Colleen Miller
Executive Director
cmiller@familydevelopmentcenter.org
I have been with the Family Development Center since 2006. I began as the Administrative Director and was promoted to the Executive Director position in June 2020. I supervise the Newborn Network and Discovery Learning Center for the Family Development Center. I have a BS in Labor and Industrial Relations, Human Resource Management, from Pennsylvania State University and continue to be a Nittany Lion fan!
I moved to Steamboat in 1995 for a break after graduation and have been here ever since. I owned and ran a Human Resources Consulting business, Viable Resources, for 15 years that specialized in temporary employment visas and working with small businesses before moving into the nonprofit and early childhood education sector.
My husband Josh and I have two children, Zach and Maggie, both DLC alumni. Maggie works for an architecture firm in Boulder, after graduating from CU Boulder and Zach teaches middle school and high school math in California. We recently became grandparents and are excited to share the early childhood education journey with our grandson. When I'm not working, I enjoy being outside skiing, hiking, biking, or anything with my family. Feel free to email or call with any questions!
Amy Ibarra
Director of Operations
aibarra@familydevelopmentcenter.org
I am so excited to join the Family Development Center Team! I moved to Routt County in 1997 and was actively involved with the Early Childhood world through Horizons Specialized Services for over 20 years. As the Director of Case Management, I had the opportunity to be on the Early Childhood Council before it evolved into First Impressions. I served on both Child and Adult Protective Service Teams, PIC, and many state wide task forces as well as volunteering around my two kids’ activities. Now that I’m an empty nester, I’m enjoying hiking and camping with my husband, paddleboarding, skiing and Life Coaching. I’m thrilled to be circling back around in my career to Early Childhood and the non-profit world and am jazzed to support the programs at the Family Development Center!
Discovery Learning Center
Cara Melland
Discovery Learning Center Director
cmelland@familydevelopmentcenter.org
I am thrilled to be joining the Family Development Center community! After earning my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from the University of North Dakota in 2007, I moved to Colorado and began my career in education. I also hold a Master’s Degree in Special Education from the University of North Dakota and a Director of Special Education licensure through the University of Northern Colorado, Over the past 18 years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching a wide range of students, from preschoolers to middle schoolers, and have learned that the foundation of a child’s education is built on the invaluable experiences they have in their early years. I am passionate about fostering an inclusive learning environment where every child feels supported and empowered to reach their full potential.
My husband Marty and I have raised three wonderful children in Routt County, and we cannot imagine a better place to call home. Our oldest son, Devon, is working with a nationwide shoe company and recently moved to Ohio to help open a new store. Our son Colton, a high school senior, is deeply involved in high school sports and plans to pursue a degree in Engineering in California next year. Our youngest, Kinsley, is starting her freshman year of high school and is a dedicated dancer with Elevation Dance Studio and also enjoys competing as a soloist. When our schedules align, our family loves spending time together, whether it is skiing/snowboarding, boating, rafting, camping, attending live music, or traveling. I look forward to being part of your child’s early educational journey and helping them thrive in a caring, nurturing environment.
Caleb Wood
Co-Lead Teacher PreK West Classroom
Caleb moved to Steamboat in the fall of 2021 after finishing college. Since the first day in Steamboat he has been enamored by the sense of the community and access to amazing places. Caleb has been teaching snowboarding for four seasons and through it has found his passion for education. Facilitating learning through fun is what excites Caleb the most about Discovery Learning Center!
Marian Wormser
Co-Lead Teacher PreK-West Classroom
Marian Wormser is thrilled to share her passion for teaching and fostering a love of learning with the children at Discovery! She has over 20 years of classroom experience ranging from preschool through 5th grade. Marian earned her BA in Elementary Education with a Reading Specialty from The University of Iowa, and continued with a Master of Education from National Louis University in Chicago. Beyond the classroom, she is a proud mother of two young adults and a chihuahua. Marian, and her husband, Josh, love to travel, fish, ski and hike, always seeking out new adventures together. She is excited to be a part of our Discovery community and to nurture the growth and development of our precious students!
