The Ark Valley Preschool Team

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Executive Director + Breath & Belonging Guide

Carmel brings a background in Education and Visual Arts from Regis University, along with years of leadership and creative experience in education. She has taught art in Denver, coordinated enrichment programs, led middle school homerooms, and served as Assistant Director of a youth camp in Chicago, developing a passion for program design and joyful, community-centered learning spaces. Her work is guided by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, with specialized training in Nurturing Parenting, Level One Reiki, and ongoing certification as a Breathwork Facilitator. At AVP, Carmel designs spaces that nurture independence, emotional growth, collaboration, and curiosity. She lives in Chaffee County with her husband, Dan, and their energetic three-year-old, Luigi Bear, enjoying rafting, hiking, and exploring the outdoors together.

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Assistant Director + Rhythm & Music Guide

Rayna has nearly 15 years of experience in childcare and education, working with children from toddlers to teens in settings ranging from preschools to youth homes. She holds degrees in psychology and studio arts from Western State, blending an understanding of child development with the creativity and freedom of art and music. At AVP, Rayna leads our Rhythm & Music program, supports staff in her role as Assistant Director, and helps create a joyful, well-run school environment. This is her third year with AVP, having served as both a teacher’s aide and operations coordinator. Outside of school, she is an apprentice at a local tattoo shop, enjoys drawing, and spends time with her partner, Zach, their two dogs, and a cat. They are excited to welcome their first baby in December.

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Community Engagement Coordinator + Literacy Guide

Janet brings over 18 years of experience in early childhood education, with a special love for language, stories, and the connections they create. In our classrooms, she leads small-group language and literacy work, greets families each morning, and helps plan community events that knit our school and town together. Janet’s approach is warm, steady, and practical—meeting each child where they are and celebrating every small step. She’s married to Mark and the proud mom of two grown children, which shapes the empathy and care she brings to families at AVP. When she’s not at school, you’ll find her reading, hiking, or cruising town on her e-bike. She can’t wait to get to know your child and cheer them on this year.

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Bear Buddies Lead, Forest Friends Crew

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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Bear Buddies Lead, Puddle Jumpers Crew

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, Sun Seekers Crew

Maren brings over 15 years of experience at the intersections of creativity, education, and healing. She holds a B.A. in Studio Art from St. Olaf College, a Master’s in Education from Augsburg University, and licensure in K–12 Visual Arts with a Reading Endorsement. Her career began as a classroom art teacher in the U.S. and Norway, later expanding into leadership development, racial equity, and organizational culture change. An ICF-trained coach and energy healer, Maren also founded Heartful Alignment Coaching & Healing. Since moving to Salida, she has supported Salida Montessori Preschool and now co-leads at AVP, blending curiosity, creativity, and inclusion in her teaching. Outside of school, she enjoys hiking, cross-country skiing, art-making, and collecting heart-shaped rocks with her partner, Charles.

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Moose Crew Lead, Mountain Movers Crew

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 Lead, River Runners Crew

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.