My name is Cassie Carlstrom. I am the Program Director at Little People's Head Start. I have my bachelor's degree in business administration and my master's in education--instruction and curriculum. I have worked at Head Start since 2015; however, my history with Head Start started when my son attended Early Head Start. I was actively involved on the Policy Council; Head Start has always had a special place in my heart. I enjoy many aspects of my job especially learning new things in the Head Start world. The best part of my day is visiting each of the the classrooms and seeing the children in their natural environment. Seeing the children comfortable and happy affirms why Head Start is such a marvelous program and a great asset to our community. I have lived in Ely for over 30 years, am married, and have one son. I enjoy being outside, golfing, camping, fishing, and spending time with my family and friends.

My name is Jesee Meyers.  I have my Associate of Arts in business. In the spring of 2017, I also received a certificate in human resources and a certificate in accounting.  I am a daughter, sister, aunt, mother, and wife.  My family is the most important thing to me.  Our family has been involves with LPHS since 2004 when my oldest son attended Head Start. All three of my children have benefited from the years they spent in the program.  As a parent, I served on the Policy Council and was also a member of the Board of Director's as a community member. I have worked at LPHS since February 2015.  I was hired on as a consultant for the finance department.  After a year of consulting, I accepted the position as Fiscal Manager.  Over the next year, I started learning about the different areas of Head Start.  In June 2017, I accepted the position of Assistant Program Director.  I love Head Start and what it provides to both children and families in our community.

My name is Linda Garcia.  I am the Education/Disabilities/Mental Health Manager for Head Start and Early Head Start.  I have my BA in social science, AA in early childhood education (ECE), AAS in ECE, and an AA in ECE. I have worked for Head Start since September 2003. My first 11 years at Head Start I spent as a teacher in the classroom.  The thing I enjoy most about my job is helping the teachers improve their teaching strategies so their students can have a wonderful educational experience at HS/EHS.  I enjoy embroidering, binge-watching TV shows, and spending time with my family (grandchildren).      

Hi, my name is Joy Asher. I have worked at LPHS since February 2012 as the Health, Nutrition, and Safety Manager.  I have lived in Ely for over 20 years. I am an experienced EMT working as one for over 10 years in Nevada and six years in Idaho. I love working with the children here at Head Start. They are a true blessing to be with. In my spare time i enjoy reading, hunting, fishing, and being with my family. I also volunteer with the county and city fire departments.

My name is Crystal Williams.  I joined Little People's Head Start in 2016 as an administrative assistant.  I received a promoted to the fiscal department and am now the Fiscal Manager.  It has been a great experience getting to work with the staff and watch the children that attend this school learn.  I have a family and live in Ely.  I enjoy spending time with my family and being outdoors.    

My name is Laura Ruesch.  I am the WIC and Family Resource Manager.  I have been a part of the Little People's Head Start team since October 2005.  I was born and raised in Utah where I graduated from Weber State University with a nursing degree.  I met my husband at college, married, and moved to his hometown, Ely.  We have three grown children and six grandchildren.  After living in Ely for five years, we moved to Fairbanks, Alaska (via Winnemucca, Nevada).  I loved the beauty and lifestyle of Alaska.  In 2005, we moved back to Ely to be closer to family.  When I'm not talking about nutrition and breastfeeding, assisting families with their needs, or loving on everyone's babies, you can find me with my family, enjoying my grandchildren, traveling, reading, camping, or watching reality TV.

My name is Alisha Gorecki, and I am Family Services Coordinator. I have been working in childcare for over 15 years now and have been employed at Little People's Head Start for more than 10 of those years.  I have worked with children 0-18 years of age and have absolutely loved getting to know each and every child and their families.  I've had my CDA (Child Development Associate) since 2003.  I am currently working on my Associate of Applied Science in human services with a certificate in substance abuse counseling at Great Basin College.  In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my daughter, playing board games with family, reading, and cooking.  

Hello, my name is Mikka Miller. I am the Head Teacher in Head Start Classroom #1--"Little Hoots." I have worked for Head Start since August 2014. In the fall of 2019, I accepted additional responsibilities as Education Assistant to help further my career goals. I have dual associate degrees--an Associate of Arts in early childhood education and an Associate of Applied Science in early childhood education (ECE). Currently, I am working on my bachelor's in early childhood education. I have a beautiful daughter whom I enjoy spending most of my time with. I also enjoy being with my family, being outdoors, playing slow-pitch softball, reading, and coffee!

My name is Kamolrose El Jankaew. I have a bachelor's degree in world history from Thailand, but I love being around children and want to be a teacher.  I enjoy cooking and socializing with my co-workers at Little People's Head Start!

Hello, my name is Janelle Wheeler. I am the teacher's assistant in Head Start Classroom #1 the "Little Hoots." I have worked at Head Start since August 2015 and have my CDA. I have two kids whom I love spending time with. I love reading!

