Our Team

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Roya Brown is a self-directed and innovative educator passionate about student development. As a “teacherpreneur,” she divides her work between teaching students and designing systems-level solutions for public education. Her 25 years of experience in education ranges from teaching pre-K through 12th-grade students in urban public schools to lecturing at a community college. She has extensive expertise in curriculum design, differentiated instruction, special education IEP, autism and ADHD intervention strategies, multicultural education, data-driven framework, gifted and talented programs, student-centered instruction, at-risk student programs, standard-based instruction, design of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) project-based learning, and professional development and training. Roya believes in practicing a horizontal leadership model that supports teachers as professionals. 

Before teaching, Roya was a project manager for over 17 years in the engineering and construction industries. In 2004, she served as an engineering construction manager for the Bam earthquake victims in Iran, which killed 31,000 people. She managed the construction of a school, an emergency unit, and three health clinics for the victims. Based on her project management background, she has extensive experience in finance and budgeting, facility design, fundraising and marketing, and community engagement. She has also served on several nonprofit boards. 

She is currently the Executive Director of You be You Early Learning, the first Colorado teacher cooperative and nonprofit mobile preschool, offering high-quality care within a developmentally appropriate framework. Roya speaks four languages fluently.

EDUCATION

• M.A., Special Education; University of Colorado, Denver, CO; 2011

• B.S., Mathematics; and Teaching Certificate in Secondary Education; Metropolitan State University, Denver, CO; 2000

• B.S.E., Engineering; University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL; 1982

• Diploma, Mathematics; North Oxfordshire Technical College, England; 1975

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS

• Colorado Department of Human Services, Early Childhood Director Qualified

• Colorado Department of Human Services, Early Childhood Teacher Qualified

• Colorado Professional Teacher License Endorsed in Secondary Mathematics

• Colorado Professional Teacher License Endorsed in Ages 5-21 Special Education 

• Colorado Board of Community Colleges Credential for Career and Technical (Vocational) Education 

• Colorado Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors

• CPR & First Aid (2023 – Present)

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Javier is a committed and innovative holistic educator. He specializes in creating cross-disciplinary, inclusive learning environments that integrate the mind, body, and spirit to foster a well-rounded, nurturing educational experience. Javier’s expertise spans early childhood education and curriculum design, focusing on culturally responsive teaching, social justice, and regenerative practices.

Before entering the field of education, Javier studied international relations, driven by his passion for human rights and nonprofit work. He has helped develop curriculum for both pre-K and college programs in Asia, Costa Rica and now Colorado further expanding his experience in diverse educational contexts.

In addition to his educational work, Javier is an accomplished musician who has performed in multiple bands. He incorporates his artistic talents into his teaching to inspire creativity and self-expression in his students. His passion for holistic education drives his efforts to develop systems that enhance learning experiences for both students and teachers.

He is currently the Associate Director of You be You Early Learning, the first teacher-led cooperative, nonprofit mobile preschool program offering high-quality care within a developmentally appropriate framework. Javier speaks three languages fluently.

EDUCATION

• M.A.  Holistic Education and Regenerative Practice, Originateve University, anticipated in 2025

• B.A. Holistic Education and Regenerative Practice, Originateve University, 2021

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS

• Colorado Department of Human Services, Early Childhood Director Qualified

• Colorado Department of Human Services, Early Childhood Teacher Qualified

• TESOL Certificate, Hong Kong, 2020

• CPR & First Aid (2023 – Present)

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Marceline Majaliwa is a dedicated early childhood educator committed to fostering inclusive and developmentally appropriate learning environments. With a background in administration and healthcare, she brings strong organizational and caregiving skills to her work in early education. Marceline is passionate about supporting young learners and creating nurturing spaces where children feel safe, valued, and empowered to explore the world around them.

As a Medical Administrator, she scheduled patients for medical appointments and communicated with insurance companies to verify coverage and benefits. She also managed office and medical supplies, handled patient inquiries, and ensured the smooth operation of daily administrative tasks. This experience strengthened her ability to multitask, communicate effectively, and maintain organized systems, skills that she seamlessly integrates into her teaching role to provide structured and efficient learning environments for young children.

