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 Drink: Pepsi, Starbucks Iced Tea Favorite Starbucks/Coffee drink: Starbucks Iced Tea (Black Unsweet) Favorite Restaurants: Young's Cafe, Outback Favorite Candy/Chocolate: Dove Milk Chocolate, Kit Kats Favorite Stores: Amazon Favorite Scent: Vanilla Favorite Cake: Chocolate Other things I love: Colorado Avalanche, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Denver Broncos
Ms. Brittney, Wobbler Teacher (May 2019)
I just recently started here at Hearts in Hand a few months ago, in the Pre-K room. I recently graduated high school and I am taking early childhood classes through Front Range. I love spending time with my family and being in nature. I look forward to getting to know each child in the Wobbler room!
Ms. Rhiannon, Infant 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: June 12th Favorite drink: Coffee, Dr. Pepper, tea Favorite Starbucks/Coffee drink: Frappuccino, Caramel cold brew Favorite restaurants: Tokyo Joes Favorite candy/chocolate: Chocolate, Sour gummy worms Favorite stores: Target, 2nd&Charles, Dutch Bro's Favorite cake: chocolate Other things I love: plants, animals
Ms. Calli, Pre-K Teacher (August 2019)
My name is Calli and I just moved to Fort Collins in July of 2019. I am from Minnesota and just recently graduated from the University of North Dakota with a bachelor's degree in psychology. I've always loved working with kids, as I grew up helping my mom with her home daycare. I also worked as a summer nanny for 3 years, and at a childcare center for 2 years. I enjoy relaxing outdoors, reading, and spending time with my boyfriend and my dog, Nico. I am very excited for all of the new adventures here in Colorado, and I look forward to getting to know all of the kiddos and families in Pre-K this upcoming school year. Birthday: November 16 Favorite Drink: Diet Coke Favorite Starbucks/Coffee Drink: Iced Caramel Macchiato Favorite Restaurants: Cheba Hut, Qdoba Favorite Candy/chocolate: Snickers, M&M-crispy Favorite Stores: Target, Trader Joe's Favorite Scents: Vanilla, Lavender, Pumpkin Favorite Cake: Chocolate Other things I love or collect: Reading, Hiking, Coffee Mugs
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 Drink: Dr. Pepper Favorite Starbucks/Coffee Drink: Iced/Blended White Mocha Favorite Restaurants: Olive Garden, Cafe Rio Favorite Candy/Chocolate: Dark Chocolate, Sour Gummies Favorite Stores: Dollar Tree, Walmart, Joann's Favorite Scent: Woodsy smells Favorite Cake: Confetti, White, Vanilla Bean Other things I love: Flip flops (size 10), purses and crystal balls. Favorite colors: teal, green and purple
Ms. Wendy, Wobbler Teacher (June 2019) Hi! I'm so happy to be here helping to take care of your little ones! I moved to Fort Collins from Michigan to be with, and help out my daughter and son in law while she goes to CSU vet school and he starts classes at community college.I also have a son back in Michigan who I miss dearly (sad face). I have an associates degree in early childhood development and have worked in childcare for almost thirty years only taking time off to be home with my own two when they were little. Now I'm excited about my new adventure here in Colorado and the chance to get to know all the kids and families here at Hearts in Hand.
Birthday:November 4 Favorite drink: Coffee or Ginger Ale (Vernors from Mi.) Favorite restaurant :Just got here, still exploring places. Favorite coffee shop: The Alleycat Favorite candy: White Ferreros Favorite store: any store with crystals and oils Favorite scent: woodsy and musky oils
Ms. Taylor, Toddler Teacher (May 2016)
My name is Taylor and am currently a student at colorado state. I have worked at Hearts in Hand for 4 years. I am studying human development and family studies with a pre-health concentration. After graduation I will attend grad school for occupational therapy. 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 Favorite Drink: Dr. Pepper Favorite Starbucks/Coffee Drink: Iced Vanilla Latte Favorite Restaurants: Chick fil-A, Freddy's, Cafe Mexicali Favorite Candy/Chocolate: Milk duds Favorite Stores: Target, Homegoods Favorite Scents: Floral, Beach Favorite Cake: Nothing Bundt-White Chocolate Raspberry Other things I love: Starbucks cups, Mugs
Ms. Irina, Assistant Director (September 2016)
Irina has worked at Hearts in Hand for over 3 years. She has her Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education, Early Childhood Teacher Certificate and Early Childhood Director Certificate. 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: Cream Soda Favorite Starbucks/Coffee Drink: White Chocolate Mocha Favorite restaurant: Cafe Mexicali, Panda Express Favorite candy/chocolate: White Chocolate, Twix, Kit Kat Favorite store: TJ MAXX, H&M, Amazon, Hobby Lobby Favorite scent: Lavender Other things I love: House Plants, Macrame, Being outdoors, Travelling
Ms. Rachael, Preschool Teacher (August 2020)
My name is Rachael and I am a new teacher in the preschool classroom here at Hearts in Hand. I was born in Nebraska, but have spent a majority of my life in Colorado. I received my bachelors degree in HDFS from CSU just this year. I have always wanted to be a teacher and am so thankful for the opportunity to work and learn here! Birthday: February 9th Favorite drink: Coca-Cola Favorite Starbucks/Coffee drink: Mocha Favorite restaurant: Le Creperie, Fox and the Crow Favorite coffee shop: My kitchen Favorite candy/chocolate: Anything sour Favorite store: Target/Amazon Favorite scent: Fruity Favorite Cake: Chocolate with vanilla frosting Other things I love: Books/Coffee mugs
