https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/enrollment-lottery-2 daily 0.75 2026-01-14 https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/financialaid-dpp daily 0.75 2026-01-29 https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/faqs daily 0.75 2025-11-18 https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/contact daily 0.75 2025-07-28 https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/mary-nelson daily 0.75 2025-11-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eebcc54ef1bdf36bd79fdd3/1d566f40-1118-4986-aeaa-8ca6d89e46a4/Mary.jpg Mary Nelson - Executive Director and Head of School (she/her/hers) Dr. Mary Nelson is the Executive Director and Head of School at the Denver Cooperative Preschool (DCP) and has been working in education for over twenty years. She has been a member of the DCP cooperative community since 2009. During that time, Mary has served as a parent, board member, Assistant Director, and Executive Director. Community-based education is at the heart of Mary’s educational philosophy, and she believes deeply in the power of collaboration between children, their families, and the school community. Working closely with families is one of Mary’s strengths, and she has a passion for supporting parents in realizing their vision for their child’s education. Mary’s research interests are focused on the social and structural factors impacting parent and caregiver engagement, reconceptualizing family engagement through an equity lens, and alternative narratives of quality in early childhood. Her doctoral research project was titled "Family Engagement Across Diverse Contexts: Studying the Relationship Between Program Practice and the Colorado Shines Quality Rating Improvement System." In May, 2025, Mary’s co-authored publication “Partnerships for Early Childhood Workforce Development” was published in the book Developing Trauma-Informed Teachers: Intentional Partnerships to Create Classrooms that Foster Equity, Resiliency and Asset-Based Approaches. In addition to her role at DCP, Mary serves as adjunct faculty at the University of Colorado Denver and University of Northern Colorado. She teaches courses on early childhood leadership, working with families and communities, and early language and literacy for culturally and linguistically diverse learners. Mary co-facilitates the Denver Director’s Professional Learning Community, a group of over seventy early childhood directors in the Denver metro area that meets monthly for collaboration, support, and strengthening the field. Mary is also a member of the Denver Director’s Equity and Advocacy group through Denver’s Early Childhood Council, and is passionate about advocating for growth and positive change for children, families, and early educators in Colorado. Mary holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Notre Dame, an M.A. in Educational Psychology from the University of Colorado Denver, and a Doctorate of Education in Leadership for Educational Equity with a focus in Early Childhood from the University of Colorado Denver. She is a graduate of the Stanley British Primary Teacher Residency Program (now known as the Public Education and Business Coalition), and was a 2018-19 fellow in the Buell Early Childhood Leadership Program through the University of Colorado, Denver. Mary lives in Denver with her husband, three children, four dogs (Beans, Honey, Goose, and Maple), and a very busy and well-loved coffee pot. Her passions include cooking, gardening, hiking, mycology, and exploring Denver by foot! https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/shandon-wells daily 0.75 2025-11-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eebcc54ef1bdf36bd79fdd3/d70498a0-5990-4da6-a229-3bf8a710a984/Shandon.jpg Shandon Wells - Director of Operations Hi everyone! I've been a part of the DCP community since 2015, and I've had three children go through and absolutely thrive in this preschool. I'm so excited to be working for this wonderful community! I have held many community-oriented and operational jobs over the years and I enjoy using my knowledge and experience to support this community. I grew up in the Central Valley of California (farm country) and moved to Denver in 2008. I live with my husband, three children, a dog, two cats and a flock of ducks & geese. You can find me in my kitchen cooking a delicious meal or baking tasty treats for family & friends, in my yard tending my oversized garden, or in a local coffee shop enjoying a good conversation over a cup of coffee. I'm looking forward to getting to know you! Come say "Hi!" https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/older-preschool daily 0.75 2025-11-18 https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/early-and-young-preschool daily 0.75 2025-11-18 https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/julie-spiegleman daily 0.75 2024-09-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eebcc54ef1bdf36bd79fdd3/31234583-364a-4ac3-b38e-3d288f03bb60/Jule+Spiegleman+1.jpg Julie Spiegleman - Lead Educator - Older Preschool Hi! I am Julie and I am so excited to get to know all of you. I am one of the Lead Educators in the Older Preschool classroom and also