See Who Makes EVLC Amazing!
Staff
Administration
Mrs. Jaime – Director
I have been in childcare for 20 years, and before becoming Director I spent many years as the lead teacher in a preschool classroom. Teaching gave me a strong foundation and showed me just how important the early years are in shaping a child’s growth and future learning. As Director, I feel blessed to support not only children but also their families and the teachers who pour their hearts into this work each day. I am passionate about building a strong community, creating a safe and loving environment, and being a strong advocate for early intervention so every child has the tools they need to thrive. EVLC has been such a big part of my life and is truly more than just a school, it is a family rooted in faith and love. My relationship with God guides me daily and reminds me to lead with kindness, patience, and grace. I feel grateful to walk alongside our families and staff, building a place where children can grow in both knowledge and faith. Outside of work, I am a proud wife and mom of two sons. I love spending time with my husband, our boys, and our two dogs, whether we are relaxing at home or finding adventure together. I also enjoy paddle boarding, snowboarding, and traveling. Whether at home or at EVLC, I strive to live out my faith by creating meaningful connections and making sure the people around me always feel valued and loved.
Ms. Tori – Assistant Director
I have been in childcare for 9 years, and throughout that time I have developed a deep passion for working with young children and their families. Over the years, I have served in many different roles, including Lead and Assistant Teacher and High School Paraprofessional Specialist, which have given me a well-rounded perspective on early childhood education. Each of these experiences has shaped the way I support teachers, families, and children here at East Valley I believe the early years lay the foundation for everything ahead, and it is my goal to help create an environment at East Valley that nurtures both educational growth and spiritual development. Guided by my faith, I find joy in encouraging growth, building confidence, and helping others thrive. I feel truly blessed to be part of EVLC and to serve our children, families, and staff with dedication, faith, and heart. Outside of work, I love spending time with my two dogs, coaching high school cheer, and traveling to new places. Whether at home, on the sidelines, or in the classroom, I carry the same passion for building community, encouraging others, and pouring my heart into everything I do.
Mrs. April – Office Manager
I have been in childcare for 45 years, and it has truly been my passion and calling. Over the years, I have loved watching children grow, learn, and become their own unique selves while also building meaningful connections with their families. EVLC has been a big part of my life, and I feel so blessed to be surrounded by such a loving, supportive community that shares my heart for children. I was born in Pennsylvania and moved to Arizona when I was five years old, where I’ve lived ever since. I have been married to my wonderful husband for 43 years, and together we have built a life filled with love, family, and faith. Outside of work, I cherish the time I get to spend with my children and grandchildren, who bring so much joy to my life. Every summer, we vacation together in Balboa, which has become one of my favorite family traditions. My faith is also very important to me, and it continues to guide me in showing love, patience, and kindness to those around me.
Support Staff
Mrs. Pat – Chapel/ Executive Director
Pat is our Chapel teacher and has been part of our school’s journey from the very beginning. She first served as director at Bethany, continued in that role in the switch to Sun Valley, and then led as director during EVLC’s first year at our current location in 2017. After stepping down from her director role, Pat continued to support the school by volunteering behind the scenes and serving on our board. She has a great love for teaching children about God and faith, and outside of school she enjoys sewing, spending time with her family, and volunteering at her daughter school, whom is a teacher!
Ms. Cheri – Art/ Teacher Assistant
I have been in childcare for over 20 years, and I believe children are our future, they deserve our very best love, attention, and guidance. It is so rewarding to watch them grow and to be part of their learning journey. Outside of work, I love making memory quilts and spending time with my kids, grandkids, and great grandkids.
Ms. Rabekkah – Floater
I have been in childcare for 8 years, and I have always had a passion for working with children. They bring so much joy to my life and never fail to put a smile on my face. Over the years, I’ve worked with many different age groups and learned so much along the way. One of the greatest things about working with children is that we learn from them just as much as they learn from us.
Ms. Melissa – Office Support
I have been in childcare for 9 years, and I’ve been blessed to be part of the EVLC family for the past 5 years. My love for working with children continues to grow each day as I watch them learn, play, and discover the world around them. I am passionate about creating positive connections and helping children thrive through meaningful experiences.
Infant Staff
Ms. Rachel – Lead Teacher
I have been working in childcare for over 20 years, and I love it because I get to watch children grow, learn, and discover the world around them. It is incredibly rewarding to be a small part of their journey. My love for God inspires the way I care for others, and I strive to reflect His love in all that I do. Outside of work, I enjoy quality time with my four children, spending time with friends, going to the movies, and cooking.
Ms. Sandy – Teacher Assistant
I have been working in childcare for 39 years, and I love working with kids of all ages because each one gives me the opportunity to make a difference in their lives. Outside of work, I enjoy being outdoors walking or jogging, traveling, singing karaoke, reading, going out to dinner, and cheering on Vikings football. I also love spending time with my family and friends, listening to a good church sermon, and helping others whenever I can. I have a huge heart for animals and pray that one day every homeless animal will find a loving home.
