Partners in Growth

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Child Care Health Consultant

Taryn is Ark Valley’s Child Care Health Consultant and a proud mom to two girls—Lucy, an AVP graduate, and Augie, a current Moose Crew student. As a licensed Health Consultant, she supports the school with medication management, safety protocols, and sanitation practices. Taryn has been connected to AVP for years and loves contributing both behind the scenes and in the classroom, whether reviewing policies or reading with kids at drop-off. She believes strongly in community, kindness, and doing whatever it takes to support children and families. Outside of school, Taryn enjoys mountain biking, adventuring with her family, and curling up with a good book. Her care, expertise, and dedication help keep AVP a safe and nurturing place for every child.

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Intuitive Eating Coach

Ashley is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with training in intuitive eating and a special interest in helping families create peaceful mealtimes without power struggles, pressure, or guilt. She believes toddlers are naturally intuitive eaters and works with parents and caregivers to support their innate ability to eat with trust, curiosity, and self-regulation. As both a dietitian and a mom, Ashley understands the challenges of feeding young children—from picky eating to mealtime chaos and conflicting advice—and offers compassionate, evidence-based guidance rooted in the Division of Responsibility (Ellyn Satter), intuitive eating principles, and a weight-inclusive, non-diet approach. She supports the AVP community through newsletters and workshops, helping families build positive relationships with food for both children and adults.

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Social-Emotional Wellness Consultant

Marie has over 12 years of experience in early childhood education, working as an assistant, lead teacher, special educator, and now as a Social-Emotional Wellness Consultant with Solvista Health. She holds a master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education and is trained in Circle of Security Parenting, Parenting for Success, and other approaches that support caregivers. Marie’s goal is to help with any questions about children’s behavior, feelings, or development—no question is too big or small. She is passionate about helping adults feel confident, connected, and supported. When she’s not working, Marie enjoys hiking with her partner and their dogs, painting, and playing music. She’s excited to be a resource, teammate, and cheerleader for AVP’s children and families this year.

Contact:
sarah.covington@solvistahealth.org
719-285-0193 (call or text)

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Toilet Learning & Sleep Consultant

Marly is the founder of Gentle Start Studio and a Montessori-trained educator, pediatric sleep consultant, and toilet learning specialist. For over a decade, she has worked with infants, toddlers, and their families through classroom teaching, one-on-one coaching, and designing Montessori-inspired spaces that foster independence and connection. Today, Marly focuses on supporting families through sleep and toilet learning transitions in ways that align with their values, fit their daily routines, and respect each child’s developmental stage. She has a special love for the toddler years, seeing them as both a joyful and transformative time in early childhood. Marly is passionate about helping caregivers feel confident and supported, and she is always available as a resource to AVP families. Learn more at gentlestartstudio.com.