Our Staff
Meet our staff who go above & beyond! Our excellent and experienced educators take great pride and joy in our work! We are consistently researching and training with the latest professional development to enhance our knowledge and skills so that we are able to meet your child's individual needs.
Lacey Giovacchini
Executive Director
Lacey joined ELP in early 2022. She holds Certifications in the 45 Hour Course, National Administrator Credential, and CPR and First Aid Training, along with training in Conscious Discipline and Appelbaum Concepts. She is currently working on continuing her education through CNM. When asked why she loves Early Childhood Education she said “I have always been interested in Early Education as I feel these young years are the most important and impressionable on molding our children’s minds. It is my goal to return to school to further my studying in Early Childhood Education.” She is a mom to 2 wonderful kids, an 11-year-old son and 7-year-old daughter who graduated from ELP. With a background and degree in the Culinary Arts, she spends her free time baking and cooking for her loved ones, and enjoys dabbling in Interior Design and Event Planning.
Veronica Baldwin
Assistant Director
Veronica rejoined ELP in 2022 and brings over five years of experience working with children ages 2-5. Veronica has her 45 Hour Class Certification, National Administrator Credential, CPR and First Aid Certification as well as a Bachelor of Science degree from Iowa State University. When asked why she loves Early Childhood Education she said “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 family, fostering puppies, training at the gym, competing in body building competitions, reading and assembling jigsaw puzzles.
Jackie Collins
Lead Teacher, Pre-K Classroom
Jackie joined ELP in 2023 and has been an Early Childhood teacher for 8 years. She started her Early Childhood education career in Head Start before moving to ELP. She has her CDA and certifications in CPR, First Aid, and in the Nurtured Heart approach to trauma and discipline for young children. When asked why she loves Early Childhood education, Jackie said “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 the rest of their lives.” In her spare time Jackie enjoys traveling, spending time with her son, and family game nights.
Aiden Collins
Lead Teacher, Pre-S Classroom
Aiden joined ELP in February 2024 and brought with him previous experience having worked in a preschool setting for 2 years. He has certifications in 45-hour course, CPR, and First Aid. When asked why he loves Early Childhood Education, Aiden said “I love working with kids because I’m constantly learning and growing watching the world through their view. They have such innocent souls, and it’s precious to see how they interact and learn.” In his spare time, Aiden enjoys photography, video games, engineering and building technology, and hanging out with his family and his cat Billie (Eilish!)
Taylor Kennedy
Assistant Teacher, Pre-K Classroom
Taylor joined ELP in 2022 as a student at CNM who is continuing her Early Childhood Education Career, going into her 3rd school year as an assistant teacher. She has certifications in 45-hour course, CPR and First Aid Certification. When asked why she loves Early Childhood Education, Taylor said, “I love kids and I’m so happy that I’m able to get to help them grow and learn. I can’t wait to see how far they come starting from the beginning of the year to the end.” In her spare time Taylor loves hanging out watching sports with her 2 siblings and family and going for a swim.
Mandi Messier
Assistant Teacher, Pre-K Classroom
Mandi joined the team after having such a great experience being a parent volunteer! She brings her experience working in a Montessori school as well doing Home Visits. Mandi holds Certifications in the 45-Hour Course, CPR and First Aid Training, along with training in ECERS and social and emotional development. When asked why she enjoys working in Early Childhood Education, Mandi said “Having 2 kids of my own and discovering my love of motherhood pushed me into a direction of wanting to work with this age group of children to help shape their future in a way that makes all children feel seen, heard, accepted, and loved.” In her spare time, Mandi enjoys adventures with her family, yoga and meditation, arts and crafts, swimming, and loving on dogs and animals!
Chigusa Hata
Assistant Teacher, Pre-S Classroom
Chi joined the ELP team in 2024, after thoroughly enjoying her experience being a Parent Volunteer. She is completing her 45-hour course certification as well as CPR and First Aid. Chi grew up in Japan and relocated to New Mexico just a few years ago with her American husband and their daughter. She has a background in Marketing and International Kindergarten. When asked why she wanted to work in Early Childhood Education, Chi said “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 taking her dog on walks, while exploring the area with her family. She also really likes to clean!
Melissa Murphree
Assistant Teacher, Pre-S Classroom
Melissa joined ELP after loving her parent volunteer experience over the last 3 years. She has her BS in Health, Exercise, and Family Science and is a certified Medical Assistant. When asked why she wanted to get into Early Childhood Education, Melissa said “As a mother of two children that have attended ELP for the last several years, it has been amazing watching their unique personalities and styles grow while in the classroom atmosphere. I find it a privilege to help be part of educating children on an academic and social level.” In her spare time, she enjoys crafting, exercising, and spending time with her family.