We believe that the success of our schools depends largely on our early childhood teachers. Our first requirement for all staff members is that they must love what they do. We seek unique individuals who are team players and are dedicated to creating and maintaining a positive learning environment, coupled with laughter and smiling faces!
Small World Learning Center is more than just a daycare. We are dedicated to providing a high-quality early childhood education experience for every family that we serve. Our team members are an essential part of making this happen! When you join the Small World family, you can expect:
We are Todd and Susan Leopold, and we are honored to have owned and operated Small World Learning Center for the past 14 years.
Susan has worked in early childhood education for more than 20 years and holds a Level 6 on the Colorado Professional Development Information System (PDIS). She is also Large Center Director Qualified. Todd earned his Bachelor of Arts in Theology many years ago and currently holds a Level 2 on the PDIS while working toward becoming Director Qualified.
The story of Small World really began more than 20 years ago when our family was given the incredible opportunity to travel to Nigeria on a mission trip with our four children, who were 17, 12, 11, and 9 years old at the time. It was our first experience traveling outside of the United States, and it changed every one of us. Seeing another part of the world gave us a much greater perspective on life, people, and God’s heart for serving others.
When we returned home, we found ourselves continually asking God why He had given us that experience. We knew He was preparing us for something bigger than ourselves, even though we couldn’t yet see what that would be.
At the time, Susan was teaching Pre-K and was heavily involved in children’s ministry at our church. As we prayed and dreamed over the next several years, the vision for Small World Learning Center began to take shape. We wanted to create more than just a childcare center—we wanted to build a place where every child would feel safe, loved, valued, and genuinely cared for. We also wanted families to experience a true sense of community and partnership.
In July of 2012, that vision became a reality when Small World Learning Center opened its doors. Looking back, we can honestly say it has been one of the greatest blessings and biggest adventures of our lives. This journey has stretched us, challenged us, strengthened our faith, and allowed us to build relationships with hundreds of wonderful children, families, and staff members who have become part of the Small World family.
Our philosophy has always been simple: children flourish when they are surrounded by people who genuinely love them, encourage them, and believe in their potential. We strive to create an environment where children are not only prepared academically but also grow socially, emotionally, in a place filled with kindness, respect, and joy.
Outside of Small World, we are active members of our local church. We have been blessed with almost 11 amazing grandchildren who bring tremendous joy to our lives. Whenever we have free time, you’ll usually find us riding our bikes, exploring Colorado on our ATV, or glamping in our fifth-wheel camper. Todd also has the privilege of serving as a volunteer chaplain , where he enjoys encouraging and ministering to others.
Thank you for trusting us with your greatest treasure—your children. It is a responsibility we never take lightly. We are honored to partner with your family and are committed to making
Small World Learning Center a place where children feel safe, families feel supported, and every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and discover just how deeply they are loved.
My name is Susan Leopold, and I am one of the owners of Small World Learning Center. I have worked in early childhood education for over 20 years, and my husband, Todd, and I have proudly owned Small World for the past 14 years.
While I serve as the Executive Director, that is far from the only role I fill each day. In a small business, I wear many hats—including Pre-K teacher, cook, janitor, counselor, problem solver, and friend. One of the things I love most about early childhood education is that every day brings new opportunities to support children, families, and staff in meaningful ways.
I currently hold a Level 6 on Colorado’s Professional Development Information System (PDIS) and possess a Director Qualification Letter for Large Child Care Centers. Throughout my career, I have participated in numerous professional development trainings through Arapahoe Community College and other early childhood education organizations, continually seeking opportunities to grow as an educator and leader.
Todd and I are blessed with four adult children, all married to wonderful spouses. We are also the proud grandparents of ten grandchildren, ranging in age from newborn to 16 years old, with another precious grandchild on the way. Family is one of God’s greatest gifts in my life.