the Pedagogy and Documentation Coach at DCP. I have been teaching early childhood education for 15 years. This will be my sixth-year teaching at DCP; prior to that I taught in DPS at Joe Shoemaker School and before that I was a teacher at Paddington Station. My own children attended DCP many years ago and I am thrilled to be part of this special community again. I graduated from the Stanley British Primary Teacher Preparation Program and completed my master’s degree from the University of Colorado in Learning, Development and Family Sciences. I received my BA in Government from Dartmouth College and a law degree (yes, I was a real estate lawyer) from Northwestern University School of Law. I am a mom to three daughters – Taite (27) who lives in Boulder and is starting her Master’s in Art History at CU; Devon (25) who lives downtown and works in finance for DaVita; and Quinn (23) who currently lives at home and works at a law firm downtown. In my free time I love to read, go to the gym, knit, and hang out in the mountains with my husband and our 3 dogs and 2 cats. My favorite thing about teaching is building strong and enduring relationships with both children and families, and I love that I can still be in touch with families that I taught many years ago and follow former students as they progress through elementary school, junior high and high school! https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/toddler-preschool daily 0.75 2025-11-18 https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/preschool-schedule-tuition daily 0.75 2025-11-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eebcc54ef1bdf36bd79fdd3/d9aced73-fc2f-4527-a217-2c8934171f2d/2025-26+Tuition+Schedule+%26+Payment+Options3.jpg https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/general-6 daily 1.0 2026-03-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eebcc54ef1bdf36bd79fdd3/3bbd23d7-8f32-49e4-bbb7-f711c03e8191/010.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eebcc54ef1bdf36bd79fdd3/79ac9fb2-f8fe-4836-8e77-33fa9055c99b/003.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eebcc54ef1bdf36bd79fdd3/fde047cb-91d0-4916-84f7-89faf87a80ed/DCP+Annual+Auction.jpg https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/snack-calendar daily 0.75 2021-08-10 https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/our-school daily 0.75 2025-10-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eebcc54ef1bdf36bd79fdd3/1628804775386-RHWIEZG1YF2J4MOU55VV/IMG_4550.jpg Our School - History Past & Present Denver Cooperative Preschool has a long and interesting history. We were founded in 1960 by a group of parents from the discontinued Colorado Women’s College Nursery School. The head teacher of that school, Mrs. Kim Randolph, helped us to get started in a space at Montview Presbyterian Church. By 1962, the preschool had grown and a group of parents from south Denver branched off to establish the University Park Cooperative Nursery School near Denver University. In 1964 the preschool split again: Montview Community Preschool remained at the church and our preschool moved to 8th and Cherry. It was then named the Medical Center Cooperative Nursery School. The name “Denver Cooperative Preschool” was adopted in 1966. We moved to 480 Marion Street in 1983, where we remained until the summer of 2025. In June, 2025, Denver Cooperative Preschool found a new home in Denver at 3507 Ringsby Court. This new space has allowed us to grow our capacity, serving more children and families! As we celebrate over 65 years of excellence in early childhood education in Denver, we are reminded of and thankful for the families who began DCP. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eebcc54ef1bdf36bd79fdd3/1628805080052-DNI3Q0V70HFTI90PE8VD/IMG_4457.JPG Our School - Vision & Mission Denver Cooperative Preschool envisions an active society where children and adults join in the exploration of life, the quest for understanding and the journey to wisdom. We believe: A child’s early experience is the foundation for adult potential Parents are a key to a child’s unique development Play is essential in the learning process of a child Our mission is to guide young children on the adventure of self-discovery through play. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eebcc54ef1bdf36bd79fdd3/1634241382937-UB0JWBLWP3C7Y0PC2KZX/Anders+%26+Remi.jpg Our School - Cooperative Model The structure of the cooperative model is one that serves both the families and children through experiential educational opportunities. DCP families are an integral part of the cooperative, serving on the board, volunteering on committees, and supporting the classroom communities. https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/privacy daily 0.75 2020-08-15 https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/preschool-program-offerings daily 0.75 2025-11-18 https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/waitlist daily 0.75 2025-11-18 https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/fundraisers daily 0.75 2023-01-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eebcc54ef1bdf36bd79fdd3/1637285711995-8FN70TOJGSRRNSHIFX54/Minted+Ad+with+Code.png Fundraisers - Make it stand out Minted: Use code FUNDRAISEDCOP to save 20% and minted will donate 15% back to DCP. Good all year round! Click here to order. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eebcc54ef1bdf36bd79fdd3/1615919250991-P1ZOCW5O9H5SRJ20W8XU/Fundraising+Supporter+Social+Ad+2020.png Fundraisers Mabel’s Labels: 20% of proceeds are donated back to our school. Click here to start shopping/supporting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eebcc54ef1bdf36bd79fdd3/1615919294502-4AJIQS96QY3HSZPJO3XC/DCP+Shirt+-+resize.png Fundraisers Bonfire: Get your DCP Shirts, sweatshirts & masks! Click here to order your gear today. https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/colorado-gives-day daily 0.75 2025-12-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eebcc54ef1bdf36bd79fdd3/46d6a16a-dc5d-4b45-a572-479aac079e33/CGD-VT-4C-LOGO-scaled.jpg Colorado Gives Day - Colorado Gives Day is December 9, 2025 Donations made between November 1-December 9th will count toward increasing our share of the $1.million incentive fund from Community First Foundation and other sponsors. This year we have a goal of raising a total of $10,000! Denver Cooperative Preschool relies on support from our community to stay strong and sustainable, especially this year as we grow into our new home. After more than 50 years in our old building, we made a huge move and are now expanding to welcome even more families. We did not grow to be bigger or more impressive. We grew because the need for high-quality, independent, play-based early childhood education keeps rising. Donations help us make this growth stable and accessible for everyone. Moving and expanding was a huge leap, and your support helps us grow into the new space, support our educators, and make sure every family can fully experience what makes this community special. A big part of that work is scholarships and tuition assistance. Every year, roughly 18 to 25 percent of our families receive support, and we have been able to meet those needs for the past eight years. Keeping DCP accessible to as many families as possible remains one of our top priorities, especially as our community grows. We also want every family to be able to fully participate in the life of a cooperative school, without worrying about extra costs. That includes things like our community picnic, Sunflower Farm outing, movie matinee, in-house field trips, Fall Festival, and reimbursing committee-related expenses. These are the moments that make DCP feel like a real community, and cost should not get in the way of that. Another major priority is our educators. Fair and competitive pay is what allows us to keep incredible teachers, reduce turnover, and maintain the consistency and quality that make DCP feel like home. As we grow, supporting our team matters more than ever. And finally, if the past few years taught us anything, it is that we have to be able to adapt quickly. Having flexible and accessible funds makes it possible for DCP to evolve with the needs of our families and stay steady through unpredictable years. All donations made through Colorado Gives Day go directly toward these priorities. Your support strengthens our growth, our community, our teachers, and the long-term sustainability of Denver Cooperative Preschool. https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/ways-to-donate daily 0.75 2023-03-23 https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/parent-resources daily 0.75 2025-09-22 https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/auction-faqs daily 0.75 2021-11-15 https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/new-page-2-1 daily 0.75 2025-11-18 https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/enrollment-packet daily 0.75 2025-11-19 https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/employment-opportunities daily 0.75 2025-10-29 https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/prospective-families-email-list daily 0.75 2021-10-14 https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/enrollment-process daily 0.75 2025-11-19 https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/tax-credit-donations daily 0.75 2021-11-15 https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/annual-auction daily 0.75 2026-03-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eebcc54ef1bdf36bd79fdd3/252dbc33-5884-410e-8e96-955eb65d9fbd/DCP+Annual+Auction.jpg https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/2022-auction-info-and-faqs daily 0.75 2022-03-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eebcc54ef1bdf36bd79fdd3/1646611212904-BLBWX6PO8407XAIVQNSA/2022+Auction+Info.jpg 2022 Auction Info and faqs - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eebcc54ef1bdf36bd79fdd3/1646611248672-FEEPMN0IY1UOFQSEHAFU/2022+Auction+FAQs.jpg 2022 Auction Info and faqs - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/itzel-montao daily 0.75 2025-11-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eebcc54ef1bdf36bd79fdd3/f9b9382b-d881-4ea1-9bd1-227e4b1ba6c1/Itzel.jpg Itzel Delgado - Apprentice Lead Educator, Crystal Classroom (she/her/hers) Hi! I’m Itzel Delgado, and I’m so excited to be the Apprentice Lead Teacher! This is my fourth year