Mountain Minis Early Learning Academy
Meet the Team
With years of experience and the most up-to-date training, our staff are specialists in nurturing and fostering your child's development.
Owner
Andria Hladik
Hello! I'm Andria the Founder of MMELA, and for over five years, I've dedicated myself to providing top-notch in-home childcare services right here in Bailey. With a background in business management and finance, my journey into childcare was sparked by recognizing the substantial demand within our mountain community.
This realization led me to establish Mountain Minis, a place where I merge my expertise in business management with a passion for nurturing and educating children. My primary goal is to offer exceptional childcare services while ensuring the best educational experiences for our little ones.
Living amidst these beautiful mountains is a dream come true for me. When I'm not ensuring the well-being of the children at MMELA, you'll often find me immersed in the great outdoors alongside my husband and our daughter, camping, fishing, and savoring every aspect of mountain living.
Director
Kacie Wheeler
Hello! I'm Kacie, the Director at MMELA and I am deeply passionate about early childhood education. With over 10 years of experience working with young children, my dedication to this profession led me to pursue and obtain my Director Certification.
As a dedicated mom of two, I understand the importance of balancing work, education, and family. I am committed to creating enriching and supportive learning environments for young children while also being actively involved in my own children's growth and development.
In addition to my professional and educational pursuits, I am an avid outdoor enthusiast. Whether it's dirt biking, horseback riding, or enjoying time at the lake, I find joy in spending quality time with my family and exploring the great outdoors.
I am thrilled to have taken the step to become a Director and to be an active part of our community. I am always seeking new opportunities for growth and learning, and I am excited about the future possibilities at Mountain Minis!
Toddler Lead Teacher
Morgan Cooper
From a young age, I have always had a passion for working with children and dreamt of becoming a teacher. This lifelong aspiration led me to eagerly seize the opportunity when I met Andria and learned about her new venture, Mountain Minis. Joining Mountain Minis felt like the perfect way to fulfill my childhood dream and contribute to a vital service in our community.
Mountain Minis is not just a childcare center; it is a cornerstone of support for our community, dedicated to nurturing the growth and development of our children. Our team is wholeheartedly committed to providing the highest quality of care and education, ensuring a safe, enriching environment for every child.
I am thrilled to be part of this exciting journey and to play a role in helping our community thrive. Together, we are building a brighter future, one child at a time.
Preschool Lead Teacher
Genesis Fitzwater
Hi, my name is Genesis, and I am thrilled to be joining the Mountain Minis team. As a Colorado native raised in the Denver area, I have always felt a deep connection to this community. After high school, I took two gap years to travel and explore new cultures, which enriched my understanding and appreciation of diverse perspectives.
In the fall of 2020, I moved to Bailey and began working at Deer Creek Preschool, where I discovered my passion for early childhood education. By 2021, I embarked on a bachelor’s program, double majoring in elementary education and special education. This academic journey deepened my commitment to supporting and nurturing young learners.
In the fall of 2023, I transitioned into the special education department at Deer Creek Elementary, gaining valuable experience and insights into the unique needs of each child. My love for adventure, curiosity, and creativity fuels my dedication to childcare and education. Teaching young children continually reminds me of the beauty and magic in the world around us.
I am excited to bring my enthusiasm and experience to Mountain Minis, and I look forward to contributing to this wonderful community.
Toddler Lead Teacher
Taylor Riley
Hello! I'm Taylor Riley, and I'm thrilled to be part of Mountain Minis Early Learning Academy. Since moving from the East Coast in September 2022, I have found a home here in this wonderful community. Being a devoted single mom to my amazing 2-year-old is the joy of my life.
At Mountain Minis, I serve as a teacher assistant in the Climbers classroom, drawing on my background as a former nanny and my passion for nurturing young minds. Outside of work, I find joy in garage and thrift shopping, where I indulge my creativity by flipping furniture and exploring interior design. I also cherish evenings spent watching old movies that evoke nostalgia and happiness.
Growing up with ASL (American Sign Language) has given me a profound appreciation for communication accessibility, although I'm still working on fluency. I wear a cochlear implant to aid my hearing since I'm deaf in one ear. One of my aspirations is to further my education and become a therapist, aspiring to make a positive impact on others' lives.
Each day at Mountain Minis is a new opportunity for me to contribute to a warm and supportive environment where every child can grow and thrive. I'm excited about the journey ahead and the chance to make a meaningful difference here.
Infant Lead Teacher
Annabelle Vannice
Hi, I’m Annabelle, and I’m thrilled to join the Mountain Minis team! Growing up in Morrison and moving to Bailey in 2016 has deepened my love for the beautiful Colorado outdoors. As a proud Colorado native, I’m also a huge fan of our local sports teams!
My passion for working with children started early when I began babysitting as a kid. After graduating high school, I took on an assistant role at Deer Creek Preschool, where my love for education flourished. I then had the opportunity to work with children with special needs in transportation for Jefferson County Public Schools.
When I discovered Mountain Minis, I felt an instant connection to this wonderful community. I’m excited to grow alongside the kids and get to know all the amazing families here! Here’s to a fantastic journey ahead!
Infant Nursery Supervisor
Hannah Montgomery
Hi there! I’m Hannah, and I’m thrilled to be the Infant Lead Teacher at Mountain Minis! My journey in education began in 2019, and I’ve loved every moment of teaching little ones. Prior to this, I taught language at the university level for four years, which deepened my passion for sharing knowledge.
With degrees in Wildlife Biology and Linguistics, my background in Ecology fuels my enthusiasm for exploring the wonders of the natural world alongside my students. I find immense joy in watching young minds learn and grow, and I can’t wait to share my love for language and nature with all the kiddos here at MMELA! Let’s embark on this exciting adventure together!
“We know what we are, but know not what we may be”