Meet Our Director!

Kristen Argow-Heaton is the Founder, Owner, and Director of Active Louisville Kids, and a mother of two children.

“The school [was] started from scratch with the ideas my dad (a forester) and mom (a world traveler) had taught me about the importance of being outside and in nature, and how to, and why we need to appreciate and respect cultural diversity.”

I was born in Blacksburg Virginia and raised outside of Washington DC in Vienna Virginia.  I moved to (Boulder) Colorado in January of 2004.

I’ve worked with children for more than 20 years. In this time I have worked in both public and private schools as well as for Boulder Valley School District.  I started my first Play/Nature based Early Learning Center, Active Boulder Kids (ABK) Preschool (2008-2018) in Boulder. I expanded to Louisville (ALK) after I moved from Boulder to Louisville (2013) finally settling in Lafayette in 2015. I live in Lafayette now with my husband, dog and 2 sons. Both Active Louisville Kids!

I am passionate about being a mom to two active young boys.  Motherhood is both a challenge and reward every day.  I enjoy skiing and served on the National Ski Patrol in Virginia for 5 years before moving to Colorado.  I LOVE the great outdoors and nature.  I am at home in a forest and I am passionate about sharing my love for nature with future generations. It is essential to the future survival of our planet that young children learn to respect and appreciate nature.  It is amazing to be able to be living my lifelong dream to be able to combine my two passions: Nature and Children

Why I Teach: Young children are born ready to learn about the world and how to interact in it.  It is important to teach young children the importance of their role in preserving nature, caring for the environment, and respecting all life.  Love and acceptance of different cultures, races and species is taught. I consider it an honor to be able to participate in each child’s start to their lifelong journey of learning.  I also believe that all children should have the same opportunities to this early start to education.  Starting a school that welcomes all children is a dream and passion.

Unique Detail: I am passionate about learning about different cultures and countries.  I have traveled to all 50 states (Alaska and Hawaii being my final ones) and several countries.  Some of the places I’ve enjoyed traveling through include Italy, France, Switzerland, Ireland, Bolivia, Iceland, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Canada.
I followed my dream of working with children in Colorado after pursuing a less rewarding (for me) career in Office Management and administration in Northern Virginia and DC.  I worked just blocks from the White House in DC just before moving to Colorado.  The after effects of 9/11 effected my enjoyment of riding on the metro each day, leading me to look for new places to grow. Washington DC, Virginia and North Carolina stay close to me in my heart.

Education (Licenses, Certifications, Experience and Memberships)

Bachelors of Science: Psychology, Sociology; Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University  (Virginia Tech)

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Early Childhood Education, Front Range Community College

Certificate in Early Childhood Education Director and

Colorado State Director’s Qualification Letter

Boulder County District Group of the Colorado Association for the Education of Young Children (BCAEYC) Board Member (Past President 2012-2013)

BCAYEC Board Member (President 2011-2012)

BCAYEC Board Member (Treasurer 2008-2011)

Certificate of Appreciation by Boulder County District Group of the Colorado Association for the Education of Young Children

National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Member

Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) Member                     
20 years
of verified work hours completed with children ages 0-5 years in an early care and learning program.

 

Teaching Philosophy: Children learn best through ACTIVE play and exploration of their environment. Active bodies and active minds!  Children need fresh air, NATURE, movement and positive guidance and modeling from adults.  I believe in relationship based learning and encourage all teachers to start the learning process by building trust and a secure attachment with each child.  I believe in the power of learning through PLAY. During play, children learn about their world as they explore, create, imagine and figure things out! 

I have also been influenced by several early childhood education philosophies along the way, in particular Play Based -Playing to Learn/Learning to Play, Nature and Place Based, Montessori and Waldorf philosophies and the Reggio Emilia Approach.

What is Unique to You and Your Teaching?        

ABK and ALK teaching Philosophies came about with the lessons my dad (a forester) and mom (world traveler) taught me about the importance of being outside and in nature and to how and why we need to appreciate and respect cultural diversity.

