Fort Collins / Colorado / United States
Teaching Tree Early Childhood Learning Center is a non-profit organization that is run by a Board of Directors. We have been providing quality educational opportunities for children since 1970. The center in Fort Collins started in the First United Methodist Church. The goal was to provide a childcare facility for the children of low-income families in the Fort Collins area. In 1985 United Day Care Center moved to the present United Way building. In 1988 the Loveland Center opened. Teaching Tree is unique because we offer a sliding fee based on income, to qualifying parents who work or attend school. Funds raised through Teaching Trees Adopt-a-Family program helps provide tuition for children. This assistance enables these children to receive quality childcare in a climate for growth, comfort, and security that they might not have otherwise had. Teaching Tree continues to carry out United Day Care Centers original intent to provide an affordable, quality childcare center and preschool program to low-and-moderate income families. Enrollment also includes full paying clients, human service clients, employment and training clients, homeless children and children under protective services. Audrea Butler, President: Owner of SimplicITy tech, where we simplify technology for business. I have been working with computers/telecom since 1992. I am on the Telecommunications Board for the City of Fort Collins. I am the non-profit outreach leader for the local eWomen Foundation and I have been a board member for Teaching Tree since 2007. Wendy Abbott, Vice President, Marketing and Fundraising Committee Chair: My fundraising and marketing career began in 1993. I have been employed with higher education institutions including the University of Nebraska, Colorado State and the University of Northern Colorado. More recently I worked in marketing/development for Crossroads Safehouse of Fort Collins. I am a member/volunteer with various programs of the First United Methodist Church. I hold a masters degree in marketing and am married with two young daughters. In 2007 I joined the board and am sincerely interested in ensuring all infants and preschoolers receive quality childcare. Courtney Bowles, Special Event Committee/Fundraising: I am a licensed teacher, with a BA in History and Social Studies Education and I hold a Masters degree in Public Policy. In Northern Colorado I have been pleased to serve residents by participating in the Larimer County Pathways Past Poverty task force, working on both the Early Childhood Education and Achievement and Policy Action Committees. While working on my Masters Degree I had the honor of completing an internship with Governor Ritters Office of Policy Initiatives, which gave me great insight to how the State makes and sets policies that affect the lives of Colorado citizens. I also completed an Administrative Internship with Teaching Tree learned about running a non-profit organization.
