Our Teachers
Ashley Bobo, Director
Hello Families! I grew up in Stillwater, Oklahoma and graduated from Oklahoma State University (Go Cowboys!) with a degree in Elementary Education. I also have my director's certification for early childhood. For as long as I can remember I knew that I wanted to work with children. It might have something to do with the fact that so many of my families members are educators. After graduating college, Clint & I were married and I joined him up here in the mountains! Shortly after the move in 2005, I was fortunate enough to become the preschool teacher here & I am still loving being here, so many years later! I have worked in every classroom but since 2010, I have been working as the Executive Director for our organization. I have an 11 year old daughter, Calleigh, who is in 6th grade and 7 year old son Ridge who is in 2nd grade. I love to go hiking, biking, camping, and cross country skiing with Clint, the kids, and our boxer, Cooper Chocolate Face. Can you guess which child gave him his middle name? ;-) Of course, no matter what season it is or how it is going, you will find me cheering for my favorite teams, the OSU Cowboys and the Denver Broncos.
Brianna Priebe, Assistant Director
Hello Everyone! For those of you who don’t already know me, I am one of the assistant director’s, as well as one of our floating teachers, so I can be found just about anywhere; from in the office at either building, to any one of our 5 classrooms. I have been a teacher here at Grand Kids since 2004 and I continue to love watching all of the children learn and grow over the years. I obtained my bachelors’ degree in Therapeutic Recreation at Minnesota State University, which is where I was born and raised, and several years ago I finished my Directors’ Certification in Early Childhood Education. As most of you know I have three children, Ecko & Ayza are alumni of Grand Kids and Aksel is currently in the pre-k room. In my free time I love to spend time with family and friends, as well as enjoy many of the outdoor activities the valley has to offer.
Kim Vella,
0-3yr Building Site Director
My name is Kim Vella and I have lived in Grand County for 13 years. I was born and raised outside of Philadelphia, PA. I went to West Chester University and graduated in 2001 with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies. After a few months of working in the corporate world I decided that maybe that wasn’t my cup of tea and started working at a preschool named, Launfal. I was the toddler room Lead teacher at Launfal before moving out to Colorado. Luckily I found my true passion in working with children and have been doing so ever since. I started at Grand Kids in 2007 and have earned my Early Childhood Education Director Certification. I enjoy my free time hiking, biking, skiing, trail running, and pretty much anything active outdoors with my husband John, my son Johnny and daughter Josie. I am very happy to be part of the Grand Kids family and look forward to educating and caring for your precious little ones.
Kristen Cahalane,
Blue Room,
Jr. Preschool
Lead Teacher
Hi everyone! For those of you who don't already know me, my name is Kristen Cahalane and I have been living in Grand County for over 10 years now and hoping to live here for many more. I was born and raised in a small town in Quebec, Canada located on the Vermont border. I graduated with honors from Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario Canada. After receiving my degree, I had no idea what my ultimate plan was going to be so I decided to accept a nanny job for a family of 5 realizing after that experience what my calling was, working with children. After my nanny job I worked as a lead teacher in a junior preschool program in Moncton, New Brunswick Canada for 2 years and from there, proceeded to open my own childcare business out of my home for another 5 years before moving out here. It wasn't until after attending my brother's wedding back in 2005 that I had made the decision to move to Grand County to experience the West. I had only planned on living here for a year before returning back to my business in Canada. It wasn't long after moving that apparently just one year in the County was not in the cards for me. Since the move I was fortunate to have found my own family here with my husband and son who is now almost 7 as well as being close to my brother and his family.
During my free time I enjoy spending time with my husband, Craig, son, Fletcher and all our friends. I also have fun cross country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, playing golf and partaking in as many events this county has to offer. I am adventurous and love being outside.
Grand Kids was the very first place that I applied to after moving here and to this day I thank my lucky stars for landing such a wonderful job, working in the environment I am in and with the people I do. Life is good.
Bekah Hanson,
Double Black Diamond, Pre- K Lead Teacher
Hi, my name is Bekah Hanson, and I am the Pre- K Lead Teacher. I grew up in Alpharetta, Georgia helping with my mom’s in home childcare center and running my own babysitting business. I moved to Southern California right before high school and was a part time nanny for my aunt’s family, and really discovered how much I loved working with kids. I then moved to Greeley, Colorado in 2007 to start College at University of Northern Colorado. I found myself in Grand County shortly after leaving UNC and have been in the area since 2011 and have made this beautiful valley my home. I have been working at Grand Kids since June of 2014 and completed my Early Childhood Education Directors' Certificate in Spring of 2019.
I love cross country skiing in the winter, hiking and camping with my husband, Jim and puppies, Flea and Lemmy, in the summer.
Eric Johnson,
Black Diamond, Preschool Lead Teacher
Hi! My name is Eric Johnson. I am the lead teacher in the Cubs room. I have been at Grand Kids since January 2017 and in Grand County since 2014. I moved out here from Bend, Oregon where I grew up. I graduated from Oregon State University (Go Beavs!) with a degree in Human Services.
