Meet the Instructors

Take it From an Expert

Learn from real people with real-world experience in their field of study. Our 20 instructors are true experts. You're going to love learning with them.

Instructors

Sammantha Boyle
M.Ed., PDS
Sammantha is an experienced early childhood educator and director with a love for play-based learning. She has a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership in ECE and has a passion for helping early childhood educators reach their goals. You'll find her as your instructor through many courses including the CDA Pathway here and you may just catch her presenting at a conference near you.
Laura Mejia
M.T. (ECE), PD
With over 15 years of experience in early education, Laura specializes in bilingual education in early childhood settings. As a bilingual instructional designer; she specializes in creating educational programs and training materials in two languages, ensuring accessibility for diverse learners. She has her Masters Degree in Teaching specializing in ECE. She has extensive experience in her field, with her most recent role as Associate Director of an ECE center, providing her the experience and knowledge base to create content relevant to educators in the field.
Sarah Steffen
BS, USAF Vet
From military intelligence to preschool teacher, Sarah’s journey into early childhood education (ECE) is as unique as it is inspiring! With over 10 years of experience in ECE, Sarah has worn many hats—preschool teacher, EdTech specialist, curriculum writer, and IT manager for childcare management software. This diverse background fuels her passion for developing practical and innovative solutions for educators. As a seasoned professional, Sarah’s courses are designed to blend technology, hands-on learning, and thoughtful pedagogy.
Brooke Alexander
M.Ed.
With over 20 years in early childhood education, Brooke has extensive experience in classrooms, family child homes, and with quality rating and improvement systems (QRIS). She's the behind-the-scenes mastermind that maintains our state course approvals and ensures your hard work is accounted for by reporting professional development attendance in your individual state registry profiles. Brooke holds a Master's degree in Early Childhood Curriculum and Instruction and is fascinated by brain development and multilingual learning in the early years.
Jill Bertelsen
BS
Jill has a Bachelor's in Marriage and Family Studies and is earning a Master’s in Education. Jill is a Certified Gentle Sleep Consultant and a Certified Potty Training Consultant.
Justin Bertelsen
BS
Justin graduated with honors from Brigham Young University – Idaho with a degree in International Studies. He later completed a certificate from the Harvard Business School Online.
Ashley Cole
BS, MA
Ashley has a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing and Hospitality Management from James Madison University, as well as a Master's of Arts in Psychology, with a focus on Conflict and Mediation.
Debra Cullen
BS, MS, ELA
Debra is certified in elementary education and ELA, has a Master’s degree in curriculum and development, and is currently completing her doctorate in educational leadership.
Jennifer Flippo
DNP, APRN, CPNP, PMHS
Dr. Flippo is a pediatric nurse practitioner with over two decades of experience caring for children and promoting their physical and emotional wellness. Her areas of expertise include mental health management, social justice policy, and parenting support.
Megan Harrison
BS
Megan has a Bachelor’s Degree in Marriage & Family Studies from Brigham Young University-Idaho.
Katie Holloran
MA, BCBA, GSC
Founder, The Behaviorist Next doorwww.behavioristnextdoor.com
Katie has a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Music, a Master of Arts in Special Education, with a concentration in  Children with Emotional and Behavioral Disabilities and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
Lorraina Jacobsen
BS
Lorraina earned a Bachelor's Degree in University Studies minoring in Marriage and Family Studies from Brigham Young University-Idaho.
Jhamari Johnson
BS
Jhamari has been an instructor and teacher for the last 15 years, with experience as an elementary teacher, ESL teacher, and training adult educators.
Laura Kenison
BS
Laura earned a dual Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education. She has experience in classrooms ranging from infants to 6th grade. Laura spent two years working at the daycare on Utah State University's campus, spending most of her time with 2 and 3 year olds. She then spent two years teaching 4th Grade in Preston, Idaho.
Pearl Loftlin
BS, M.Ed
B.S. Psychology, M.Ed Early Childhood Education/Curriculum & Instruction
Amy McGee
BS, MS
Amy has an M.S. in Administrative Leadership
Jenna Peterson
BS
Jenna Peterson graduated with a Bachelor's in Communications emphasizing in Public Relations and Advertising from Brigham Young University-Idaho.
Reagan Pogue
BS
Reagan has a Bachelor's degree in secondary education with an emphasis in English.
Alyssa Stafford
BS
Alyssa Stafford has a Bachelor’s degree in Marriage and Family Studies.
Annie Strasser
BS
Annie attended Brigham Young University-Idaho and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development.
Ty and Brittany Weber
BSN, MSN, PCCN, FNP-C | BSN, PCCN
Brittany is a registered nurse with a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing and a PCCN. She's worked as a nurse in Critical Care for six years. 
Ty is a registered nurse with a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing, Master’s of Science in Nursing and PCCN and FNP-C certifications and has worked for 7 years, most recently in Primary Care.
Jaren Weber
BS
Jaren graduated from BYU-Idaho with a degree in Psychology. He works as a social worker and behavioral specialist.