Above all else, I cherish my faith in God. It is the foundation of everything I do and the reason Small World Learning Center exists today. In 2006, our family of six had the incredible privilege of serving on a mission trip to Nigeria. We had never traveled outside the United States, yet God called us to serve the children and families there. During our time in Nigeria, we witnessed extreme poverty and difficult living conditions, but we also experienced tremendous joy, faith, and love.
When we returned home, we wrestled with what God wanted us to do with that life-changing experience. Through prayer and reflection, it became clear that we were being called to serve children and families right here in our own community. Small World Learning Center was born from that calling. Our mission has always been to provide a safe, clean, nurturing, and loving environment where every child feels valued and every family feels supported.
Outside of work, I enjoy expressing my creativity through painting in a variety of mediums, designing custom T-shirts with my Cricut machine, serving in my church, and providing encouragement and counseling to others. Todd and I also love traveling in our RV, exploring new places, and enjoying the beauty of God’s creation. These experiences continually remind us of God’s faithfulness and the blessings He has given our family.
It is a privilege to partner with families during some of the most important years of a child’s development, and I am grateful every day for the opportunity to serve the Littleton community through Small World Learning Center.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” — Colossians 3:23
My name is Jamie Clark, and I am the Director at Small World Learning Center. I have worked in early childhood education for 19 years and have proudly been part of the Small World family for the past 12 years. I am a Level 6 on the Colorado PDIS, hold a Large Center Director Letter, and am currently working toward my Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education.
My passion for working with children began when I was a young girl babysitting in my community. After graduating high school, I started working in a childcare center, and my plans for college and my future quickly changed. I realized that helping shape and nurture young minds was exactly what I was meant to do. Throughout my years in education, I have also coached basketball at both the middle school and high school levels, further strengthening my love for mentoring and guiding young people.
I love helping children feel loved, nurtured, and supported during some of the most important developmental years of their lives. My favorite age group is two-year-olds because they are just beginning to develop their own unique personalities, ideas, and ways of thinking. Watching that growth and independence emerge is truly rewarding.
My teaching philosophy centers on play-based learning. I believe children learn best through purposeful, hands-on experiences that support their physical, cognitive, language, social, and emotional development. Circle time is one of my favorite parts of the day because it provides meaningful opportunities for language development, social-emotional growth, and building a strong classroom community.
I believe that children who develop strong, loving, and trusting relationships with their teachers feel safe, supported, and valued. My goal is to help children grow into thoughtful, resilient individuals who are confident in themselves and their abilities.
My favorite children’s book is Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, and I enjoy just about any Disney music.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, cheering on my children in their sports activities, enjoying the outdoors, painting, and crafting. One unique thing about me is that I am the proud parent of seven children ranging in age from 5 to 16. My husband and I have four biological children, and two years ago we adopted our two nephews and niece. It has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life and has given me an even deeper appreciation for the importance of love, stability, and family.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is partnering with families. Building trusting, respectful relationships with parents allows us to work together toward shared goals that support each child’s well-being and success. I value the opportunity to create meaningful connections with families and believe that strong partnerships are essential in helping children thrive.
“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, character; and character hope.” Romans 5:3-4
My name is Sarah Douglas, and I am the Lead Young Toddler Teacher at Small World. I am also a certified Infant Nursery Supervisor and serve as a member of the management team. I have been caring for children since I was a young girl, starting with babysitting, and I have worked in early childhood education for over 20 years. I have proudly been part of the Small World family for the past 8 years.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree from Colorado State University in Human Development and Family Studies, with an emphasis in Infancy and Childhood. Throughout my career, I have completed countless professional trainings and certifications and currently hold a Level 5 credential on PDIS.
Working with babies and toddlers has always been my passion. It is such a blessing to watch children grow, learn, and reach new milestones. I love being part of their early development and helping build the foundation that will support them throughout their lives. My teaching philosophy centers on a gentle, nurturing approach. I strive to be encouraging, positive, and responsive to each child’s needs, knowing that young children thrive when they feel loved, secure, and valued.
