Our Staff

Ms. Andrea, Director
Kindergarten Lead Teacher (September 1994)

Ms. Andrea has worked for Hearts In Hand for over 20 years. She has a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies from Colorado State University with an Emphasis in Early Childhood Education. She is Director Qualified through the State of Colorado and has worked with children for over 25 years. She has 3 boys who grew up at Hearts in Hand.

Birthday: January 8th
Favorite restaurant: Olive Garden and Outback
Favorite stores: Christopher and Banks
Favorite coffee shop: Starbucks/ Black Ice Tea
Favorite food: Chinese, Dove Milk Chocolate, Pepsi
Favorite Scent: Vanilla
Other things I love: Football and Hockey, CSU Rams, The Beach, Disney World and Harry Potter

Ms. Desiree, Preschool Teacher (August 2018)

Hi Parents! This is my first year at Hearts in Hand! And I am beyond excited to get to know your kiddos! I have a sincere passion for children, and I look forward to teaching their young brains. I have a degree in Journalism and Communications. I am a Colorado native, born in Grand Junction.
Birthday: July 8, 1995
Favorite restaurants: Texas Roadhouse
Favorite stores: TJ Maxx or Target
Favorite drink: Coffee
My Favorite Scent: Mint, Pumpkin, Fall scents
Favorite Food: Pasta
Favorite Candy: Sweet Tarts
Other things I love: Cooking, Napping, Boating, Karaoke

Ms. Rhiannon, Wobbler Teacher
(September 2017)

My name is Rhiannon, and I have lived in Colorado since 2004. I moved here from California when I was in first grade. I have always loved kids and babies, but I became interested in childcare when i was placed in a child development class in high school to fill an empty spot in my schedule, and I have loved learning about and working with children ever since! I have completed my ECE training with Front Range Community College and am delighted to be here in the Wobbler room.
Birthday:
Favorite drink: Coffee
Favorite candy: Any Candy with Chocolate
Other things I love: My Family and my Cat, Working with Kids, Gardening, Reading, and Drawing, Music.

Ms. Kate, Toddler Lead Teacher (March 2017)

Ms. Kate is loving working in the Wobbler room. She was a nanny for two children and decided to join our center. She has her ECT. She is an artist who shows her art at the Art Lab in Old Town, along with being a power lifter on her free time. She is getting married in the summer of 2018 and is enjoying getting to know everyone at HIH.

Favorite Drink: Tea Shop
Favorite Restaurant: Tasty Harmony
Favorite Stores: Vitamin Cottage, Ten Thousand Villages

Ms. April Pre-K Teacher (April 2016)

My name is April and I recently moved to Colorado to be close to the majority of my family.
I grew up in Las Vegas. I worked for 4 years and 11 months at a childcare center in Las Vegas and am very excited to be continuing in this field here.
I have my Associates in Early Childhood Education. I am excited to learn all the new exciting adventures Colorado has in store for me, like my new engagement my fiancee surprised me with.
Birthday: January 16
Favorite restaurant: Café Mexicali, Chili Thai, Olive Garden, Santerama's
Favorite store: Ross, Bath and Body Works
Favorite Drink: Dr. Pepper
Favorite drink shop: Starbucks/ White Chocolate Mocha Frappachino
Favorite food: Italian and Mexican
Favorite Candy: Reeces
Favorite Scent: Wood, Pine, Beach
Other things I love: Flip flops and purses
Green is my favorite color along with light blue and purple.

Ms. Danielle, Wobbler Teacher (September 2017)

I've been with Hearts in Hand since August. I moved to Colorado from Tennessee where I lived for the past 2 years. Before that I lived in Florida. I have loved working here and look forward to continue.

Birthday: June 21st
Favorite drink: Coffee
Favorite restaurant: Olive Garden
Favorite coffee shop: Human Bean/Starbucks
Favorite candy: sour candy
Favorite store: Target
Favorite scent: Vanilla

Ms. Taylor, Toddler Teacher (May 2016)

My name is Taylor and I am a freshman in college currently. I have worked at Hearts in Hand for three years. This year I will be splitting my time in Pre-K and Toddler Rooms! In my free time I am a dancer. I started when I was little and now teach on the weekends to ages 2-4. I love spending time with my family and my little brother Jaden.
Birthday: September 24
Restaurant: Fuzzy's
Favorite Store: Target, American Eagle
Favorite Coffee Shop: Starbucks, Dutch Brothers
Favorite Drink: Strawberry Acai (Starbucks) or Lemonade
Favorite Scent: Floral
Favorite Candy: Milk duds, Sour Patch watermelon
Favorite Food: Tacos, Quesadilla
Other things I love: Dance, Scrunchies, Dutch Bros or Starbucks, Amazon

Ms. Mary, Cook (November 2017)

I have raised 2 children, 4 grandchildren till they started school all day. I was a nanny for 2 children until they started school all day. While doing this, I went to Beauty school and have my own salon and used to manage a couple. I volunteer at nursing and handicap homes and help with parades. I have 12 rabbits and 12 ducks. I love spending time with my grandchildren.

