Board of Directors

(President) Kimberly brings over three decades of various work experiences within the early childhood education field. Kimberly has worked with children from 2 weeks through 12 years old during these years, specifically teacher, master teacher ll, staff coordinator, infant toddler supervisor, family liaison director, assistant director, and director. She has experience in teaching, coaching and mentoring college students as she supervised the East Lab, The Children’s Place, at Front Range Community College. Kimberly was a member of the Southwest Coalition for Early Childhood Education in Tucson, Arizona identifying and implementing perimeters for licensing and best safety practices in Pima County. During this time, Kimberly was founder and owner of a small childcare center. She is director qualified.

(Vicepresident) Aaron completed his graduate work at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology specializing in applied behavior analysis. He has been working with individuals with special needs since 2008 and has been a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) since 2016.  He has worked in a variety of settings including schools, clinics, in-home, daycare, and now as early intervention provider at Rocky Mountain Human Services.  He is committed to ensuring  that all children, regardless of their individual needs, are given the support and resources necessary to thrive.  He strives to promote an inclusive and welcoming environment, and to foster a culture of continuous learning and growth. 

(Treasurer) Emily currently serves as a Center Director for a Reggio Emilia school dedicated to infants and toddlers. Emily has an Associates of Arts in Early Childhood Education. After obtaining her AA degree, she continued her education in Human Development and Family Studies. She was the Assistant Director / lead teacher of a caregiving group from 2014 to 2016. Since 2016, she has served as the Executive Director at Explore and Discover parent cooperative, a Reggio Emilia school dedicated to infants and toddlers.  Emily is excited to be a board member of Creative Blossoms and even more excited to help create a quality program with a different range of curriculum that helps serve all young children regardless of their race, social class or disabilities.

(Secretary) – Founder and Executive Director of Nebula Early Childhood Collaborative. Rebecca has a bachelor’s degree from Metro State University in Psychology with an emphasis in early childhood development and parenting education. Rebecca has 18 years of professional experience in early childhood education in various positions including classroom teacher, director, family resource specialist, coach, and workforce development specialist. Rebecca has worked in a wide variety of settings running early childhood programs including spiritual institutions, Head Start, and therapeutic preschools within an addiction’s recovery setting. Rebecca is a certified Early Childhood Coach, Reflective Supervisor, Large Center Director, and Nurturing Parenting Facilitator. Rebecca also has extensive experience as a non-profit administrator including finance, marketing, and strategic planning. Rebecca has been working intensively with the Colorado Refugee community providing equitable professional development to paraeducators, early childhood teachers, directors and home visitors. Rebecca brings an understanding of the importance of equity and access for early childhood professionals.

(Board Member) – M.A., Chief Innovation Officer. Melissa has over 19 years of early childhood field experience, including seven years as an early childhood educator, and 11 years of experience in Quality Rating and Improvement Systems and as a trainer for adult-learners. Melissa oversees Clayton Early Learning's Elevate products and services which includes external coaching, training, observation services, business support services, and more. Melissa currently provides leadership and oversight to Clayton's Quality Assessment Services, Coaching and Training, and Research and Evaluation Departments. Her specific areas of expertise include project design and management, instructional design, business development, product development, leadership development, classroom assessments, and quality assurance. Melissa has a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction.

Maru has a Bachelor’s in Art from UNAM in Mexico City, a Master’s in Education from Regis University, and a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from University of Charleston, West Virginia.  Maru owns a small business Early Childhood Hourly Teachers which supports childcare centers in Colorado with their staffing needs. She is also dedicated to acting and directing with diverse theater companies in Colorado and she is currently the Artistic Director and Executive Producer for Wheat Ridge Theatre Company. Maru currently works as Community Engagement Specialist at DPS. She also serves a President of Escena Abierta Teatro Inclusivo, A.C., a non-profit association operating in Mexico City dedicated to teach acting to children and teenagers with disabilities. She has been the owner of a large childcare center as well as Director in other two schools. Maru has been involved in Early Childhood Education for over 35 years.

For more information about Maru's endeavors visit

www.escenaabiertateatroinclusivo.com

www.earlychildhoodhourlyteachers.com

www.wheatridgetheatre.com