Stepping Stones Learning Center of Littleton
Co - Owner and Director :
Ashley Henshaw
Co - Owner and Director :
Ashley Henshaw
"I am passionate about childcare, and early childhood education. I believe strongly in the need for quality care, especially in the most crucial stages of a child’s development. I strive to support and advocate for, families, children, and educators. I strongly believe in incorporating a homey, fun, and safe feel in a centered atmosphere, and I love getting to know the families of our enrolled children, because family partnerships are so valuable to children’s growth and development!
I am a proud mom to 2 boys (Noah and Elliot) and 1 girl (Scarlett), and have been married to my husband, Grant, since 2007. I have 3 dogs, and I just love spending time with my family. We love going hiking, camping, and having family movie or game nights. I'm also a die-hard Minnesota Vikings fan, SKOL!
There are TWO Ashley H's around here, so I go by Ash ;)”
Foxes Lead Teacher:
Kristine
Foxes Lead Teacher:
Kristine
Hello, my name is Miss Kristine, and I am the lead teacher in the friendly foxes room. A little about me, I was born and raised in Colorado with my older brother. I have an amazing daughter who is 6 years old and makes every day so much fun. I am obsessed with Disney, especially Lilo and Stitch, Hocus Pocus and my all-time favorite Beauty and the Beast.
I began my childcare career working with school age children doing summer camps for 4–5-year old's and continuing onto before and after school care working with K-6 grader for almost 2 years. I took some time away to explore a job as a veterinary technician, and I loved every second of it, but something kept pulling me back to childcare. I decided to return to childcare but with a new interest in the infant classroom. I love nurturing the little ones, helping them reach milestones, and watching them explore the world around them.
Foxes Co Teacher:
Dawn
Foxes Co Teacher:
Dawn
"My name is Dawn, and I am the co lead in the Foxes classroom. I have worked in early childhood education for over 30 years, and have experience with all ages! Despite working with children younger and older than toddlers, I always end up back with this age group because I love to see how excited they get when they learn something new!
I have lived in Colorado all of my life, but love to visit other regions, and would like to eventually spend more time traveling. I am a proud aunt to 2 nephews, and 3 nieces, and enjoy being very close to them (one of my nieces is the assistant director here, and my co-teacher!)! For fun, I love spending time with my family, taking family vacations, watching movies, reading good mysteries, and playing ball with my dog!"
Hedgehogs Lead Teacher :
Kennedy
Hedgehogs Lead Teacher :
Kennedy
Hi my name is Miss Kennedy, I am the hedgehog’s co-teacher! I have been around little ones since I can remember, and I love being able to see all of the amazing things they can learn and accomplish.
I have lived in Littleton for about 10 years, and I graduated from Columbine High School. In my free time , I like watching movies with my family, reading , and hanging out with my friends. I absolutely love Harry Potter and Disney. My favorite holiday is Christmas, and in general winter time. It makes me so happy seeing all the lights and snow!
I’m so grateful and excited to meet all of you and get to know your children even better and watch them grow!
Hedgehogs Co Teacher:
Brittany
Hedgehogs Co Teacher:
Brittany
Hiya, I'm Brittany! Although I am new to childcare, I am absolutely loving it already. I have an Associate's degree in Culinary Arts and come from a background in cake decorating, but I was ready to try something new and fortuitously found a position at Stepping Stones Learning Center. My favorite thing about working with children so far is witnessing their curiosity and eagerness to learn. I look forward to getting to know all the families at the center and being a part of your child's early learning experience!
Outside of work, I love spending time with my husband, Alec. We have a Pug named Gus, who brings us endless joy and laughter. My hobbies include collecting everything cute (like Squishmallows!), baking, cake decorating, singing, and crafting. Originally from Wisconsin, we moved to Littleton, CO in 2021 and we are excited to continue our journey here.