Birthday: May 7th
Favorite drink: Seltzers
Favorite food: sushi
Favorite restaurant: Mt. Fuji
Favorite coffee shop: Starbucks
Favorite candy: Salted nut roll
Favorite store:Ross
Favorite Scent: Lavender
Others things I love: Reading

Ms. Irina, Assistant Director
Half day Preschool teacher (September 2016)

Irina has worked at Hearts in Hand for 3 years. She has earned her Bachelor's in Secondary Education at Tula State Lev Tolstoy Pedagogical University in Russia. She has earned her Early Childhood Teacher Certificate and Early Childhood Director Certificate at Front Range Community College, She has over 10 years of experience working with children of different ages. Irina's hobbies are traveling, cooking, and being outdoors.
Birthday: May 18th
Favorite drink: Fruit Teas, White Chocolate Mocha
Favorite food: Sushi
Favorite restaurant: Cafe Mexicali, Panda Express
Favorite coffee shop: Dunkin Donuts, Human Bean, Starbucks
Favorite candy: White Chocolate, Twix, Kit Kat
Favorite store: TJ MAXX, H&M, World Market, Zara
Favorite scent: Lavender, All sweet and fruity scents
Other things I love: Traveling, Music, Cooking, Baking

Ms. Callie, Toddler Teacher (November 2017)

I'm from Fort Collins, but have spent a few years in Phoenix, AZ. I started working with kids when I was 16 as a gymnastics coach which led to where I am today. In my spare time I work at the LOFT clothing store for fun and hangout with my dog Peanut.
Birthday: June 26 th
Favorite drink: Vitamin Water
Favorite food: Mexican
Favorite restaurant: Cafe Mexicali
Favorite coffee shop: Dutch Bros, Starbucks
Favorite candy: Berry
Favorite store: Target, Trader Joes
Favorite scent: Vanilla, Sweet Scents
Other things I love: Dogs, Candles, Dancing

Ms. Sara, Assistant Director & Infant Lead Teacher (February 2001)

Ms. Sara has worked at Hearts In Hand since February of 2001. She has a degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Colorado State University. In her spare time she enjoys going to the mountains and seeing movies with her family. Her son, Dylan goes to Rocky Mountain High School and her son Tyler attends Webber Middle School and spends a lot of time running to all their activities. She enjoys spending time with the kids and families at Hearts in Hand. She loves snuggling with all the babies and watching them learn and grow.
Birthday: February 13th
Favorite restaurant: Café Mexicali
Favorite store: Target, Kohls
Favorite Drink: Coke Zero
Favorite drink shop: Starbucks/ caramel frap
Favorite food: Italian and Mexican
Favorite Candy: Hot Tamales and Chocolate
Favorite Scent: Not too picky!!!
Other things I love: Movies and spending time with my family

Ms. Meriha, Assistant Director Pre-K Lead Teacher
(June 2008)

I have worked at Hearts in Hand since 2008. I graduated from Front Range with a degree in Early Childhood Education and all 3 pertaining certificates. I have spent my time at Hearts in Hand in every classroom. Each has presented their own challenges and rewards. I have done preschool/pre-k summer camp since 2012 and I am very excited to do Pre-k during the school year. I have spent my whole life around children of all ages and enjoy cooking, reading, camping, art, writing, playing games, spending time with my dog Chubby, friends and family. I look forward to getting to know each child and family in Preschool.

Birthday: April 18th
Favorite Restaurant: Any Restaurant
Favorite Stores: Target, Maurice's, Hobby Lobby, Michaels
Favorite Drink Places: Starbucks, Human Bean
Favorite Drink: Vanilla Latte extra hot, Pepsi
Favorite Food; Watermelon
Favorite Candy: Chocolate
Favorite Scent: Vanilla
Other things I love; Pirates, Disney, Art and Movies

Ms. Kyla, Lead Wobbler Teacher
(February 2014)

My name is Kyla and I have been working in child development centers since my senior year of high school in 2009. I attended Front Range and obtrained my ECE certificate. I love spending time with my family, Dom my husband and Maddie my daughter. We enjoy going on walks with our dogs, going shopping, or to the park.

Birthday: August 5th

Favorite Drink Place: The Human Bean, Starbucks
Favorite Restaurants: Texas Roadhouse, Garlic Knot
Favorite Stores: Target, Tuesday Mornings, and Hobby Lobby

Ms. Michelle, Infant Teacher
(August 2016)

My name is Michelle and I am happily married and have four great children and one granddaughter. I love her to pieces! My oldest son is married and stationed in Germany in the army. My oldest daughter is in college and working on a nursing degree and I have two daughters in high school. I have had my own daycare for 5 1/2 years and decided it was time to get out and work away from home. I previously worked for Hearts in Hand and enjoyed it. I love working with kids and hope to do it for many years to come.

