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 two grandchildren (Brinley & Luke). We are a busy family that enjoys traveling, skiing, boating and endless hours of family time.

Registration for the 2025-26 school year is OPEN! Several of our preschool classes have filled, but we still have availability in some classes. 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.

Call Now!

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, our daughter Brinley, and our son Luke. I am excited to be in the office this year, please don’t hesitate to stop by and say hello!

Tawna

Preschool 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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

Kylene

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!

Ayesa

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!

Ashley

Assistant Teacher

I have lived in Idaho for 12 years with my husband and our four kids, who range in age from 4 to 14 and always keep us on our toes! I’m also a proud plant mom and pet mom. In my free time I enjoy working on home projects, reading, and exploring the outdoors with my family. I was a photographer for seven years and have a passion for working with children and families. Since 2014, all of my children have attended A Step Ahead, with my youngest currently enrolled and loving it! The teachers and staff have always been so kind and fun, providing my kids with an amazing preschool experience. I am thrilled to be part of this wonderful team and can’t wait to meet all of your families. I’m excited to help nurture your children’s creativity and support their growth and development.

Karisa

Assistant Teacher

I am excited to be joining A Step Ahead this year (2023). I’ve always had a passion for working with children. I have two boys myself, Nathan and Kyle. My oldest loved his time at A Step Ahead and my youngest is excited to start this year. In our free time we enjoy being with our family, paddle boarding, swimming, playing at the park and anything/everything Mario and Luigi. I can’t wait for an amazing year with your kiddos, watching them grow.

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.

Courtney

Assistant Teacher

Hi, I’m Miss Courtney. Married to my best friend and mother to two girls, one kitty and a French Bulldog. I’ve been a stay at home mom for the past nine years. Both of my girls attended A Step Ahead Preschool where they learned SO much and had a blast doing so. I’m very excited for the opportunity to teach your kiddos. Working with children has always brought me a huge sense of purpose. Watching them discover new things and helping them understand the world around them is such a pleasure. I’m excited to celebrate your children as they grow and thrive. When I’m not enjoying time with your children, I’m enjoying time with my own. You are also likely to find me reading, cooking, hiking, or attending concerts/shows. I look forward to meeting all of you and your little ones. Here is to a great year ahead!

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.

Camden

Assistant Teacher

My name is Camden and I am so excited to be a part of A Step Ahead and work with this amazing team! I have always loved working with children and discovered a passion for teaching a few years ago. I moved to Idaho from Southern California in 2019 and live here with my husband and two sons. In our free time, we love spending time outdoors and attending sporting events together.

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!