OUR STAFF
Meet our staff who go above and beyond every day! Our dedicated and experienced educators take great pride and joy in their work. We are committed to ongoing professional development, continuously learning and growing so we can best support each child’s individual needs.
Ms. Lacey
Executive Director
Lacey joined ELP in early 2022 and brings both leadership and passion to her role. She holds certifications in the 45-Hour Course, National Administrator Credential, and CPR and First Aid, along with specialized training in Conscious Discipline and Appelbaum Concepts.
Lacey has been working with children since the age of 11, gaining experience through babysitting, camp counseling, and nannying. She also studied Early Childhood Education in school, along with creative writing, journalism, business, and earning a degree in Culinary Arts, bringing a well-rounded and creative approach to her work in early education.
When asked why she loves Early Childhood Education, Lacey shared, “I have always been interested in early education, as I believe these young years are the most important and impressionable in shaping our children’s minds.”
She is a proud mom of two, a son and a daughter, who is an ELP graduate, who inspire her daily. In her free time, Lacey enjoys baking and cooking with her kids, cuddling with her dog, and exploring interior design and event planning.
Ms. Veronica
Compliance/Training Director
Veronica rejoined ELP in 2022 and brings over six years of experience working with children ages 2–5. She holds her 45-Hour Certification, National Administrator Credential, and CPR and First Aid certifications, along with a Bachelor of Science degree from Iowa State University.
When asked why she loves Early Childhood Education, Veronica shared, “I love the enthusiasm young children have for exploring the world around them. It is so exciting to watch them learn and grow from the beginning of the school year to the end.”
In her spare time, Veronica enjoys spending time with her family, fostering puppies, training at the gym, competing in bodybuilding competitions, reading, and assembling jigsaw puzzles.
Ms. Jackie
Lead Teacher, Pre-S Classroom
Jackie joined ELP in 2023 and brings over 10 years of experience in Early Childhood Education. She began her career in Head Start before continuing her work with young children at ELP. Jackie holds her CDA, along with certifications in CPR, First Aid, and the Nurtured Heart Approach to trauma and discipline for young children.
When asked why she loves Early Childhood Education, Jackie shared, “I love the ability to help shape our future. Working with young children is a nurturing profession, and the love and care you show children today will shape how they treat others for the rest of their lives.”
In her spare time, Jackie enjoys traveling, spending time with her son, and family game nights.
Ms. Taylor
Lead Teacher, Pre-K Classroom
Taylor joined ELP in 2022 as a student at CNM, continuing her journey in Early Childhood Education. She holds an Associate’s Degree in Psychology, bringing a strong foundation in child development to her work in the classroom.
After several years growing with our team, including time as an Assistant Teacher, Taylor now serves as our Pre-K Lead Teacher. She brings experience, consistency, and a deep understanding of our program to her role. She also holds her 45-hour certification, along with CPR and First Aid certifications.
When asked why she loves Early Childhood Education, Taylor shared, “I love kids and I’m so happy that I’m able to help them grow and learn. I can’t wait to see how far they come from the beginning of the year to the end.”
In her spare time, Taylor enjoys watching sports with her family, spending time with her two siblings, and going for a swim.
Mr. Aiden
Assistant Teacher, Pre-K/S Classroom
Aiden joined ELP in February 2024 and brought with him two years of experience in a preschool setting, having worked in multiple roles within child care. He is now entering his third school year with us. Aiden holds his 45-hour certification, along with CPR and First Aid certifications.
When asked why he loves Early Childhood Education, Aiden shared, “I love working with kids because I’m constantly learning and growing while seeing the world through their perspective. They have such innocent souls, and it’s special to watch how they interact and learn.”
In his spare time, Aiden enjoys photography, video games, engineering and building technology, and spending time with his family and his cat, Billie (Eilish!).
Ms. Mandi
Assistant Teacher, Pre-S Classroom
Mandi joined the team in 2024 after having such a positive experience as a parent volunteer. She brings valuable experience from working in a Montessori setting, as well as conducting home visits with families. Mandi holds certifications in the 45-Hour Course, CPR and First Aid, along with training in ECERS and social-emotional development.
When asked why she enjoys working in Early Childhood Education, Mandi shared, “Having two kids of my own and discovering my love of motherhood led me in the direction of working with this age group. I want to help shape their future in a way that makes all children feel seen, heard, accepted, and loved.”
In her spare time, Mandi enjoys going on adventures with her family, practicing yoga and meditation, creating arts and crafts, swimming, and spending time with dogs and other animals.
Ms. Chi
Assistant Teacher, Pre-S Classroom
Chi joined the ELP team in 2024 after thoroughly enjoying her experience as a parent volunteer. She holds her 45-hour certification, along with CPR and First Aid certifications.
Originally from Japan, Chi relocated to New Mexico a few years ago with her husband and their daughter. She brings a unique background in marketing and international kindergarten education, adding a global perspective to the classroom.
When asked why she chose to work in Early Childhood Education, Chi shared, “Simply, I love kids! Children, especially ages 3–5, show me how much they’re capable of learning, growing, and changing every single day. I hope to continue to do the same alongside them!”
In her spare time, Chi enjoys walking her dog, exploring the area with her family, and, cleaning!
Ms. Melissa
Assistant Teacher, Pre-K Classroom
Melissa joined ELP in 2024 after being an active parent volunteer during the years her children attended our program. She is now entering her third school year with us. She holds certifications in the 45-hour course, CPR, and First Aid. Melissa also has a Bachelor’s degree in Health, Exercise, and Family Science and is a certified Medical Assistant.
When asked why she wanted to get into Early Childhood Education, Melissa shared, “As a mother of two children who attended ELP, it has been amazing watching their unique personalities and styles grow in the classroom. I find it a privilege to be part of educating children on both an academic and social level.”
In her spare time, Melissa enjoys crafting, exercising, and spending time with her family.
Board of Directors:
President: Taylor Miera
Vice President: Megan Blevins
Parent-Secretary: Taylor Miera
Parent- Treasurer: Kelsey Olson
School Director: Lacey Giovacchini
Staff Representative: Veronica Baldwin
Community Member: Jacqueline Gomory
Community Member: Morgan Higgins
Community Member: Amber Cisneros
Community Member: Stephanie Errickson
Community Member: Anne Rogers