Ms. Krystle – Lead Teacher
I have been in childcare for 17 years, and as a mom of three, my own children keep me busy and remind me daily of the joys of childhood. I’m a big kid at heart, which makes teaching and helping little ones grow and develop new skills so rewarding. Partnering with parents in their child’s development is something I truly value, and being an infant teacher has always been my greatest passion.
Mrs. Sarah – Teacher Assistant
I have been in childcare for 8 years and just got married this past January. My husband and I are excited to be welcoming our first child, a baby girl. I love to hike and travel, and I enjoy bowling with my husband in my free time. Working at EVLC has been such a blessing because of the amazing people I get to work with and the supportive, family-like environment.
Toddler Staff
Ms. Mikelle – Lead Teacher
I have been in childcare for 4 years, but my love for working with kids started much earlier through babysitting and volunteering in the toddler and preschool rooms at church. Watching children grow, especially during those critical first five years, brings me so much joy. If I weren’t at EVLC, I’d love to pursue becoming a midwife or work with children in a third-world country. Outside of work, I adore my cat, enjoy dabbling in photography (especially nature shots), and love capturing life’s little moments.
Ms. Leslie – Teacher Assistant
I have been in childcare for 3 years, and I love being part of the early years where children grow and develop so quickly. Watching their curiosity, confidence, and personalities blossom is one of my favorite parts of the job. Outside of work, I enjoy staying active by playing soccer and going hiking.
Ms. Kaly – Lead Teacher
I have been in childcare for 15 years, and I love working with young children because they are so eager to learn and explore the world around them. I’ve been with East Valley Learning Center since day one, and it has been such a joy to grow alongside our families and staff through the years. In my free time, I enjoy trying out new restaurants and activities with friends, and if I’m not out and about, you’ll usually find me at home hanging out with my dog and watching a new show.
Ms. Esmeralda – Teacher Assistant
I enjoy working with children because I get to watch them grow and make a positive impact in their lives. Being part of their learning journey is such a rewarding experience. Outside of work, I love reading, baking, and shopping. A few fun facts about me, I am a huge Disney fan, my favorite color is emerald green, and I have a pet tortoise and a miniature dachshund!
Ms. Amber – Teacher Assistant
I have been in childcare for 4 years, and I love working with kids because they always brighten my day. Watching them learn and grow during their time at EVLC is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. I am currently a student at ASU, pursuing my goal of becoming a pediatric nurse. In my free time, I enjoy skiing, baking, reading, and spending time with friends.
Ms. Amaya – Lead Teacher
I have been in childcare for 3 years, and I truly love the community and friendships that EVLC has brought into my life. Being part of the children’s growth and development, watching them learn new things and gain confidence, is what makes this work so rewarding for me. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy shopping and finding little things that make me happy. EVLC has become like a second family, and I feel grateful to be surrounded by such supportive people every day.
Ms. Becka – Lead Teacher
I have been in childcare since 2018, and I love the positive environment that EVLC creates each day. The support from families, administration, and fellow staff makes this such a special place to work. I enjoy being a part of children’s growth and development, and it’s so rewarding to watch their excitement as they learn new things. Outside of work, I love to crochet and spend time reading, it’s my favorite way to relax and recharge.
Ms. Chelsea – Lead Teacher
I have been in childcare for 5 years, and as a mom of two, I especially love working with infants and toddlers. Watching them grow and master new skills during these early years is such a joy. While I’ve worked with every age group, I’ve always been drawn to the youngest children and the special milestones they reach. In my free time, I enjoy reading, working out, cooking, and taking my kids on new adventures, whether it’s swimming or exploring new places together.
Ms. Paola – Teacher Assistant
I have been in childcare for 5 years, and I love working with children because they are so much fun to learn, play, and grow alongside. I am currently attending ASU to pursue a career in nursing, with the goal of becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner. In my free time, I enjoy reading, shopping, and baking.
Ms. Shannon – Teacher Assistant
I have been in childcare for 10 years, and I love watching children learn and grow each day. Building connections with them and being part of their milestones is such a rewarding experience. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and animals. I also love going on walks, watching movies, and playing games with my daughter.
Ms. Bailee – Teacher Assistant
I have been caring for children through babysitting for many years, and my passion for early education grew even stronger when I studied Early Childhood Development in high school. I am newly married, and this has been such an exciting new chapter of my life! I am thrilled to be part of the EVLC community, where I can continue to grow while helping children learn and thrive. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends and making memories in this new season of life.
Ms. Brenna – Lead Teacher
I have been in childcare for 6 years, and I have truly loved being part of the EVLC family these past few years. Building sweet relationships with the children and watching them grow has been such a rewarding experience. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with friends, hiking, going to the lake, and playing volleyball.
