Meet the Preschool Team
Our team is trained in early childhood development, education, and the Reggio Emilia method.
Ashley Thornhill
Lead Preschool Teacher &
Assistant Director
Ashley Thornhill is an accomplished early childhood educator with more than thirteen years of experience nurturing infants, toddlers, and young children during the most formative years of life. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Human and Family Development from Arizona State University, an Early Childhood Education Teaching Certificate, and brings extensive expertise in infant development, music and movement, sensory learning, and family partnerships. Ashley also holds a California Substitute Teaching Permit.
Throughout her career, Ashley has worked with children ranging from just three weeks old through six years of age in a variety of educational and family settings. She has served as a preschool teacher, professional nanny, household manager, and infant specialist, supporting children's developmental milestones while building strong, trusting relationships with families.
As the founder of Music and Movement with Miss Ashley, she designed and teaches a developmentally appropriate music and movement program for infants and toddlers that combines singing, rhythm, sensory exploration, and gross motor play. Her classes celebrate the joy of movement while helping young children develop confidence, coordination, language, and social-emotional skills through play.
Sarah Alamillo, M.A.Ed.
Preschool Assistant Teacher
Sarah Alamillo, M.A.Ed., is an experienced multilingual educator with more than 12 years of teaching experience inspiring children through language, culture, and meaningful connections. She holds a Master of Education (Second State Exam) from Studienseminar Karlsruhe in Germany and a Bachelor of Education specializing in English, Spanish, and German as foreign languages from Philipps University Marburg. Sarah has taught students from preschool through high school in Germany, the United States, and Paraguay, creating engaging, play-based learning experiences that help children develop confidence, curiosity, and a love of language.
She is currently pursuing her Teaching Certificate in Early Childhood Education. Fluent in English, Spanish, and German, Sarah believes that language is a bridge to understanding people, cultures, and the world around us. Her classrooms are filled with songs, stories, conversation, and hands-on exploration that encourage children to communicate naturally while building meaningful relationships. At The Little Blue Crèche, Sarah is passionate about fostering joyful, immersive language experiences where children develop confidence, cultural appreciation, and a lifelong love of learning.
Brianne Vogel, M.A. Ed
Outdoor Director
Brianne (Brie) Vogel is an educator whose passion for nature, wellness, and child development inspires every learning experience she creates. She holds a Master's degree in Educational Studies from Western Governors University and a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in Psychology from California State University, Channel Islands. Brie has also earned certifications as a School Garden Coordinator, Agricultural Literacy Educator, Environmental Action Civics Educator, and Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. She is completing her Early Childhood Education Permit through Ventura College, further strengthening her expertise in supporting young children during their most important years of development.
Throughout her career, Brie has woven environmental education into meaningful, hands-on experiences for children of all ages. As the Head Teacher of Farm to Table at Lanterns Global, she designed interdisciplinary lessons centered around land stewardship, animal care, and environmental science while nurturing children's social-emotional growth through collaborative learning. She has also served as a Garden Enrichment Educator, Agriculture and Nutrition Educator, Outdoor Educator, and classroom teacher, helping students discover the joy of planting, harvesting, exploring ecosystems, and building lasting connections with the natural world. Her work reflects a deep belief that children learn best when they are actively engaged, curious, and immersed in authentic experiences.
Nancy Walters, M.A.T.
Afternoon Preschool Teacher
Nancy Walters, M.A.T. brings more than two decades of experience in early childhood education, specializing in Reggio Emilia-inspired, project-based learning. She holds a Master of Arts in Teaching in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, both earned with academic honors from Webster University, and maintains her Missouri Early Childhood Teaching Credential. Throughout her career, Nancy has served as a classroom teacher, mentor educator, education coach, infant-toddler specialist, and school leader, supporting children from infancy through preschool while coaching teachers and partnering closely with families.
Nancy's professional journey has taken her to nationally recognized Reggio Emilia-inspired schools, including The College School and Maplewood Richmond Heights School District, as well as Preschool of the Arts in Madison, Wisconsin. She has studied directly in Reggio Emilia, Italy, is an active member of the North American Reggio Emilia Alliance (NAREA), and continues to deepen her practice through ongoing professional learning. Nancy believes that every child is capable, curious, and deserving of an environment that inspires wonder, creativity, and meaningful relationships. At The Little Blue Crèche, she is passionate about creating beautiful learning experiences where children, families, and educators grow together through exploration, collaboration, and joyful discovery.
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