Donna Weatherwax, Center Director

My name is Donna Weatherwax and I am the Center Director of Peachtree Academy in Commerce City, Colorado.

Originally from Georgia, I have also had the opportunity to live in Indiana, Florida and Alaska!  My husband and I live in the Reunion area of Commerce City, and have two children and three grandchildren.

I began my career in Early Childhood Education in 1982 and have over 20 years of experience as a Center Director in Alaska and Colorado.  I received my director certification from the Community College of Aurora, and  the Community College of Denver.  I also worked for several years developing and training on computer systems designed for center directors.

I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the children, familes and teachers at Peachtree Academy!  It has always been my goal to provide children and families with a safe, nurturing and interactive program that meets the developmental needs of each child. 

I invite you and your family to stop by and visit our school and to meet our exceptional team of managers and teachers.  We take great pride in the experience, knowledge and dedication of our staff.  Let me introduce you to some of them . . .

Mary Cella, Assistant Director

Mary has been part of the Peachtree Academy management team since our opening in January 2007.  She received a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Kansas State University.  Mary studied Early Childhood Education at the University of Colorado Denver and the Community College of Aurora, and holds a Level IV ECE credential.  Mary brings over 20 years of experience as a teacher, center director and former center owner in Colorado.

"I love to see the sparkle in the eyes of the children when they see that they have accomplished something or recognized someone. To know that they are well taken care of in a nurturing, caring environment is very important. I love children and have been babysitting or caring for children since a very young age. They are so incredible! You never know what they will do or say. Children need people who are passionate about the, and I am!"

Julie Benson, Assistant Director

Julie has been part of the Peachtree Academy management team since August 2008.  Her 15 plus years of experience as an Early Childhood teacher and administrator has been a wonderful addition and an asset to our team.

Julie studied Early Childhood Education at Red Rocks Community College, and received her Director Qualification certification in 2006. 

Renea House, Infant/Toddler Supervisor

Renea is one of our original Colorado team members, joining our staff in December 2006.  She is originally from Denver, and the proud mother of two, with a new baby on the way this fall!

Renea studied Early Childhood Education at the Community College of Denver, and has over eight years of experience working with infants and toddlers.  She also works as a youth counselor for at risk youth in Denver.

"I truly believe that you can never stop teaching a young child to grow and succeed. I am very excited to be working with the children and teachers in the Peachtree infant and toddler programs!"

Veronica Stierman, Lead Teacher (Toddlers)

Veronica is an original Peachtree Academy team member, joining our school just before our opening in January 2007.  Originally from New Zealand, Veronica began her work with children in 1981.  She received certification in child care and child development in 1984.  She is currently continuing her education in ECE through the Community College of Aurora.

Veronica and her husband have three children and have traveled extensively, during their time as a military family.  We are very happy that they now call Colorado home! 

Jessica Aguirre, Lead Teacher (Early Preschool)

Jessica joined the Peachtree team in April 2007, as a member of our infant nursery staff.  She began her career working with chidlren in 1998 and is sthe mother of two beautiful daughters. 

After demonstrating outstanding talents in the infant and preschool classrooms, Veronica was promoted to Lead Teacher of the Early Preschool program.  She provides children with an abundance of learning opportunities and creative moments throughout each and everyday!

 "I began working with children at the age of 16 as an after-school job. When my daughter was born it turned into a “go to work with my daughter” job. That has been a blessing in itself! But with time and maturity, it has turned into a “falling in love with the glow” in their eyes when they have learned something new” job. And although I have worked with      children for many, many years, I still cherish “The Glow!” "

Tabitha Whitney, Lead Teacher (Preschool)

Tabitha became a member of the Peachtree Academy team in July 1008.  With more than 16 years of teaching experience, Tabitha provides the preschool classroom with an abundance of hands-on learning opportunities throughout each day.

"I look forward to each new day . . . and enjoy teaching the children new things!" 

Karen Gompf, Lead Teacher (Preschool)

Karen Gompf joined the Peachtree Academy teaching team in January 2008, and has worked with young children for more than 20 years.  She studied Early Childhood Education at Broward Community College and Front Range Community College.   Karen is the Lead Teacher in the Discover the World 2 preschool program at Peachtree Academy. 

"I believe that the early years in a child's liife are the most important.  This is where they are molded and learn to love school.  It is truly wonderful to watch a young child grow and learn from their experiences.  The best part of being a teacher for me is hopefully to make a difference in the life of a child and for that child to be able to say that I made a difference in their life."

Briana Hernandez, Lead Teacher (Pre-Kindergarten)

Briana began her teaching career in 2002, originally joining the Peachtree team in January 2007.  After moving to Montana with her family last summer, she re-joined our team as a Pre-kindergarten teacher in June 2008.  We are thrilled to have Briana, Jason and their three children back in Colorado, and Briana back on our staff!

 "Aside from just being fun and silly most of the day, I enjoy being a part of a child’s life that will become a foundation for the rest of their educational experience. My work is completely rewarding!"

Gloria Solano, Lead Teacher (Pre-Kindergarten)

Gloria has been a part of the Peachtree Academy team since August 2007.  She received her Child Development Associate while teaching preschool in the Head Start program.  With more than 30 years of teaching experience, Gloria provides students with a variety of hands-on activities that help them make that step towards kindergarten and develop a love of learning!

"Helping children learn to explore through new experiences and seeing their eyes when they are successful, knowing that I am setting a foundation to learn anything they want to learn is why I work with children.  Making every child feel successfula nd proud of themselves is my goal each day!"

Lynn Lawrence, Lead Teacher (Pre-Kindergarten)

Lynn has been part of the Peachtree Academy pre-kindergarten team since June 2007.  Her amazing patience and dedication to the children in her classroom has helped the pre-k class develop and prepare for their journey into kindergarten this fall. 

Karen Purcell, Lead Teacher (School-age Programs)

Karen has more than 20 years of experience working with children and has a passion for school-age programs.  She studied Early Childhood Education at the Community College of Aurora, where she completed her State of Colorado Center Director certification.