Ms. Amy – Teacher Assistant
I have been in childcare for 20 years, and I truly love working with children. It brings me so much joy to watch them grow, learn, and discover more about God each day. I feel blessed to be part of their early years and to help lay the foundation for both their education and their faith. Outside of work, I enjoy going to church, spending time with family and friends, and shopping. I also love finding new ways to relax and recharge so I can give my very best to the children in my care.
Preschool Staff
Mrs. Micah – Lead Teacher
I’ve been in childcare for 12 years, and working with kids is truly my passion. I love watching them grow, sharing snuggles, and being an important part of their lives, it makes my heart so happy. In my free time, I enjoy reading, hiking, and building Legos with my husband. My favorite color is green, and I can’t go a day without coffee!
Mrs. Suzy – Teacher Assistant
I’ve worked in childcare for over 30 years, and I truly love what I do. I’m a mother of two and a grandmother of two, and spending time with my family brings me so much joy. My faith is very important to me and God is the center of my life. I love working with children because helping them grow and knowing I can have a positive impact on their lives is such a blessing. In my spare time, I enjoy walking, riding bikes, and working on puzzles with my husband of 40 years.
Mrs. Daisy – Lead Teacher
I have been working in childcare for over 10 years, and it has always brought me joy, the endless hugs, laughter, and learning can’t be beat! When I’m not in the classroom, I love spending time with my family, enjoying the outdoors, and diving into a good book. I’m also a big fan of all things coffee!
Mrs. Andrea – Teacher Assistant
I have been in childcare for 10 years, and I am a proud mother of four and grandmother of five. I always knew I wanted a career that allowed me to help others, especially children. Even on the hard days, I find joy in guiding them, supporting their growth, and celebrating each milestone along the way.
Ms. Grace – Teacher Assistant
I’ve worked in childcare for four years, and EVLC has been my very first job, I’ve been fortunate to stay here ever since. Even though I’ve become a realtor, I still love working part-time at EVLC because of the kids and the friendships I’ve made. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and my two Berne doodles.
Ms. Bella – Teacher Assistant
I am just starting out in childcare, and I am already loving every moment of it. I have always had a passion for working with children, and it is so rewarding to see their joy and curiosity each day. Outside of work, I enjoy going thrift shopping to find unique treasures, and my favorite color is pink—it always brings me happiness. I feel excited to be part of the EVLC community and to grow alongside the children, families, and staff here.
Ms. Mady – Teacher Assistant
I have been in childcare for 2 years, and I truly love the sense of community and family that EVLC provides both inside and outside of the classroom. Growing up, I watched my mom work in childcare, and I was always involved in helping out around the classroom. That experience sparked my own passion for working with children. I have worked with all age groups, but preschool is my favorite, I love watching children learn new things and achieve their goals. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, watching movies, and trying new foods. I’m also pursuing my career goals in cheer, and I love traveling to new places and experiencing different cultures.
Pre-Kinder Staff
Ms. Elise – Lead Teacher/Office Support
I have been working in childcare for 7 years, and I truly see it as both a blessing and a ministry. Teaching gives me the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus by loving and guiding children, while also partnering with and serving their families. I believe it’s so important to lay a strong foundation during the formative first five years of life, which is why I love working in early childhood. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy reading, spending time with my family, and collecting vintage books, I even dream of having a personal library like Princess Belle someday!
Mrs. Lori – Teacher Assistant
I have been in childcare for 14 years, and I love watching children discover new things and take pride in their accomplishments. It brings me so much joy to be a part of their growth and learning journey, both academically and socially. In my free time, I enjoy reading, working on puzzles, and taking my dog for walks. I value spending time outdoors and finding simple joys in everyday life.
Mrs. Liz – Lead Teacher/Billing
This is my eighth year teaching at EVLC. I have been married to my husband for 22 years, and we have two boys, Jacob (20) and Nash (18). I enjoy paddle boarding at the Salt River, sitting on the beach with a good book, and laughing with friends and family. I believe children learn best in a place where they feel safe and valued, and that beyond ABCs and numbers, it is important they grow in responsibility, kindness, and service as they prepare to change the world.
Mrs. Melody – Teacher Assistant
I have been in childcare for 29 years, and I especially love teaching four-year-olds! Their curiosity, sense of wonder, humor, and sponge-like minds make every day exciting as they grow academically and in their social and emotional skills. I am married and blessed with three adult children and six grandchildren, all of whom live locally. A fun fact about me is that when I was a child, my family had a pet monkey!
Mr. Sebastian – Teacher Assistant
I have been working in childcare for 4 years because I love helping children learn and grow. Outside of the classroom, I trained in taekwondo for seven years and earned my second-degree black belt. I am currently studying radiology at Mesa Community College, and in my free time I enjoy working out with my dad at the gym and playing tennis.