My mom (Marylou Argow MEd, LMFT, LPC) taught me the importance of respecting and embracing cultural differences. She has traveled the world embracing new cultures and people along the way. Every child is unique and brings new and different family traditions, cultures, abilities, and languages into our community.  Teaching tolerance, kindness and acceptance through play, books, modeling and activities is essential. We can promote human respect and equality through education and advocacy. We all have so much to learn from each other and I am grateful we have a diverse community at ALK for us all to grow and learn in.

My dad (Dr. Keith Argow) is a Forester (PhD in forestry and political science) as well as a business and land owner. He passed on to me the love of nature and the importance of promoting the value of forestry. I was always outside in nature on our family lands and park lands across the country as a kid. I learned to respect, love and appreciate the beauty and wonder of nature.  I was taught to work the land and the importance of developing conservation practices.  There is no better place to experience hands on active learning then in the woods where a child’s imagination and play has no boundaries.

Butterfly Room, PreK Teachers

Alexis Sanera is our PreK/Butterfly Room Lead Teacher.

Originally from Flagstaff, Arizona, we are happy to say she now calls Colorado, home. In her free time, you can find Miss Alexis painting, cooking, reading, or working through a puzzle.

Why I teach: To provide a foundation for lifelong skills, a love of learning, creativity, and (especially), relationships with the goal that these things will influence young lives and families beyond preschool.

Education: Elementary Education with a minor in Speech Pathology, Northern Arizona University & Metropolitan State University in Denver

Teaching Philosophy: Play based (structured & unstructured periods – purposeful play as well as individual processes encouraged). Some “cognitive based” philosophy meaning opportunities to problem solve & negotiate with others. Respect for everyone is emphasized.

What is Unique to Your Teaching? I implement a variety of teaching techniques and recognize students as individuals with individual learning styles. I believe that personal connections (between both teacher/student & student/student ) are key to a successful learning environment.

Mariah Slepicka is our PreK/Butterfly Room Assistant Teacher. Colorado born and raised, Mariah embraces the beautiful Colorado outdoors as much as possible, and works on her painting in between.

Why I teach: Teaching has been the perfect fit since high school: I love helping young minds connect the dots of the world. There is so much to learn, see, and discover, especially at a young age, and it’s amazing to be able to be a part of it.

Education: Level 2 Colorado Shines Lead Qualified
CPR, First Aid, FEMA Certified

Teaching Philosophy: Children best learn through experiences. It’s important to let them explore their environment and try new things. I work to make everything as fun a learning opportunity as possible.

What is Unique to Your Teaching? Art and creativity are always promoted in my classrooms. Whenever possible, I connect our current subjects to the art projects I bring in to keep learning as fun and engaging as possible.

Caterpillar Room, Preschool Teachers

Where are you from: Originally I’m from India (Delhi), I moved to Boulder 20+ years ago with my husband and two daughters.

Why I teach: I am extremely passionate about working with children to help them reach their goals, and understand just how intelligent and capable they can be. I love to incorporate patience and playfulness into my classroom. I believe that children need to be encouraged in a nurturing and gentle environment in order to grow towards their fullest potential.

What are some hobbies/passions of yours: Shopping, Reading, trying new recipes, teaching and landscaping my backyard!

Education: (Licenses, Certifications)
Education: BA in art side from CCWU, India.

Front Range Community College – ECE Courses

CPR Medical Administration Certified

Pyramid Plus (Positive Approach) Certified


Teaching Philosophy: I believe in hands-on activities to encourage children to be as independent as possible. When needed, I offer encouragement and guidance, but mostly direct my students towards becoming more self-sufficient. The most fulfilling moments in the classroom to me are when students realize just how capable they are of achieving their goals on their own.

What is Unique to Your Teaching? I am a very mindful person and an ambitious teacher. I started teaching early childhood education almost 20 years ago.

Special SKills? I’ve been cooking since I was 16, and I love to cool new dishes. I also speak 2 languages – Hindi and English.

What is Unique to You and Your Teaching?I believe it is extremely important to help my students build a healthy self esteem, and gain more confidence. A confident student with good self esteem is a high achieving student that will have the most fulfilling preschool experience. I am blessed enough to be working with such impressionable minds, and it is super important to make sure that I give them the adequate tools to work with. I believe in providing meaningful learning in a nurturing and gentle environment. My goal is to enrich my student’s minds by providing hands-on activities and intentional learning experiences, so that they can grow into strong and independent individuals.

