Hi! My name is Karla, I was born in Oaxaca, Mexico and raised in Key West, Florida where I got an associates degree in tourism management in; which I later transferred to the University of Florida, where I graduated with a bachelors in Tourism, Events and Recreation. During my last year in college I did an internship at the Four Seasons Jackson Hole, in WY and fell in love with the outdoors and skiing. After graduation, I started doing seasonal jobs mostly out west, and in 2019 I moved to beautiful Gunnison, CO. I’ve always been passionate about the young, although most of my background was in the tourism industry I knew I had to at least give the preschool world a shot. I have now been at Little Red for over a year, and I do not want to stop. I am currently furthering my education, to soon get a CBA in early Childhood Education. Some of my hobbies besides playing with babies are skiing, camping, cooking, hiking, making art, and being outside as much as I can with my dogs Maya and Mona. It is my absolute pleasure to able to help raise your children, in such a beautiful environment in every way. 

Hello, my name is Jamie LaZear. I was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri and am beyond happy to be living in the Gunnison Valley now. I enjoy living in the mountains and the many outdoor activities it offers all year long. I have over 20 years of experience working with children as a nanny, gymnastics coach, volunteer, and I was also fortunate enough to be an Au Pair in Italy and Australia. I have five years of experience working in Early Childhood Education and I love being a Pre-K teacher at Little Red. I earned my Bachelor Degree from the University of Missouri- St. Louis where I studied Education and Social Work. I am certified in Early Childhood Education here in Colorado. I believe that every child deserves a loving, safe, nurturing environment that fosters their natural curiosity and joy for learning. I provide this by creating a supportive environment where children are free to express themselves, take risks, and collaborate with their peers. This empowers them to become confident, life-long learners, ready to embrace the world around them. In my free time I enjoy reading, hiking, skiing, and spending time with my seven wonderful nephews! 

Hi my name is Kerri Councilman. I was born and raised here in Crested Butte. However spent my sophomore and junior year of high school in Corpus Christi Texas. I returned for my senior year and graduated in 2007. I then went to Western State College were I studied chemistry and English with an emphasis in creative writing. My interest in teaching came from a young age when I aided in classrooms with children from 1st to 4th grade. I’m currently working on getting my CBA in early education. Outside of school my passions are art (which I do like to bring in the classroom) cooking, skiing and anything outside. I feel it’s a privilege to be able to teach children in the town I grew up in because this place is truly special and I’m happy to be able to share it.

Hi everyone! I’m Brier and I have been working in childcare and Early Childhood Education for 7 years! I started as a counselor in training at 14, as an enrichment counselor for a summer program in my home state of Vermont. I am also currently pursuing a double major of History and Secondary Education at Western! I love creating art as an integrative form of education and love creating a fun engaging environment in the classroom. I am excited to see what the future holds at Little Red Schoolhouse!