Staff Bio's — Positive Alternative Preschool

Staff Biographies

PA Headshpt Marcia.jpg — Marcia

**Owner**
Marcia has been devoted to early childhood education her entire adult life. She graduated from Red Rocks Community College with a degree in early childhood education (ECE), and after graduating, she continued working as head teacher in the college's lab school. When the lab school closed several years later, Marcia continued teaching in another local childcare center. While teaching there, Marcia's vision for a different kind of childcare environment began to crystallize.
With help from her parents, Marcia established Positive Alternative Preschool and Childcare Center in 1989. She is highly committed to her vocation because she sees a need for children to have a healthy environment and positive guidance. During times when many parents are working as hard as they can to provide basic necessities for their families, “I want to be there emotionally for children,” she says. “I want parents to be able to leave their children knowing they are in a good situation while they are at work.”
In addition to directing Positive Alternative, Marcia has served on commissions such as the Colorado Early Childhood Commission, and she is active in church. Along with her husband and two daughters, Marcia loves to travel, ski, hike, and enjoy the company of her friends.

Paula

**Assistant Director**
**Pre-K Teacher**
Paula has been teaching at Positive Alternative since 1991. Originally from southern California, Paula has been in Colorado for 30 years. She obtained her Director qualifications and early childhood education classes from Aurora Community College. Paula has taught at PA for over 28 years.
“Children this age are full of wonder and excitement. They enjoy trying new things... We do a lot of hands-on activities, and we let the children do as much on their own as possible. I enjoy watching the progress they make and seeing them get ready for kindergarten.” Paula always wanted to be a teacher, and she takes her job of preparing children for kindergarten very seriously.
In her spare time, Paula enjoys walking, hiking, swimming, reading, spending time with her daughter and husband, and traveling.

Cheri

Director

Cheri has taught at Positive Alternative since 1990. Originally from northern Colorado, Cheri's experience at Positive Alternative was first as a parent when her children all attended PA 20+ years ago. “My children have all been through the preschool program and loved it,” Cheri says. A legacy family of Positive Alternative, Cheri's grandson is now a student at PA.

Cheri started her education by taking classes at The Art Institute of Colorado and the University of Northern Colorado. She received her ECE and directors certificate from Aurora Community College.

In her spare time Cheri loves the outdoors and especially gardening. She has worked with the Denver Urban Gardens as a garden leader. She loves to be creative and explore art. She spends lots of time with her dog Snickers!

IMAG2450 (1).jpg — Berta

**Float Teacher**
An Idaho native, Berta moved to Denver in 1985 after graduating from the University of Idaho with a BS in Recreation Management. After a corporate career in marketing, Berta switched gears to come to PA and focus on her love, children. Berta has served as a mentor for many teen girls in the metro Denver area. She now leads the 1 year old classroom. Berta loves the 1 on 1 attention the kids are able to enjoy by having extra teachers in the classroom.
In her spare time Berta loves to ski, golf and travel. She also enjoys hanging out with her husband and dog Barney.