Educators | Nature Preschool

Our Team

Our team is full of fun, loving, educated people dedicated to your child's early education who have been with us for years. Our family cannot wait for you to join us.

Click on your child's teacher to learn a bit more about them.

Administration

Tami Barone

Director

I have been in the field of Early Childhood Education for 35 years. I have a college degree in ECE and have my Director Certificate.

I grew up as an Air Force brat. I was born on the island of Guam and had the pleasure of living in Germany and all over the United States. I have lived in Colorado since 1984. I have 4 adult sons, 3 daughters-in-law, 2 granddaughters and 2 grandsons.

I love to see the curiosity and wonder in children. There is no better sound than a child's giggle!

Debbie Betts

Director of Billing & Enrollment

I have been at AHP for seven years. I love that I can always take breaks from computer work to go watch the children learn, grow and play. I have three kids - a step-daughter who lives in Indiana, a son in high school and a daughter in elementary school.

Erin Fisher

Director of Schools

I am originally from Rochester, MN but have lived in Colorado since 1999. I have been with AHP for 16 years in a variety of roles and have been the director for 7 years. I love working with kids because they are eternally optimistic and innocent. They make me laugh and I can continue to be young at heart and in spirit because that is what kids love and relate to!

Janice Morrin

Assistant Director

I have been at Abiding Hope Preschool & Kindergarten for 16 years. Children are so innocent and honest. They brighten my day and make things not seem quite so difficult - especially during this pandemic. Hearing their belly laughs is contagious! My husband and I have recently become empty nesters which is quite different and quiet!

Specials

Cindee Ortiz

Nature & Science Teacher

Infants

Jasmine Alvarez

Infant Program Supervisor

I have been in ECE since the summer of 2018, and I fell in love with working with babies. I have two of my own. I’ve lived in Colorado my whole life and I enjoy spending time with my little family.

Ali Guess

Infants Teacher Assistant

I am 18 years old and am currently taking online college courses, majoring in Elementary Education. I love spending time with my friends and family outdoors!

Littles

Feriba Forough

Littles Teacher Assistant

I am from Persia and I grew up in a modern family. I was six months old when my parents had to leave their home and belongings and escape to neighboring Iran. I was able to get some education there. The situation for refugees was very difficult, but it opened my horizon of thinking and comparing the two cultures. I came to America in 2008 and resided in colorful Colorado. I enjoy the dry and mountainous climate. My husband and I opened a restaurant in downtown COS. It was hard work as none of us had any experience in the restaurant business. We sold the restaurant after my husband got a job offer in Leavenworth, KS. I was role playing and teaching culture issues to US soldiers. I came back to COS and I have been doing interpretation since then.

Jayla Sierra

Littles Teacher

Twiddles

Kaytlin Arellano

Twiddles Teacher

I was born and raised in Colorado. I have been married to my high school sweetheart for 5 years and we have one daughter. I enjoy shopping and hanging out with family.

I have been a toddler teacher for 4 years. I love seeing the excitement in their eyes when they learn something new.

Alexie Bresee

Twiddles Teacher Assistant

I was born and raised in Colorado. This is my first year being a teacher assistant and I love it. Working with kids brings so much joy to me. Outside of work I enjoy listening to all types music, sewing, and roller skating!

Tweens

Jordan Hubbard

Tweens Teacher

I moved to Colorado from Georgia in 2021, I have been working with children for the past 7 years, and love doing it. I am currently in school to get my associates degree in early childhood education. I love watching the children grow and learn everyday.

Sophia Scott

Tweens Teacher Assistant

I am 18 years old and have worked with kids for about five years now. Whether it’s teaching kids how to swim or chasing them around the classroom, I have always loved watching little minds grow. While nothing beats the sound of a child’s laugh, I am planning on going to school to study construction management and dream of one day being able to flip houses. For now I will continue to help shape these little minds while they shape mine.

Threes

Evan Fruciano

Threes Teacher Assistant

Tori Kilcrease

Threes Teacher

Pre-Kindergarten

Alli Clark

Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

I am the preschool teacher at the Abiding Hope Nature School. I have worked with children for the past 6 years in many different capacities. I recently received my Master of Social Work from the University of Denver, I also have a Bachelors in outdoor recreation. I am originally from New Hampshire but have lived in many different states in my adult life. My favorite thing about working with kids is their curiosity. I love the questions that kids ask, and their eagerness to learn.

Katie Davis

Pre-K Teacher Assistant

I moved to Colorado in 2000 and am originally from New Jersey. I met my husband shortly after moving to Colorado and we have a daughter who will be in middle school this year. I enjoy caring for and getting to know the children individually and making each day as much fun as possible.