Brenda Lord has been a Preschool Teacher at TLC since January 2017, where she supports and inspires young learners. She holds a BS in Biology with a minor in Education from Butler University and an MS in Education from Regis University, along with a Licensed Early Education certification. Brenda is passionate about helping students enter kindergarten feeling confident and capable, ready to see themselves as successful learners.

Her professional interests lie in promoting literacy, problem-solving, and a growth mindset. She believes that by nurturing these skills early on, children are equipped with the tools they need to thrive throughout their education and beyond.

Outside of the classroom, Brenda is an avid adventurer. She enjoys cross-country skiing, photography, and glassblowing, as well as the challenge of white-water canoeing. One of her proudest accomplishments is canoeing the Grand Canyon—a testament to her love for the outdoors. Brenda also has a unique talent: she can play basketball while riding a unicycle!

Layla Johnsen has been a Preschool Teacher at TLC since March 2020. She holds an Early Childhood Teaching License from the Colorado Department of Early Childhood Education and a Level 3 Early Childhood Credential through PDIS. Layla’s passion for working with children began shortly after high school when she started volunteering at her old elementary school. It was in the kindergarten classroom that she discovered her true calling, and she has been dedicated to early childhood education ever since.

Layla is especially passionate about teaching social-emotional skills and early literacy. She also loves incorporating her passion for music and art into the curriculum, using these creative outlets to enrich her students’ learning experiences. She believes that fostering emotional growth and creativity are essential to helping children develop into well-rounded individuals.

Outside of teaching, Layla enjoys sewing, crafting, and designing costumes in her free time. She is also an avid singer and plays the ukulele. Additionally, Layla has a love for languages and continues to learn Swedish, Japanese, and American Sign Language, with the goal of connecting more deeply with her grandmother and broadening her linguistic skills.

Jack is a Support Teacher at TLC, joining the team in September 2022. He holds an Early Childhood Teaching (ECT) certification and brings a passion for education that began unexpectedly. Jack took a before- and after-school job during college, and quickly realized that his true calling was working with children. This realization sparked his dedication to early childhood education.

Jack is particularly passionate about math, history, and large motor skills, including physical education (P.E.). He enjoys helping children develop skills in these areas while fostering a love for learning.

Outside of work, Jack enjoys staying active by playing golf, disc golf, and basketball, as well as watching sports. He’s also an avid PC gamer and a collector of vinyl records. Originally from Oklahoma and raised in Kansas City, MO, Jack made the move to Colorado in 2022, where he’s excited to explore all the state has to offer.