Meet our Staff!
We are thankful that we have such a committed and skilled staff. Each has been chosen not only for their experience and educational background, but also for their warmth and commitment to enhancing the lives of children and families.
Classroom Teachers
To learn about our Teachers, click one of the following teams:
Infant Team
Kim Martin- Master Teacher
I am very pleased to say that I care for the very youngest, the babies, at the family Enrichment center! Caring for babies delights, rewards, and inspires me every day. I feel very privileged to be entrusted with their care. I have a BFA in painting from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and a certificate in Waldorf Early Childhood Education from Rudolf Steiner College in California. I grew up in Minneapolis and Cleveland and moved to Arizona to attend college at ASU. My family and I moved to Prescott in 1999.
I started as a toddler caregiver in 1983 in Tempe and then took care of children in my own home while raising my children. When my children became ready for school, I discovered Waldorf education which inspired me to take the teacher training and become certified. I have worked as an assistant in Kindergartens and also as a lead Kindergarten teacher in several Waldorf schools.
I have been married for 23 years to my husband Michael, and we have 4 children, 2 girls and 2 boys, the oldest is 22 and the youngest is 16. When the kids were younger we enjoyed camping, now that they are older and more independent I enjoy my solitude, my time with my husband, and my friends. I especially love to knit!
Toddler A Team
Amy Hammack- Master Teacher
I have been interested in and working in the field of early childhood education for about 25 years. I hold an Early Childhood Education Teaching Certificate in Arizona and graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development and Family Relations.
I spent my childhood and early adulthood in Tucson and Prescott after moving from Michigan as a very small child. I returned to the Prescott area in 1991. I spent 8 years with the Prescott and Chino Valley Head Start Programs teaching in the school, working as a Family Advocate and then as a Center Director. I then taught in the Kindergarten/First Grade multiage classroom for 8 years at Mingus Springs Charter School. I have three teenage children who attend Prescott schools and our family enjoys attending many local sporting events and time in the outdoors hiking.
I am so pleased and excited to be part of the DEW Family Enrichment Center and Yavapai College. The children and families are so fortunate to have this wonderful opportunity available to them. I look forward to getting to know each family and joining together to form this new community.
Debra J. Brown-Teacher
I have a BS in Liberal Studies from CSU Fullerton and a K-8 Teaching Credential from CSU San Bernardino. My Masters is from Azusa Pacific in Administration and I have a Math and Science Credential from CSU Riverside. I started my career as a Preschool teacher for the City of Costa Mesa. In California I taught 1st through 7th grades for twelve years. After moving to Arizona, I taught 2nd grade and AM and PM Kindergarten classes. For five years I was the Director of an After School Program offering dance, music, drama, art, and PE.
This is my first experience with Toddlers and I really think I have found the best after my 20 years of teaching in all the different grades. This center is really great and so are the people that work here!
My husband is a retired Los Angeles County Fire Captain and my daughter is a senior at NAU. We enjoy boating, motorcycle riding, camping, off-roading and traveling to Mexico where we are planning on building a beach house for retirement. Our cocker spaniels Dan, Max, and Steven live with us in Prescott Valley.
Toddler B Team
Lisa Dotseth- Master Teacher
I graduated from Yavapai College and then continued on through Northern Arizona University to complete my bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education. I have worked in various early childhood settings for over 15 years. My husband, Craig and I have two daughters. Having grown up in rural Wisconsin, our home has always been filled with many different kinds of animals. We moved to Tucson in 1987, and then to Prescott in 1997.
I enjoy hiking and kayaking. I often bring my enjoyment of the outdoors to class with me by sharing things from a trip to the woods or lake. I love working in the Toddler B classroom because each day is an adventure. We explore new experiences, try new things, and learn through our play.
Sarah Treadwell-Teacher
I lived in New Hampshire until I was 19 when, after a year at the University of New Hampshire, I came to Prescott to finish my Bachelor’s Degree. I recently got my B.A. in Child Development from Prescott College with a minor in Art. While in college I worked at the FEC part time. Before that I worked with children as a camp counselor, tutoring, and teaching art classes.
I love anything pertaining to literature, art, and music. I have been camping for weeks at a time in both snow and summer heat. I rock climb on weekends and ride my bike for transportation. I enjoy any chance to visit the ocean. I love the innate curiosity in children and aim to foster that through my teaching. I am thrilled to share new experiences in a fun and creative way. It is very exciting for me to be working at the FEC!
Preschool Team
Anne Jacobson- Master Teacher
I have three major loves in my life: my family, my friends and working with young children. My husband, Ben, and I have been married since 2003 and our son, Teddy, was born in 2006. Our daughter Lucy arrived in 2009. Ben and I first met while we were studying in the NAU post-degree teacher certification program. He teaches in the Prescott Unified School District, and I taught at Primavera School and Skyview Charter School before coming to the FEC. I have taught preschool through grade three since 1998. I am trained in the Expeditionary Learning model and the theory of Multiple Intelligences. I love leading the preschool team, because it is so satisfying to watch a small child get excited about playing and learning!
Before becoming a teacher I worked as a print journalist. I am originally from Colorado and am a proud graduate of CU-Boulder. I love living in Prescott, because my husband and I both have family close and we are surrounded by so much beauty. In my spare time I enjoy writing, cooking, reading, knitting and other crafts. I feel truly blessed to be part of this program!
