Meet The Staff
A Child’s Touch
our amazing staff members
our amazing staff members
Mike and Debi Grillo
Meet the Founders
Our journey with “A Child’s Touch…” began in 1977 when we had a dream and opened a small Christian school in a mobile home park. We were young and enthusiastic about having our own school, but at the same time apprehensive about taking on such a great responsibility. Mike taught the kindergarten and handled maintenance for the building and the playgrounds, while Debi managed the office, handled the staff, and focused on curriculum. It might have been difficult for other husband/wife teams to spend so much time together, but we actually did quite well!
Almost 40 years and a few gray hairs later, we still strive to uphold our mission statement. We seek to “provide quality education, maximizing the development of our children through a Christian philosophy and dedicated staff.” As we attempt to live that philosophy each day, we understand that our journey has no finish line. The Lord has blessed us over the years as we have attempted to create a top-quality, unique, nurturing, loving, educational environment that is Christ-centered in all areas. To introduce Jesus to these little children and hopefully plant a seed for the Lord that will flourish for a lifetime and make an impact for His kingdom is an amazing opportunity. There is no occupation that offers a greater reward than meeting this need and seeing the children develop and grow year after year. We trust and pray that “A Child’s Touch…” will continue impacting children for generations to come.
Miss Ellie Eskam
Director
Hello, my name is Ellie and I am the Team Director of Kindergarten. I have taught children at A Child’s Touch since 2014.
I graduated from Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a concentration in Early Childhood Education in 2011. I also received my Lutheran Teaching diploma. While attending Concordia University, I was a member of the CUNE softball team and was also involved in Mission Minded Students. I taught at St. John’s Lutheran School in Denver for one year in the toddler class.
I also taught preschool for two years at Immanuel Lutheran School in Loveland, Colorado. The teachers in my class meet all state qualifications and continue to attend trainings in order to further their education so that they stay relevant and progressive in the classroom. These teachers are trained in first aid and CPR and have completed the necessary ECE classes.
I grew up in the rural farming town of Early, Iowa with three older brothers and two very patient and active parents. Growing up on a farm, I also grew up with a wonderful experience of the outdoors. I love being involved in nature and exploring all the beauty that God has given to us. My husband Brett and I welcomed our first baby, a boy named Landon, into our family in April 2016 and in 2019 we welcomed twin girls! Brett is a Sergeant for Adam’s County Sherriff’s Office and has been with ACSO since 2005.
Teaching children is not a job for me but a passion. I am blessed to be at a facility that allows me to not only share God’s love with the children but to also find inventive, fun ways for them to understand His love that is demonstrated throughout the Bible and in their own lives in order to make their Biblical knowledge more concrete. I am also very passionate about missions. I have taken many mission trips since 2005, including working in Mexico, California, and Mississippi; I have also been to Haiti five times with my dad. I love sharing that passion with the children so that they can see that they can make a difference! It is truly a blessing to see the children understand that they are unique and created by God and to see their God-given gifts flourish in our creative environment!
I want each day to be an adventure that fosters learning through hands-on experiences. Each year I look forward to all the wonderful and new accomplishments that the children will experience in kindergarten. My goal is to excite the student’s imagination and desire to learn through positive play and unique activities in an overall fun, safe, and enjoyable environment. Children will have years of schooling that can often be stale and scripted and in our kindergarten we want to offer students one last year of exiting learning experiences that will allow them to thrive in future academic endeavors.
I work with an amazing team of teachers and together we use creative hands-on experiences to foster learning. Preparing the students for first grade is the focus as the children engage in activities that elevate their academic, social, spiritual, and emotional abilities. Teacher interaction is paramount within the classroom as we as educators are actively involved in helping the kids learn, play and find confidence in themselves.
My team and I are so looking forward to meeting your family and working to make kindergarten a memorable experience that empowers your child to have a successful, fun first year of elementary school.
