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Director

Lead Teacher, Bear Buddies

Hi there! I’m Carmel Burton, and I am truly honored to serve as the Director of Ark Valley Preschool. With a background in Education and Visual Arts from Regis University, along with training in Nurturing Parenting, I am dedicated to creating welcoming and inspiring environments for young learners. My goal is to infuse our school with a nurturing and vibrant atmosphere where every child feels valued and eager to learn, while also fostering a strong sense of community.

My husband, Dan Burton, and I are fortunate to live in beautiful Chaffee County with our energetic and happy two-year-old, Luigi Bear. Our family loves exploring the outdoors, and you can often find us rafting, hiking, running, or camping in our free time.

Feel free to ask me about the latest book I’m reading, the song I’ve been playing on repeat, or the podcast I’m currently tuned into. I’m always eager to share and connect with our wonderful community!

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Lead Preschool Teacher, Moose Crew

Assistant Director

Hello, my name is Janet Chambliss and I am so excited to teach at Ark Valley Preschool this year! I have over 16 years experience teaching PreK and Kindergarten. I’m married to Mark and we have 2 grown kids in their 20’s. They are my absolute biggest joys in life and I understand the love you feel for your own little ones. Trust me, that never goes away! My interests are hiking, riding my Ebike around town, hanging out with my family and reading. Oh, how I love reading! I’m looking forward to getting to know all of you and watching your children learn and grow this year!

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Lead Toddler Teacher, Bear Buddies

Hi everyone! My name is Melisa Townsend, and I am so excited to be a part of the Ark Valley Preschool community. I studied education and educational psychology at the University of Colorado, and I taught kindergarten in Denver. My husband, Alex, and I moved to Poncha Springs 2 years ago with our sons, Owen and William. We are thrilled to be here and love to go out and explore. I like to read, sing, hike, and play with my kids at the lake or river. I am excited to get to know your kids and to help nurture their love of learning.

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Teacher, Moose Crew

Operations Coordinator

Howdy! My name is Rayna Stem and I’m so excited to be a part of the Ark Valley Preschool community! I am from Oklahoma, but have also spent ample time in New Mexico, Oregon, and have been in Colorado for about 8 years. I have a Bachelors in Psychology as well as Studio Arts. I plan of starting an online Masters program through Metro State in 2024 to obtain an LCSW and become a clinical counselor, with a focus on youth mental health. I moved to Salida in September, purchased a camper, and have been living and redoing it (they don’t help much) with my dog Wayne, and cat Paycheck. My hobbies include painting, drawing, hot springs lounging, and soaking up the Salida sun! I’m excited to develop a loving and trusting relationship with both your kids!

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Yoga Teacher & Part Time Teacher

Hi there, my name is Cassie Buckberg. I am a mom of 3 kiddos, and I always felt the need for Yoga in my kids' lives. I completed my 200 hour yoga training back in 2014 and recently completed the course work of teaching yoga to kids through story telling. You might know my teacher, Jamie from Cosmic Kids Yoga.

My mission is to help our youngest community members learn about self care which is done through storytelling yoga. Each week your children will go on an adventure focusing on a pose of the week.