Hours of operation: Monday - Friday 7:30 A.M. to 5:30 P.M
Meet The Team
Teachers
Jenni
Caterpillar Classroom
Jenni joined Bright Start Learning Center in May 2024. She is a married mother of five who truly enjoys working with children. Jenni is currently furthering her education by taking Early Childhood Education courses at Colorado Mountain College to continue growing in the field. Outside of work, she loves making memories with her children and spending quality time with friends.
Maria
Butterfly Classroom
Maria has been a preschool teacher for five years and has been part of the Bright Start team for the past three. Originally from San Fernando Valley, California, she moved to Leadville in 2014 and has loved calling it home. Maria is a wife and mother of three. She is currently furthering her education by taking Early Childhood Education courses at Colorado Mountain College. In her free time, Maria enjoys spending time with her family, playing bingo at the Elks on Thursday nights, shopping, listening to music, baking, and cooking.
Dulce
Chrysalis Classroom
Dulce was born in Chihuahua, Mexico, and has lived in Leadville for the past three years. She is married and a mother of four. Dulce joined Bright Start in August 2024 and is currently studying Introduction to Early Childhood. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family—no matter where, as long as they are together. They enjoy outdoor activities, and Dulce’s favorite season is summer.
Justyne
Caterpillar Classroom
Justyne was raised in Leadville and graduated from LCHS. During her senior year, she completed her internship and community service hours at Bright Start, which sparked her interest in early childhood education. Justyne is currently enrolled at Colorado Mountain College, studying Education and Early Childhood Education. She has worked at Bright Start since May 2023, sharing her passion for creating first educational experiences that are filled with joy, wonder, and a sense of accomplishment—laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Brisa
Chrysalis Classroom
Brisa joined Bright Start during her senior year of high school to complete community service hours. After graduating from CCHS here in Leadville, she began working at Bright Start. Brisa is currently enrolled at Colorado Mountain College, taking Early Childhood Education courses and continuing her professional development. She believes in creating a safe classroom environment filled with curiosity and fun, allowing children’s interests to guide their learning through play. Brisa incorporates hands-on activities with developmentally appropriate practices to foster independence, empathy, and a love of exploration. She recognizes that each child has unique talents and learns at their own pace, which she nurtures with patience and personalized attention.
Selena
Caterpillar Classroom
Selena is a Leadville native and graduated from LCHS. She worked at LCIS for five years before joining Bright Start in August 2024. You may also see Selena at the local Casa Blanca restaurant, where she works part-time. A familiar and friendly face in the community, Selena has been a warm and caring presence for our youngest learners since day one, with children naturally drawn to her. She believes that every child is unique and learns at their own pace and in their own style. Selena creates a welcoming, inclusive classroom environment where children feel safe to explore, learn, and have fun.
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Assistant Director/Lead Teacher
DorothyAnn
Hi, my name is Dorothy Ann Medina. I have been working full-time at Bright Start since mid-November 2025 and am Director Certified. I have been teaching preschool for about 11 years and truly love helping make little ones’ worlds brighter. I was born and raised in Leadville, Colorado and the surrounding area, and I’m passionate about supporting and inspiring young learners in my community.
Executive Director
Desiree
I’ve worked in early childhood education for 17 years. I am a mom of four amazing young adults, which has shaped so much of how I see children, families, and the importance of strong relationships.
Living and working in this Colorado mountain community has grounded me in what really matters, connection, consistency, and giving kids space to grow at their own pace.
I love being part of Bright Start because it reflects so many of the things I care about: little learners discovering the world, families feeling supported, and a community that shows up for one another.
At the heart of it, I believe childhood should feel safe, joyful, and full of meaningful moments. I’m grateful to be part of that every day.
Butterfly Teacher
Yadira
I was born and raised in Zacatecas, Mexico. Twelve years ago, I moved to Leadville, Colorado, where I began a new chapter in my life. I am a wife and the mother of five wonderful children, who are my greatest motivation and joy. Currently, I work as a teacher at Bright Start, and I truly enjoy my job. It allows me to help and support children as they learn and grow. I love being able to make a positive difference in their lives and be part of their development.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, sharing special moments, and creating beautiful memories for my children. I also enjoy reading, learning new things, going shopping, walking outdoors, and cooking. My goal is to continue working hard and growing as a person in order to build a better future for myself and my family.