Miss Madison
Director : PreK
Hello, my name is Madison and I am the Team Director of the Pre-Kindergarten Department. I have been teaching at “A Child’s Touch…” since 2013.
I am from Glenwood Springs and have lived in Thornton since 2012. I graduated in 2013 from the University of Colorado with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology.
Teaching has always been a passion for me and it is a privilege to teach at a place where I can share my love of Jesus with the children.
I want my relationship with God to be a witness to my staff and children and I work very hard to find creative ways to make the Bible a real part of their everyday lives. I really have a love for learning and pray that my students will also develop a love for learning.
The staff at “A Child’s Touch…” have been so supportive and amazing and have enabled me to create a unique classroom environment that is safe, fun and a disciplined place for my students. I hope that children will enjoy coming to my classroom and learning something new every day. I feel that all children are different and require specific attention and affection in order to flourish. I lead a talented group of teachers and together we strive to meet the needs of each of the students. My team and I desire to be educators who love each child that walks through the door and gives each of them not only an education, but a passion to learn and a love for Jesus.
I am an Early Childhood Education certified professional teacher and believe in on-going education through ECE conferences, workshops, and training classes. The teachers in my department are trained in first aid and CPR and have completed the necessary ECE classes.
My goal is to create a classroom that involves growing knowledge and acceptance. My team and I look forward to working with you and your child and are excited to begin a successful year together!
Miss Vanessa
Director
Hi, my name is Vanessa and I am the Team Director of the Infant Department. God has given me the privilege to work with children at “A Child’s Touch” since 2013.
Before working at this school, I had previously worked as a retail manager for five years. In August 2012 we were blessed with our wonderful daughter Isabella. In 2012, as working parents, we wanted to provide our daughter with the best childcare possible. After a lot of research in October 2012 we found “A Child’s Touch”.
My husband and I were very impressed with the dedication of the teachers and staff. We felt confident that our daughter would continue to receive the Christian foundation that we practice in our home. Shortly after a year of our daughter attending and building relationships with staff I felt God’s calling to switch careers. Knowing our expectations we had as parents, I wanted parents to feel the confidence we did dropping off their children every day. In February 2018 we welcomed our precious son Daniel into the family and he, just like his sister, was taught and nurtured by the Infant Department.
I currently volunteer at my church with my husband to care for the 2 year olds. I have gained a lot of experience by working with the babies at work that now I can share that knowledge with my congregation families. I feel very privileged that I am able to share God’s word and plant seeds in the little children and serve others in the workplace.
I have my Infant/Toddler Qualification and I have taken several classes for Early Childhood Education which includes “Expanding Quality in Infant-Toddler Care” and Infant Safe Sleep Training. I chose to take these classes so that I can provide even more professional, loving, and quality care for our infants. I will continue to take childcare classes in years to come to better myself as a teacher. You can rest assured that your little ones are in safe, caring arms with my department’s highly qualified infant teachers. The staff members are devoted to the care, safety and development of your child throughout the different stages of infancy. These teachers are certified in infant and nursery training, first-aid, and CPR.
I am so excited to celebrate these new lives and love to meet all of the beautiful, unique babies that come into my classroom. My staff and I look forward to getting to know you and your precious child.
Miss Laura Coleman
Director : Intermediate
I am blessed to be a part of A.C.T. where the Lord is the head of our school. I place a very high importance on the Lord Jesus Christ as my personal Savior and my relationship with Him. I believe that my calling and ministry is in caring for children and I believe the Lord has placed me here at A.C.T.
I have worked with many age groups at A.C.T. since I started in September 2002, including Infants, Toddlers, Primary, and Pre-K. I have been leading the Intermediate program since 2016. I love working with children this age and oversee both the Intermediate 1 and 2 classrooms. I will continue to work with our team and administration to seek new up-to-date ideas which provide quality care for the children in our class. I am looking forward to spending quality time with each child and getting to know the families.
