Wendy Helms
Director / Pre-K Teacher
BS Elementary Education/Family Sciences
Colorado Shines Early Childhood Credential Level 6

I began my career at Little Treasures in the fall of 2002, and became Director in 2005.  Hundreds of Pre-Kindergarteners have passed through my classroom and it’s been a joy seeing them grow and learn.  I am grateful to work with an amazing and dedicated staff, wonderful families, a great community, and to see the amazing growth in our students while they are in our care.  I love my work, my family, traveling (I met my goal to visit all 50 states!), learning, reading, time in the mountains, and family history.

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Marlene Ruybalid
Administrative Assistant / Human Resources
Morning Greeter and Snack Preparer Extraordinaire

I moved to the Valley in 2003 from the big city and I love it here.  Most of all I love making my world famous nachos and cinnamon toast for the kids.  I have been in the Administrative Assistant/Human Resources world for over 20 years and am having a great time!

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Greta Campbell
Preschool Teacher
Colorado Shines Early Childhood Credential Level 3

Fall of 2022 will mark the beginning of my seventeenth year at Little Treasures Preschool.  Teaching preschool has been both fulfilling and enjoyable.  It’s rewarding to be part of a young child’s first educational experience away from home.  It’s amazing to witness the power of learning, curiosity and imagination.  Involvement with my own family continues after raising six children.  Now, I am happy to be Grandma to twenty-three grandchildren.  I enjoy nature, quiet walks, creative projects, laughter and music.  I am convinced that my work with wonderful little people is keeping me young!

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Cynthia Price
Pre-K Teacher
BS Elementary Education
Colorado Shines Early Childhood Credential Level 3

One of my greatest joys in life is working with young children.  It is a privilege each year to see our little ones grow so much.  After beginning my education degree at Adams State, I took time to begin my family.  I completed my BA in Elementary Education from WGU and went straight to work at Little Treasures in 2011.  I love a good book and like listening to music, especially with my kids.  I enjoy warm, sunny days and cooking.  Above all, I love being a Mom to five wonderful kids.  

Faith Hoover
Pre-K Teacher
BS Elementary Education
Colorado Shines Early Childhood Credential Level 4

I was born and raised in southeast Georgia but have lived in Colorado for many years.  I love the beauty of our mountains, but I really miss the beach.  After graduating from Adams State in 2002, I worked as a para-professional at Manassa Elementary.  Over the next few years, I became Mom to three wonderful children and did some substitute teaching.  I started at Little Treasures in August of 2012.  I enjoy the opportunity that I have to teach these precious children.  They are full of excitement, wonder, and joy!  I also love to read, do digital scrapbooking, and attend the local Zumba class.

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Erin Forster
Preschool Teacher
BA K-12 Physical Education
Colorado Shines Early Childhood Credential Level 2

I am a graduate of Adams State University. I have been at Little Treasures since 2013 and was promoted to teacher in 2022.  I love working with young children and find it rewarding to see them grow in their learning process. I am always sad to see a class move on, but love getting to know a new group of students each year.  I enjoy my work environment and my wonderful co-workers at Little Treasures. I also enjoy fishing, camping, coaching, and spending time with my husband, sons, and family.

 

Vivian Vigil
Preschool Teacher Assistant / Child Care
AA Early Childhood Education
Colorado Shines Early Childhood Credential Level 5

I chose to attend Trinidad State Junior College in the field of Early Childhood Education because I enjoy working with children.  Unbelievably, I have worked at Little Treasures for more than seventeen years and still enjoy coming to work every day.  I like spending time with the children and my coworkers.  I am Mom to three adult children and Grandma to four girls and three boys that I adore.  When not at work, I spend time with family and enjoy fishing, time in the mountains, and going for long drives.

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Valerie Martinez
Pre-K Teacher Assistant/ Child Care
BS Elementary Education 
Colorado Shines Early Childhood Credential Level 6

My love for teaching began when I worked at the Center Public Library.  This opportunity inspired me to fulfill my dream of becoming  a teacher so I signed up for the program at Adams State College.  After teaching Pre-K in a private school in Denver, I began working at Little Treasures in 2008 and I love it!  The children are so sweet and fun to be around, their families are wonderful, and my co-workers are amazing. During the summer of 2022, I enjoyed working at Tiny Toes Academy in Littleton where I met wonderful staff and adorable little people and their families.  However, Little Treasures is my work home and I hope to be here for years to come.

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Rachel Barr
Pre-K Teacher Assistant / Child Care
Colorado Shines Early Childhood Credential Level 2

I was born and raised in the Valley and love it here!  My husband and I have eight children and six grandchildren. I’m also close to my siblings and many nieces and nephews.  I have always loved working with children, so Little Treasures has been a perfect fit.  I enjoy seeing our students’ satisfaction when they conquer a difficult task and I enjoy seeing them progress throughout the year.  I love doing projects, fixing things, yard work, and anything that is a challenge.

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Lori Smith
Pre-K Teacher Assistant / Child Care
Colorado Shines Early Childhood Credential Level 2

My husband and I both were born and raised here in the valley. It has been a wonderful place to raise our three sons. We live on a ranch and enjoy our work there.  I love to clean, organize, garden, read, camp, move cows, and spend time with my family.  I have been at Little Treasures since 2013.  I love looking back at the end of the year and seeing the hurdles our students have overcome.  I love the look a child gets when they “get it.”  And I love that our students are brutally honest!

Michelle Bagwell
Preschool Teacher Assistant / Child Care
BS Elementary Education
Colorado Shines Early Childhood Credential (applied)

I am a graduate of Brigham Young University.  I taught preschool at Little Treasures years ago, then spent time at home raising my family. Over the past several years I have been a substitute at Little Treasures and have loved it. The staff has been amazing and I love working with the kids.  I’m excited to be a part of Little Treasures!  My husband and I have five kids that keep us very busy. I love a good book, spending time with my family, puzzles, sports, going to the mountains and chocolate.