Currently, Marceline serves as an ECE teacher at You be You Early Learning (YbY), Colorado’s first nonprofit mobile preschool and teacher-led cooperative. YbY provides high-quality, accessible early childhood education by eliminating cost, transportation, and access barriers for families in need. She plays a key role in delivering STEAM-based, project-oriented learning that encourages curiosity and critical thinking in young children. She works closely with families to ensure each child receives the individualized support they need to thrive. She speaks five languages fluently.

EDUCATION

• M.A. in Medical Assisting – Everest College, Thornton, CO (2014)

• Master’s Degree in Public Health & Computer Engineering – University of Colorado Denver (2009–2013)

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS

• Colorado Department of Human Services, Early Childhood Teacher Qualified

• CPR & First Aid (2015 – Present)

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Ron Green specializes in holistic education and regenerative practices. He develops cross-disciplined curriculum for diverse learners with a focus on relationship-first mentoring, ethno-botany, and storytelling. He is a polymath with a special interest in literacy, botany, the arts, language acquisition, mythology, and improving modern education. Ron is an avid researcher and publishes on the benefits of play therapy, and nature therapy and instructs outdoor education, academics, and social-emotional learning through ethnobotanical, and indigenous wisdom lenses. 

Ron has founded three local nonprofits to establish and promote a viable industry for Holistic Education. He is the co-founder and executive director of education and regenerative practices for Originateve Holistic Learning Designs. He is also the co-host of the holistic learning podcast, Origins. In 2015, he co-founded the International Council of Holistic Education and Learning. with holistic methodologies. Ron has taught professionally and internationally at all ages and grade levels, from early childhood to higher education. With Originateve, he has supported projects with colleagues in Costa Rica, Canada, Colombia, Saudi Arabia, and China. Since 2010, he has focused on multilingual environments, literacy development, cultural and environmental sustainability, horticulture, and natural play. 

In 2019 he authored the K-6 social-emotional learning curriculum for Epic Ethics for Peaceful schools, and later headed the company securing over 200K users in over 20 countries. Ron also developed a mentor training program designed to move those in the education field to a higher level of professionalism and craft through improving capacity for relationships, master craftsmanship, and oral tradition.

He is currently the Board President for You be You Early Learning—the first Colorado teacher cooperative and nonprofit mobile preschool, offering high-quality care within a developmentally appropriate framework. Ron speaks two languages fluently.

EDUCATION

• MFA - In process, Poetics; Naropa University, Boulder, CO; 2009

• M.A., Curriculum and Instruction; Colorado Christian University, Lakewood, CO; 2006

• B.A., English, Metropolitan State University of Denver, CO; 2000

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS

• ECT  qualified and highly qualified by the Colorado Department of Education in Music, English,  Science, and Art

• Certificates in Cisco Network Analyst, the Court of Master  Sommeliers

• Certification in Permaculture

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE                                            

Nadene Klein (she/her) was born and raised in Chicago, IL, and made her home in Colorado in 2000.  She currently is a high school science teacher at an alternative high school working with at-risk youth.  She has been passionate about science education as a professional educator for over 27 years.  She has taught PK-12 through the years, with 18 years at the middle school level.  Nadene has taught social studies, math, and health/PE, but she always returns to her passion for science.  Areas of focus include S.T.E.A.M., teaching the joy of science for all, encouraging girls to pursue science at a higher level, developing a growth mindset, and creating life-long learners who are critical thinkers. 

She has earned numerous honors, awards, and grants throughout the years. The most recent include the 2018 AVS Teaching Award for Excellence in Secondary Science, the 2021 Excite Award Winner, the 2021 semi-finalist for the NSTA Shell Science Teaching Award, and the 2021 Douglas County Secondary Educator of the Year.

Nadene regularly speaks at state, regional, and national conferences regarding methods for teaching science, blended and personalized learning, alternative education, instructional design, PBL, and authentic learning, as well as how to improve professional development.

Nadene works by contract to deliver professional development in workshops or presentations, instructional coaching, teacher mentoring, and new teacher induction.  This has included long-term contract work with TeachUnited, Global Green STEM, and MeTEOR Education.  Nadene also serves as a member at large for the Colorado Wyoming Chapter of the American Association of Physics Teachers.  She is on the Douglas County School District Science Curriculum Council and is an active member of the following professional organizations:  NSTA, CAST, ASCD, NAEA, DAPT, and DCF.

