

Beth Olson - Owner
I have been in childcare for over 22 years. I have worked at TLC Center for many of those years. My family and I did live in Billings from 2005-2015 where I did home based childcare. I have been married to my husband, Tim, for 20 years. We have 4 children. I enjoy reading and spending time with my family. I have my CDA. I have also completed an apprenticeship program through the state. I have almost completed my Associates degree in Early Childhood. I also have over 500 training hours on the State Practitioner Registry.
Working in child care since 1996
Infant/Toddler CDA
Preschool Certification
Apprenticeship Program
Level 4 on the Practitioner Registry
College classes in ECE

Shalee Smith - Director and Lead Teacher - BLC
I am currently the Director and lead teacher for the 2-year-olds. I started back on my college track for Early Childhood Education. I am a mom. My daughter’s name is Keydence and she is 2.5 and will be 3 in January. I also hold a dual CDA. I have been a part of Ready Families Ready Learners for 5 years. I have worked with all age groups and find myself always coming back to the 2-year-olds. I am happily married to my husband Nate for the last 4 years.
• In childcare since 2014
• Currently attending University of Montana - Western for ECE
• Dual CDA
• Vroom
• Ready Families Ready Learners

Madison Ameline - Assistant Director and Lead Teacher BLC
I started in childcare when I was 16, become a lead teacher at 18. I got my infant/toddler CDA when I was 20. At 21 I found out I was pregnant, and I took some time off. After having my daughter, I returned to TLC in 2019, I am currently working on my preschool CDA.
• Working in childcare since 2012
• Infant/Toddler CDA
• Preschool Certification Class

Marsha Johnson - EHS and Stars
I have 2 grown children and a 15 year old teenage son. I have two granddaughters. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, doing things with my family and loving my granddaughters. I have been working at TLC for 15 years in February. I have Infant/Toddler certification, a CDA, have completed an apprenticeship program and have taken college Early Childhood Classes.
• Working in childcare since 2005
• Infant/Toddler CDA
• Preschool CDA
• Some college classes in Early Childhood Ed.
• Ready Families Ready Learners
• Vroom Training

Crystal Kist - Director - GFC
I’m married with 4 beautiful children ages 15, 13, 11 and 5. I enjoy being outside and working on my car. I’m 35. I have 1 dog, 1 cat and 1 snake. My favorite part of my job is watching the children I’ve cared for grow up and become these amazing young individuals. They’re all so different and each one leaves an impact. It’s great to be part of that.
• Working in childcare since 2004
• Currently attending University of Montana - Western for ECE
• Dual CDA
• 603 hours of training on the ECP registry
• ECP Level 3

Alex Olson - Lead Teacher and Assistant Director GFC
Hello! I was born in Great Falls and lived in Billings for 10 years before moving back. I recently bought a house and moved in with my partner, Zach. We have 2 dogs, 1 cat and 4 fish tanks full of fish! I love to spend time with my family and friends. I am obsessed with horses and I used to do horse shows even! During my free time I enjoy reading and playing video games.
• Working in childcare since 2016
• Currently attending University of Montana - Western for ECE
• Infant/Toddler CDA
• Preschool Certification Class

Debbi Blank - Consultant and Financial Manager
I have lived in Montana for 35 years. My husband, John, is a retired meteorologist from the National Weather Service. My hobbies are reading and spending time with family. I have worked in the childcare field for over 40 years. I have an AA degree in Early Childhood Education from Long Beach City College.
Working in child care since 1980
Associate Degree in ECE
MINI-LEARNERS (Non- Mobile Infants)

Stevannie Euerle - Lead Teacher
I have 6 girls (set of twins in there). I love road trips, shopping and weekends when my family and I get to spend the most time together.
• Working in childcare since 2015
• Infant/Toddler CDA
• Preschool Certification Class

Alex Olson - Lead Teacher
Hello! I was born in Great Falls and lived in Billings for 10 years before moving back. I recently bought a house and moved in with my partner, Zach. We have 2 dogs, 1 cat and 4 fish tanks full of fish! I love to spend time with my family and friends. I am obsessed with horses and I used to do horse shows even! During my free time I enjoy reading and playing video games.
• Working in childcare since 2016
• Currently attending University of Montana - Western for ECE
• Infant/Toddler CDA
• Preschool Certification Class
LITTLE-LEARNERS (Mobile Infants)

Whitney Mulready - Lead Teacher
My name is Whitney. I have a 2 year old son and a wonderful fiance. We recently have adopted 2 kittens. We do also have 3 fish. We love to stay busy and active. I have worked at TLC for just over a year now and love it! I love working with children and watching them grow and learn new things. I think child care is a very rewarding job! I also love the connections you form with the children in the center. Kids are amazing and teach you new things as well. I have an older sister and younger brother. Most of my family is back in my home state of Michigan but I have lived in Montana a few times and absolutely love the scenery and what Montana has to offer.
• Working in childcare since 2015
• Attending CDA Classes
Adventurers (2 year olds)

