Jamie Jones, Director
Originally from southern Minnesota, Jamie graduated with a BA in Elementary Education from Bethel College in St. Paul. She has experience working in a variety of classrooms from 4th grade to Infants, Toddlers and Preschoolers. She received a Director Credential in both Colorado and Florida, and has been both an Assistant Director in Colorado and an Executive Director for a large Florida preschool. Most recently, Jamie worked for the Aspen School District as a full-inclusion toddler/preschool teacher. 

Jamie is well versed in the Reggio Emilia philosophy around which CGL is based. She appreciates the Reggio philosophy/curriculum because it captures the very heart of what early education should be about, the child’s joy in learning. Jamie’s love of the Colorado outdoors meshes perfectly with Reggio, and she looks forward to spending time with the children on the nature trail right outside of the classrooms. 

Jamie’s passions outside of CGL include skiing, rafting and hiking.



Shelley Gile, Operations Manager
Shelley was born and raised in New York. She graduated from the University of Denver with a degree in Political Science after which she lived in New York City and worked in the fashion industry for 15 years. She then moved back to Colorado and lived in Denver and worked in administration for a non-profit, Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado. She moved to Vail in 1993 and worked in a variety of administrative positions including eight years as the Business and Admissions Coordinator at Vail Christian High School.

Shelley joined CGL in January, 2007 as a part-time administrative assistant and gradually assumed more duties. She is now the Operations Manager of the school. Shelley lives in Avon and passionately enjoys the Colorado outdoors with her husband and their amazing black lab, Pippa.




 Lily Chard, Office Assistant and Teacher
Lily has been both a toddler and preschool teacher at CGL since June of 2006.  In addition to teaching two days a week (now to toddlers), she recently joined the administrative staff as an office assistant working on a variety of tasks and special events.

Lily was born and raised in Thetford, VT and graduated with a BA in Sociology from the University of Colorado at Boulder and has her Colorado Director’s Certification. Lily was honored in May, 2010 by being named the Moe Mulrooney Award Recipient.

Lily chose to teach at CGL because of “The staff……we have the most educated, compassionate, energetic, creative and caring staff; the families…....our families amaze me with their endless support and generosity; the students….they make me smile everyday!”  Her passions outside of CGL? “Skiing and being with family and friends.”  Something people might not know about Lily? “I can pick up things with my toes!”




 MEET THE TEACHERS

Jeaninne Carty was born and raised in Santa Cruz, Bolivia.  She holds a Bachelor of Humanities from Bolivia and is Director Qualified in the State of Colorado. Jeaninne has been a toddler teacher since1999.

She chose to teach at CGL because of “our amazing staff and families.”

Her passions outside of CGL? “I love to spend time with my kids, especially when I can take them to do fun activities.”

Something most people might not know about Jeaninne? “I used to be an accountant in Bolivia.”





Alyson Cloud was born and raised in Fort Morgan, Colorado. She has a Bachelors Degree from Colorado State University in Merchandising and is 75% finished with Director’s Certification in Early Childhood Education.  After substitute teaching for several months, Alyson started as a Preschool teacher in December of 2010.  She chose to teach at CGL because “The Reggio Philosophy is something that I have come to strongly believe in and I love the environment that it creates. I also love the group of staff and children that I get to work with on a daily basis!”

Her passions outside of CGL include hiking, yoga, skiing, traveling, and her dog, Corbet.

Something most people might not know about Alyson? “I have been teaching for almost 7 years.”




Emily Farquhar was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA and holds a B.S in Early Childhood and Elementary from Bucknell University. She joined CGL as a preschool teacher in June, 2011.

Emily chose CGL because “My children are two of CGL’s success stories! I love the Reggio Emilia philosophy and jumped at the change to be part of such a great team of educators”.

Her passions outside of CGL include “being a mom to Lexi, Reilly and Peyton, skiing with my sweet girls and golfing with my hubby”.

Something you might not know about Emily? “I played water polo in college!”




Emilie George was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, although she moved to Colorado when she was 3 years old and was raised here. Emilie graduated in the summer of 2010 from Colorado State University with a Natural Resources Recreation and Tourism degree. Throughout her college career, she filled most of her electives with Early Childcare Education classes knowing she enjoyed working with children as much as she did the outdoors.

Emilie joined CGL in June of 2011 as an assistant in both the toddler and preschool classrooms. Emilie chose CGL because "The environment is so enjoyable here at CGL. The teachers and children really make the school special and you can tell everyone loves being here. Learning should be fun and I’m glad I can assist in doing just that."