EDUCATION

• M.Ed.  Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, AZ; 2008

• B.A. Psychology/Education, Barat College, Lake Forest, IL; 1991

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS

• Colorado Professional Teaching License with the following Endorsements:  Science (K-12), Elementary Ed, Culturally Linguistically Diverse, English (6-12), Math (6-8), Social Studies (6-12), and  Middle School.

• Illinois Professional Teaching License with the following Endorsements:  Elementary Ed, Science (6-12), and Social Studies (6-12).

• 200-hour Certified Yoga Teacher

• Certified Social Emotional Learning Facilitator

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Ellie Salemi is an accomplished business leader with a successful track record overseeing finance and budgeting for various organizations. She is a seasoned finance professional with nearly 20 years of experience across multiple sectors. With 8 years in investments, 5 years of teaching in higher education institutions, and 6 years in corporate treasury experiences, Ellie brings a unique blend of practical expertise and academic insight to the organization. Her career encompasses diverse roles, demonstrating a deep understanding of financial management and educational development. She is committed to optimizing financial strategies and enhancing organizational value.

She is currently the Board Treasurer for You be You Early Learning—the first Colorado teacher cooperative and nonprofit mobile preschool, offering high-quality care within a developmentally appropriate framework. Elham speaks two languages fluently.

EDUCATION

• M.S. Finance, University of Colorado, Denver, 2004

• B.A. Mathematics, emphasis in Finance, Metropolitan State University, 2002

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Sue Cornelius is a dedicated advocate for inclusive education with a diverse background in physical therapy, special education, and nonprofit work. Her career spans multiple countries and roles, reflecting her commitment to supporting neurodiverse individuals and expanding access to quality education. Above all, she loves working with children and believes in the power of education to transform lives.

Sue began her career as a physical therapist, working within the United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS). She lived many years in different countries including, Trinidad and Tobago while engaging in various educational and community initiatives. In 2000, she moved to Denver and transitioned into the education field. She worked as a teacher’s assistant in the Cherry Creek School District’s Special Education department with many students with physical, emotional, and neurological disabilities.

Sue spent two years as an advisor for the Autistic Society of Trinidad and Tobago, where she assisted in developing Individualized Education Plans for severely neurodiverse children excluded from the mainstream school system. She later volunteered as a studio assistant at Creative Clay, a nonprofit in St. Petersburg, Florida, that provides art-based learning for neurodiverse adults.

While in Denver, she has played an active role in You be You Early Learning, contributing as a teacher, event organizer, and providing general staff support. She was also instrumental in preparing the first Blue Bus to serve as a mobile preschool. Currently, Sue is the Secretary of the Board and she is deeply committed to You be You Early Learning’s mission of providing high-quality early childhood education to historically marginalized communities. 

EDUCATION

• B.S., Physical Therapy; Middlesex Hospital; London, England; 1982

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS

• Member of Charter Society of Physiotherapy, London, England 

• CPR & First Aid (2023 – Present)

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Cathy Phelps is very passionate about self-care and prioritizes taking time for activities that nourish her mind, body, and spirit. She takes intentional actions to improve one's physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This can include activities such as exercising, practicing mindfulness or meditation, and engaging in hobbies or activities that bring joy.

Cathy is the former Executive Director of The Center for Trauma & Resilience (CTR) in Denver, Colorado, a 35-year-old nonprofit agency recognized as a national model for providing culturally and linguistically responsive services. The CTR provides a helpline, both talk and somatic therapies, including trauma-sensitive yoga, auricular acupuncture, Tai Chi, and Reiki. Also, it offers specialized services for elders, legal immigration, and wraparound services for formerly incarcerated women who have complex trauma histories. Additionally, the center provides a Compassion Fatigue workshop for professionals who bear witness to other’s trauma. In 2022, the CTR was recognized as the Best Place to Work, by the Nonprofit Times, and placed in the top two of small nonprofits in the United States. Furthermore, Cathy published, Nonprofit Transformed: Compassion Fatigue- Self-Care – Resilience which shares how she institutionalized wellness in her nonprofit. She is a perennial student of Spanish and American Sign Language (ASL). Cathy also serves as affiliate faculty for the Department of Social Work for Metropolitan State University, Denver CO.  

She is currently a board member of You be You Early Learning, the first Colorado teacher cooperative and nonprofit mobile preschool, offering high-quality care within a developmentally appropriate framework. 

