Meet Our Staff
Chris
Owner
I have owned and operated a Step Ahead Preschool & Childcare since it began in 1998. I hold a degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Early Childhood Ed., from Central Washington University. As a mother and former Kindergarten Teacher, my goal is to provide children with a quality environment where learning is fun. I am so proud to have a great staff that has helped me build this program. We have touched the lives of many Treasure Valley children. My husband and I are very fortunate to have two wonderful daughters an amazing son-in-law, and a granddaughter. We are a busy family that enjoys traveling, skiing, boating and endless hours of family time.
Open Enrollment for the 2023/2024 school year will begin on February 27th at 8:00 A.M. Classes will fill quickly, don't miss out on the opportunity to solidify a spot for your child.
Please call us today for more information and to schedule a tour of our facility.
Kaitlin
Director
I am very fortunate to have been with A Step Ahead for many years. This program has been a part of my life from a very young age and I am lucky to have the privilege of working with you and your children . I graduated from Boise State University in 2017 with a degree in business management and a minor in marketing. I live in Meridian with my husband Austin, and our daughter Brinley. I am excited to be back in the office this year, please don’t hesitate to stop by and say hello!
Tawna
Preschool Program Manager
After graduating from NNU in 1997 with an Elementary Ed. Degree and an endorsement in Early Childhood, I started teaching at a middle school in Marsing, Idaho. Two short years later, I left the middle school life to begin teaching at A Step Ahead. I’ve never looked back.
Being a preschool teacher is my dream job. I enjoy seeing young students grow in a multitude of ways including academically, socially and artistically.
When not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family. With three out of four daughters married and grandkids starting to grow our family even bigger, I have a full schedule. I spend my days camping, fishing, movie going, picnicking, reading, exploring and volunteering at my church.
Kathy
Teacher/Office Assistant
After graduating with a degree in Elementary Education from Boise State University, I worked int he Meridian school district for 6 years. I joined the team at A Step Ahead Preschool in 2007 and have enjoyed becoming a part of this wonderful team.
My husband and I live in Meridian and have two wonderful children. In our spare time we enjoy being outdoors. We love kayaking, golfing, biking and walking along the Boise greenbelt or hiking in the foothills. We also enjoy supporting our BSU football team and love going to all the home games. GO BRONCOS!
I look forward to working with your children. I am always amazed at just how much they learn. I know this is going to be another great year!
Gillian
Teacher
I graduated from Boise State University with a degree in Elementary Education. After I graduated from BSU, I worked at a Montessori School for 2 years. I have been at A Step Ahead Preschool since January 2005 and I love it! I live in Boise with my husband, Ben, and our two beautiful children. I am a native of Idaho and I enjoy all outdoor activities including: hiking, snow shoeing, snowmobiling, jet skiing, and snow skiing. I also enjoy reading books, scrapbooking, and playing with my kids.
Ariel
Teacher
What a privilege it is to teach at A Step Ahead Preschool. After teaching second grade for two years, I joined our ASAP team in 2014. I am married to an amazing soldier and we have two equally remarkable daughters…who keep us on our toes! We love to spend time together camping, watching movies, reading books, and making projects. Cheers to another great year at A Step Ahead!
Qwyn
Teacher
I graduated from Liberty University majoring in behavior science and have my masters in Christian Counseling with an emphasis in children and families. I love working with children and being able to see them grow! I’m excited to be a teacher here at A Step Ahead. My husband and I have a daughter (Liberty) and a son (Conway), they are the cutest! We are counting down the days until they can both attend preschool here! We stay busy exploring Idaho, working on home projects, spending time with family and serving in our church!
Jena
Teacher
I graduated in 2005 from the University of Idaho with a degree in Elementary Education. I’ve had the pleasure of working at A Step Ahead for over ten years! It’s been an absolute joy to teach preschool. I just adore this precious age where everything is exciting and new. The kiddos are so eager to learn.
When I am not at school, I spend my time with my wonderful husband and three amazing children. I also love to travel, cook, paint, bike, hike and spend time with my friends and family.
Jessica M.
Teacher
I started working at A Step Ahead in April 2021. I have loved getting to know all of the students and staff. I graduated from BYU Idaho in 2017 with a bachelors degree in elementary education. My dream job has always been to be a teacher. I love children and I love watching them grow and learn. I love that I can be apart of there lives.
