Amber

Hello, my name is Amber Edwards. My journey of working with young children began in 2006 right here at Great Beginnings Early Childhood Center. Over those years I went from moving to Grand Junction, where I worked at two childcare centers, to moving back to Delta where I opened up my own home childcare while my kids were in grade school, to returning to Great Beginnings in 2017. Great Beginnings holds a very special place in my heart because it is where my own children attended and it is where I first discovered my calling to minister to and to teach young children.  My husband Craig and I have been married for 24 years and we have a 20 year old son and an 18 year old daughter. Some of my interests outside of work are spending time with family and friends, playing card & board games, being outdoors enjoying the sunshine and fresh air, studying the word of God, and playing volleyball.  I am passionate about helping very young children to feel loved, safe, valued, understand their emotions, and discover the world around them, all while learning how to live in harmony with others. It is one of my greatest joys to watch a child learn and grow! ​

Justine

My name is Miss Justine. I have been a toddler teacher and preschool teacher at Great Beginnings since September 2005. I have been a member of DCC for about 25 years.  My husband Dennis, and I have 3 Boys who are all grown and on their own. I have 2 grandchildren.

Kaylee

Hello! I am Kaylee and I have been teaching at Great Beginnings Early Childhood Center for 3 years. I was born in Delta, Colorado and have lived here my whole life. I have been married for 4 years. I have a 3 year old and a 18 month old. I am currently in college at Colorado Mesa University for my bachelors in Elementary education. I have a passion for teaching and can't wait to do more.

Victoria

Hello Families! My name is Victoria Ragsdale and I am so excited to teach your child this school year at Great Beginnings Early Childhood Center. I am looking forward to not only getting to know and learn more about your child and build a relationship with him/her, but I am also looking forward to walking alongside you and your family to ensure that this school year is a success. This is my first year teaching preschool. I have a background in psychology, having achieved my bachelor’s degree in December of 2022, from Colorado Christian University. My husband Kylan and I have been married for 21 years. We have 3 children—Zander (18), Sarai (15), and Alivia (10) and a menagerie of pets (4 rats, 3 cats, 1 dog, 1 rabbit and 1 leopard Gecko). I love playing board games, walking with my dog Oscar, cooking, baking delicious treats and being a learner (I love learning more about God, through Bible study and research, as well as taking classes relevant to my passions). I also love volunteering, especially with Hope West’s school grief program and Camp Good grief.  Little humans amaze me, and I take so much joy in watching them discover the world, as well as discover who they are and how they fit into the community around them. ​

Alyssa

Hello! My name is Alyssa Duncan. I will be working in Miss Victoria and Miss Sam’s class as an assistant teacher this year! I have been cleaning at Great Beginnings for three years, but this is my first year helping in the class. I am so excited to spend more time playing with and teaching the kids! For the last six years, I have been given the opportunity to work the children’s ministry at Delta Christian Church. I get to help with nursery, Kids with a King musical, Fun in the Son, and elementary camp. A little bit about me: I am 18 years old, I just graduated high school. I still live at home with my parents and two younger siblings. I also have an older sister, who moved to college in Montana. Some of my favorite things are Jesus, camping, paddleboarding, reading books, playing with children, or being with animals. I went to Great Beginnings for preschool with Mrs. Stacy as my teacher. I am eager to learn more about the children and to share the love of Jesus with them!

