• Genevieve Brown, Director

    Genevieve is a believer in the value of co-op schools. Having been a member of a California preschool co-op with her two children, she has experience as a co-op parent herself. Genevieve also comes to CCNS with experience leading non-profits and teaching early education programs. She loves to travel, hike and learn new things.

  • Bel Akyuz, Assistant/Substitute Teacher

    Bel loves working with children! She is passionate about early childhood development and has spent the last six years volunteering in various early education environments. She enjoys traveling with her husband and two children, finding new picnic spots and exploring Utah on foot, bike and ski. Bel was raised in Idaho, has a degree in Graphic Arts and is currently working on her Child Development Associate Credential.

  • Annie Jensen, Teacher

    Annie greatly values what she considers the “wonderful CCNS community.” She has two children who are both alumni of CCNS. Annie is a Utah native and attended the University of Utah, and New York University, where she studied musical theater, and early childhood development. She has performed in two Broadway National tours and loves to share her love of music with children. She comes from a family of teachers and is a strong believer of learning through play, art, music and socialization.

  • Alise Anderson, Lead Teacher

    Alise values CCNS for its community and approach to early childhood development. Play based learning and social emotional growth are deeply rooted in her philosophy as a teacher. With a background in art, learning through material and art processes are an important part to her daily practice as a teacher. Alise believes that nature based learning and being outside for class builds a strong foundation for learning in the classroom as children develop. She enjoys going on hikes with her dog, being in the studio, and reading books.

  • Ashley Catmull, Teacher

    Ashley loves working with children. After years of teaching ice skating to young children, she decided to pursue a degree and career in education. She is currently working towards a Bachelors in Elementary Education (K-6). Ashley Kate says, “I enjoy teaching at CCNS because I firmly believe that play-based learning is the best way for children to learn and be introduced to the world around them.” One of her favorite things about working with kids is their innate curiosity and contagious energy. Besides teaching, Ashley Kate loves to figure skate, bake (especially cupcakes), and go hiking with her dog.

  • Maddy Corey, Teacher

    Maddy has a Bachelor of Science in Recreational Leadership from Brigham Young University, Idaho. She completed a leadership semester at National Outdoor Leadership School. Maddy has four children, all of whom attended CCNS. She enjoys hiking and skiing in the Wasatch with her family.

  • Allie Crofts

    Allie earned her Bachelors of Science in Anthropology from the University of Utah and Masters of Arts in Teaching from George Fox University in Oregon. She taught for 20 years in Davis and Salt Lake School Districts, 18 of those years in Kindergarten. Allie says, “I am excited to join CCNS and the wonderful community of parents, teachers, and amazing children. I love teaching and nurturing young learners and integrating the arts and nature into play-based learning. It is such a joy to be a part of a young child’s learning journey -- to help embrace and guide their sense of wonder to discover the beauty within themselves, their family and friends, and the wide wonderful world. I love to explore the wide and wonderful world by camping, hiking, and swimming with my husband and three children, ages 17, 15, and 10.”

  • Skyler Beesley

    Skyler has always loved working with children. She is currently studying Sociology at the University of Utah! Her favorite thing about working with children is that they bring out your creativity and imagination! Outside of work she loves being outdoors and spending time with friends and family!