It takes a village:
Meet Our Team
Our Teachers and Staff
We strive to provide high quality teachers with diverse backgrounds. Each teacher has their own unique teaching style and approach to our play-based curriculum. Our Director teaches a class and also assists with enrollment and administrative work.
Katie Dollard
Katie grew up in northern California. She graduated from the University of San Francisco with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology. Katie began her teaching career as a special education paraeducator for grades sixth through eighth in Larkspur, CA. After obtaining her multiple subject teaching credential from Dominican University of California, Katie taught first and third grade for eight years in Ross, CA. Upon getting married Katie and her husband relocated to a small, rural town in northern California where Katie taught second grade for two more years. In 2015, Katie and her husband welcomed their first daughter at which point Katie decided to stay at home to raise a family. In 2017, they welcomed their second daughter and within eight months they made their move to Cody.
Cody has been home for Katie and her family for five years. During that time Katie joined the LEP Board of Directors as vice president and eventually served as president for two additional years. In addition to being a board member, Katie also had the privilege of being an LEP parent for four years.
Katie believes strongly in the value of a meaningful, early learning experience. She fosters this belief by being an encouraging, positive, empathetic, and nurturing teacher. Her classroom serves as a place for children to grow both socially and emotionally as well as an environment for each child to develop a desire to learn, play, explore, and build self-confidence.
Katie currently teaches one of our 3-day classes.
Danielle Blankenship
Danielle has lived in Cody most her life but considers both Wyoming and Minnesota "home." Moving here when she was only 5, she completed all her school in Cody, then went straight to Powell for college. As soon as she graduated college she met her husband Mitch and they quickly started their family. Danielle was able to stay home with their four children.
When their youngest started kindergarten, she began substitute teaching in the Cody Public Schools. After falling in love with teaching she couldn't have been any more excited to hear Little Explorers was hiring. All four of her children attended Little Explorers and it holds a very special place in her heart! Danielle is very passionate about helping these little students fall in love with learning and school.
Danielle currently teaches the 4-day class.
Amy Whalen
Amy grew up in Washington state. She graduated from Western Washington University with a degree in Elementary Education. She taught second through fourth grade for 10 years in her hometown of Yelm. Amy obtained her Master's Degree in Literacy in 2000. She enjoyed spending her last three years in Yelm as a librarian and technology specialist for grades K-6. Amy and her husband, Darrin, decided to make Cody home for their family in 2008.
Amy's teaching style is one that promotes a love of learning in each and every one of her students. She believes in providing a well-rounded educational experience for preschoolers. The climate in Amy's classroom encourages free and exploratory play, fostering an exciting and engaging atmosphere while teaching fundamental skills. She provides hands-on experiences that focus on students' social, emotional, physical, and academic growth.
Amy is our LEP Director and currently teaches a 2-day and 3-day afternoon class.
Bailey Herritage
Bailey is from Dallas, Texas but was thrilled to make Cody home in 2021! She received a degree in K-12 Art Education at the University of Arkansas where she was able to attain valuable hands-on classroom experience with preschool through high school-age students through both volunteer opportunities and internships. Before moving to Cody, Bailey was teaching Art and Photography to middle and high school students. Her fine arts background provides enrichment to the Little Explorers team with her creative perspective, ideas, and skills.
Bailey's interests outside of teaching include music, photography, volunteering with teenagers and enjoying the beautiful landscape of Wyoming! Coming from a secondary education position to teaching preschool has been an exciting shift. Bailey loves the curiosity and livelihood her four-day students bring to school each day! She provides a calm and nurturing yet structured environment for children that encourages their curiosity and development of social/emotional skills. Her goal is for students to love learning and become both academically and socially prepared for Kindergarten!
Bailey currently teaches one of our 2-day classes.
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors meets monthly and oversees school finances, addresses issues, leads fundraising efforts, makes policy decisions, and ensures smooth program operation. Please consider joining our Board and sharing your skills and insights! For questions, issues, comments, or to join, please contact us.
If you would like to attend a meeting or add an item to the agenda, email littleexplorerscody@gmail.com.
Amy Whalen
LEP Director
Brittany Blakesley
President
Kelly Phillips
Vice President
TBD
Treasurer
Brianne Phillips
Secretary
Sarah Chadd
Alumni Rep
Members at Large