Our Team
Kristin Ceriani
Interim Director
Kristin Ceriani has been a physical therapist for 18 years. She graduated with a bachelors in physical therapy from the University of New Mexico in 2001. Later, she graduated with her doctorate in physical therapy with a STAIRS pediatric certification in 2017. She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and its pediatric section. Kristin was also recently chosen to be a member of the Colorado Interagency Coordinating Council which makes recommendations to the Colorado's early intervention program.
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Jacqueline Tiley
Director of Philanthropy
Jacqueline Tiley was involved working with youth in her community from a young age. At 14 she was a counselor in training for the Girl Scouts in northern California where she grew up. A passion for working with kids and horses led her to Colorado State University where she earned her B.S. in Equine Sciences with an industry concentration. She has worked for over 20 years in the field of equine assisted activities and therapies, wearing has from volunteer, to instructor, to national certifier, and served in executive positions with both the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (now PATH International) and the American Hippotherapy Association. Over 14 years of her career has had a major focus on fundraising, building sustainable funding to support organizational growth at the non-profits she has worked for. She is currently the Director of Philanthropy for WHALE Respite Center here in Greeley, CO. When she is not working, she spends time with her husband – Leif, son – Camden, daughter – Jillian, and two dogs on the Poudre River just below Cameron Peak!
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Denisse Salas - Alvarez
Infant/Toddler Assistant Teacher
Denisse is the youngest teacher assistant to join the WHALE team. After graduating high school Denisse began her teaching career working exclusively with special needs children. Before becoming a member of WHALE Denisse worked as a Paraprofessional for District 6 working with a wide range of all ages. When she is not working, Denisse enjoys spending time with family, reading, hiking or with her dog Mikey. She is a big Swiftie fan and spends her majority time listening to Taylor swift. To be a part of WHALE excites Denisse by giving all children, no matter their abilities, equal opportunities.
Kaeli Sammon
Assistant Director & Infant Supervisor
Kaeli is an Early Childhood Educator that has been working with children ages zero to school age since graduating high school in 2012. From there Kaeli, graduated cum laude from Front Range Community College with a specialized associate's degree in early childhood education. Kaeli has experience working, specifically in early childhood, caring for young children with and without special needs. She grew up around the special needs community, spending time at her uncle’s group home and events. After an 8-year battle with Childhood Leukemia, Kaeli knew at a young age that she wanted a career where she could give children an experience they might not have otherwise. In her spare time, Kaeli enjoys baking homemade bread, tending to her 75-gallon aquarium, and spending time with her family.
Stephanie Hanes
Assistant Director/ Lead Pre-k Teacher
Stephanie has four years of experience working with children from all backgrounds, including special needs. Her educational background consists of a degree in Elementary Education along with training in Early Childhood Education. She began her teaching career working as an ELL and Special Education Para in the middle school setting. From there, she expanded her horizons and began working with preschool-aged students. Stephanie has been a Lead Pre-k teacher over the last two years and was a Preschool Director before joining the WHALE team. When she is not working, she enjoys spending her free time with her family, friends, and pets. Stephanie is extremely excited to be a part of the WHALE team and cannot wait to help ensure that all students receive equal opportunities for their educational futures!
Anna Troyer
Kitchen Manager
Anna is a certified diabetes educator who has lived in Greeley for 17 years with her husband and children ages 21, 19,17, 14. Anna has a Bachelor's degree in psychology and is working on an Associate’s of Applied Science in nutrition and dietetics. She worked for several years with the Frontier Access program serving homeschooled children in kindergarten through the 12th grade. Anna has worked with various special needs over the years, especially autistic and deaf individuals.
Joleen Bailey
Lead Teacher for Toddler
Joleen has been working in the Early Childhood Education Field for 16 years. She started working in the field as an opportunity to be closer to her daughter but fell in love with the children and their personalities. Joleen graduated from Aims Community College in May 2020 with several teaching certifications specializing in Early Childhood Education. Joleen is looking forward to continuing her education in the Fall of 2024. Family means everything to Joleen so in her free time you can find her at the softball fields watching her daughter play, camping with her son and husband, and spending time hiking in the beautiful Colorado mountains.
Lucy Medina Office Manager
Lucy obtained her medical assistant certificate in 2020. She has worked in pediatrics in the medical field and has a background as a legal assistant where she has gained many years of administrative qualities and assisting parents. Her passion has always consisted in supporting others. Lucy moved to Colorado in September of 2023 with her husband and cat Moco, who she spends most evenings and weekends watching sports, cooking and playing video games.