I have an amazing husband and 2 cute kids. A boy and a girl. I love being a mom and it’s nice that I can bring my little ones with me and see them thrive here at A Step Ahead. You can find my little family always outside. We love the green belt, the water, camping, hiking, and finding new places to explore.
Ayesa
Assistant Teacher
I have been with ASAP since 2019. I have enjoyed every minute of watching our students, (your kiddos) grow in so many ways! I love working with an amazing team. What a GREAT work family to be apart of when I’m not with my own family. I have an amazing husband and we have three AWESOME kids! We love family movie nights, going on camping trips and many other family fun adventures!
Jessica
Teacher
I began at A Step Ahead Preschool and Childcare in August of 2010. I am so lucky to be able to work with the 3’s on the Childcare side of A Step Ahead. The children are so much fun and I can’t help but love them. It is such a joy to watch them blossom before me. My husband and I are also busy with four children of our own and two son-in-laws. Bringing up three brilliant young women and one amazing little boy keeps us hopping! We spend as much time as a family as is possible. Together we all enjoy many outdoor activities and sporting events. We also love to cheer on the Boise State Football team together! Go Broncos!
Taylor D.
Assistant Teacher
Bio Coming Soon!
Kristin P.
Assistant Teacher
I started working with A Step Ahead in 2021 as a teacher’s aide. My oldest son went to preschool here and absolutely loved it and flourished. Once he started public school I knew I wanted to get my youngest enrolled and be more involved in this amazing school. I love getting to know the students and creating those connections. It’s been amazing to watch these wonderful teachers help mold these little minds. I’m so grateful to be a part of this team.
Alyssa
Assistant Teacher
I have been with A Step Ahead since 2019. I have loved working with children ever since I interned at A Step Ahead in high school. After my internship, I quickly realized my passion for working with children and my love for teaching has grown ever since! During my free time I love hanging out with my family, watch new TV shows, and take my dog Henry to the lake. I can’t wait to see what this year holds!
Reagon
Assistant Teacher
Bio Coming Soon!
Taylor G.
Assistant Teacher
I am a born and raised Idahoan from a small town and moved to Boise in 2010 to study Early Childhood Education at Boise State University. I feel so absolutely blessed that I get to work here at A Step Ahead. Ever since I can remember, I always knew I was supposed to be working with kids and helping them to become amazing humans in the process. I’m a mom to one awesome little boy and a wife to an engineer! In my spare time I enjoy reading, traveling with my family, heading up to our little A-Frame in the moutains, and also shopping! I’m so excited to be apart of your kids day to day lives.
Danielle
Assistant Teacher
Bio Coming Soon!
Maddie
Assistant Teacher
Bio Coming Soon!
Averie
Assistant Teacher
Bio Coming Soon!
Michael
Assistant Teacher
Hello! I am Mr. Michael. My wife Gretchen and I enrolled our daughter in ASAP for preschool in 2009. We had such an amazing experience. We enrolled our son in 2016. I have been a work from home/stay at home father since our daughter was born in 2007.
During our kiddo’s time at ASAP I provided music and sound for their spring carnivals. I also assisted in the classroom as much as I could. I am excited to start this new adventure. Teaching, learning and creating smiles.
Kylene
Assistant Teacher
I am overjoyed to be a part of the staff at A Step Ahead. I earned my degree in Psychology in 2012 and my teaching credential in 2014. My husband and I have all girls, including our black lab. Our girls have attended A Step Ahead over the last few years. Previously, I was an elementary school teacher. My passion is working with kids and watching them grow. After taking some time off to stay home with my kids, I am excited to be back in the classroom, working with the amazing children at A Step Ahead!
Lacey
Assistant Teacher
My name is Lacey, and I am so excited to join A Step Ahead as an assistant teacher this year. My husband and I have two amazing kids. We are happiest outdoors, and love exploring all that Idaho has to offer. Working with your kiddos and being a part of their educational journey is truly a blessing. They are amazing little humans and I can’t wait to see how much they grow and learn this year.
Talia
Assistant Teacher
My name is Talia and I’m very excited to be a part of A Step Ahead Preschool this year! I moved to Idaho from Colorado 6 years ago and I absolutely love it here. I have 3 amazing kids of my own, 2 of which have attended ASAP. I love working with children, helping them grow and being a positive part of their lives. I also coach children’s soccer each fall and spring. In my free time my family and I are exploring, camping and doing outdoor activities all year long.