at Denver Cooperative Preschool, and I feel so lucky to be part of such a fun, creative, and caring community. A little about me, I was born in Cuauhtémoc, Chihuahua, Mexico, and grew up in Minturn, Colorado, before moving to Denver in 2022 with my husband, Zeke. We have two silly cats, Eazy and Kiwi, who always keep life interesting. In my free time, I love exploring Colorado and making art at home. I recently finished my Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, and I’m so excited to finally have a break from college classes and focus fully on the classroom! Some of my favorite things to do with kids are building with blocks (especially ramps!), creating art, and storytelling. I’m fluent in English and Spanish and care deeply about making sure every child and family feels seen, supported, and included. I’m grateful to be part of such an inspiring community where children, families, and teachers learn and grow together. https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/pam-lawrence daily 0.75 2025-11-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eebcc54ef1bdf36bd79fdd3/fc5ac218-5841-48ca-8e97-3df0fd0f23c8/Pam.jpg Pam Lawrence - Associate Educator, Yampa Classroom (Monday/Tuesday) Pam (re)joined the DCP community in January 2021 after being a substitute educator here over the past several years and falling in love with DCP all over again. Her two children, now teenagers, are DCP graduates and she is so excited to be back! While her children were here, Pam served on the Governing Board in several roles including Board President. Pam and her family have the fondest memories of their chapter at DCP, including many special traditions—like the Art Show, the Auction, field trips, and friendships formed on the playgrounds for adults and children alike. She is so ready to dive back into those special things with your children and your family. Pam is from New Jersey and has a BA from Middlebury College in Vermont, but has lived in Denver for over 20 years. She has spent much of that time working with children in different capacities— as a paraprofessional in Denver Public Schools and as a horseback riding coach to name a few. Pam loves working in her garden, being at the horse farm with her daughter, at the ice rink with her son, or out for a walk with her dogs and husband at dusk. A trip to any coast with her family is her absolute favorite thing! https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/stacy-fujieda daily 0.75 2025-11-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eebcc54ef1bdf36bd79fdd3/f74688a5-90ac-4e34-ae3d-43839230566e/Stacy.jpg Stacy Fujieda Hi! My name is Stacy Fujieda (she/her) and I joined the DCP community in May of 2025. I was raised as an Air Force brat, living in 5 states and 2 countries before my dad retired when I was 14. We settled in Hawaii where all of my family is from. Growing up, my mother always wanted me to be a teacher so naturally I wanted to be anything but. I went through several occupation options such as professional clown, veterinarian, environmental lawyer and journalist before being inspired by the teaching movies of the time- “Stand and Deliver”, “Lean on Me” and “Dangerous Minds”. I thought that I could be that cool high school English teacher who rode a motorcycle into the teachers’ parking lot. I went to the University of Northern Colorado for my undergraduate degree in secondary education, but decided that it was not for me. During my time in Greeley, in the 90s, I experienced a lot of life changing events that made me want to graduate as soon as possible. I finished with an English degree and the drive toward activism. I received my Masters in Early Childhood Education from the partnership between the Boulder Journey School and UCD. I discovered that working with children, infants- 5 years old was where the action was, and where I found joy. My mother was right. My capstone project was on Queer and Trans Experiences in ECE for the Buell Early Childhood Leadership Program. I believe that social change begins with children and have charged myself with ensuring that every child that crosses my path feels seen, and celebrated, for who they are. I am invested in growing in my own racial consciousness. This Work is not my passion, but rather a necessity for survival — I see it akin to breathing. I hope to help forge a path so that my daughters have an easier time navigating this world, and so that they continue the path for others. https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/job_posting daily 0.75 2024-05-08 https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/liz-allen-1 daily 0.75 2025-11-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eebcc54ef1bdf36bd79fdd3/c766b97d-92cb-494b-8a17-3441ce0712c3/Liz.jpg https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/kashefa-merchant daily 0.75 2024-09-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eebcc54ef1bdf36bd79fdd3/e6646ba1-3744-466e-959d-543e2a29c883/Kashefa+Merchant+1.jpg https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/new-location daily 0.75 2025-10-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eebcc54ef1bdf36bd79fdd3/29f15d44-e1ab-4431-ab06-df3d52284833/014.jpg New location