Sonia Butler
PreK-West Classroom Assistant Teacher
Sonia Butler was born in Jamaica, in the West Indies. She attended St. Mary’s College. She has a C.N.A. from Colorado Mountain College and has lived in Steamboat for twenty years. She enjoyed working for the Yampa Valley Medical Center for 15 years caring for the elderly. Her passion is working with both the elderly and young children. She is the mother of seven children and also a grandmother. Her favorite hobbies are reading to the children and the elderly, meeting new people and volunteering in her church community!
Her motto is: Let happiness be where there is any sadness, joy where there is any hunger, love where there is any hatred because we are all in one and one in all.
John Schoen
PreK-Corner Classroom Lead Teacher
This is John’s 16th year at Discovery Learning Center. He started his adventure in Early Childhood Education (ECE) after his daughter Grace was born, (who is now in college!). He holds a Colorado Early Childhood Credential Level 6, a Director Certification, and an AA degree in ECE. John and his wife Dianna moved to Steamboat Springs in 1998 to take advantage of all the outdoor activities. He is an avid camping and biking enthusiast & loves traveling with his family. Some of their adventures have led them to Switzerland, Germany, Ecuador, and the Galapagos Islands!
Alex Sonntag
PreK-Corner Classroom Teacher
My name is Alex. This will be my second school year here at Discovery. I started when my daughter Veda enrolled in preschool, and instantly fell in love with the school and the children. Camping, biking, skiing/snowboarding, watching music around town, and traveling keeps us busy in our free time. I'm currently enrolled at CNCC to take classes for an ECE certification. This will be a great year! I'm so excited to get to know you all and to be a part of our children's continued growth and development!
Tinsley Moore
Assistant PreK-Corner Classroom Teacher
My name is Tinsley Moore. I grew up babysitting, nannying, and coaching; now I am an assistant teacher in the pre-k corner room. I am studying elementary education at CU Boulder and I hope to pursue a teaching career after graduation. If I’m not in the classroom, you can probably find me at a concert, on the mountain skiing, or somewhere off camping! Although I grew up in Steamboat, I have traveled a lot and out of 20+ countries I would have to say Colorado is still my favorite place.
Alice Butler
Preschool Classroom Lead Teacher
After growing up in Montana, then attending college in Vermont, Alice made her way to Steamboat where she has lived for the past 2.5 years, working at Discovery for the past two. She earned her Preschool Center Director Certification in December of 2023! Alice’s favorite part of working in Early Childhood is watching kids change and grow. Being outdoors with them is up there too! She feels very lucky to have found a profession she enjoys so much. For fun, Alice enjoys cooking, being outside in many different capacities, and instructing log rolling at OTHS in Steamboat.
Avery Hazlett
Preschool Classroom Assistant Teacher
Hi! My name is Avery Hazlett (and next to me is my puppy Stella), I'm a teacher here at Discovery. I’ve been learning about early childhood education and teaching for about two years now. My favorite subject to teach is art. I enjoy creating art in my free time and at school I enjoy creating art with the kiddos and assisting them in using their imagination and creativity to create beautiful pieces of art. I'm so excited to get to know you and your kids this upcoming school year!
Holly Fox
Preschool Classroom Assistant Teacher
Hello! My name is Holly Fox. I’m an assistant teacher in the preschool room at Discovery. I am originally from Grand Lake, Colorado and moved here 5 years ago. I recently graduated from CMC Steamboat with a Bachelors in Sustainability and Associates in Outdoor Education. I love to be creative and make art in the classroom and at home. I spend my free time skiing, hiking, rafting, and backpacking. I’m so excited to get to know the Steamboat Springs community more personally and learn more about early childhood education!