Bunnies Lead Teacher :
Brittany
Bunnies Lead Teacher :
Brittany
I wanted to introduce myself, my name is Miss Brittany! I am the lead teacher in your child's class! I am 33 years old, I recently got married, I have two young school agers, a husky German Shepard, and a Sheba. I love spending time with my family and being outdoors. Summer and fall are my favorite seasons and Halloween is my favorite holiday! I started my ECE career as a 2-year-old teacher but after taking my Pyramid Plus Approach training earlier this year, I realized that my passion is creating a warm, child-centered environment for young toddlers when they are in the middle of so many changes and transitions. I am currently in the middle of a course geared specifically towards infants and toddlers and am excited to apply even more strategies to ensure that my classroom gives these littles all they need to feel happy, confrontable, and ready to have fun and learn. I love being able to watch them grow and learn new things! I can't wait to get to know all of you and your child!
Bunnies Co Teacher:
Lindsey
Bunnies Co Teacher:
Lindsey
Hi, my name is Lindsey and I love working with kids. It’s so exciting to watch them learn and grow, and I love having the opportunity to help them along the way! I nannied kids ages 5-12 for 3 years and have taken child development and psychology classes. I am currently going to Metro State University hoping to become a school counselor. In my free time, I love spending time with my dogs, hanging out with my family, reading, watching movies, discovering new music, traveling, and doing yoga. I am so grateful that I get to work with these little ones and love spending time with them every day!
Bunnie's Aide/Float:
Alyson
Bunnie's Aide/Float:
Alyson
Hi! My name is Alyson Kretzschmar and I have been working at Stepping Stones since the beginning of September 2021. I love that I am able to work with kids while also being in my senior year of highschool. I also enjoy that I am able to have an impact on the lives of the kids that I work with. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, spending time with friends, going to the mountains, and traveling. I also love going to concerts with my friends. I am a Colorado native but I love visiting different places!
Squirrel's Lead Teacher:
Kim
Squirrel's Lead Teacher:
Kim
Hi Squirrel Family! I’m Miss Kim and I’m the lead teacher for the Squirrels. I have been in childcare for almost 3 years. I enjoy teaching this age group because they absorb everything you teach and say to them. I love when the kids become mocking birds and repeat everything. Here’s a little bit about myself. I have been married for 23 years and have 3 children. I have 2 grandkids and another one on the way. I enjoy painting ceramics and hanging out with my family. My favorite sport is hockey and of course my favorite team is the Colorado Avalanche. I have 3 dogs and a grand dog. I’m looking forward to teaching your child and also learn from you child
Cow's Lead Teacher/ Family Relations Manager:
Allison
Cow's Lead Teacher/ Family Relations Manager:
Allison
Hi, my name is Allison, but my nickname is Al, I am the lead teacher in the cow's room. I have two kiddos of my own Charlie who is 5 and Lily is 3. We have a cat named Cowboy. I grew up in Colorado and couldn't imagine living anywhere else. I love music, cooking, and going out with family and friends! I have always loved taking care of children and have taken advanced classes to perfect my teaching abilities to be the best teacher I can for every child and master the skills of toddlerhood. I love to see how excited they get when they learn something new. They all give the best hugs and the most contagious laughs.
Cows Co Lead:
Zana
Cows Co Lead:
Zana
I’m Miss Zana and I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to work with our various age groups at the center. I absolutely LOVE working with the kids at such exciting stages of life where they are in such important stages in development. I worked as a hairstylist for a few years before finding my way to early childhood education, and I’ve never been happier in a job. Prior to hairstyling, I was working towards a degree in elementary education, but now I’ve just fallen in love with early childhood care. There is nothing more fulfilling than working with these little guys, and there’s never a day that goes by without them making me laugh. I am so glad that I get to be teaching them as their curiosity about the world around them grows. I adore working with these kids, and it means the world to me to have parents trust me to care for their children. I strive to constantly create a safe, engaging, and fun learning environment for the kids.
Panda's Lead Teacher :
Ashely ( Miss Honey )
Panda's Lead Teacher :
Ashely ( Miss Honey )
Panda's Co Teacher:
Marissa
Panda's Co Teacher:
Marissa
Hi, I'm Marissa Demos and I am 22 years old, and I love being a Co-teacher in the Pandas room! I have always had a love for childcare. I worked as a nanny to two families for almost 3 years before joining SSLC and I loved every single day of it. I am also currently taking classes to further my education in childcare and be the best teacher the kiddos deserve. Outside of work, I love to spend time with family. I have a passion for writing, and I love to read books. I am a huge Disney fan, and I also love to play video games, go to arcades, and see movies. I am so happy to be apart of the amzing team!