https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eebcc54ef1bdf36bd79fdd3/d7f00e34-f3e1-4a86-8853-6ff3cc4e2415/025.jpg New location 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2026-01-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eebcc54ef1bdf36bd79fdd3/a3202c28-7bb4-4bc0-bcc1-a6fcc1cb8a58/Screenshot+2025-11-18+at+9.05.43%E2%80%AFPM.png Extended Care - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/learn-together daily 0.75 2026-01-14 https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/ari-goldman daily 0.75 2025-11-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eebcc54ef1bdf36bd79fdd3/09effbd4-b4ee-475a-909a-68d20040df08/Ari+.jpg Ari Goldman My name is Ari and this will be my third year as a lead educator at DCP! I am also incredibly lucky to be starting on a third year as a teaching team with Sara and Michaela. As an educator, I seek to model for and instill in children curiosity, empathy, self love, and confidence. I delight in supporting children as they solve problems collaboratively and pursue their own investigations; I also love teaching life skills such as changing a battery or shoveling a snowy sidewalk. I have a deep passion for children’s literature and spend a lot of time researching and selecting books for our crew! I grew up in the Chicago suburbs and earned both my Bachelor’s (B.S. in Human Development and Psychological Services) and Master’s (MS.Ed in Elementary Education) degrees from Northwestern University in Chicago. I taught at a public elementary school for three years before moving to Colorado in 2021. I spent two years teaching at another private preschool in Denver before landing at this magical place; DCP is my home! My early work experiences with kids were as a summer camp counselor for preschoolers, and adventure and outdoor play have always been at the core of my work as an educator. I am happiest outside, in comfy clothes, covered in sand or digging in the mud with our class. I live with my dog Vida and my fiance Aaron; when I’m not in the Cimarron classroom, you can find me walking in Cheesman Park or reading a good book and drinking iced tea at a coffee shop. https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/abbie-nieuwstraten daily 0.75 2025-11-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eebcc54ef1bdf36bd79fdd3/fbaa3294-18e8-4e4c-b493-e50c8f232432/Abbie.jpg Abbie Nieuwstraten I have wanted to be a teacher ever since I can remember. I was the child who made all the other neighborhood kids sit in a circle so I could “teach” them. With this in mind, it was a no brainer for me to get my undergrad in education. Shortly after graduating with my Bachelors in elementary education, I began the process of getting my Masters in Early Childhood Education through CU Denver. I graduated in 2023 and have spent the last two years working with children 2 months through 3 years! I am trained in the Reggio Emilia philosophy but am also familiar with Montessori, Waldorf, and RIE. My teaching philosophy tends to be an organic blend of all four philosophies based on the children and their needs, wants, and desires. My passion is tiny humans and advocating for them, and their rights. I believe that respect is a fundamental human right and that starts with our youngest citizens. To me, respecting young children means honoring their ideas, emotions, and questions. I try my best to individualize care for each child and I truly love the magic and learning that takes place in early childhood education. I am often the teacher who is bringing in random bugs and fun pieces to add to our material selection. In my opinion, our greatest teaching moments come from random events where we follow the child’s lead. I hope to help your child gain confidence in themselves, their relationships with others, and their relationship with the world around them. I also hope to encourage healthy independence with self care and conflict resolution. When I’m not working with children I can often be found spending time with my fiance and our two cats. We love camping, hiking, gardening, and eating good food! We are also about to take on our biggest project yet, a house remodel. https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/alec-dailey daily 0.75 2025-11-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eebcc54ef1bdf36bd79fdd3/1a6b1477-0fee-42ac-b291-5d0557b57673/Alec.jpg Alec Dailey Hello and welcome! My name is Alec Dailey and I am excited to be returning to DCP this year as a Lead Educator in the Animas Classroom! I look forward to getting to know you and your child and partnering with you to create a warm, nurturing environment for your child to learn and grow! I grew up in Phoenix before moving to California in high school. In 2014 I graduated from Sacramento State with my Bachelor’s in Child Development. I worked in numerous Early Childhood programs in California before moving to Colorado in 2019 and teaching at Jefferson County Head Start. In my free time I enjoy playing Dungeons and Dragons, getting lost in a good book, spending time with my family and spoiling my nieces and nephews. https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/faith-richmond daily 0.75 