I believe in building strong relationships with both children and families. By getting down on a child’s level, offering plenty of affection, and creating a safe and supportive environment, I help children develop self-confidence, trust, and a sense of security. I am passionate about nurturing healthy emotional and social development while supporting each child as they discover their unique abilities.
Some of my favorite classroom activities include circle time, art projects, and reading books together. I especially love seeing children’s eyes light up as they listen to stories and engage with new ideas. My favorite children’s book is On the Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman, and my favorite classroom song is The Wheels on the Bus because my toddlers enjoy it so much.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my children and family. I love outdoor activities such as hiking, walking, camping, and relaxing by the pool. I also enjoy shopping and making memories with family and friends.
I am grateful for the opportunity to care for and teach young children each day and feel honored to be part of their journey as they grow, learn, and flourish.
My name is Erin Navickas, and I am the Preschool Lead Teacher and a member of the Management Team at Small World Learning Center. I have worked in early childhood education for four years, and Small World has been my home for the past two years. Before joining the team, my own son attended Small World, giving me the opportunity to experience firsthand the loving care and quality education that make this such a special place. I currently hold a Level 2 on the Colorado PDIS and am working toward earning my Level 3.
Becoming a mom inspired me to continue my career in early childhood education. I love watching children learn, grow, and discover the world around them. They truly are little sponges, and it is a privilege to help nurture their curiosity and confidence during these important early years.
I believe children learn best through hands-on, play-based experiences that encourage creativity, problem-solving, and a lifelong love of learning. My goal is to help every child grow academically, socially, and emotionally while building meaningful relationships with both the children and their families.
When I’m not at work, I enjoy hiking, embroidery, and getting lost in a good book. One thing many people don’t know about me is that I am a certified scuba diver! My favorite children’s book is A Bad Case of Stripes, and my favorite children’s song is Five Little Monkeys. One of my favorite classroom activities is sitting at the art table with watercolor paints and a blank sheet of paper, watching each child’s imagination come to life through their unique creation.
As a member of the management team, I enjoy supporting our teachers, encouraging collaboration, and helping ensure that every classroom reflects the high standards, loving environment, and Christ-centered values that make Small World Learning Center a place where children and families can thrive.
My greatest desire is for every child in my classroom to know they are loved, valued, and capable of amazing things. I strive to create a place where children feel safe to explore, ask questions, make mistakes, and celebrate their successes. Building trusting relationships with families is one of the most rewarding parts of my job, and I look forward to partnering with parents as we help each child develop a strong foundation for a lifetime of learning.
Hello! My name is Shelby Young, and I am a Lead Teacher/Floater at Small World. I have been working in Early Childhood Education for 3 years and have been part of the Small World family for almost 6 months. I am currently a Level 2 on PDIS.
I have always loved working with children and enjoy watching them learn and grow in their own unique ways. My favorite book is Where the Sidewalk Ends, and I love listening to Disney music. My favorite area in the classroom is the art center because it allows children to express their creativity and imagination.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my daughter, creating art, face painting, and reading. I believe that listening, laughing, and showing kindness help children feel safe, valued, and confident. One of the most important parts of my job is teaching children how to be kind, build friendships, and develop positive relationships with others.
I am excited to get to know the wonderful children and families of Small World!
Favorite Bible Verse: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13
My name is Allison Smith, and I am the cook at Small World Learning Center. Although I have only been part of the Small World family for a few months, I absolutely love being here and serving our children each day.
My background is in pastry arts, and I hold a ServSafe Certification. I also have experience managing kitchens, which has given me a strong foundation in food safety, meal preparation, and creating nutritious, high-quality meals.
I decided to work with children because of how much I enjoyed cooking for my nephews. Seeing the excitement on their faces inspired me to bring that same joy to other children. One of the highlights of my day is walking into the classrooms with breakfast, lunch, or snacks and seeing the smiles on the children’s faces when they know it’s time to eat.
When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time outdoors hiking and caring for animals. My favorite animals are dogs and reptiles. One fun fact about me is that I play eight different musical instruments!
