Hello and welcome to the Family Learning Center. My name is Mike Fox and I am proud to serve as the Executive Director for the FLC. Originally from the East Coast, I earned my Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Vermont and moved to Colorado in 2008. I taught Pre-Kindergarten for 6 years along the Front Range before moving to Vail with my wife and our pets, Bowie and Albi. I am proud to serve the community I call home by providing a high-quality early learning environment for all families of Eagle County. Please feel free to contact me with any questions, comments or concerns.
I look forward to meeting you!
Mike Fox, Executive Director
"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not."
I look forward to meeting you!
Mike Fox, Executive Director
"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not."
Administrative Team
Hello, my name is Patrick Whitehurst and I am the Communications and Development Officer at FLC. Originally from Wisconsin, I moved to Eagle County in August of 1997 and began my career teaching middle school mathematics and social studies. I am an avid sports fan and outdoor enthusiast. I love to travel and attend live music. My hobbies include snowboarding, SCUBA diving and hiking. When I'm not cheering on the Green Bay Packers I am outside having fun with my girlfriend Anna and our black lab Indy Jones. |
My name is Brenda Saucedo. I love working with all the children and families at the Family Learning Center. I am working on obtaining an Associates in Early Childhood Education. I am also the Administrative Supervisor at FLC. In my spare time I love to spend my time with my family. I love spending time with my beautiful baby girl and she is my world. We love to go swimming when we have the time to. Life is great and I am happy that I am a part of a great school. |
Joanna Mendoza, Program Services Manager
Kitchen Manager
Hello, my name is Kat Paula and I am the Foodservice Manager at the Family Learning Center. I grew up in Pennsylvania and went to the Culinary Institute of America in New York where I earned my degree and Baking and Pastry Arts. I moved to Colorado with my husband in 2009 and we have a daughter, Lily, who attends FLC. I love to work on the garden and introduce fun, new, healthy foods to the children. My favorite part of my job is getting to interact with the children and watch them learn to love and appreciate food!
Team Teachers
Hi my name is Sandra Almanza and I have been working at the Family Learning Center for 5 years. The last 5 years have been the best years of my life since I love working with children and seeing them grow! I believe children learn through love and care, and that all children learn in their own unique. I have taken many Early Childhood classes, CPR, Medication Administrative class and training that FLC has provides. I have a Level 1 Credential in Early Childhood.
When I’m not at work I spend my days with my husband and my son Lucas. We like to go on nature adventures and having them is the best thing that has happen to me. I have been living in Avon, Colorado for the past 15 years but I’m originally from Mexico. I graduated from Battle Mountain High School in 2011.
When I’m not at work I spend my days with my husband and my son Lucas. We like to go on nature adventures and having them is the best thing that has happen to me. I have been living in Avon, Colorado for the past 15 years but I’m originally from Mexico. I graduated from Battle Mountain High School in 2011.
Hello My name is Arely Alva I am from Chihuahua, Mexico but I was raised all my life in Denver, Colorado. I moved to the valley about 4 years ago. I have two amazing littler girls that are my pride and joy. I am a single mom which means twice the hugs and kisses. I have two sisters and two brothers. I am the oldest of four and have an older brother. I am the first in my family to graduate and go to college and I am a proud Colorado Mountain College student. I love children and I have so many plans but I do not know where God is going to take me. I really like the idea of going into Law Enforcement to help protect children. I love to spend time with my girls they are my little best friends. I enjoy hanging out with my friends back home. I love driving to Denver because it relaxes me, but also I get really home sick sometimes. I look forward to working with your child and to not only help them develop but become part of their little life’s.
Infant Department
Ms. Sarah
Hi, my name is Sarah Martin and I joined the Family Learning Center team in May 2017. I’m originally from Boston and moved to the Vail Valley in 2008 with my husband. I have my B.A. in Psychology and I am a certified early childhood teacher. I have worked as an infant teacher for 6 years and I love what I do. I am passionate about child development and dedicated to providing a positive, loving environment for infants in my care. I spend my free time with my husband and our 3 boys. We love camping, playing music together, laughing together, and cheering on the Patriots. I am so excited to be part of the FLC team!
Hi, my name is Sarah Martin and I joined the Family Learning Center team in May 2017. I’m originally from Boston and moved to the Vail Valley in 2008 with my husband. I have my B.A. in Psychology and I am a certified early childhood teacher. I have worked as an infant teacher for 6 years and I love what I do. I am passionate about child development and dedicated to providing a positive, loving environment for infants in my care. I spend my free time with my husband and our 3 boys. We love camping, playing music together, laughing together, and cheering on the Patriots. I am so excited to be part of the FLC team!
Ms. Nora
Ms. Nicole
Ms. Nicole
Toddler Department
Ms. Sandy
My Name is Sandy Loera. I’ve lived in the valley for over 16 years and I graduated from Eagle Valley High School in 2013. My son’s name is Joan and he is my motivation to keep going every day I am currently a full time student pursuing my Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education. Since I started working at FLC, I’ve spent most of my time in the infant department. The most rewarding aspect of working in this field is seeing my student’s smiling faces when they see me, even when they’ve transitioned to a new room. It lets me know myself that I am doing something right and that the children appreciate my love and attention for them.