2025-11-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eebcc54ef1bdf36bd79fdd3/7fa85588-d42f-415f-8e11-01c7a1ccbf98/Faith.jpg Faith Richmond My name is Faith and I am delighted to be joining Denver Cooperative Preschool this year as a Lead Educator in the Animas Class. I am returning to teaching after spending some quality time caring for my grandparents over the last few years, and I am so excited to get back into the playful spirit of the classroom! There is nothing I enjoy more than being curious, silly, and enthusiastic with young learners as they discover this wondrous world. I began working in early childhood education in 2017, and I have found that the early childhood classroom involves all of the things I love most about education: exploration, connection, and fun! I have a master’s degree in Special Education and I firmly believe that every child has a beautifully unique way of seeing and interacting with their environment. I strive to understand my students and meet them where they are as they uncover their own interests and passions. When I am not in the classroom, I spend my time singing songs, playing games, making art, and enjoying life with friends, family, and my puppy. In many ways, I feel like a big kid and I find that I am in perpetual awe of this life. https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/satomi-seki daily 0.75 2025-11-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eebcc54ef1bdf36bd79fdd3/b3770ee7-453b-4ce3-a7cc-646df67ab230/Satomi.jpg Satomi Seki Hello! I’m Satomi, and I’m so excited to begin my first year at the Denver Cooperative Preschool, especially during this special inaugural year in our new building. I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn alongside your child and to collaborate with all of you in nurturing a rich, play-based learning journey. I’m originally from Japan, where I earned my Bachelor’s in East Asian Civilization, a High School Teaching License, and a Teacher Librarian Certificate. I began my career teaching social studies to students in grades three through Ten. After moving to the U.S., I discovered my passion for early childhood education while working with infants through pre-K in lab school settings. Since then, I’ve been devoted to supporting bilingual (Japanese–English) learning and creating inclusive, nurturing environments for young children. Outside the classroom, I love listening to classical music, gardening, birdwatching, and exploring Colorado’s beautiful seasons. Growing up at the foot of the Japanese mountains gave me a lasting appreciation for nature, which I bring into my teaching every day. https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/hannah-barnes daily 0.75 2025-11-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eebcc54ef1bdf36bd79fdd3/dfc12636-ff0d-4ea7-98cb-ffa05f38f974/Hannah.jpeg Hannah Barnes My name is Hannah Barnes and I am a lead educator in the Yampa classroom. This will be my first year at Denver Cooperative Preschool, and my second as a full time classroom teacher. Previously, I was a teacher in the infant room at Boulder Journey School, where I studied the Reggio Emilia Approach and obtained my master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. I completed my bachelor’s degree in Communication and Political Science at Bowling Green State University in Ohio in 2018. I hold a deep reverence for childhood, and believe strongly that humans are innate learners from birth. Through play, children are socially constructing knowledge about and making meaning of their lives and experiences. I treasure my role as a caregiver for young children, and believe that in early childhood, the most potent opportunities for education are relational. I strive to center collaboration and non-coercion in my work with children, and understand my role to be a shepherd, nurturer, observer, supporter, documenter, and protector of your child’s learning and growth throughout this year we have together. I am passionate about partnering with families, and am very much looking forward to working with you all this year as part of our cooperative model. When I’m not at school, you can find me spending time with my partner, Sean, and our dog, Piper. We have lived in Denver for three years and, having built a wonderful community both personally and professionally, anticipate that this will be our long-term home. My favorite place to be is lying on a picnic blanket at Curtis park, reading a book, playing a game, or chatting with my friends. Some of my hobbies include crafting, traveling, reading, dancing to live music, and studying astrology. https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/buy-a-brick daily 0.75 2025-11-21 https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/jordan-frommer daily 0.75 2026-01-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eebcc54ef1bdf36bd79fdd3/b66e61a3-7442-4e99-a5c2-7497103844a2/Jordan.jpg Jordan Frommer My name is Jordan and I am one of the lead teachers in the Yampa classroom. Originally from Oahu, Hawai’i, I discovered a passion for helping children learn, thrive, and discover themselves as they grow. With over 15 years of experience working with children, I focus on creating a safe, caring, and engaging environment