yoga in my kids' lives. I completed my 200 hour yoga training back in 2014 and recently completed the course work of teaching yoga to kids through story telling. You might know my teacher, Jamie from Cosmic Kids Yoga.

My mission is to help our youngest community members learn about self care which is done through storytelling yoga. Each week your children will go on an adventure focusing on a pose of the week.