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!

Emily Johnston is a Preschool Teacher at TLC, where she began working in September 2021, having previously taught at TLC from 2017 to 2019. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and Special Education, as well as a Certificate in Child Life. Emily’s passion for working with children began during her years as a camp counselor, where she discovered the joy of nurturing young minds. Her love for teaching led her to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education, where she thrives in the dynamic, creative environment of early childhood classrooms.

Emily is particularly passionate about Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) development and building strong, meaningful relationships with her students. She believes that fostering emotional growth and creating connections are key to helping children build confidence and succeed.

Outside of the classroom, Emily enjoys spending time outdoors, often with her dogs, whether hiking, skiing, paddleboarding, or wakeboarding. She’s also a fan of attending sporting events and enjoys cooking, though she’s happiest munching on popcorn or chips with guacamole. Originally from Chicago, Emily attended the University of Alabama before moving to Colorado right after graduation. She now considers Colorado her favorite place to live and embraces every moment in this beautiful state.

Maria Guadalupe Morales Ramirez has been a dedicated member of the TLC team since July 2005, serving as a Preschool Teacher. With an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Lupe brings years of experience and a deep commitment to nurturing young learners. Her passion for teaching comes from her own experience as a mother of three daughters and a grandmother to 13 grandchildren, which has provided her with a wealth of personal insight into child development and education.

Lupe is particularly passionate about incorporating art into the classroom, as she believes it plays a crucial role in fostering creativity and self-expression in children. Outside of her professional life, Maria enjoys spending quality time with her family, engaging in various family activities.

Lupe’s wealth of experience, passion for art, and dedication to family make her an invaluable part of the TLC community.

Sam’s journey in education began early, with his first job at the recreation department in his hometown of Plymouth, Massachusetts. He spent his youth running birthday parties, refereeing flag football, and working as a camp counselor, where he learned to connect with children and create engaging experiences.

Outside of work, Sam enjoys discussing philosophy with friends and exploring the Rocky Mountains with his 4-year-old mini dachshund, Boris. A fun fact about Sam-four out of five people in his family are left-handed!

Breanna joined the TLC team in January 2025 as a Support Teacher. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and developed an early passion for working with children during her college years. After taking early childhood education (ECE) classes and completing an internship at TLC, Breanna knew she had found her calling. The opportunity to support children’s social-emotional development is something she values deeply. She is especially passionate about helping children understand and express their emotions in healthy, productive ways.

Outside of work, Breanna loves to bake. Every December, her family gathers for a holiday baking day, making dozens of cookies to share with friends and neighbors. A lifelong book lover, Breanna dreamed of becoming a librarian when she was young. Her love for reading continues to inspire her today, both personally and professionally.

Jasmine is most passionate about hands-on learning, problem-solving skills, and social-emotional development. She believes that engaging children in activities that promote these areas helps them grow into well-rounded individuals.

Outside of work, Jasmine enjoys hiking, reading, and exploring the beautiful state of Colorado with her puppy, Boone. She’s fallen in love with the area and is excited for the future that lies ahead. A fun fact about Jasmine-she grew up in Miami, where she enjoyed playing darts, billiards, and rollerblading around the city.