Owls Co Teacher:
Coda
Owls Co Teacher:
Coda
Howdy !
My name is Coda, & I began the pleasure of teaching early child education back in December of 2022 and have loved it ever since. I am in college for academic counseling & psychology. In my free time I enjoy caring for my chinchilla, doing art, seeing my family and boyfriend, as well as traveling all over the world. I am bilingual in German , and my favorite subject is English.
Owls Co Teacher:
Edith
Owls Co Teacher:
Edith
Hey there !
My name is Edith and I absolutely love working with kids. I have a 3 year old myself and they’re such a blast. I love how every kid has there own unique personality and have the pleasure to grow with all of us teachers. I am currently working on professional developmental classes that I am currently working on to further my education. I'm excited to take on more classes in the future. When I’m not at work I am either having fun with my daughter, doing exercise or super fun activities.
Pre K Lead Teacher:
Anyssa
Pre K Lead Teacher:
Anyssa
Hi, my name is Anyssa Gunderson. I am the lead teacher of the Owl’s classroom. I am delighted to have started working with children since the beginning of 2022. I have a passion for teaching this age group because it’s full of different types of children who basically just want to have fun (and give hugs). I DO TOO! Everyday with the children is exciting and they spark my creativeness.
During my free time, I am all about my family. We are super close. I grew up as a sibling of five, I am the older sister! I have been living with my two brothers and loving it…💙 and my very active two dogs. Playing games has been a big influence in my life. It seems only fitting that I can incorporate learning into a variety of games for these kiddos!
Administrative Specialist:
Sydney
Administrative Specialist:
Sydney
Hello! My name’s Sydney! I have been at Stepping Stones Learning Center for the past two years. Working here has given me a stronger passion for childcare, and I became lead qualified in April 2022. I am the closing manager on Thursdays and Fridays, along with doing administrative work and helping out in classrooms. In my free time, I enjoy watching movies and anime, listening to music, creating art like drawing and painting (along with the occasional tattoo), and hanging out with my boyfriend, Eli! I’ve lived in Colorado my whole life, and love to ski when I have the ability and go on hikes. I also have a cat who I spoil, and a huge fish tank with goldfish.
Float:
Kenzi
Float:
Kenzi
Hi, my name is McKenzi but my nickname is Kenzi. I am 17 years old and a senior in high school and plan to attend college in the fall of 2023. I work after school and am fortunate enough to float from room to room getting to know all of the kids. My favorite season is fall because I love the changing of the colors. I have an older sister who you may know, Savanna, and my mom Chris who is the Infant Nursery Supervisor. My dad Owen is a facility engineer. I am a lover of dogs and have a blue heeler mix named Patches at home. I have come to realize that I love working with children and also want to go into the medical field. If you happen to see me in the hallway stop me and say hi!
Float:
Bryn
Float:
Bryn
Hello my name is Bryn I’m a Colorado native and have lived the Littleton area my whole life. I have been
very interested in Early Childhood education my entire life. I have I’ve always been interested in getting
into the early childhood education profession to see how I could help and encourage children who might
be struggling or even the children in the classroom who may not struggle. To help them grow and
develop in a positive manner that will help them during their early childhood and thereafter. To help the
children realize that I am here to teach them and help them grow into successful people in society. I
started taking classes in early childhood education right after high school and that really helped me
understand the growth and development of young children and what it really takes to be successful in
this field. I did take a little hiatus from the early childhood education field to explore different things.
But I came back to early childhood education because it’s a really big passion of mine. I am really excited
to be a part of Stepping Stones team.
Afternoon Float:
Gabby
Afternoon Float:
Gabby
Hi! My name is Gabby Gottschalk. I am a senior at Dakota Ridge High School and I plan on studying Biochemistry at University of Colorado Boulder, then heading over to University of Washington to study Pain Medicine. I have been working at Stepping Stones since September 2021 and absolutely love it. I love being able to play such an important role in the children’s development and help them grow to be their best selves and create such wonderful bonds! Outside of Stepping Stones and school, I love to go on hikes, go on road trips, and love going to concerts.