Hi my name is Chey Wright. I was born and raised on the beaches of Southern California and have a heart for traveling and adventure. I initially moved to the Vail Valley six years ago, but I have also spent time living in Philadelphia and the Big Island of Hawaii. I like to spend my free time soaking up the sun, hanging out by the water, or doing arts and crafts. I rejoined the FLC team in December of 2015 and have collectively worked at the center for 3 years as a Lead Teacher and a Float. It makes my heart so happy to see the children's smiling faces each morning and to watch them grow over time.
My name is Jennifer, please call me Jen! I have lived in the valley for nearly 15 years. I am married with two teenage boys. I started working with kids in high school and have not done anything else since! I went to college for ECE and received my CDA. I hope to further my studies even more. I have always had a natural connection with children, I love their spirit and individuality. FLC has been a wonderful experience and opportunity for me.
Hello my name is Mercedes Diaz. I am currently taking early childhood classes at CMC and look forward to growing in this field. I love helping everywhere at FLC to get a better understanding of all aspects of childcare. I have a two year old daughter who I love to spend time with outdoors. Working in childcare is amazing because you can make a difference in a child’s life.
“Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play children learn how to learn.” Fred Donaldson
“Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play children learn how to learn.” Fred Donaldson
Hi, my name is Ana Cordova and I have been working here at FLC since February 2016 and it has been a great experience working here. I have been working with kids for more than 8 years now and been a lead teacher for 6 years. I’m married and have a 3 year old daughter. I enjoy spending time with my family. I have been here in Colorado for 25 years and graduated in 2004 at RFHS
My name is Brandee Cordova. I have worked in child care for almost four years prior to becoming a part of the FLC staff. I started taking early childhood classes at CMC in 2013 and am currently continuing my education and growth in this area. My future plan is to eventually receive my associates in either Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education. In my spare time, I love spending time with my daughters ages 5 and soon to be 7, my family, close friends, and reading. I enjoy working in this field as a care giver. I look forward to seeing their growth and progression as I work with these great kids on a daily basis.
My name is Laura Alcaraz. I spent most my childhood in San Bernardino CA and moved to the valley when I was nine for a few years. After moving around quite a bit, I found my way back to this beautiful valley in 2012. I have a seven year old son that I enjoy watching grow. I started taking classes in ECE and pursuing an Associates degree in Early Childhood. I love being around young children and watch their development unfold as each child meets their developmental milestones.
My name is Cecilia Reyes and I was born in Mexico. I have two associates in early childhood education. It is amazing to me how small a child can be and how they have some traits or ideas of how they will be when they grow up.
Hi, my name is Daniela Chavez. I was born in California, raised in Leadville and have been living in Eagle County for five years. I am currently going to school at Colorado Mountain College working towards getting my Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education. I have worked with children for two years and love every second of it.
Preschool Department
Ms. Betty
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Hi my name is Brandie Armijo, and I am grateful to work at the Family Learning Center and to work with children and be an important part of their lives. I am compassionate about children and learning and I believe that early childhood is the most important times of their lives. I have a child of my own, and I know how important it is that with learning comes love, and compassion for children. The children of our preschool program have a future and I get to be a part of it by playing and teaching; even wiping their boogies and kissing their boo-boos!
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Hello my name is Leonor Chavez. I was born in Mexico but I've lived in Vail valley since i was 3. When I am not at FLC you can find me doing many things. I enjoy hiking,riding,snowboarding,dancing and going out with my friends and family. Through my high school years, I volunteered to work with children at several elementary schools and loved every second of it. I started working at FLC in May 2017 and I will be taking early childhood classes in the Fall of 2017.
Hi my name is Xochilt and I was born and raised in Colorado! In my free time I really enjoy being with family and friends. I also like to hike, snowboard, read, and ride my bike.
I am really passionate about working with children. I love to help them learn new and exciting things everyday and I always work to form a strong bond with the all children and their families. My goals is to get my associates degree in Early Childhood Education. What I want to accomplish is that children enjoy learning from a very young age and continue to love learning from now and beyond. My biggest inspiration was my 4th grade teacher Mrs. Turnipseed she taught me to never to give up even though when things get tough. She made me love education even more. I choose to work in Early Childhood because I love to be able to see when children’s eyes light up when they are learning or trying something new for the first time. I also love to see the smiles on their faces. My job is fulfilling when I see them content and happy.
I am really passionate about working with children. I love to help them learn new and exciting things everyday and I always work to form a strong bond with the all children and their families. My goals is to get my associates degree in Early Childhood Education. What I want to accomplish is that children enjoy learning from a very young age and continue to love learning from now and beyond. My biggest inspiration was my 4th grade teacher Mrs. Turnipseed she taught me to never to give up even though when things get tough. She made me love education even more. I choose to work in Early Childhood because I love to be able to see when children’s eyes light up when they are learning or trying something new for the first time. I also love to see the smiles on their faces. My job is fulfilling when I see them content and happy.
