About Us | Glenwood Grove Early Learning

Katie, lead teacher at Glenwood Grove Early Learning

Our team · Lead Teacher

Meet Katie

Hi! My name is Katie and I have been working in the early childhood education field since 2019. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Nevada, Reno. After graduating and beginning my career in early childhood education, I continued my professional growth by taking Early Childhood Education courses at Cabrillo College to further expand my knowledge and to grow as an educator. I hold a Site Supervisor Permit and I'm committed to creating engaging and supportive environments where young children can grow, explore and blossom.

Throughout my preschool career I have had the opportunity to work with a variety of age groups and programs. Most recently, I taught Transitional Kindergarten in a Reggio Emilia-inspired program where my main focus was sparking curiosity, creativity and a love of learning through child-centered experiences. I believe all children are competent, capable and active participants in their own learning. My favorite part of teaching is building strong relationships with both the children and their families.

At Glenwood Grove Early Learning my hope is to create meaningful learning experiences that inspire curiosity, build confidence and empower each child as they grow and create a foundation for future success.

Our philosophy

What we believe about early childhood

Children aren't one thing. They don't grow in just one direction. We embrace balance: intentional teaching in the morning, open exploration in the afternoon, every domain of development given its due.
The earliest years are the most formative. The relationships, routines, and environments children experience now shape who they become. We take that responsibility seriously.
Small group care lets us follow each child. Instead of managing a classroom, we get to know each child's individual development, interests, and pace.
A home-based setting provides consistency centers can't replicate. Familiar faces, familiar rhythms. Children adjust quickly and feel at home.
Parents are partners. You know your child best. We communicate openly and frequently through Brightwheel updates, daily check-ins, and an open door.

Licensing & credentials

Held to the highest professional standards

We meet every requirement set by the California Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing Division, and several practices we hold ourselves to go further.

State-licensed

Licensed by California CCLD as a Family Child Care Home, License #444418123. Inspected, current, and in full compliance.

Safety-certified

All staff: CPR/First Aid certified, mandated reporter trained, immunization verified, and Live Scan cleared.

Digital records

Enrollment, health, and daily reports are managed through Brightwheel, the leading parent communication platform.

Our family

Meet Dana & Dee

Glenwood Grove is a family-built program. Dana and Dee are raising two young daughters in Scotts Valley, just a short walk from Vine Hill Elementary, and the program grew out of what they wanted for their own family: care that honors the earliest years with the warmth of a home and the intention of a school.

Dana is a Santa Cruz native and Army veteran. After years away, he came back to raise his daughters where he grew up. When he's not home with the girls, you'll find him on Scotts Valley trails, running shoes laced up or mountain bike in tow. He's grateful to be raising his family here, and excited to support the families who call Scotts Valley home.

Dee was born and raised in Montana, where her love of the outdoors and making things started early. She earned her MBA and built her career at Google and KPMG, and now works as a consultant. She brings that same blend of warmth and care to her family and to Glenwood Grove. She's a mom to their two daughters, and finds her joy in fitness, travel, craft, and the small daily rituals that turn a house into a home.

Glenwood Grove is the kind of place they'd trust with their own children. That's exactly what they're offering yours.

A second home for every child