My name is Linda Kelly.  I started at LPHS in 2000 as a cook's assistant.  In 2016, I accepted a position as cook.  I have always enjoyed cooking, and I take pride in my work.  I love to see the amazing changes and progress that the kids at Head Start and Early Head Start make form the time they enter the program until they leave for Kindergarten.  I was born and raised in Ely and married my high school sweetheart.  We have two children, four grandchildren, and one great-grand child.  Spending time with my grandchildren is my greatest joy in life.  I love dogs, drinking coffee, and reading.  

Hello, my name is Esther Elizabeth Ortiz-Gonzales.  I was born in Las Vegas and moved to Ely in 2006.  I'm currently working at Little People's Head Start as a toddler teacher.  I enjoy my job each and every day.  I love that I get to come to class to spend time with my kiddos.  I love making a change in their lives.  I received my CDA in April, 2017.  Currently, I am enrolled in classes and continuing my education.

Hi, my name is Tami Hutchinson. I moved to Ely in 2012 and married my high school sweetheart in 2013. I have worked for Head Start since February 2017. I am a teacher for the Early Head Start program. Currently, I hold a CDA, and I am working on dual associate degrees in early childhood education. I love coming to work everyday and seeing the kids and helping the families. In my off time, I enjoy the outdoors and traveling.

My name is Jasmine. I have been living in Ely since 2015. I started working for LPHS in May of 2017.  I teach 1-2 year olds and love my job. I received my CDA in 2018. Aside from work, I am a full-time mom to a little old boy.

Hi.  My name is Jessica McLean. As a child, I attended Head Start. Now, I am the head teacher in Classroom 3.  I've been working at LPHS since October of 2017.  Currently, I am working to obtain my CDA.  I am currently enrolled in college courses so that I can receive my Associate degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE). My favorite thing about working at Head Start is being able to interact with the kids.  I also really enjoy watching them expand their knowledge.

Hi My name is Amber. I am a teacher's aide here at Head Start. I was born and raised in Ely. I have three children--two boys and a little girl. I have been a part o the Head Start staff since November 2018, but my relationship with Little People's really started earlier when my children attended. Since being hired, I have worked hard to complete my required trainings, and I am CPR certified. What I really love about working at LPHS is being able to make a difference in children's lives. I also love coming to work and being greeted by the children with hugs!

Hi, I'm Crystal Berry, and I'm a classroom aide at Little People's Head Start.  Currently, I am working on my CDA.  I enjoy working at Head Start and am really enjoying meeting all the children and staff. I have lived in Ely since 2008. I have three siblings, two sisters and a brother, along with three other step-siblings.

Hello. I'm Olivia Mollet. I am a teacher at Head Start. I began working for LPHS in 2018. My child attended LPHS, and I was involved in the Policy Council. I have my CDA and my CPR certification. I love watching our kids grow and learn. I love our team and how well we all work together.

My name is Sammantha Moreno. I started working at LPHS in October of 2018 as an infant/toddler teacher in EHS (Early Head Start). Currently, I received my CDA in June of 2019. My favorite thing about working at Head Start are the children I work with. When I was a child, I attended Head Start. I have lived in Ely for more than years. I have a beautiful son. I am the oldest child in my family. For a hobby, I like to dance.

My name is Hannah Laswell-Buck. I started working as a classroom aid for Early Head Start in August of 2019. In November 2019, I accepted a position as a Head Start teacher assistant. I am currently working on my preschool CDA. My favorite thing about working at LPHS is working with the kids and helping to shape an important part of their foundation for future learning. I have a very large family, and I am the third youngest cousin of many. In my free time, I like to enjoy nature and find new quiet places to read or listen to music.

Hello, I'm Tatum Gorecki. I began working as a teacher in the infant/toddler room at EHS in August 2019. As a child, I attended Head Start. I love working with the children here. I was born and raised in Ely. My family lives here also. I am involved with 4-H, and I raise pigs.

Hi, my name is Kelli Snow. I started working at Little People's Head Start as an Early Head Start Teacher in January 2020. My experience as a CNA for 10 years helps me in my job because I understand how important it is to put yourself in other people's shoes. My favorite thing about my job is being able to take care of the kids. In 2019, I moved back to Ely with my daughter because I wanted her to be able to grow up in a small town instead of a city. In my spare time, i enjoy reading, outside activities, singing, and dancing.

Hello. My name is McKenzie Cowan. I started working at LPHS in December of 2019. I am an Early Head Start teacher for the 1-2 year old group. I am CPR certified, and I am currently working on my CDA and my bachelor's degree in business management. The one thing I love most about my job is being able to come to work and see my kiddos. I have my own little boy--which is a full-time job. When I'm not at work, I love traveling and the outdoors, but I also love being a homebody.

My name is Kim Smith. I was hired at Little People's Head Start in January 2020 as a classroom aide. In February 2020, I was offered the job of Infant/Toddler Teacher and accepted. Currently, I am working on getting my CDA and my Associate's in Early Childhood Education (ECE). In 2009, I was a member of the Policy Council for LPHS. I was born and raised in McGill. I have two children--Braxton and Liz. We love being outside playing with our dog, Blake, and going on adventures.