where every child feels supported and excited to explore. When I’m not at school you can find me out in nature, my favorite way to pass time is swimming in the ocean. When I’m not back home in Hawai’i I enjoy camping, road trips, and exploring new places. I also enjoy being at home where I live with my sister, niece, and our three chickens. I am excited for us to learn, grow, and connect with each other! https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/michaela-acuna daily 0.75 2026-01-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eebcc54ef1bdf36bd79fdd3/be500467-00d9-4a14-b4bd-3db125e0e8dd/Michaela+A..jpg Michaela Acuna Hi! My name is Michaela, and I am originally from the Czech Republic. I moved to Colorado in 2020 and fell in love with the culture and outdoor activities this state has to offer. I am so excited to start my new position as an Assistant teacher in the Geneva classroom at DCP! With over eight years of experience as a private nanny, I have developed a deep passion for working with children and supporting their growth in safe, nurturing environments as well as working closely with parents towards setting and achieving goals in their child’s development. As a mum to a busy two-year-old boy, I understand how important it is to be patient, energetic, creative and empathetic while working with children. In my free time I like to stay active and adventurous - I enjoy horse riding, hiking, traveling, snowboarding, running and most importantly spending time with my family. https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/jamaria-webb daily 0.75 2026-01-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eebcc54ef1bdf36bd79fdd3/dddada3c-01c8-4b54-8342-0503416724c2/Jam.jpg Jamaria Webb - Lead Educator, Crystal Classroom (she/her/hers) Hi! My name is Jam, and I am originally from Minnesota. I moved to Colorado in June of 2023 and have not looked back since! Coming from the midwest to Colorado I have begun to love not only the vibrant community but the gorgeous landscapes as well. I am so thrilled to be a Lead Educator at Denver Preschool Cooperative in the Crystal Classroom! I started my teaching career over 7 years ago working with infants and have worked with children all the way up to 18 years old over the years. I have developed a deep passion for working with children and am very committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where children feel valued and supported as they grow. I believe children are the future of our world and deserve to have their voices heard as well as help guide them with the right tools they might need to grow not only academically but socially as well! As part of my ongoing commitment to providing the best possible care for your child I am currently pursuing a degree to further enhance my knowledge and skills in Early Education. Outside of work, I enjoy a variety of activities that help me stay balanced and energized. I’m an avid reader and had the joy of completing 94 books in my downtime this past year. When I’m not reading, you’ll often find me hiking through nature trails, running, or playing with my cat Jasmine! I am so thrilled to start the school year and be a part of such a warm and loving community, I cannot wait to see what the year holds! https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/riana-coles daily 0.75 2026-01-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eebcc54ef1bdf36bd79fdd3/27b7a4b2-142c-401c-829b-6fa2febecbe2/Riana.jpg Riana Coles - Lead Educator, Crystal Classroom (she/her/hers) This is my second year teaching at DCP as a lead educator in the threes-fours classroom, though I returned to the community with my son last year in the toddler classroom. I moved from New York City to Denver in 2020 just after finishing my masters degree in Early Childhood Education. My experience spans over a decade in the field of ECE in both cities and I knew as soon as I found DCP that this was a community that felt like home. Our family consists of myself, my partner Dakotah, our almost 3 year old son Archer and cat Dolly. I like to tell Archer his godmother is Taylor Swift as he was named after one of her songs; he is becoming an avid Swiftie himself! We also enjoy attending baseball games as a family and anywhere with live music. As a parent and educator at the school I can see the assets that each one of you brings into our classroom community, and we look forward to welcoming you into our brand new space! https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/julieta-claire daily 0.75 2026-01-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eebcc54ef1bdf36bd79fdd3/d9029959-c0d8-46d9-b954-593204a591a2/Julieta.jpg Julieta Claire Hi, I’m Julieta Claire! This is my first year at the Denver Cooperative Preschool as an extended care educator. I am originally from Bogota, Colombia. I grew up in MN, and moved to Denver after college. I am blessed to be a parent, raising my daughter Bria with my beloved. Everyday she fills my life with love, magic, and adventures! I am grateful to be a part of this special community of children, parents and talented teachers and staff. One of the many things I love about being part of this school is watching and supporting