I work with a wonderful team of teachers and our goal is to make learning fun! They not only have the necessary qualifications to teach young children but have a heart for it as well. We work to provide activities that spark the wonder and curiosity in children. We want our classroom environments to foster meaningful experiences for the children so that they can learn through play. We are passionate about our program and seek to make a positive lasting impact spiritually, emotionally, socially, and cognitively.
Miss Cori
Director
Hi, my name is Cori and I am Team Director of the Pre-Primary/Primary Department. I started working at “A Child’s Touch…” in 2011.
My husband and I have watched our children come through the A Child’s Touch program and are amazed by what they have learned through a faith-based, unique approach.
The two-year olds have been the age-group that I have loved working with since I began my career in early childhood education. I love their energetic and affectionate personalities.
I am dedicated to the social and emotional development of each child and make it my goal to make sure each child receives the best care and love that all children deserve. I am excited to lead the Pre-Primary and Primary department to help those children transition from the potty-training classroom to my class and to aid them in continuing to reach milestones, teach cognitive concepts, and work on social and emotional concepts.
I believe some of the most important skills to have when working with children is patience, flexibility, and love. Being in the classroom allows me to work with and reach such a variety of unique children and I get to bring my joy, creativity, and love for God into the class and the lives of each child I work with.
Our department’s loving teachers give guidance in exploring the environment around them. They celebrate with your child as they reach some of the great milestones of this age such as toileting, putting on coats and hats, dressing themselves, washing their hands and so much more. Our goal is to work as a team to make a positive impact on your child and I feel blessed to be a part of such an amazing group of teachers.
I am an ECT qualified teacher and continue training yearly in order to best serve the children in my classroom. The members of my team are trained in first aid and CPR and have also completed the necessary training classes. My energetic, qualified staff and I look forward to meeting you and your little one as we work together to cultivate your child’s abilities, meet milestones and, through creative, loving care, show your child that learning is fun!
Miss Misty
Director
Hi, my name is Misty and I am Team Director of the Two-Year Old Department. I have been caring for children since I was young and have worked at “A Child’s Touch…” since 2010.
I have found my calling working with the 2-year olds. I love this age as we work on the challenges of potty training, providing the children with the proper skills to become more self-sufficient.
My goal is to serve as a daily role model of Jesus’ love for the staff in my department, as well as for the children in the areas of speech, attitude, and actions: we want to bring the Bible to life! Come check out our devotion notebook of amazing activities.
I work to treat each child and their family with dignity and respect as we work together to encourage each child’s development in a variety of areas including problem solving, building self-confidence, and taking responsibility for their actions.
My creative, enthusiastic staff and I get down on the child’s level to interact with them throughout the day’s many adventures and our consistent and lovingly enforced classroom structure allows kids to thrive. My team does not believe in the age old phrase “Terrible Two’s”! In fact, our teachers love this unique age group and delight in their accomplishments, especially potty training. Through role play, art and a variety of other activities, they work with the children on expanding their vocabulary and begin to introduce the concepts of shapes and colors.
I have completed Child Development courses and am currently taking Early Childhood Education classes at Front Range with intentions of earning my directorship in the near future. The teachers in my department are trained in first aid and CPR and have completed the necessary ECE classes.
My team and I look forward to meeting you and your child so that we can work together to help your child progress at this active and exciting age!
Miss Sarah
Director
Hi, my name is Sarah and I am the Team Director of the Toddler Department. I have been a part of the Toddler Department and “A Child’s Touch” since August of 2010.
One of the many gifts that God has blessed me with is the gift of teaching. I have taught Infants all the way to adults but God has always brought me back to the Toddler age Group. I have great joy working with the teachers and children in Toddlers.
It is amazing to see the growth of each child as they move into our classroom and develop and grow into wonderful children. They grow so much physically, mentally, social-emotionally and spiritually.
