Meet the Team
Dedicated & Certified
JoAnna Hagen Manzaneres
Director
JoAnna started providing child care in 2006 when she saw a need for quality childcare in Carbon County. She believes that every child deserves a caring, safe, and quality caregiver and parents need a place where they know their kids are cared for and loved while they are at work. JoAnna started Little Learners in 2015 when she ran out of room in her house.
JoAnna has Bachelor's in Child Development and another in Elementary Education, and Associate of Science in Medical Science. She is a certified NREMT, has a Child Development Associate (CDA) in infants, toddler, preschool, and SAQP for school-aged children. National Administrator's Credential. And more to come! CCP
She is the proud mother of five kids from 23 to 2 years old.
Miranda Simmons
Assistant Director
Hi! I'm Miranda, I have been with Little Learners for over 8 years. I am the Assistant Director and concentrate most of my time in our preschool program.
I have my Child Development Associate (CDA) certification, All Means All certificate, and my National Administrator Credential (NAC).
I love the fast paced environment that childcare brings, each day is always something different. I love working with children and seeing their eyes light up when they discover something new.
When I'm not at work I am a home-body hanging out with my 2 kids, my spouse and my 17 animals ❤️.
My goal is to create a classroom where creative minds will blossom - preparing our preschool students for kindergarten and beyond.
Jaycee Wiles
Lead Teacher, Infants
My name is Jaycee, and I just started working at Little Learners in October. I work with the infants, and I absolutely love watching them reach their milestones or the cuddles they give when they're sleepy!
In my free time I’m always hiking and exploring :)
Jane Cloward
Teacher, Upstairs Preschool
My name is Jane Cloward, and I have two years of experience at Little Learners. I work with children in the preschool classroom. The most fulfilling part of my job is witnessing the growth and development of young minds.
I spend most of my free time furthering my education. I plan on attending medical school after college and pursuing a career in cosmetic plastic surgery.
Kylia Johnson
Teacher, Toddlers
I'm Kylia and I have been at Little Learners for 2 months now working with the 12-23 month olds. My favorite part of my job is seeing their different perspectives on everything, full of curiosity and happiness. I also love helping them learn and develop skills, they are so sweet and so smart!
When I'm not working, I enjoy hanging out with my beautiful 3yr old daughter or tattooing.
Jashelle Adams
Lead Pre-School Teacher
My name is Jashelle, and I have been working with children since I was 18 years old. For the past three years, I have served as a preschool teacher, fostering early learning and development.
I hold a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and am currently pursuing my degree in Elementary Education. I am passionate about helping children learn and grow, and I find joy in the energy, curiosity, and brightness they bring to each day.
Kambry Pickup
2-Year-Old Teacher
Hi, I am Kambry. I have been working at Little Learners Charities for over a year and love it. I love seeing the kids' faces light up when they figure something out or when they are excited.
In my spare time, I love being with my husband and my daughter.
Mya Manzanares
Afterschool Teacher
Janet Madrid
Lead 2-Year-Old Teacher
Dominik Byrge
Afterschool Teacher
My name is Dominik, I have been with Little Learners for over 3 years. I work with the after-school kids and enjoy getting to actively engage with them! Being outside and playing with the after-school kids is my favorite part of working here.
I am going to be a 2025 high school graduate and will continue my journey here at Little Learners as a full-time employee until the fall when I will further my education as an electrician or in HVAC.
Makalah Gomez
Lead Infant/Toddler Teacher
My name is Makalah Gomez. I work in the one-year-old room at Little Learners.
I've worked in the one-year-old room since I started over a year ago. I really enjoy teaching the kids the basics, like words, colors, shapes, motor skills, and how to be social with others.
My favorite part of my job is seeing the one-on-one work come into play and how much they learn so quickly!
Connor Gleave
Teacher
My name is Connor Gleave! I have been with Little Learners for 2 years, coming in May! Working with these incredible kids has been such a rewarding experience. I’ve loved watching them grow, learn, and discover the world around them. Every single day, I find myself learning just as much from them as I hope they learn from me. It’s truly a joy to be a part of their journey!
This coming fall, I will be attending the University of Utah, studying psychology. I will miss the kids and the community this job has given me!
Janette Bateman
Teacher
My name is Janette. I work mostly with the after school kids. I have been with Little Learners for a little over a year. I love coming into work and seeing the kids smiling faces every day. I enjoy helping them and teaching them new things or hearing how their day was. When I'm not working, I enjoy spending time with my daughter and my family.
Abbigale Twitchell
Teacher
My name is Abbigale Twitchell, and I’m a floater at Little Learners, which means I get the joy of working with all the kiddos! I’ve been working here since December. There’s never a dull moment with these kids. One of my favorite parts of the job is being able to teach the children new things, whether it’s helping them learn their colors, explore their creativity, or simply showing kindness and patience. Outside of work, I’m passionate about animals and love spending time in nature.
Ava Wood
Teacher
Hello:) my name is Ava and I have worked at little learners since November. I am a floater which means I get to be with all ages! I love how kids light up when they learn new things!
When I am not spending time with the cute kids at the daycare I'm either doing homework or band.
Zeidy Rios
Teacher