Emilie's passions outside of CGL are swimming, cooking, arts and crafts, skiing and reading.

Something people might not know about Emilie? " I am the oldest of six kids. My Mom always wanted a big Irish-Catholic family like her own growing up and thus I have found myself lucky enough to be a part of a family consisting of 4 uncles, 7aunts, and 40 first cousins."



Kathie Hutchinson, Psy.D. was born and raised in Michigan, just South of Ann Arbor. and has lived in the beautiful Vail Valley for 10 years. Kathie attended the University of Michigan where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. In 2000, she graduated from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology located in Chicago with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. The focus of her training and professional experience has been on working with children and families. She was in private practice in Edwards for five years.

Kathie started at CGL in 2009 as a substitute teacher which gave her the opportunity to interact with many of the children. She now regularly works as an assistant teacher in the toddler classrooms and substitute teaches in preschool as well. She chose CGL because “The fun-loving spirit of the staff and their dedication to the children and families is so impressive. I’m proud to be a member of this team!”

Kathie’s passions outside of CGL? “I am an avid runner and hiker and love being in the sunshine! I also enjoy skiing, reading, spending time at the beach, and laughing with my friends.”

 Something people might not know about her? “I have run three marathons and am training for my fourth.”




Brigid Kenny was born and raised in Vail, Colorado and has a BA in Business/Marketing from Western State College of Colorado.  Brigid began as a preschool teacher in September of 2005 and chose to teach at CGL because “I enjoy the people I work with and the families who attend. It’s also the preschool I attended!”

Her passions outside of CGL include skiing, hiking, riding my bike, yoga and going on vacations.

Something people might not know about Brigid? “I don’t like chocolate.”









   Julie Kieras was born in Denver and raised in a town just north of Chicago. She holds a BA Liberal Arts/ Spanish and European Studies from Colorado State University and numerous Early Childhood Education classes.

Julie taught at CGL from 2006-2009 and then rejoined the school in June, 2011 as a preschool teacher. She chose to return because “CGL has a very loving environment with people who are passionate about the lives of children. There are many spaces in the school that encourage outdoor learning such as the nature trail and the gorgeous gardens”.

Julie’s passions outside of CGL? “Adventures, yoga, cooking and creating delicious food. Music for the soul. You can find me riding snowboards, bikes, rafts, and planes ”

Something you might not know about her? “I like to get upside down”.





  Anna McElduff was born and raised in Northern Minnesota and holds a BS in Geology and a BS in Environmental Studies from University of Colorado, Boulder, and has recently completed her Masters in Education.  Anna began as a CGL preschool teacher in June, 2006 and chose to teach here because “CGL is a wonderful school, not only physically, but because of the staff as well. Since I first walked in to have my interview, I have felt at home.”

Her passions outside of CGL? “I love being in the mountains! I often can be found hiking on the hills, rafting down the river and camping out.”

Something people might not know about Anna? “I still have a baby tooth----so I’m still a kiddo!"





    Kyle McKay was born and raised in Massachusetts. He graduated form Plymouth State University in New Hampshire with a degree in Early Childhood Education. He started at CGL in January, 2011 as a preschool teacher. CGL appealed to Kyle because “When I first visited CGL, I was immediately taken aback by how much I felt at home. The teachers and the parents that I met were warm and welcoming and I knew that It was a good choice for me.  Also, I am very excited to be teaching under the Reggio Emilia approach.  I love to learn and explore with the children, and with the freedom that the Reggio curriculum provides, there will certainly be some fun and exciting things happening!”

Something people might not know about Kyle? “ I love to get creative and crochet as well as whip up a tasty new recipe when I can.”






 Arleen Montag was born in Bronx, NY and raised in Livingston, New Jersey. She has her BA from American University in Washington D.C.

Arleen joined CGL in June, 2011 as a toddler teacher and chose CGL because of “the school’s excellent reputation in the community as well as the warm and wonderful staff who help me daily. I also like the Reggio Emilia approach to early learning.

Her passions outside of CGL include “my family, including my brand new grandson, my two dogs and my association with Rotary”.

Something you might not know about Arleen? “ I sell educational toys”.





Meredith Morris was born and raised in Houston, TX and holds a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration & Marketing from Texas Tech University.  She started at CGL in June 2008 as a Preschool Teacher and chose to teach here because “When I first visited CGL, I was very impressed with the staff members, classrooms and overall “vibe” here. People are very respectful and are hard workers.”