Sara Porter-Teacher
I was born and raised in Illinois and attended Concordia College where I received a Bachelor of Arts in Social Service. I’ve worked with a variety of individuals and families including chronically mentally ill adults, high risk children and adolescents, and grieving individuals. I assisted in developing and facilitating a group program for grieving children and families.
After moving to Prescott in 2002, I began a teaching career at a local private school, where I taught Pre-K for four years. I now love the wonder and awe of observing and working with the 3 and 4 year olds as they discover new things. My husband, John, and I have 3 children ages 27, 25 and 12. I enjoy reading, music, gardening, hiking and biking.
Pre-K Team
Lenka V. Studnicka- Master Teacher
Country of origin: Czech Republic, Europe.
Education: BA in Ed/Arts, Czech Republic, Waldorf & Montessori Teaching Certificates, Seattle, WA. BA in ECE, Prescott College, AZ. Enrolled in Masters/MAP, Prescott, College, AZ.
Lived: Europe, Africa, New York, Washington State, Arizona. Personal hobbies: family, teaching, love for children, art, music, nature, animals, cultural anthropology, philosophy, politics, reading, and environmental issues.
Laurie Bragdon-Teacher
Earned my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education at Yavapai College I was and Art Teacher at Skyview School, a Kindergarten Aide at Skyview School and I volunteered at Primavera, I was also a Student worker at the Family Enrichment Center while earning my degree. I am married and we have an incredible son named Jon.
Administrative Staff, Cook, and Student Workers
For more information about our Staff, please click below:
Administrative Staff
Vickey La Motte- Center Director
I had the opportunity to be actively involved in the design, planning and construction of the FEC. It is thrilling to be working with such a terrific team of teachers, and to be part of a program that is not only enriching the lives of children and families, but also providing outstanding training opportunities for our Yavapai College early education students!
I have a BA in Psychology from UC Davis and a Master in Early Childhood Education from NAU. I spent the first 4 decades of my life in California, and moved to Arizona with my family in 1996.
I've been involved in the early care and education field most of my life. I’ve worked as an infant/toddler caregiver, preschool teacher, parent educator, center director and college instructor. I believe children are our most precious resource and I am active in community and statewide efforts to improve programming for young children.
I have been married for 23 years, and have 3 wonderful grown children: Andrew, Lizzy, and Noemi. I also have two grandchildren: Jessy 8, and Isaiah 4. I treasure the time I’m able to spend with family. My other interests include photography, nature and animals.
Connie Reordan-Administrative Assistant
My husband I came to Prescott Valley 18 years ago. We have two beautiful daughters, Michelle 17, and Jessica 16. I was a Girl Scout Leader for 11 years and was the first DES certified day care home provider in Prescott Valley (many years ago).
My business background is varied ranging from legal secretary, to Customer Service Supervisor, and Data Analyst. I love working at the Center because I get to incorporate two of my favorite careers, business administration and being with children.
Cook
Maria Rollins-Cook
I worked for 6 years as a kitchen manager in Humboldt Unified School District. There I supervised a staff of six, as well as student workers. I now love working at the FEC, where I know that my cooking is nourishing all these little ones! It is satisfying to be providing children with well-balanced and healthy meals, which is such an important part of healthy development.
I have a wonderful husband, Ernie, and three beautiful daughters. Alexa is my oldest, she is twelve years old. I also have twin girls who are eleven. Their names are Diandra and Shelby, I am very proud of them all.
Student Workers and Interns
A sampling of our student workers: Maria, John, Cami, Megan, Heidi, and Sonja.
Yavapai College ECE students make up our third layer of staffing in each classroom. They enrich our program with their enthusiasm and eagerness to work with young children, and their involvement increases our adult to child ratios and enables us to provide more individualized attention to children. We typically have up to 15 student workers/interns working in the program at any given time.
Student Opportunities
The Del E. Webb Family Enrichment Center is a laboratory school, providing daily opportunities for Yavapai College students to learn more about child development and to see best teaching practices in action.
Priority placement and reduced tuition for Yavapai College students
Yavapai College students who want to enroll their own children at the FEC receive priority on our waiting list. Once a space is available, they are also eligible for reduced tuition. The first step is to complete a waiting list application.
Students are involved with the FEC in a number of ways:
All observations must be scheduled in advance by calling 776-2111. Students should be prepared to provide the course name and number, as well as information about their current assignment.
The Center also employs student workers in each classroom. In fact, student workers are in are an important part of our teaching team! To be eligible, students must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours at the college, have experience and coursework in early childhood education, and have a sincere interest in working with young children and developing their teaching skills.
For more information about job opportunities at the Center, contact Student Employment at 776-2100, or the FEC Director at 776-2111.
Prospective Families
Upcoming Workshops
Next workshop:
"Transforming Challenging Behaviors Workshop with Dr. Larry Grimm"
Saturday, May 12, 2012
9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m.
Important Dates
Contact Us
- Connie Reordan, Administrative Assistant
- Phone (928) 776-2111
- Fax (928) 777-3138
- connie.reordan@yc.edu
- Vickey LaMotte, Director
- Phone (928) 776-2174
- Fax (928) 777-3137
- vickey.lamotte@yc.edu