Crystal Follansbee is our Preschool/Caterpillar Room Assistant Teacher. Originally from New Hampshire, she was raised with a love and respect for the outdoors that has flourished since moving to Colorado. With a love for adventure and simplicity, she is most often wandering off to lose herself in new places whenever possible.

Why I teach: Children have such a joy for the world, and are constantly taking in new information and emotions. I want to help expand that wonder, and help them learn to navigate those emotions.

Unique Detail: I have a basic background in construction, and LOVE working with animals!

Education: B.A.: Graphic Design, minor in Business Management, focus in Communication 
Level 1 Colorado Shines Assistant Qualified

Teaching Philosophy: Emotional health always comes first in my interactions, and everything is a learning opportunity. I am open and honest in why I ask our students to do something (or please not do something), so that they can become more aware in their actions and interactions. As often as possible, I bring in the connections we have with nature, and with each other, and how we can best respect those around us, while respecting our own feelings.

What is Unique to Your Teaching? I bring in the cycles and complexities of the world around us, and work to keep things as fun, whimsical, and downright goofy as possible while doing so.

Lil' Hopper Room, Toddler Teachers

Louisville, CO

Hobbies/passions: Sewing and scrap-booking.

Why I Teach: I teach because I love kids, to put it simply.

Unique Detail: I am a photographer, a hairstylist, and my favorite place to travel is Dayton, Ohio

Education, Qualifications, Skills:
1st aid
CPR
Pyramid Plus
EQIT
Touch Points

Talon Hodson is our teachers’ aid, floater, do-anything extraordinaire! Most of his time is spent between the toddler and infant classes,though he’ll happily jump in anywhere we need him. From Price, Utah, Talon moved to Colorado in 2011, where he continues to explore his interests in energy medicine, and holistic based health & wellness. Reading writing, hiking, climbing, and meditating round out his busy days. 

Why I teach: Teachers have been the primary role models in my life. Without their influence, my life would not be what it is today.

Unique Detail: I am a dyslexic that loves to read and write

Education, Qualifications, Skills: Colorado Shines Certified
First Aid, CPR, AED Certified
Reiki Master & Teacher
Acrunect Zoom Practitioner

American Sign Language (still learning) 

Teaching Philosophy: When you teach love and compassion from an early age, you witness the growth of a leader who will carry the love with them throughout the rest of their life. This is especially relevant to ECE.

What is Unique to Your Teaching? I believe that every child is capable of changing the world; but not until they know how to operate within themselves, first. Teaching emotional expression and management is the core to a compassionate human being.

Chickadee Room, Toddler Teachers

I was born in Wichita Kansas but moved around a lot because of my dad’s military service. I ended up in Colorado over thirty years ago. I lived in Aurora most of my life and moved to Frederick five years ago.  

Hobbies/passions: I love the outdoors hiking, biking, running, camping and traveling. I also love to bake and paint.
-Tell us why you teach?

Why I Teach: I love to see all of the milestones the children make in such a short time. Having a job where you get to play and laugh all day doesn’t even seem like work. I also had a large family growing up I was the baby of six so I knew at a very young age that I would work with children.

Unique Detail:

Education (Licenses, Certifications)
Colorado Shines Level 3 Teacher, infant nursery supervisor certification and Director certification.
AA degree in Early Childhood Education 2021.
First Aid,AED,CPR certification.

Teaching Philosophy: I believe every child learns at there pace which makes them unique. I want them to feel that they can be an individual and independent. I also believe in play based education, children learn so many life skills by playing. It’s a very critical time in development and they need to be able to express themselves through play.

Special Skills? Do you speak any other languages?
I have a little knowledge in learning disabilities. My son has a condition called fragile x syndrome and has taught me so many things when it comes to helping with certain cognitive developmental conditions. I also worked in a preschool with children with disabilities.

What is Unique to You and Your Teaching? I believe children teach us as well and together we learn so many important life skills.

Frederick, Colorado

Hobbies/passions: Reading, writing, trying new foods, and helping others.