One of the ways I help children feel safe is by taking every precaution to ensure their dietary needs are met. Whether a child has food allergies, sensitivities, or special dietary requirements, I take great care to prepare meals safely and adapt my cooking to meet each child’s individual needs. I know that parents place an incredible amount of trust in us, and I take that responsibility very seriously.
I love knowing that I can make a difference in a child’s day simply by providing a healthy meal prepared with care. My goal is for every child to enjoy mealtime, feel included, and know they are cared for from the moment their food is prepared until the last bite is eaten.
My name is Casey Gunning, and I have been working in early childhood education for 16 years. Small World Learning Center has been my home for nearly 13 of those years. I earned my two-year certificate in Early Childhood Education from Eastern New Mexico University and am certified in CPR and First Aid.
While attending college, I realized my passion for working with children through the time I spent with my nieces and nephews. They inspired me to pursue a career where I could make a positive impact on the lives of young children every day. One of my greatest joys is helping children develop confidence and learn to stand up for themselves in kind and respectful ways.
My favorite age group is Pre-K because I love preparing children for the exciting transition to kindergarten. I enjoy helping them build the academic, social, and emotional skills they need to succeed while encouraging independence and a love of learning.
Outside of work, I enjoy staying active and spending time with family and friends. Some of my favorite activities include swimming, basketball, golf, bowling, participating in social clubs, going to the movies, and trying new restaurants. Something unique about me is that I am a twin! I also have two nephews and four nieces who bring so much joy to my life, and I enjoy learning and using sign language.
My favorite children’s books are anything by Dr. Seuss, and one of my favorite parts of the day is circle time, where we can learn, laugh, and grow together. I also love being available for hugs whenever a child needs comfort, encouragement, or simply someone to remind them they are loved.
My hope is that every child who comes through my classroom understands that they are a child of God, learns to respect others, and develops an appreciation for following classroom expectations. I want each child to know they are valued, capable, and deeply loved.
One of my favorite quotes is, “Treat others as you would like to be treated.” I believe this simple principle helps children build kindness, respect, and compassion that will serve them throughout their lives.
My name is Odalis Barraza, and I am the Young Toddler Lead Teacher at Small World. I have been working in early childhood education for three years and have been a part of the Small World family for all three of those years. I currently hold a Level 2 credential on PDIS.
One of the most rewarding parts of my job is watching children reach their milestones, become more independent, and grow into their own unique personalities. I absolutely love working with young toddlers and helping them learn and explore the world around them.
My favorite classroom activities are art, circle time, and reading books with the children. I also enjoy listening to Disney music, which always brings fun and energy to the classroom.
Helping children feel safe, loved, and supported is very important to me. In the young toddler classroom, I strive to provide plenty of love, attention, and encouragement so each child feels secure and valued.
I also enjoy building strong relationships with the families in my classroom. Getting to know each family, asking questions, and maintaining open communication helps create a positive partnership that supports each child’s success.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, going for walks, and simply enjoying one another’s company. I am grateful to be a part of your child’s early learning journey and look forward to helping them grow and thrive.
My name is Christina Bell, and I am the Toddler Lead Teacher. I have been working in Early Childhood Education for 4 years and am excited to have recently made Small World my home. I am currently a Level 2 on PDIS and enjoy working with children of all ages.
My favorite part of teaching is watching the “light bulb” moment when a child learns something new and realizes what they can do. Seeing their excitement and growth is incredibly rewarding.
Outside of work, I love spending time baking with my 4-year-old daughter. Something unique about me is that I spent part of my childhood in the foster care system, which has helped shape my compassionate and caring approach to working with children and families.
My favorite children’s book is Green Eggs and Ham, and my favorite song is Hot Potato. In the classroom, I especially enjoy spending time in the creative arts center, where children can explore, imagine, and express themselves.
I foster a safe and loving environment by listening, laughing, and being present for each child. One of my main focuses is teaching children how to share, build positive friendships, and develop the skills they need to grow into the very best versions of themselves.
Words of encouragement that inspire me:
I can do anything I set my mind to!