Now that your little one is walking, our department’s loving teachers give guidance in exploring the environment around them. It’s no secret that children this age require a significant amount of patience, and these teachers have more than enough. They celebrate with your child as they reach some of the great milestones of this age such as speaking their first sentences, feeding themselves and much more!
I have my Infant/Toddler Qualification and am continuing to take classes on child development so that I will be able to better serve each child. The members of my team are trained in first aid and CPR and have also completed the necessary ECE classes.
My energetic, qualified staff and I look forward to meeting you and your little one as we work together to cultivate your child’s abilities, meet milestones, and, through creative, loving care, show your child that learning is fun.
Mr. Derek Holman
Office Staff
My name is Derek H. and I am the Director here at ACT. My wife and I have three wonderful children. They all keep us very busy with youth sports, camping and outdoor activities. We are very fortunate that our children have attended ACT through Kindergarten.
I have been at ACT since 1996 and taught in a classroom at ACT for 14 years, then I became a Training Supervisor and a Director since 2010.
I received my Director Certification in Early Childhood Education at Front Range Community College. I have also completed various college coursework and trainings related to Early Childhood Education and development.
I believe it is important to give children the tools and skills they need to become productive and contributing citizens. They need to learn to work in cooperative groups so they are able to solve problems, increase their understanding and learn from a variety of people with a variety of perspectives. I believe that children are our future and it is our responsibility as Christian educators to foster their love for our Lord as well as learning.
My goal is to support the school ministry, provide guidance to our teachers and educate our children while supporting our families. I strive to live out my Christian faith each and every day and welcome the opportunity to do that here, making a difference in the lives of children for the Lord. It is a privilege and honor to serve the children and families at ACT.
Mrs. Selina
Office Staff
Hello, I’m Selina C. and I am the Office Administrator here at ACT. I have been blessed to be a part of the ACT ministry since 2002, when I found this awesome place as a prospective parent looking for care for our toddler. When I saw the wonderful atmosphere this school has for children, I knew at that moment, I must be a part of it. Since then, I have worked in many different departments throughout the school and began working in the office in 2010.
I am blessed to say that I truly love my job. It’s amazing to see our students’ excitement as they hear the word of God and learn about the love of Jesus.
My husband and I are blessed with two daughters, who light up our life! We keep busy with the girls’ dance classes and competitions as well as serving in ministry at our church.
I have attended several educational conferences, college courses in ECE, as well as ministry leadership courses. I love that I am able to minister to families and share the love of God as my occupation. I look forward to serving your family.
Miss Vicki
Office Staff
It is most rewarding to be a part of a work that glorifies God and honors the name of Jesus Christ, while providing incredible care and education for children. ACT is such a place. Doing work that has value in eternity is a huge blessing to me. I look forward to assisting you with any needs you may have as well as help with tuition and/or billing questions.
Mr. Joey Huber
Office Staff
Hello! My name is Mr. Joe and I am an office administrator here at A.C.T. I have been here since 2012 serving the capacity as a teacher, bus driver, and helping with maintenance duties. Prior to A.C.T. I spent 8 years working as a project manager in the residential/commercial construction field before returning to where God has called me to. I am married to an amazing woman of God (Ms. Ashriel Huber) and we have one little girl who is here are A.C.T. with us.
I am a proud graduate of Colorado State University with a degree in Health and Exercise Science and a concentration in Education. I have been youth volunteer of all ages since I was in college. I have completed several college classes in ECE, attended ECE conferences, and hold a general contractors license as well. I strive to make sure the facility here at A.C.T is a safe and secure environment for the children and teachers.
My passion is working with kids and helping create an environment that stimulates lifelong learning and growth. I believe children learn a lot through play and social interaction. When the right environment is presented to them, they will learn more than the initial goals and go well beyond what was expected. I am constantly looking at ways to improve our facilities and incorporate new ideas and activities to help facilitate this. I was blessed with many Godly influences growing up and I am excited to be able to live out my Christian Faith and give back to the children here at A.C.T.