Katrina Hicks
Classroom Art Teacher
Katrina has been teaching at Discovery since it was a lab school for Colorado Mountain College in the early ’80s. She has a Colorado Early Childhood Credential and Director Certification. Katrina was born here in Steamboat. She loves to spend time with her niece and nephew when they are home. In her free time, Katrina likes to hike around Steamboat and Rocky Mountain National Park, and going to Blackhawk, Disneyworld, and Arizona for baseball spring training.
Diane Moore
Classroom Support Substitute Teacher
Diane earned a Bachelor of Science with a Social Work emphasis from Colorado State University. Her first job after graduating was working as a preschool teacher. Diane brings years of experience in social work and counseling. She enjoys learning from Discovery Learning Center’s teaching team and increasing her skills in Early Childhood Education.
Newborn Network
Lisa Nelson
Newborn Network Program Director
lnelson@familydevelopmentcenter.org
Hello! My name is Lisa Nelson, and I am thrilled to join the Newborn Network team as the Program Manager. I graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in Family and Consumer Sciences and bring 18 years of teaching experience in the valley to this role.
Growing up in Steamboat has given me a deep appreciation for this community, and I am excited to give back to the families raising their children here now. My extensive background in education has equipped me with the skills and knowledge to support and guide parents and caregivers through the critical early years of their children's development.
My husband, Wes, and I are raising our son, Cooper, in this beautiful valley, and we cherish our family time spent fishing, hiking, and skiing together. These experiences have only strengthened my commitment to ensuring that every family in our community has access to the resources and support they need to thrive.
As the Program Manager for Newborn Network, I look forward to overseeing our parent education programs, engaging with our community, and fostering a supportive environment for both families and staff. I am dedicated to building strong, collaborative relationships with healthcare providers, educators, and local organizations to enhance our program offerings and ensure they meet the evolving needs of our community.
I am passionate about empowering parents and caregivers with the tools and knowledge to nurture their children's development and well-being. I believe that by working together, we can create a brighter future for all children in Routt County.
I look forward to serving families in this new capacity and making a positive impact on our community. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or to learn more about our programs.
Donna Starbuck
Parent Educator
NNPAT@familydevelopmentcenter.org
Donna started in September of 2022 with the Family Development Center and is a Parent Educator for Parents As Teachers model implementation program. Donna owned and operated a licensed childcare business from her home for the past 30 years. Donna brings decades of child development, parent education and community involvement to our team and is a valued and loved community member, and we are delighted to have her work with families throughout Routt County.
Crystal Brenegan
Parent Facilitator Play and Learn South Routt
NNPL@familydevelopmentcenter.org
My name is Crystal Brenegan, I am so excited to be a part of the Newborn Network. I have been working in Early Childhood Education for over 20 years! I have had the honor of working at many of the preschools located here in Routt County. I am the Mother of two wonderful children who I have the privilege to homeschool. I am passionate about making sure that every educational experience that children in my care have is one that will help them learn and grow. When I am not teaching young minds, you may find me out in the wild camping with my family, at a local live music event or snowboarding out on Mt. Werner. I am looking forward to a fun filled year with South Routt Play and Learn.
Abby Chan
Parent Facilitator Play and Learn Hayden
NNHayden@familydevelopmentcenter.org
Abby Chan, an educator with a decade of experience, embarked on her journey in the realm of early childhood education as both a preschool director and a devoted classroom teacher. Abby's unwavering vision revolves around equipping families with the essential tools and knowledge required to nurture their young ones into becoming well-rounded members of society, poised for success in every facet of their lives.
Board of Directors
Jennifer Travis
President
USFS
Torey Wodnick
Vice President and Scholarship Chair
Owner of Colorado Event Rentals
Elliott Ludy
Treasurer
Colby & Ludy, PC
Abby Kurtz-Phelan
Secretary
Attorney
Ed MacArthur
Native Excavating
Sandy Horner
Retired Klauzer & Tremaine
Julie Germond
Steamboat Ski & Resort Corp
Colleen J Miller
Executive Director
Ex-Officio