Staff

Laura - Director

Hello! Working with children has been a passion of mine since I had my first child 17 years ago. I am originally from Maryland and attended both Johns Hopkins University and Penn State University studying English and Business Administration. I then worked as a physician recruiter and commercial loan officer in California. But after having my son, I took a part-time job at a nearby drop-in center so that I could bring him to work with me. I quickly fell in love with the job and went back to school to get my Lead Teacher and then Director credentials. I have worked as both a teacher and a director in a variety of settings, including Englewood Public Schools and many private schools in Denver and Lakewood. When the opportunity arose to open a high quality center in Wheat Ridge, Stacie and I jumped at the opportunity. Working in partnership with the University of Denver as a pilot school for the Connect4Learning curriculum has been an amazing experience and I'm so excited to be able to support our students in their literacy, math, science and social emotional skills. Outside of work I enjoy weightlifting, white water rafting and enjoying the outdoors with my 3 children and 160 pound Great Dane.

Stacie - Director

Hello! I've lived in Colorado all of my life and currently live in Thornton with my wife, two children and my precious grandchild Oakli. I began teaching in childcare 19 years ago when I had my daughter and didn't want to leave her to go back to work. My teaching experience has been with children of all ages including infants, toddlers, preschoolers and schoolagers. My favorite age is probably the Toddlers - they are so curious about the world around them. While I was teaching I decided to go back to school for my Director's qualifications. I then worked as the Director of a large childcare in Denver before opening Wheat Ridge Learning Academy with Laura in 2015. Working with Toddlers is still my passion, and I was thrilled to work with the University of Denver and the creators of the Connect4Learning curriculum to find ways to incorporate literacy, math, science and social emotional skills into the Toddler lesson plans. Outside of work I enjoy all the time I can spend with my family camping, playing laser tag or enjoying family game night. I also take Tae Kwon Do, have become pretty skilled at applying zombie make up and enjoy going to the shooting range. Although I fight MS every day I don't let it define who I am - "I have MS, MS doesn't have me!"

Martha - Infant Nursery Supervisor

Laura Gomez - Infant Teacher

Julianna - Toddler Teacher

Lydia - Preschool Teacher

Sam - Preschool Teacher

Angie - Toddler and Infants Teacher

Isabel - Float Teacher