PRESCHOOL IN VAIL - Key Persons
Betsy is a kindergarten teacher at Red Sandstone Elementary School and has taught primary grades for the past ten years. She attended the University of Mississippi for undergrad and graduate school and holds a Master of Literacy. Betsy and her husband Patrick reside in Avon with their two boys, both CGL students.
Ms. Caroline joined the CGL faculty in September 2021. Caroline is a Pembroke, Massachusetts native and holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Trinity College. Additionally, she has a MA in Early Childhood Education from Boston College. Before joining the CGL team, Caroline taught preschool at a Reggio-inspired preschool in Boston. She loves to share her kind and gentle spirit with the children and families.
Ms. Hannah joined the CGL faculty in November 2020. Hannah is a Washington, Pennsylvania native and holds a bachelor's degree in Anthropology from Edinboro University. Hannah comes from a long line of educators and has experience in the service industry and as a nanny. Hannah enjoys art, hiking, and spending time in the outdoors. She is excited to continue with the team for another year and brings creative experiences to the children and families of CGL.
Ms. Jess joined the CGL faculty in August 2021. Jess is a Chicago native and attended Colorado Mountain College. She earned her Early Childhood Lead Teacher Certificate and became Early Childhood Director Qualified through CDHS Office of Early Childhood. Jess taught preschool for eight years at another center in Eagle County before joining the CGL faculty. She brings with her years as a camp counselor and ski instructor and love for dinosaurs, superheroes, and science experiments!
Jess is a kindergarten teacher at Vail Mountain School and has been teaching K-2 for the past nine years. She has a Master's from CU Denver and lives in Edwards with her husband and two children.
Kellie was a Special Education Teacher at Red Sandstone Elementary School for the past 9 years. She is currently focusing on her photography business. She attended the University of Arizona for her undergrad and has a Communications degree along with a dual Masters in Education and Special Education from Arizona State University. Kellie has lived in the Valley for 10 years, Kellie and her husband Rob currently live in Avon with their two children.
Krista has a bachelor's degree in Human Resource Management and works as the Town of Vail's Human Resources and Risk Management Director. After raising her children here in the mountains, she has been a long-time supporter and volunteer for early childhood education programs in the Vail Valley. Krista serves on the board on behalf of the Town of Vail, which provides capital and in-kind support for CGL in recognition of the importance of ECE for the Vail community.
Larisa joins the board with past work experience in HR and Finance. She earned her BA degree in Sociology from Wake Forest University and MBA from Villanova University. She is a past and current parent of CGL and is passionate about early childhood education and development. Larisa and her family moved to the Valley in 2017.
Ms. Liz joined the CGL faculty in February 2019; before that, Ms. Liz was part of our parent community as her children attended preschool at CGL. Liz is a Chicago, Illinois native and holds a bachelor's degree in communications from the University of Denver and an associate's degree in Early Childhood Education from Colorado Mountain College. Additionally, Ms. Morath is an Early Childhood Director Qualified through the CDHS Office of Early Childhood. Before joining the CGL team, Liz taught in Eagle County School District preschools for many years. She is excited to be part of our team for another year and brings creative experiences to the children and families of CGL.
Ms. Maddy joined the CGL faculty in August 2018. Maddy is an Edwards, Colorado native, attended Fort Lewis College, and earned her Early Childhood Teacher Certificate from Colorado Mountain College. She holds Early Childhood Lead Teacher Qualifications through the CDHS Office of Early Childhood as an Eagle Valley local Maddy brings her a lifetime of living and learning in Vail. She has years of experience as a camp counselor and snowboard instructor, bringing extra depth to her practice. She loves to share her creative side with the children and families of CGL.
Ms. Maddy joined the CGL faculty in August 2018. Maddy is an Edwards, Colorado native, attended Fort Lewis College, and earned her Early Childhood Teacher Certificate from Colorado Mountain College. She holds Early Childhood Lead Teacher Qualifications through the CDH... More
Ms. Maggie joined the CGL faculty in August 2016. Maggie is an Ohio native and holds a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Ohio University. Additionally, she earned a master's degree in Educational Leadership,... More
Ms. Maggie joined the CGL faculty in August 2016. Maggie is an Ohio native and holds a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Ohio University. Additionally, she earned a master's degree in Educational Leadership, Policy, and Administration through the University of Denver. Maggie is a Temple Hoyne Buell Early Childhood Leadership program graduate fellow. Ms. Swonger is an Early Childhood Director Qualified through the CDHS Office of Early Childhood. Before joining CGL, Maggie taught in a classroom, was a licensing specialist, worked with Early Head Start, and manager with the Children and Family Services Department with Eagle County for eight years. In addition to her Director role at CGL, Maggie serves as adjunct faculty at CMC teaching Early Childhood courses. She loves to share her passion for early learning and family support.