Hannah

Hello, my name is Hannah Rundle. I am excited to be an aide in Miss Kaylee's class, as well as keeping things clean and tidy after snacks, lunch and much more. 
I have been married 18 years to my husband Chad. I am a proud mother of two, my son Isaac who is 17, my daughter Faith who is 13, and together with our kids we live in Austin. As a family we fellowship at Surface Creek Community Church. 
I am a Delta local and have loved growing up here. Being able to have my own children grow up here has been such a privilege. In my early years of parenting and motherhood, I helped run and coordinate the Delta MOPS group for many years. Organizing our events, teachers schedules and much more. For several years I worked at my family's store, Davis Clothing. I enjoyed working in our community to improve and build up the wonderful way of life that Delta provides. Life took a turn and we started our homeschooling journey in 2020. I have been enjoying the process of watching my children grow and learn. The joy of this job is being able to continue on that journey with my children and husband. Last year our lives changed again with my husband suffering from a terrible work accident. This job is truly a Godsend and the joy of knowing it comes with such beautiful blessings has shown that God's love is ever present.  I have always cherished the starting years of a child's life. Their personality, the way they learn to work out problems for themselves, develop skills to navigate, it's all so profound. These years are the foundation years, and I am glad to be able to help alongside the wonderful staff here to help them find solid ground. I'm excited to get to know your children and watch them grow.

Sam

Hi, I'm Miss Sam. I’m so excited to join the Great Beginnings team this year. I am an Elementary School teacher by trade and have spent the last ten years in Kindergarten, 1st grade, and Special Education Classrooms. This year, I will be at Great Beginnings on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. I am excited to continue my teaching journey and spend more time with my family. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy being outside, drinking coffee, and spending time with family and friends!

Mary

Hi Great Beginning Families. My name is Mary Shenold; but many know me as Ms. Mary. I worked as a SPED para for the school district for 9 years, and I was the children’s program coordinator for the Delta Public Library where I did story time and fun monthly programs, some of you may remember me. Then I began my teaching career at Colorado West Christian School in January 2022, then God placed me here with your wonderful children. I have attended Delta Christian Church since 2019 and have followed Jesus since I was 13. My husband Rob is also a teacher, we have 4 children and 5 grandchildren. In my spare time, I attend college classes through GCU, enjoy my time with God and family, bake, and quilt. I am looking forward to loving your children and getting to know you.

Madelyn

Hi! I’m Miss Madelyn and I’m excited to be a part of your child’s growth and learning journey! 
I moved here from Austin, Texas in 2012 and met my husband shortly after. We have a daughter who is 7 and a son that is 6. Our kids attended preschool at Great Beginnings and I always loved what a positive and supportive learning environment it is. I have a love for toddlers and seeing their personalities shine! This stage in their life is special and I feel honored I get to be a part of it!

Judy

My name is Judy Chapman. I'm married to my husband of  48 years, Don Chapman. We have two grown children and 4 grandchildren. I taught at Great Beginnings in the past and came back on board this summer. Now that my youngest grandchild is in kindergarten, I decided I needed some time with kids. It's my pleasure to be able to be with your children again.

Louann

I was born in Minneapolis Minnesota and married in 1972. We have a 36 year old son and 7 grandchildren, ages 2 to 17 years old. I retired from a 44 year nursing career. The last position was in Oncology. It seems retirement has me busy with volunteering at Delta Salvation Army Food Bank, working at Great Beginnings Early Childhood Center, and very involved in grandchildren's lives. I’ve been a member of Delta Grace Community Church for 15 years. I like to sew/quilt, bike ride, travel, and garden. I like coffee, campfire, Minnesota, lakes, loons, and football, especially the Minnesota Vikings. A bible verse I lean on is James 4:7-8.

Karen

I grew up in Olathe and have a twin sister!  I married my high school sweetheart and we have two daughters and four grandchildren. After working for Delta County Schools for 30 years, I retired and decided I wanted to look for something to fill some of my free time. I felt like God called me to come here to Great Beginnings Preschool and I love working with your precious children. Thank you for sharing them with me on Tuesdays!

David

I was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, my grade school years were spent in Kansas and then my  family moved to Minnesota where I lived for the following 53 years during which time I married and raised a family of 3 boys. During that period of time I was the official/unofficial youth minister of their local congregation (unofficial in the sense that it was a non paying position). After retiring I began working with the local schools and before moving to Colorado I was appointed as an elder in charge of the youth ministry at their attending congregation. Now here in Delta I work with the youth pastor at Delta Christian church, as a teachers aide for Colorado West Christian School. This summer I also began working as a teachers aide here at Great Beginnings Early Childhood Center.