Our Teachers
Learning Tree Staff
EXTRAORDINARY TEAM OF PASSIONATE TEACHERS, AND ADMINISTRATORS.
Caring for the child, not the day
We are dedicated and caring group of educational professionals who enjoy building relationships with the children we care for, and with their families. We consider ourselves a family who truly care for the children who are in our classrooms.
Director, Laura Collins
DIRECTOR
Laura Collins
Laura has been with The Learning Tree since 1988.
“I look forward each day to seeing the children’s faces as they arrive; the excitement in their voice as they greet their teachers and see their friends, and as they share stories about what they did the night before.”
Asst. Director, Michelle Brown
ASSITANT DIRECTOR
Michelle Brown
Michelle has been with The Learning Tree since 1992.
“I love hearing the laughter as the children are having fun; and seeing the excitement in their eyes as they have new experiences.”
The Learning Tree Asst. Director, Jessica Novotny
ASSITANT DIRECTOR
Jessica Novotny
Jessica has been with The Learning Tree since 2006.
“My favorite parts of the day are the goodbye hugs I get before the children leave for the day, and hearing the children excitedly telling their parents about their favorite parts of the day.”
Teacher, Ana Espinoza
Ana Espinoza
Ana joined The Learning Tree in 2018.
“What I look forward to everyday while working with children is making a difference in their lives, helping them in their everyday activities, watching them develop, and knowing that I helped put a smile on a child’s face.”
Teacher, Angie Woodworth
Angie Woodworth
Angie has been with The Learning Tree since 2006.
“Smiles, stories, hugs, and the excitement children bring each day can truly brighten your day. I love working with children for these reasons and more. To watch the growth of a child in all areas of development is such a rewarding feeling of accomplishment, and then to see their face as they accomplish a goal is priceless.”
Anne Geary
Anne has been with The Learning Tree since 2003.
“I love getting to know the children as I drive them safely to and from school.”
Teacher, Brandi Gustafson
Brandi Gustafson
Brandi has been with The Learning Tree since 2000.
“I enjoy talking with the children, hearing them talk, and engaging with them.”
Teacher, Cat Harlos
Cat Harlos
Brandi joined The Learning Tree in 2018.
“What I love most about working with children is their genuine empathy towards everyone around them. Not only does this bring me joy and hope each day, but it teaches me many things that as adults we can sometimes forget.”
Teacher, Char Jensen
Char Jensen
Char has been with The Learning Tree since 1990.
“I really enjoy story time and doing flannel board stories with the children.”
Teacher, Claudia Moreno
Claudia Moreno
Claudia has been with The Learning Tree since 2007.
“I really enjoy doing the morning message, and getting to say hello to the children as they arrive.”
Teacher, Colleen Morris
Colleen Morris
Colleen has been with The Learning Tree since 2006.
“I like doing art with the children and getting creative with them.”
The Learning Tree Teacher, Gina Jungers
Gina Jungers
Gina has been with The Learning Tree since 1990.
“I love their stories and how they describe the activities they are doing.”
The Learning Tree Teacher, Jasmin Garcia
Jasmin Garcia
Jasmin has been with The Learning Tree since 2017.
“I enjoy working with the children, because I get to show them new things and watch them learn and grow.
The Learning Tree Teacher, Jessie Berg
Jessie Berg
Jessie has been with The Learning Tree since 2006.
“I love being able to work on milestones with the children, and watching them accomplish them.”
Image of The Learning Tree Teacher, Katie Ryan
Katie Ryan
Katie has been with The Learning Tree since 2015.
“What I enjoy most about working with the children is developing one on one relationships, because each child is so unique which helps me develop new styles to teach them.”
The Learning Tree Teacher, Kim Corzine
Kim Corzine
Kim has been with The Learning Tree since 1988.
“I love having one on one time with the children, and I love storytelling, and anything to do with ooey-gooey and nature.”
The Learning Tree Teacher, Kristina Martinez
Kristina Martinez
Kristina has been with The Learning Tree since 1996.
“I like when you see the children interacting and having fun, and you see a smile on their face.”
Teacher, Luci Matute Zuniga
Luci Matute Zuniga
Luci has been with The Learning Tree since 2006.
“I like that when the children com in they say “hi!” and “what’s for lunch?”
Teacher, Melanie Hansen
Melanie Hansen
Melanie has been with The Learning Tree since 2006.
“I like seeing the wheels turn when they are learning a new concept and you can see that they achieved it.”
Teacher, Nicole Tummillo
Nicole Tummillo
Nicole joined The Learning Tree in 2018.
“I enjoy working with children because they inspire me to become the best that I can be; because I get to care for them everyday; and I get to be part of their life, and watch them grow, learn and succeed.”
Teacher, Paloma Picasso
Paloma Picasso
Paloma joined The Learning Tree in 2018.
“I enjoy learning along with the children,and watching them grow into their unique personalities.”
Teacher, Salma Palacios
Salma Palacios
Salma joined The Learning Tree in 2018.
“I enjoy watching the children grow before my eyes everyday. What I like most, is knowing that I have a part in preparing them for their future. Working with children fills me with joy and brightens my days.”
Teacher, Zoraida Sheila Roden
Sheila Roden
Shelia has been with The Learning Tree since 1996.
“Watching the children explore the interest centers is one of my favorite times; and right when they wake up from nap.”
Teacher, Shelly Benson
Shelly Benson
Shelly joined The Learning Tree in 2018.
“I enjoy being a part of educating and challenging children on a daily basis; getting to watch them experience things for the first time, and being able to witness the groundbreaking moments that happen..”
Teacher, Stephanie Dickerson
Stephanie Dickerson
Stephanie has been with The Learning Tree since 2002.
“I like interacting with them one on one; because I get a chance to build those bonds.”
Teacher, Zoraida Perez Flores
Zoraida Perez Flores
Zoraida has been with The Learning Tree since 1996.
“I really enjoy greeting the children in the morning and starting their day.”