EDUCATION

• M.A., Medical Anthropology, University of Colorado, Denver, CO; 1995

• MSW and LCSW in Social Work, University of Denver, CO; 2008

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS

• Licensed Zumba Instructor

• Certified as a Hatha Yoga Teacher

• Certificate in Compassion Fatigue Education 

• Certified in Auricular Acupuncture

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Alisha’s professional background includes experience with a mixture of both European and American educational systems. Because of her exposure to these two systems, she has a unique perspective on education. She is currently a curriculum director for the early childhood education program at Primrose School in Denver, Colorado. In this capacity, she is responsible for the professional development and ongoing training of faculty; coordinating teacher lesson plans and implementation; ensuring compliance with the AdvancED accreditation; and applying the use of Pyramid practices (the social/emotional techniques) to build positive, trusting relationships throughout the school between teachers and students. 

Alisha earned her Bachelor’s degree in French and philosophy, and a master of education degree in teacher leadership. She has a great passion for education and is very well-regarded throughout the Denver metro early childhood education community. In addition, she has her certification both as a large center director and in “Teaching Strategies Gold” (the school readiness assessment program used for pre-kindergarten students) as well as in Pyramid Plus. She is fluent in English, French, and Haitian Creole. Alisha is a resident of far northeast Denver. She is enthusiastic to be part of a high-quality educational model such as You be You Early Learning that nurtures children, parents, teachers, and the community.

EDUCATION 

• M.A., Elementary Teacher Education; University of Phoenix; pending

• M.A., Education Teacher Leadership; University of Phoenix; 2012

• B.A., French and Philosophy; Hunter College, NY, New York; 2006

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS

• Colorado Coaching Consortium, Credential in Early Childhood Coaching 

• Colorado Department of Human Services, Early Childhood Director Qualified

• Colorado Department of Education, Credential in Early Childhood Trainer Program through Qualistar, CO; Training Trainer Approval System Course

• Colorado Department of Education, Credential in Face-to-Face Instructor (FTF) through Professional Development Information System (PDIS)

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Dr. Kristopher Tetzlaff (he/him) is a co-founding member of You be You Early Learning and an accomplished educator, curricularist, and social entrepreneur with an extensive professional background in P-20 and international education. He earned his PhD in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education at the University of Denver (DU). His most recent research investigated the applications and critical implications of a (re)humanizing praxis for early childhood educational contexts. 

Kristopher is a Visiting Teaching Assistant Professor at the Center for World Languages and Cultures and has previously served as adjunct faculty for the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, the Office of Internationalization, and the Department of Teaching and Learning Sciences at DU. His expertise includes critical pedagogies, second language acquisition, and community-based participatory research.

EDUCATION

• Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, University of Denver (2024)

• M.A. in French; University of Connecticut (2007)

• B.S. in Education; Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania (2005)

• B.A. in French; University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire (2004)

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS

• CITI Certifications in Human Subjects Research, Research Study Design, and Community Engaged Research

• Early Childhood Professional Credential 3.0; Colorado Department of Early Childhood

• Colorado Professional Educator Certificate in French (K-12)

• CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages); Universidad Chileno Británica de Cultura

• International Baccalaureate Certificates in IB Languages B and Ab Initio

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Marpessa Allen is a passionate co-op homeschooler. She combines her love for teaching with her dedication to creating equitable learning environments. With a deep commitment to education, wellness, and social justice, Marpessa fosters meaningful connections between families and resources. She brings extensive experience in parent advocacy, wellness education, and curriculum development, empowering families to support their children’s growth.

Marpessa is the founder of the Mahogany Mothers Circle, a support network for parents created in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This support network group is for black mothers and birthers in Colorado. The Mahogany Mothers Circle is a key advocate for family-centered initiatives, and it is grounded in organic collaboration. Many of the guests are direct resources and/or advocates. Through this work, Marpessa continues championing creativity, community, and collaboration for a brighter future.

She is a board member and the Community Engagement Specialist at You be You Early Learning, Colorado’s first cooperative preschool serving underserved communities. She is a parent of one of the students attending YbY and residing in Aurora Colorado.

EDUCATION

• B.A. Communication Studies, University of Colorado Denver; 2008 

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS

• Certified Doula and Lactation Educator