Ms. Krys, Preschool Teacher (March 2019)
Hello! I moved to Fort Collins in January 2019. I'm from Lincoln, NE, and I attended college in Iowa. I have my BA in Sociology and Communication Studies, and I will be studying Social Work at CSU next spring! I have experience with kids of all ages, but primarily preschool. I used to teach at a non-profit, and I am stoked to continue teaching at Hearts in Hand. When I am not here, I am tending to my community garden plot, volunteering, and baking/cooking new foods. I hope to share my love of nature and creativity, as well as my training in math ed and behavior management at Hearts in Hand.
Birthday: July 6
Favorite drink: Tea and coffee
Favorite restaurant: Silver Grill Cafe, Tasty Harmony
Favorite scent: Cedarwood
Favorite stores: Ten Thousand Villages,TJ Maxx, plant nurseries, and anything local!

Ms. Jessica, Infant Teacher (June 2017)

Hello! I am Ms. Jessie and I am so grateful to be such a big part in your little one's lives! I am a mother to my one year old daughter (Gracie) and my three year old son (Graham), as well as a wife to my wonderful husband (Chandler). I love to get outdoors, playing tennis and pickle ball, and exploring Colorado with my kiddos and dog (Obi). Most importantly, I love working in the field of Early Childhood Education and spending my days here at Hearts in Hand.
Birthday: June 12, 1991
Favorite drink: Coffee
Favorite food: Italian or seafood and ice cream
Favorite restaurant: Red Lobster
Favorite coffee shop: any
Favorite candy: Smarties or Butterfingers
Favorite store: Target
Favorite scent: Christmas Tree or Vanilla
Other things I love: My kiddos, animals, tennis, and pedicures

Ms. Taylor K., Lead Preschool Teacher (February 2017)

Ms. Taylor has completed her level 2 certification and hours to become ECT. She has classes in development and behavior management. She loves getting to know each individual child and creating a classroom space to accommodate all learning needs..

Birthday: July 25th

Favorite Drink Place: Dunkin Donuts
Favorite Restaurants: Olive Garden
Favorite Stores: Tuesday Morning

Ms. Christy, Pre-K Teacher (September 2015)

My name is Christy and I have been working with children for nearly 20 years. I have 3 years coursework through C.S.U. and Bethany College, focusing on Child Development/Elementary Education. I also have my Paralegal Degree.
Ever since I was little, I loved to play teacher. It is a joy and an honor to be a part of each child's life! To see them grow, learn and thrive, as the year goes by.
I was born and raised in Ft. Collins. My husband (Dan)and I have 2 daughters...Caroline, 22 and Lindsay, 15. I also have 4 cats and a dog!
Birthday: July 23
Favorite Drink: Starbucks
Favorite Restaurant: Texas Roadhouse
Favorite Snack: Donuts
Favorite Store: Target
Other things I love: All things beach! The color Pink! Baking! My Christian Faith!

Ms. Acacia, Wobbler Teacher (March 2017)

My name is Acacia. I've been with Hearts in Hand since April. Before that, I worked at Harmony House while obtaining my degree in HDFS. I've been working with infants and wobblers, but in January I will be working full time in the Infant room. I am excited to get to know our new families as well as older families.
Birthday: August 6th
Favorite drink: coffee or coke
Favorite restaurant: Chick-Fil-A
Favorite coffee shop: Human Bean
Favorite candy: Snickers
Favorite store: Barnes and Noble
Favorite scent: Citrus

Ms. Kayla. Preschool Teacher (January 2019)

My name is Kayla, I am a College Graduate with a degree in Psychology from the University of Northern Colorado. I started working with children when I was 16 at the Boys and Girls Club. In my spare time I like to spend time with my boyfriend and my teacup chihuahua Bella!
Birthday: June 22nd
Favorite restaurant: Red Robin
Favorite Coffee Shop: STARBUCKS
Favorite Candy: Snickers
Favorite Store:
Favorite Scent: Vanilla, Lavender
Other things I love: Bella, Family and turtles.

Ms. Maggie, Toddler Teacher (January 2019)

Hello, my name is Maggie. I began working at hearts in hand at the beginning of this year in the toddler classroom. I am from North Carolina and just graduated with my undergraduate degree from Appalachian State University. I have been working in Early Childhood centers for the past several years, as well as working in public elementary schools for grade k-4. I am also a dance teacher. I have been teaching dance to children ages 2-12 for 6 years!
In my free time I love to spend time with my fiance and two cats!

Favorites: Coffee, Hiking, Travel, Reading, Church, and Cats!

​Ms. Andrea, Director Kindergarten Lead Teacher (September 1994)