I started working with kids at the Boys and Girls Club when I was in college. At the time, I needed a job and had a friend working there so she got me a job. That is when I first learned I enjoy working with children. I have been able to gather a lot of experience with a lot of different age groups over the years. I’ve worked with High Schoolers, Middle Schoolers, Elementary Schoolers, and now getting experience with Pre-Schoolers (and they are probably the most challenging for me so far!) I’ve been fortunate enough to hold many different positions to gain experience. I’ve worked in an athletic department, coordinated field trips, was a counselor at an overnight summer camp in Pennsylvania, and ran a before and after school program as well as a summer camp for Bend Parks and Rec.
During my free time I like to be outside. I like to golf, camp and hike in the summer and recently picked up fly fishing. In the winter I snowboard and play ice hockey. I’m fortunate enough to live in the beautiful Fraser Valley where I can do all the outdoor activities I like, which is nice because I am always looking for the next adventure!
Braelyn Bridge,
Double Black Diamond, Pre-K Assistant Teacher
Hello, my name is Braelyn Bridge. I have lived in Grand County my whole life. I recently graduated from West Grand High School in May 2018 and have just recently started my journey in early childhood education. I graduated high school thinking I wanted to be a pediatric nurse, but after spending the summer with my three younger cousins I had decided that I wanted to work with children to watch them grow in so many ways. So, I did a semester of nursing at Colorado Mountain College, but then took the second semester off to start this wonderful new job! I got very lucky when I found Grands Kids Learning Center. They have opened so many great opportunities for me to continue my own growth. I’m excited to be part of such an amazing center!
In the summer I like to go hiking, camping, and fishing. I try to spend as much time outdoors as I possibly can. Many people tell me I live in the wrong place because I don’t enjoy winter or winter activities as much as I do summer. I love the small, close community I have grown up in and I am very grateful for the opportunities it has provided me!
Sam Johnson,
Black Diamond, Preschool Assistant Teacher
Hello! My name is Samantha Johnson. I was born and raised in Fredericksburg, Virginia. I am the oldest of 8 siblings, which means I was always babysitting. I moved away from my huge, loving family in August 2016 to figure out what the West was about. I found myself missing children so I picked up babysitting here and there. That helped remind me where my passions truly were. I started working at Grand Kids Learning Center in April 2019. I plan on furthering my education in the Fall of 2019. I believe that children are the key to making a change in the world, one tiny smile at a time. In my spare time I love painting, planning community events, enjoying the outdoors, and vermicomposting or better known as worm farming!!
Emily Haberkorn,
Bunny Hill, Infant Room
Lead Teacher
Hi my name is Emily Haberkorn. I was born and raised right here in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. Having grown up in Grand County, it’s so fun for me to see these kids enjoying the same things I got to when I was their age. In 2008 I graduated from Middle Park High School. After high school I went to cosmetology school and Red Rocks Community College for photography. After a few years in Denver I needed to move back home! The past 10 years I worked in the lodging industry, but I knew that wasn't what I wanted to do forever. In October of 2017 I started at Grand Kids. In 2019 I completed my CDA credential and I am currently taking classes to finishing my Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Working with kids has always been a passion of mine. I spend a lot of my free time babysitting, and if i'm not with children I enjoy playing hockey and softball and being on the mountains with my husband. I'm looking forward to spending many more years here helping Grand County's children grow.
Maya Nelson,
Assistant Teacher
Hi everyone! My name is Maya Nelson. I was born in Puerto Rico but was raised in the hot town of Arlington, Texas. I’m the youngest of three but have always had a love and joy for being around children! I started babysitting around the age of 12 and haven’t stopped since. After moved to Colorado right out of high school while looking for something new and exciting, I found living in this town/state is what makes me happiest and I don’t plan on leaving! I’m in and out of college courses working on my degree to become a Children’s Psychologist.. In the meantime I’m working on myself, learning the ways and fun things to do in Colorado, and hopefully making a difference in all of these kids lives!
Allyson Liner,
Assistant Teacher
Hi, my name is Allyson Liner. I am an assistant teacher and you can find me at the red and brown buildings. I was born and raised in Hammond, Louisiana/. I attended and graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University and received a bachelor’s degree in General Studies. I I have been working at Grand Kids since September 2018 after the merge with Fraser Creative Learning Center.
I started working with kids at the Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center where I discovered how much I enjoyed working with kids and how they explore their world. So, when I made the decision to move, I chose Winter Park Resort. I worked in childcare at the Ski and Ride School for the past 4 winters. Not only did I help indoors attending to the needs of the toddlers, I also assisted outdoors for the 3 to 4-year olds in ski lessons.
I am one of those people who came for the winter and stayed for the summer. My passion is skiing, but I also enjoy hiking and riding my bike. One of the great things about moving to Grand County is how peaceful it is and how motivated I am to try new things such whitewater rafting.
This Could Be YOU!
We have expanded our care to 2 sites as Grand Kids Learning Center and are in need of quality, caring, fun, energetic team members to help teach the children of Grand County! We are seeking team members to teach our toddler through pre-kindergarten aged children (1 year to 6 years). We offer good pay, bonuses, and opportunities to support your higher education. Work days & hours are flexible. Please email your resume & a brief description of your experience with children to grandkidschildcare.org or for more information, please call 970-509-5002, ext. 1.