Child Development

Sarah

My name is Sarah and I'm the Child Development Director! I've worked at the Y for several months now. Teaching is my calling. My fourth grade teacher was my inspirations, and I want children to remember me, like I remember her. I had just graduated from college, and I did not want to ride the unemployment train through the entire COVID situation, so I started applying for jobs on Indeed. The Y called me, and I went through the two most intense interviews of my life, and the rest is history. The reason I come to work everyday at the Y is because of the amazing team that I have the honor of working with, and the kiddos that I am forming a bond with! My major in college was Early Childhood Education, and I graduated from both PCC and CSU Pueblo. My favorite classroom management technique is the count-down from five - LOL!

Veronica

Hi, I'm Veronica and I have worked at the Y for ten years! I started off working in B&A and then B&A and Preschool, B&A Coordinator, Busser, Child Development Director, and now Preschool Teacher. I am blessed to be able to do what I love! I obtained my Bachelor's Degree from the University of Northern Colorado a long time ago :)

Here's a few of my favorite things: 

• Favorite animal? Our 4 pound emotional support dog Bronxy :)
• Favorite shape? Heart
• What's your secret talent? It's a secret lol jk none known
• What's one thing on your bucket list? Visit all 50 states

Harlee

My name is Harlee and I started working for the YMCA in September of 2017, and its been a wonderful three years!  I plan to go back to school in the Spring and graduate with my Early Childhood Education degree from Pueblo Community College.  My favorite proactive classroom management strategy would have to be greeting our students before every class, seeing their faces light up because they are so excited to come to preschool and hearing about their dinner the night before or all the cool things they did over the weekend!  

Sami

Hi, I'm Sami and I have worked for the Y for 3 years. I love teaching children and seeing them grow with the knowledge I helped them learn. My family has been coming to the Y for years; when I found out they had a Child Development Center I knew I had to work here! I'm a junior at Pueblo Community College and my major is in Elementary Teacher Education. My favorite classroom management technique is my Super Friend Book!

Here are a few of my favorite things:

• Favorite color? Burnt Orange 
• Favorite ice cream flavor? Mint chocolate chip 
• What's one thing on your bucket list? I want three fluffy cows and to name them: Rose, Tulip, and Fern. 

Lexi

Hi, I'm Lexi! I've been at the Pueblo YMCA for four years. I've spent nearly my entire life around kids and I love watching them grow and develop into their own person. At the Y, I love that we welcome everyone with open arms and I love the team I work with!

Here are a few of my favorite things: 

• Favorite animal? Sloth, my ACTUAL spirit animal
• Favorite shape? Moon
• What's your secret talent? I can sing my alphabet backwards

Danielle

My name is Danielle and I’m 38 years old. I have been in the Early Childhood Education field a little over ten years. I was born here in Pueblo and grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I graduated high school in 2001 and graduated with my ECE degree in 2010. I have been here at the Y for a year and a half and I love it! I decided to go with the Y because it’s a very family oriented organization. I went into teaching because I love kids and I learn just as much from them as they learn from me. They are all unique in their own way!!

Here's a few of my favorite things:

• Favorite letter/number? A and 3
• What's your secret talent? I can read a whole book in one day
• What's on your bucket list? To visit DisneyLand or DisneyWorld!

Janeth

Hi, I'm Janeth! Here's a few of my favorite things:

• Favorite color? Blue, black and lavender
• What's one thing on your bucket list? Start an indie band :))
• Favorite ice cream flavor? Chocolate fudge brownie, strawberry cheesecake

Erika

Hello! My name is Erika, I’m a child watch attendant here at the Ymca! I have been working in this area since November of 2017, and have enjoyed it all very much. I chose the Y because it is very family oriented, and there hasn’t been a time in my life where I haven’t been without family and caring for young children/babies. My favorite thing is when a child runs, or stops their playing, and gives me a random hug!

• Favorite color? Periwinkle, black and glitter :)
• What's one thing on your bucket list? I want to swim in the clearest water I can find and go to New Orleans to experience the Mardi Gras festival
• McDonald's or Chick-Fil-A? If it’s a spicy deluxe with no pickle from chick-fil-a, I’m in!

Jessica

My name is Jessica Kelly. I’m a mother of two! I was born in Pueblo, but was not raised here. I moved back after high school. Shortly after arriving i Attended Pueblo Community College and obtained an AAS Degree. I was finishing school when my daughter became ill.

I actually chose the Y because for 2 whole years my daughter wasn’t herself and for the first time I saw my kid being a kid when her Cancer foundation had thrown a Halloween party that past year here at the YMCA. I think a place that can make that much of a difference in one kid’s day is something I’d be proud to be a part of.

I’ve watched so many kids thrive and grow in Child Watch. They come in and can be so shy and reserved, scared to be away from their parents and some with very little social skills. They end up making friends, playing, learning to share, and interact with children of all ages. I’ve seen it prepare kids to be in a classroom. It’s wonderful to watch and to be a part of that growth.

I’ve worked for the YMCA for 7 years this May.

• Favorite animal? Owls. LOVE OWLS!
• What's worse: Snakes or spiders? SPIDERS!!! I actually like snakes!
• What's one thing on your bucket list? I think it would be to ride across the country with my motorcycle. What an adventure that would be.