Meredith’s passions outside of CGL include traveling, skiing, camping, boating.

Something people might not know about Meredith? “I was a member of F.F.A. (Future Farmers of America) in high school and raised a hog and a steer.”



                                                        
 Nora Murbach was born in Saginaw, Michigan and holds a BS in Business Management. She started at CGL as a Preschool Assistant in 2011 because "they pay me to play with children!"


Nora's passions outside of CGL include water skiing, stand up paddle boarding, nordic and alpine skiing, hiking and reading.

Something people might not know about Nora? "I was a commercial Salmon Fisherman in Kodiak, AK."






 Jacqueline Neithammer (Jacqui) was born in Vienna Austria, and lived in various states in the US, settling in Cedarburg, WI when she was 11 years old.  She attended Colorado State University, graduating in 2008 with a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies with a focus on Early Childhood development.  She then moved to Vail and received her Director Certification at Colorado Mountain College.

Jacqui has been a preschool teacher at CGL since June, 2010 and chose to teach her “because of my interest in the Reggio philosophy, the support network of staff, families, and community members, and because of the dedication that everyone here has towards education at all stages of life, early childhood in particular. It is a great environment to teach, continue to learn, and enjoy the company of children!” Her passions outside CGL include yoga, baking, traveling, biking, camping, snowboarding, and spending time with my friends and family.  Something that people might not know Jacqui? “I was named after my dad, Jack, but my name is spelled differently because I was born in Europe and my mom wanted the spelling to have a European twist.”


Trina Norris was Born in Denver and raised in Boulder. She graduated from Colorado State University with a BS in Outdoor Recreation/Environmental Interpretation. Trina started teaching in at ABC school in 1999 (before the merger)and continues to teach at CGL because “I believe in the Reggio based curriculum. And it’s great to work in a center where meeting the childrens’ best interest is the top priority.”

Trina’s passions outside of CGL include “Keeping up with and supporting my two teenage children’s athletic activities. And relaxing at home with good books.”

Something people might not know about her? “I spent my first years in Vail working at the Vail Nature Center in the summers and Vail Ski Patrol in the winters.”




Kristina Sappenfield was born and raised in San Diego, CA. She holds a B.A. from the University of California at Santa Barbara, a Masters in Education in Science Instruction from Montana State University at Bozeman and her K-8 Teaching Credential from San Diego State University.

She joined CGL in June 2011 as a toddler teacher and chose CGL because “it is a nurturing and loving environment with teachers whose first priority is having fun with the children”.

Kristina’s passions outside of CGL include golf, sailing, running, snowshoe racing, math tutoring and volunteering.

Something you might not know about Kristina? “I am also a middle school math and science teacher. I love to sail. My brother is a nurse at the UCSD Medical Center Trauma Unit”.



Gwen Scola was born and raised in Vermont.  She has a BA in History from the University of Vermont and recently completed her Director’s Certification.  Gwen began at CGL in 2004 as a preschool teacher and chose CGL because “I love the Reggio Philosophy, and the investment the staff makes in the school is inspirational.”

Her passions outside of CGL include her family, art, reading, movies and being outside!

Something people might not know about Gwen? “My middle name is Pearl.”





Nicole (Nicky) Teaver was born in Northborough, MA and moved to Burlington, VT after high school.  She attended the University of Vermont, where she studied Early Childhood Education and Human Development and Family Studies. It was at UVM that she was introduced to the Reggio Emilia Approach to early education and care and in 2002 she spent several weeks in Reggio Emilia, Italy studying the preschools and infant toddler centers there.

After college she returned to Massachusetts and taught with the Worcester Child Development Head Start Program. She taught for three years before moving to Colorado in 2007 where she earned a Master's Degree in Education Psychology from the University of Colorado Denver in 2009.

Nicky started at CGL in January, 2011, she is currently a Preschool Teacher and the Curriculum Specialist for the entire school. She chose CGL because “I love to work with young children and families. I am passionate about inquiry based education and know that here at CGL children establish a foundation that they will carry through the rest of their education and the rest of their lives. The faculty at Children's Garden creates a community where children are encouraged to be curious, ask questions, and test hypotheses. These values inspire me to teach and I am excited to be a member of the CGL community.” 

Her passions outside of CGL? “I love to ski, hike and camp. I also enjoy spending time with my husband--we love to cook and play board games with Scrabble being our favorite. Additionally I am a big baseball fan, Go Red Sox!”  Something people might not know about Nicky? “I do not have a favorite color. When people ask me I always just respond with, "polka dots."