Ms. Mary joined the CGL faculty in September 2020. Mary is a Watertown, Connecticut native and holds a bachelor's degree in Art Therapy from Springfield College. She attended Colorado Mountain College, earning her Early Childhood Lead Teacher Certificate and becoming an Early Childhood Teacher Qualified through CDHS Office of Early Childhood. Before joining CGL, Mary taught at Small World Play School in Vail, and she is excited to share her journey in a play-based emergent curriculum with the children and families of CGL.
Ms. Mary joined the CGL faculty in September 2020. Mary is a Watertown, Connecticut native and holds a bachelor's degree in Art Therapy from Springfield College. She attended Colorado Moun... More
Ms. Melanie joined the CGL faculty in August 2021. Melanie is a Maryland native and holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Penn State. She taught preschool for two years at another center in Eagle County before joining the CGL faculty. She brings with her years as a camp counselor and ski instructor and a love for the outdoors, gardening, natural science!
Ms. Nicky joined the CGL faculty in January 2011. Nicky is a Northboro, Massachusetts native and holds a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Vermont. Additionally, she earned a master's degree in Educational Psychology from CU-Denve... More
Ms. Nicky joined the CGL faculty in January 2011. Nicky is a Northboro, Massachusetts native and holds a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Vermont. Additionally, she earned a master's degree in Educational Psychology from CU-Denver. Nicky is a graduate of the Boulder Journey School graduate studies program. Ms. Teaver is an Early Childhood Director Qualified through the CDHS Office of Early Childhood. Before joining CGL, Nicky taught preschool for several years with a Head Start program in Worcester, MA. She loves to share her passion for early learning, teacher education, and growth.
Patrick works in residential real estate with Sotheby's Realty in Vail Village. He has a BS in International Business from Marquette University. Patrick and his wife Meredith, a former teacher at CGL, have lived in the Valley since 2006. Their children, Walker and Bailey, both attend CGL.
Patrick works in residential wealth management mortgage banking with U.S. Bank in the Vail Valley. He comes to the CGL board with 20 years of sales and marketing experience and leadership in the mortgage banking and hospitality industries. He earned a BS in Hospitality Management from Colorado State University. Patrick and his wife Colleen have lived in the Valley since 2015. He has two children at CGL
Paul Graf currently works in Venture Capital and has many years of experience in start-up and business management. In 2019 Paul opened the Vail Valley Mind Center. He holds a BS in Business Economics from Lehigh University. His children are alumni of CGL, and he and his family have lived here in the valley for 12 years.
Paul is an attorney at Garfield & Hecht where he focuses on municipal law, real estate and public finance. Paul received his BA from Lehigh University and his JD from the University of Colorado School of Law. Paul and his wife Sarah, an attorney, have lived in the Valley since 2018. Both their son and daughter attended CGL.
Ms. Stacey joined the CGL faculty for the first time from 2013-to 2015 and then, after a brief relocation, returned to CGL in 2018. Stacey is a Bradford, Pennsylvania native who holds a bachelor's degree in communications from the University of Pittsburgh. Additiona... More
Ms. Stacey joined the CGL faculty for the first time from 2013-to 2015 and then, after a brief relocation, returned to CGL in 2018. Stacey is a Bradford, Pennsylvania native who holds a bachelor's degree in communications from the University of Pittsburgh. Additionally, she attended Colorado Mountain College and holds Early Childhood Lead Teacher Qualifications through the CDHS Office of Early Childhood. She has taught both toddler and preschool classes with us here at CGL. Stacey is excited to be part of our team for another year and bring her love and humor to the children and families of CGL.
Ms. Sydney joined the CGL faculty in August 2017. Sydney is a Manistee, Michigan native and holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from Western Michigan University. Additionally, she attended Colorado Mountain College holds Early Childhood Lead Teacher Qualifications through the CDHS Office of Early Childhood. She has taught both toddler and preschool classes with us here at CGL. Sydney is excited to be part of our team for another year and bring her love and humor to the children and families of CGL.
Ms. Whitney joined the CGL faculty in December 2019. She is a Louisiana native and holds a bachelor's degree in Art and Anthropology from the University of Denver. Additionally, she holds ... More
Ms. Whitney joined the CGL faculty in December 2019. She is a Louisiana native and holds a bachelor's degree in Art and Anthropology from the University of Denver. Additionally, she holds Early Childhood Lead Teacher Qualifications through the CDHS Office of Early Childhood. Before joining CGL, Whitney has had various rich experiences, including time spent as a doting aunt, nanny, camp counselor, and even a stint at Vail's very own Golden Bear. She loves skiing, hiking, camping, and sharing her love of nature with the children and families of CGL.