About Us
Our Experience
Leigh Ann Downie-Economy is a seasoned professional in early childhood education, currently serving as the Early Learning Center Director at Immanuel Living. With over three decades of experience since 1989, she brings a wealth of expertise and a deep passion for fostering young minds. Leigh Ann holds a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Studies, providing her with advanced knowledge and skills in the field of education. Leigh Ann is leading Growing Roots Early Learning Center where she has developed a team of skilled educators who share her vision for nurturing and supporting the development of every child under their care.
Tara Mandarino
Director of Somers Location
Tara is the Director of the GRELC Somers location and is currently completing a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Studies from Walden University. Outside of work, she enjoys quality time with her 4-year-old son, Wesley, and their two dogs, Finley and Max.
Mackenzie Reitan
Master Teacher
Mackenzie graduated from the University of Montana in 2019 with a bachelors in psychology. Mackenzie has been working in early childhood education for 6 years and recently became a mom to two twin girls, Kinsley and Lainey. In her free time Mackenzie loves being outdoors enjoying the lake in the summer and the mountain in the winter.
Ashley Bernardo
Teacher
Ashley is an aspiring educator with a passion for special education. Upon graduation, she plans to further her studies in the field of education, aiming to become a dedicated special education teacher. Ashley enjoys the vibrant activities of summer and looks forward to snowboarding during the winter months.
Ashley Mower
Teacher
Ashley M. is a dedicated childcare professional with 3 years of experience and the unique perspective of being a single mother. She creates nurturing, engaging environments and connects with children through creative activities. Outside of work, she enjoys anime and cats, which inspire imaginative play. Ashley is passionate about making a positive impact in every child’s life.
Caitlyn Carlson
Teacher
Caitlyn has over a decade of experience working with children and holds a B.S. in Human Services, along with a minor in Child & Family Studies. She is dedicated to a holistic approach to child and self-care, emphasizing the importance of emotional, social, mental, and physical health and their interconnectedness.
Cassy Miner
Teacher
Cassy is passionate about working with children and inspiring the next generation. As a mom to a curious and adventurous 3-year-old who also attends Growing Roots, she loves sharing outdoor fun. Whether it’s fishing, camping, 4-wheeling, or exploring, Cassy is all about creating lasting memories and teaching kids to love nature and adventure.
Debbie Goldie
Teacher
Debbie holds an Associate’s in Medical Billing and Coding and is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education at Grand Canyon University. She’s dedicated to her students and enjoys leading engaging group activities. Outside of work, Debbie loves spending time with her children and exploring the outdoors, which inspires her work with children.
Grace Rieke
Teacher
Born and raised in Montana, Grace has dedicated many years to childcare and children's ministry. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Ministry Leadership in April 2024 and is passionate about supporting children's growth and development. In her free time, she enjoys working out and reading. She and her husband, married for nearly four years, love spending time outdoors, hiking, skiing, paddleboarding, and rafting together.
Heidi Long
Teacher
Heidi has two grown children, a bonus child, and five beloved grandchildren. She owned a dance studio for 30 years and has spent the last 6 years working in childcare. Passionate about teaching, she’s currently pursuing her CDA in Early Childhood Education and is a member of the Montana Early Childcare Project, all to better support the children she serves.
Jeanetta Grilley
Teacher
Jeanetta Grilley is 35 years old and moved to Montana from Arizona in 2014. It was in Montana that she discovered her passion for childcare. She is also a single mother of three beautiful children who are her world. Jeanetta is very excited to start her journey with Growing Roots. She believes she will make a great addition to the team and is eager to learn, grow, and establish a community here.
Kate Reed
Teacher
Kate is passionate about early childhood education and believes in the power of learning through play. With many years of childcare experience, she is excited to be part of the Growing Roots family, providing a nurturing and engaging environment for young learners.
Kelsi Freeman
Teacher
I have been working in childcare for seven years, gaining extensive experience with infants and young toddlers. Observing and supporting their developmental stages brings me immense joy. In my free time, I enjoy spending quality moments with my friends and family. I also love rafting during the summer and skiing in the winter months.
Lisa Nevidomsky
Teacher
Lisa thrives in her role of working with children of all ages, displaying a genuine passion for engaging them in various activities such as singing, assembling puzzles, and more. Her versatile interests and enthusiasm contribute to creating enjoyable and enriching experiences for the children under her care.
Mary Beard
Teacher
Mary Beard has been working in childcare for two years and is passionate about early education. She finds joy in watching young minds grow and develop and is dedicated to fostering a nurturing learning environment. Committed to making a lasting impact, Mary looks forward to continuing her career in early childhood education for years to come.
Melanie Ehrman
Teacher
Melanie E. is originally from California and is a proud mother to a beautiful baby girl who attends Growing Roots with her. She has had a passion for childcare from a young age and brings that lifelong enthusiasm into her work every day. Melanie is dedicated to creating a warm, supportive environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive.
Melanie Lello
Teacher
Over the past several years, Miss Melanie has worked with children of all ages, finding immense joy in watching them learn and grow. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, camping, and spending time on the lake. Melanie is also a devoted mother to her 5-year-old son, with whom she loves spending quality time.
Melissa Cox
Teacher
With several years of hands-on experience in caring for infants and children, Melissa brings a wealth of expertise, complemented by raising four children of her own. She finds immense joy in witnessing children's discovery of new things and teaching them valuable skills. Melissa considers it a privilege to contribute to children's growth and development by being a part of their milestone moments.
Merci Lee
Teacher
Merci is a dedicated professional with two wonderful daughters: Adaya, who is 10 years old, and Zara, who is 18 months old. her family, which includes two cats, one dog, and four fish, they enjoy activities such as swimming, visiting playgrounds, and exploring the library together.
Paige Eketone
Teacher
Paige holds a BA in Psychology and loves working with toddlers as they learn to navigate and understand the world around them. She plans to become a licensed counselor for children and adolescents. Paige brings creativity and care to her work every day. In her free time, she enjoys illustrating, baking, cleaning, and taking care of her plants.
Petronela Tripp
Teacher
Petronela has worked with children of all ages for many years and has a true passion for teaching and watching them grow and learn. She brings warmth and creativity to every classroom. In her free time, she enjoys painting, reading, and spending time with her sisters, all of which inspire her caring and imaginative approach to childcare.
Sadee Miller
Teacher
Sadee has been teaching in early education since 2014 and earned her Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education from FVCC in 2022. She loves watching children develop their personalities and explore the world around them. Outside the classroom, Sadee enjoys playing games, painting, creating, and reading—all of which inspire her work with kids.
Rose VanGilder
Teacher
Rose VanGilder is currently pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education and has two years of experience working in childcare. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Keenan, exploring new places, reading books, and playing the piano.
Tatum Herbold
Teacher
Tatum is a dedicated mother to a two-year-old daughter and prioritizes family time outside of her professional responsibilities. During her personal moments, she finds joy in drawing and reading, activities that nurture her creativity and passion for learning. With a genuine love for working with young children, Tatum brings a nurturing and attentive approach to her role.