Why I teach: I teach because I enjoy being around children and making a positive difference in their lives. Children have an imagination and a strong sense of curiosity for the world around them. I enjoy exploring the world at their level and making connections with them.

Unique Detail: I would love to write a book one day!
 
Education (Licenses, Certifications)

Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Northern, Colorado

Teaching Philosophy: I believe in having an inclusive classroom that supports every learner and their academic and emotional needs.

Special Skills? Do you speak any other languages?
 
What is Unique to You and Your Teaching?
I am very flexible to the needs of students and being observant. Building a strong relationship with students and their families is very important to me so that students can be successful and happy.

Makayla Morton is our Toddler One/Chickadee Assistant Teacher. Born and raised in Colorado, she loves hiking, sports (especially volleyball!), and spending time outside in her spare time.

Why I teach:I love to watch them smile and see how much they learn in no time! It’s amazing!

Unique Detail: I’m the oldest of three!

Education: Level 1 Colorado Shines Assistant Qualified

I can speak some spanish and know a little bit of sign language!

Teaching Philosophy: respect our toys/things and of respecting our friends! while having a fun, safe time!

What is Unique to Your Teaching? I truly cherish the bond with every child! Knowing they feel safe and having an amazing time in the class when we’re all together!

Bumble Babees, Infant Teachers

Teri is our Bumble Babees/Infant Lead Teacher. I am married to a great man. Between us we have 4 kids (3 daughters and a son) plus 11 grandchildren which includes 2 sets of twin boys and a great granddaughter due in March. I also have 7 brothers and sisters. I love to travel and spend as much time with my family as possible.

Why I teach: One of my greatest joys is that magical moment when you see the look in a child’s eyes when they ‘get it’. When I was 12 years old I was responsible for a small group of 3-5 year old day campers at a camp I was going to outside Gold Hill CO. That is when I realized I wanted to work with children. I started in child care 38 years ago and have been working in child care off and on ever since. I was involved with my children’s school throughout their school years. I guess you can say working with children is a passion of mine.

Education: Director’s Certificate
FEMA – Multi Hazard Planning for Childcare Certified
Autism & Asperger Association World Conference & Expo
Positive Behavior

Teaching Philosophy: I try to take as many classes/trainings and go to as many conferences, etc. as I can. I love learning everything I can about children and how they learn. I believe you are never too young to learn. My goal is to make learning fun. There are so many teaching opportunities throughout the day. While I believe it is important to have a lesson plan sometimes you need to let the children become the lead, they will be more apt to remain focused and retain what they learn no matter the age.

What is Unique to Your Teaching? My favorite sound is a child laughing. Children are an important part of what and how I teach while focusing on their interests. I love doing art, science, and dancing. I believe in building strong parent/teacher partnerships to meet each child’s individual educational and development goals. Great communication is an integral part of helping a child grow. I welcome any comments, concerns, and suggestions you may have.

Liz Brant is our Infant Room/Bumble Babee Room Assistant Teacher. Originally from a small town south of Colorado Springs, Liz grew up as the youngest in the family, but always wanted to care for children. In her free time, she enjoys doing yoga as well as photography specifically of nature and her nieces. 

Why I teach: Teachers have been the primary role models in my life. Without their influence, my life would not be what it is today. Ever since I was younger I dreamed of being a teacher. There is so much to discover, learn, and see especially at such a young age. I have never had a bad day working in the infant room, their smiles and laughter always brightens my day!

Unique Detail: No matter what challenges I face, I always find a way to stay positive and have a smile on my face.

Education, Qualifications, Skills: Colorado Shines Certified

Expanding Quality Care for Infants and Toddlers, Course

CPR Certified

Basic ASL

  • Lead Qualification, & Infant Room Supervisor qualifications in the works!

Teaching Philosophy:  I believe you are never too young to learn. Learning should be fun and I feel all ages should be welcomed to new experiences. I make each child feel welcomed, loved and safe. Even at a young age, I believe it is important to get outside by going on walks or reading a book/playing under a shady area. 

What is Unique to Your Teaching? I always look at the bright side of every situation, and make sure each child feels safe and loved. I also love to get on the child’s level, learning from their point of view. Sign language has been a useful tool to help the infants communicate their wants and needs.