Shalee Smith - Lead Teacher
I am currently the lead teacher for the 2-year-olds. I started back on my college track for Early Childhood Education. I am a mom. My daughter’s name is Keydence and she is 2.5 and will be 3 in January. I also hold a dual CDA. I have been a part of Ready Families Ready Learners for 5 years. I have worked with all age groups and find myself always coming back to the 2-year-olds. I am happily married to my husband Nate for the last 4 years.
• In childcare since 2014
• Currently attending University of Montana - Western for ECE
• Dual CDA
• Vroom
• Ready Families Ready Learners

Kailey Keele -Teacher Assistant
My name is Kailey, I have lived in Great Falls for about 5 years. I have 3 sisters and 3 brothers. My family just recently moved to Florida and are loving the sunshine. I personally couldn’t leave the mountains and constant changing seasons. I enjoy longboarding, snowboarding, and creating unique jewelry, clothes and shoes. I have worked in childcare for about 5 months and have really loved it so far. It has been the only job that gets me excited to go to. My favorite thing about working with kids is getting to see their unique personalities and watch them grow.
- Working in childcare since 2020
- 62 hours on ECP training
- Preschool Class
EXPLORERS (3 year olds)

Nichole Pond - Lead Teacher
I have two girls’; they are 5 and 8! They’re both is school. I’m married! I have an Idaho Shag (dog) named Audi. I love spending time with my family and going on adventures with them! I have 3 brothers. My favorite holiday is Halloween! My favorite color is black. My favorite season is Fall!
• Working in childcare since 2004
• Infant/Toddler CDA
• Preschool Certification Class

Shia Komeotis - Assistant Teacher
I'm Shia and I am 17 years old. I am a Senior in High School and will graduate this year! I have never worked in child care before but I would like to attend college to become a teacher for the lower elementary school level.
Working in Child Care since 2019.
Attending CDA Classes.
PIONEERS (4 & 5 year olds)

Madison Ameline - Lead Teacher
I started in childcare when I was 16, become a lead teacher at 18. I got my infant/toddler CDA when I was 20. At 21 I found out I was pregnant, and I took some time off. After having my daughter, I returned to TLC in 2019, I am currently working on my preschool CDA.
• Working in childcare since 2012
• Infant/Toddler CDA
• Preschool Certification Class

Mariah Kness - Lead Teacher
I have 2 little girls, ages 3 and 5. In my spare time. I like to bake, clean, do crafts. I love spending time with my girls and they love helping with my projects. I have worked at TLC center since 2009. I have taken multiple trainings and am applying for my CDA. I have also done the Early Childhood classes through Western and plan to go back and get my associates degree in Early Childhood Education when my girls are both in school.
Working in child care since 2009
Preschool Certification
Infant/Toddler CDA
Ready Families Ready Learners – School Readiness Program
Vroom Training
Scouts (School Age)
SUPPORT STAFF

Sam Brasda - Lead Teacher
I have been in childcare for a few years. I have 3 kids of my own. My favorite colors are pastels especially yellow. I love playing pool and darts in my free time. My favorite music is country or Disney. I love arts and crafts. I plan to advance my knowledge in Early Childhood Development as far as I can.
• Working in childcare since 2017
• Preschool Certification Class
• Infant/Toddler Certification Class

Kymber Gill - Lead Teacher
I am 27 years old. I have 2 kids, Talon (6) and Harper (4). I also have 2 dogs, Bentley and Gypsy as well as a cat Harlow. I have lived on Great Falls most of my life and enjoy the outdoors. I love camping, fishing, hiking and relaxing by a campfire. My favorite holiday is Halloween! My favorite season is Fall!
• Working in child care since 2015
• Infant/Toddler CDA
• Preschool Certification Class

Avalee Olson - Assistant Teacher
I am in high school. I do many sports such as volleyball, golf and softball. I also do cheerleading. I have three siblings, my older sister and a younger brother and a younger sister. I like to play games, do activities, sing, play with toys with my sister, and play x-box with my brother."
Ava is the daughter of Beth, and her sister Alex is the lead teacher in the Mini Learners. Please say hello to Ava and introduce yourselves when you see her working in the afternoons.

Rian Steffenson - Assistant Teacher
My name is pronounced Ryan, but spelt Rian. I was born and raised in Great Falls, MT with my little sister by our parents. I am Native American and an enrolled member of the Little Shell Chippewa Tribe. I work part time at Once Upon a Child as a sales associate. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, listening to music, watching Netflix and Disney Plus. I also come from a big family. I enjoy helping my aunties and uncles out whenever I can. My family means the world to me and I'm grateful they're supporting me and encouraging me to do my best and be the best person I can be!
COOK

Kendra Mattern
I’m 27 years old and was born and raised in MT. I have one son and one daughter who I love spending time with. I love being outdoors and going on adventures with my family.
• Working in child
• Infant/Toddler CDA

Cindy Mattern - Alternate Cook
I grew up in Great Falls. I have one daughter and two grandkids that I love spending time with.