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: Chili's, Bad Daddy's, Café Mexicali Favorite store: Target, Kohls, Bath & Body Works Favorite Drink: Coke Zero Favorite Starbucks/Coffee drink: Caramel Frap (not really a coffee drinker) Favorite Candy/chocolate: Hot Tamales and Chocolate Favorite Stores: Kohls, Target, Bath & Body Works Favorite Scent: Nothing too Fruity, Fall and Holiday Scents are the best Favorite Cake: Lemon or Chocolate Other things I love: The Huskers and Rams - college football, Broncos, Going to movies and Spending time in the mountains 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 Drink: Vanilla Coffee, Pepsi Favorite Starbucks/Coffee Drink: Vanilla Latte extra hot Favorite Restaurants: Panera, Cafe Mexicali Favorite Candy/Chocolate: Chocolate w/o fruit or crispy (nuts ok) Favorite Stores: Maurices, Target, Walmart, Amazon, Nail/Hair Salon Favorite Scent: Vanilla Favorite Cake: Funfetti, Vanilla Other things I love: Pirates, Disney, Art and Movies, Cake/Baking/Cooking Tools, anything for Xander
Ms. Kyla, Lead Toddler Teacher (February 2014)
I was born and raised the majority of my life in Montrose, Colorado. I have lived in a couple of other states such as Texas, Ohio, and North Carolina. I enjoy to travel around and see different places. I received my Early Childhood teaching certificate from Front Range Community College, in the spring of 2016. I have been working and teaching in the child care center setting for ten years. I am really enjoying teaching here at Hearts in Hand; I have been here for five years. I have worked with the Wobblers, Toddlers, and Infants. I love being able to use my passion as my job! In my free time I love being a Mama to my two children: Maddie and Carson. I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I am looking forward to teaching the Wobblers and getting to know their families!
Birthday: August 5th Favorite Drink: Iced tea or Coffee Favorite Starbucks/Coffee drink: White Chocolate Mocha, Pumpkin Spice Favorite Restaurants: Chick-fil-A Favorite Stores: Target Favorite Scents: Leather or Beachy Favorite Cake: White Chocolate Raspberry Other things I love or collect: Sunflowers, The Beach
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. Birthday: February 9 Favorite drink: Dr. Pepper Favorite Starbucks/Coffee drink: Iced White Chocolate Mocha Favorite Restaurants: Olive Garden, Red Lobster Favorite Candy/chocolate: Reese's, Kit Kat Favorite Stores: Target, Hobby Lobby Favorite Scents: Vanilla, Pumpkin Favorite Cake: chocolate Other things I love or collect: Mickey Mouse
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 am ECT certified. I have experience with kids of all ages, 6 weeks to 17, ranging from center care, to nannying, to trauma-informed in-patient care. I especially love teaching through experiences with nature and art! When I am not here, I am likely baking/cooking, working on a puzzle, reading, or playing board and video games. Birthday: July 6 Favorite drink: Diet Dr. Pepper, Tea (Happy Lucky's, especially!), Coffee, Beer (not IPA's) Favorite Starbucks/Coffee Drink: Caramel Macchiato w/sf vanilla+soy milk, Crooked Bumblebee from Crooked Cup, Cappuccinos Favorite restaurant: Silver Grill Cafe, Illegal Pete's, Cheba Hut, Little Bird, Rainbow Cafe, most places in Old Town Favorite Candy/Chocolate: Kit Kats, Paydays, Sour Gummi Worms Favorite Stores: Amazon, Safeway, Modcloth, Etsy, Old Firehouse Books Favorite Scents: Amber, Cedar, Pumpkin, Nature-y Smells Favorite Cake: Lemon/Raspberry Other things I love or collect: Plants, Hand Lotion (Working Hands), Bears, Bread, Yarn
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, Soy Vanilla Chai, Red Wine Favorite restaurant: Red Lobster, anything Italian Favorite candy/chocolate: Skittles, Hot tamales, Gobstoppers Favorite store: Target Favorite scent: Christmas Tree or Vanilla Favorite Cake: Carrot Cake Other things I love or collect: Candles
Ms. Taylor K., School-Age 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: Dr. Pepper Favorite Starbucks/Coffee Drink: everything Caramel Favorite Restaurants: Jims Wings and Krazy Karls Favorite Candy/chocolate: Dark Chocolate Favorite Stores: Target Favorite Scents: Caramel, Coffee Favorite Cake: Ice Cream Other thing I love: Plants
Ms. Christy, Kindergarten 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: Coke or Pepsi Favorite Starbucks/Coffee Drink: Mocha Favorite restaurant: Young's Cafe, Fuzzy's Favorite candy/chocolate: Snickers Favorite store: Target Favorite scent: Lavender Favorite Cake: Chocolate
Ms. Magdalena, Toddler Teacher (August 2020)
I am a native to Fort Collins. I like to travel, and have also lived in Hawaii and Wisconsin. I have two dogs named Loretta and Ophelia. I enjoy camping and being outside, as well as reading and going to concerts. I just started in the beginning of August and am very excited to start this journey! Birthday: June 21 Favorite Drink: Tea/Coffee Favorite Starbucks/Coffee Drink: Coffee (not very sweet) Favorite Restaurant: Tasty Harmony Favorite Candy/Chocolate: Sour Candy Favorite Stores: Clothes Mentor Favorite Scents: Coconut, Sandalwood Favorite Cake: I prefer pie!