the children learn and grow. Observing them build loving friendships with other students, as well as with their teachers and staff. Watching them come into their own sweet personalities. Everyday I look forward being part of their growth here at our school! https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/daneall-dehner daily 0.75 2026-01-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eebcc54ef1bdf36bd79fdd3/4e2c0d1a-6a40-4dec-814a-6febb7e277bc/Nell.jpg DaNeall "Nell" Dehner Hi everyone! My name is Nell, and this will be my first year teaching the Extended Care Program and my fifth year with DCP. Working with this community brought me so much fulfillment as an educator from 2019-2023 that I knew I’d return with my own child once he was old enough to attend. I’m originally from Colorado but moved cross country after the birth of my son. Our decision to return was heavily motivated by DCP and the greater community that has formed around it. This is a place where children are given stewardship and viewed through a lens of development. When I moved away, I discovered this is truly a unique place. This is an experience that cannot easily be replicated elsewhere. I currently hold many roles within the DCP community: I’m an Extended Care Lead Educator, I serve on the governing board as VP of Facilities and I have the joy of being a parent in the community as well. I’m honored to be so deeply involved in a program where parents are stakeholders in their child’s education—a place where we consider the child alongside their caregivers and create a welcoming space for all. In my personal time I enjoy spending time outdoors, reading and studying human growth and development. https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/olivia-skelly-williams daily 0.75 2026-01-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eebcc54ef1bdf36bd79fdd3/30f3d82b-8e51-448d-aedc-0819aad77e25/Olivia.jpg Olivia Skelly Williams Hi there! I’m Olivia and I’m so happy to have joined the DCP community this year! I am thoroughly enjoying my role as Extended Care Lead and Float during the day as it has allowed me to make connections and get to know kiddos in every room! I am also so thrilled to be leading the returning Learn Together program! Originally, I relocated from the Midwest to continue my role as Operations & Training Manager of the water park at the Gaylord Rockies. Not long after, I started back in childcare to fill my heart cup at a small business daycare before finally landing at DCP. It feels like home! I have worked in many different childcare settings with kids aged 6 weeks and up! I take great joy in being a loving and reliable adult and creating a safe, welcoming space for every single child. I take special interest in reading new research and literature about childcare discoveries and childhood development. When I’m not at school, you can usually find me crafting, advocating for justice, dancing, researching all things early childhood, watching a documentary, or spending quality time with my pups Zola & Lucy, and my husband, Taj. I am looking forward to the future ahead here at DCP! https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/jennifer-frommer daily 0.75 2026-01-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eebcc54ef1bdf36bd79fdd3/c23ef01a-bbbd-4f45-a4fd-8354f3bf05e5/Jennifer.jpg Jennifer Frommer Hi! My name is Jenn and I teach the Learn Together program and I am also an Extended Care Lead and Float. I’ve worked with many different ages of children ranging from infants to 5 years old for the past 14 years. Originally from Honolulu, Hawai’i, I began my teaching journey as a swim instructor at the age of 15. Once I graduated high school, I (like most) had no idea what I wanted to do but knew that I LOVED working with kids. I had a few years of experience under my belt when I took a position working with children with special needs as a paraprofessional teacher at my local elementary school. I held that position for 2 years until I had my beautiful daughter, Ayla, in 2022. Watching her grow was what really inspired me to delve deeper into the development of early childhood. I was lucky enough to stay home with her for two and a half years until we relocated here to live with my sister, Jordan, who some of you may know from our Yampa classroom. I took on a Lead Educator position at Ayla’s previous preschool until we were lucky enough to land a spot for her at DCP in the Crystal classroom. Outside of school, we are a family of busy bodies! Still being newer residents to the state of Colorado, we love to explore new parks, restaurants, and exploring new hobbies. On the rare occasion we’re just hanging out at home, we love having movie nights as a family or hanging out in the backyard with our three chickens. I am beyond grateful and thankful for the opportunity to be not only a parent in the DCP community but also hold a steady and loving role in your family’s life. It is my honor to love and teach your children as if they were my own. https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/enrollment-lottery daily 0.75 2026-01-24 https://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org/summer-camp-2026 daily 0.75 2026-01-23