Our Teachers

Kamelia

Hello, my name is Kamelia Vick, and I have had experience with kids from a young age. I first started babysitting for my family at 8 years old, watching my nephews. I began working in early childhood education in 2016 and joined The Applewood School in 2018. I am now the lead teacher in GM1, and I enjoy teaching children by observing how they play. I love asking children questions and learning something from them every day. Outside of being a teacher, I love to relax, binge-watch TV shows and movies, go for walks, and spend time with my pug, Lilly. I also enjoy spending time with my family, going camping in the summer, caring for my plants, and traveling outside of Colorado.  

Crissy 

Hello, my name is Crissy! I have been a teacher in early childhood since 2019, and have earned my Childhood Development Associates Credential. I have worked with children in many different settings for many years. I was a childcare leader at a kids camp for 3 years, a family nanny for 6 years, and I have volunteered at my church ministry every Sunday since 2014. 

I love seeing the excitement of children as they learn and experience something new. Witnessing children having a new experience warms my heart and brings me so much joy.     

I am married to my wonderful husband, Ricky, and together we have 5 stepchildren, 4 grand stepchildren, and multiple pets. I have 3 dogs and a turtle, whom I love very much. One fun fact about me is that I lived in Hawaii for 15 years!

Vanessa

Hi! My name is Vanessa, and I moved from North Carolina to Colorado with my family years ago. I have a husband of 33 years, Stan, and three sons - Joseph, adopted from Mexico, David, adopted from Guatemala, and Nicholas.

I have a degree in Accounting from the University of North Florida. After working in the property tax and lease administration industries, I decided to take a break to focus on raising my sons. Through the years, I have realized that each child has their own unique abilities, and I enjoy watching each one learn at their own pace.

In my free time, I enjoy reading a good book, learning to knit, and trying to figure out the games my kids play.

Nicole

Hello, my name is Nicole, and I am super excited to be here at The Applewood School. I have worked in childcare for 16 years and hold an associate's degree in Early Childhood Education as well as a Director's License. I graduated from Red Rocks Community College in May of 2023. 

Ever since I was little, I have known I wanted to work with children or become a veterinarian. My heart broke when my hamster and fish died, so I knew working with children would be a better career path. I believe children make this world a better place with their everlasting giggles, warm smiles, and amazing imaginations. I have seen many children grow over the years, and it has given me such joy and a sense of completeness. I feel proud to be part of these children's lives. I love watching them grow and climb the ladder to greatness, which is truly my passion. 

I have a twin sister and a half-sister. During my time off, I love to read, travel, spend time with my family, and curl up on my couch to watch a great movie. I look forward to getting to know each family and being a part of this amazing community.

Katie

My name is Katie, and I am very excited to be part of the team at The Applewood School. I love working with toddlers, and I have been working with children from ages 1 to 12 for 18 years. I truly enjoy teaching children and watching each child grow and learn in their own way. 

I am a Colorado native, and am married to a wonderful husband whom I adore. We also have two dogs named Roxy and Snicker. In my free time, I enjoy walking our dogs and going to the lakes in the summer. I also love time with my family.  

Rachael

Hello! My name is Rachael, I am a proud native of Colorado, and I have two adorable children who keep me on my toes. This is my first experience working in childcare, and I absolutely adore it. 

When summer rolls around, you can find me casting a line with my fishing pole and enjoying peaceful days near a river. I spend my winters cozying up indoors and soaking in the warmth. In my free time, I dive into my hobbies: reading, crocheting, and gardening. All of my hobbies bring me joy and relaxation. I can't wait to see what my future holds, both in my personal life and my professional life, and in my new journey in the childcare field.

Brenda

Hello, my name is Brenda. I am originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, but I have been happy to call Colorado home since 2000. I am blessed to be a teacher at The Applewood School, and I feel like this school is my family. I have been in the childcare industry for 15 years, but I have previously managed food service industries and rental properties. 

In my free time, I love walking my dog and camping with my family. I am also a proud mom and grandma to 4 children and 6 grandchildren. 

Clarissa

Hi, my name is Clarissa. I am very proud to be one of the toddler teachers at The Applewood School. I am a Colorado native, and I have worked in childcare as long as I can remember. First as a babysitter, then as a nanny, and now as a lead qualified teacher at a licensed childcare facility for about 8 years.

I love painting, drawing, and spending time with my friends and family. I also love working with children, and I hope to continue working in the ECE field for the foreseeable future.

I am excited to be your child's teacher, and I look forward to working with all the families as well. 

Sarah

Hi, I’m Sarah. I was born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware, and am an "East Coaster” at heart. I attended Washington College to swim competitively at the collegiate level and received a B.A in Psychology. Post-undergrad, I was fortunate enough to live in a favorite city of mine, Manhattan. While living in New York City, I earned my Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from New York University. My graduate work led me to teach at a Reggio Emilia-inspired school in New Canaan, CT. The Reggio Emilia approach deepened my appreciation for child-centered, play-based education. 

Upon moving to Denver, I taught at Graland Country Day School. Teaching Kindergarten there taught me the balance of academic learning, community, and supporting age-appropriate development. I temporarily stepped away from the classroom to travel and lived in 7 different states during that time. I am excited to be back in Colorado and return to the classroom. Personally, I enjoy thrift shopping, reading, and practicing yoga. I am married with a fur baby, and my greatest joy in life is being an "Auntie” to my sister’s daughter.

Our Management & Staff

Mindy

Hi, I am Mindy, the owner/director of The Applewood School. I have an undergraduate degree in Mandarin Chinese from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and an MBA in finance and accounting from the University of Colorado, Denver. I left corporate America after 20 years to work in Montessori Schools, and I am director qualified in Early Childhood Education with a passion for emerging literature and math.

My husband, Josh, is a dentist in private practice in Denver. Josh is also a lieutenant colonel in the Colorado Air National Guard at Buckley Air Force Base, with 20 years of experience in dentistry and military deployment. We have two children: Mia, age 20, and Jonah, age 12. 

When I am not working, I am out vintage collecting (jewelry and art), at hot yoga, or reading a New York Times best-selling non-fiction novel. I am thrilled to provide a family-friendly atmosphere. This is not a corporate-run facility; my door and email box are always open.

Chelsea

I received my bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and Human Development from the University of Colorado, Denver, and am set to receive my master's degree in May 2027. I am passionate about supporting children through all stages of their development and learning, and I love forging relationships with our students and families.

In my free time, I enjoy all outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, biking, and walking my dog, Brewster. I also love taking in live music, practicing yoga, reading a good book, and spending time with friends and family.

Chef Jose

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, as the school Chef, I bring my Latino and Afro-Caribbean influence into everything I cook. Growing up in the Caribbean, my parents had a dairy farm, my grandma was a butcher, and my uncle was a fisherman, so I pretty much grew up always around food and animals. That is where I learned about the importance and beauty of cooking.

For me, food is more than love - it is life. As long as you live the life you love, you love the life you live. I have honed my cooking techniques in different countries and cities around the world, including Argentina, Peru, Tokyo, the Dominican Republic, Milan, and Denver. Cooking is my passion, and I am in love with it.

I look forward to cooking for you at The Applewood School.