The Children's CenterAn NAEYC accredited preschool in Missoula, MT

We are proud to say that we have a very caring and nurturing staff of qualified Early Childhood professionals. Each staff member has current First Aid, Infant and Child CPR certification and completes 23 hours of training in early childhood education each year. We all are also active members of the Montana Early Care and Education Practitioner Registry. Each staff member is dedicated to their work with young children, and because of this, we have a low staff turnover rate. We work together to provide you and your child with a meaningful early learning experience.

Renee August, Executive Director

Graduated from Clarion University of Pa in 2002 with a Bachelors of Science in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education.  I have been working in the Early Childhood field for over 10 years. I love working with this age group and watching them grow.

Petra Anderson, Co-Lead Preschool Teacher

Graduated from Carl Severing University for Teaching and Pedagogy in Bielefeld, Germany in 2007.

She is a certified preschool and kindergarten teacher.  Petra has experience with children ages 6 months-18 years.

Jennie Folkerts, Co-Lead Preschool Teacher

Graduated from the University of Montana with a degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Math. She is currently back in school pursuing a degree in Psychology!  She has been working with children for 12 years and has worked as a teacher for the past 4 years.

Colleen Beers, Co-Lead Early Preschool Teacher

Holds a CDA equivalent which NAEYC recognizes for her years of training
and work with young children.

 Clarke McGibben, Co-Lead Early Preschool Teacher

Received a BS in Speech and Hearing Services with a minor in Psychology from Portland State University.

Formally employed at the PSU Children’s Center and has prior experience working with children and adults with special  needs.

Amelia Rossi-Bowers

A University of Montana student pursuing her Bachelors in Social Work. She has been working with children for 7 years, 4 of which have been here at the Children’s Center! She is passionate about working with children and families and looks forward to furthering her studies in social work.

 Ashley Reloba,  Teacher Aide

University of Montana student pursuing a degree in Psychology and a minor in Art.

 Kashya Boretsky, Teacher Aide

University of Montana student majoring in Languages.

Stephanie Halland, Cook

Stephanie is a very important part of The Children’s Center’s operations.
She has been with us for over five years and her job description includes a variety of tasks.