Key Admin & Staff
"Being a childcare provider is a work of heart."
Kathie Barlow
Executive Director
"Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all."
- Aristotle
Background
Kathie is the mother of 4 children and has 1 grandchild. She has resided in Southern Utah for the last 12 years. In her spare time she often enjoys adventures exploring Zion National Park with her children and spoiling her grand-daughter.
Experience
Ms. Barlow is originally from Southern California where she began working in the field of early childhood education back in 1982. Since then she has accumulated 36 years of professional experience working in education and childcare. She began working as a preschool Teacher's Aide at Pinecrest Schools in Thousand Oaks, CA where she was later promoted to the Pre-K Head Teacher. Later, she worked as a substitute K-2 Teacher for the school district, and a Teacher at La Petite Montessori. Her experience as a Director includes: KinderCare, YMCA, and the Warner Brother's Studio's Children Center in Burbank, CA. Kathie has launched other Centers such as Koality Care, and Love to Learn in Southern CA.
Education
Ms. Barlow has an Associates Degree in Child Development from Moorpark College, a certificate in Infant and Toddler Studies from UCLA. and a Bachelor's of Social Science Degree in Education from Ashford University. She's also taken college courses in American Sign Language and Spanish.
Contact
- Phone: 435-986-0505
- Email: kathie@blakids.com
Jane Valdez
Center Director
“If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.”
— Albert Einstein
Background
Hi! I'm Ms. Jane and I'm excited to be part of the Beehive Team. I am a California native who decided to leave the hustle and bustle of largely populated cities to a brand-new setting here in St. George, Utah, and I am loving it!
On a more personal note, I am an avid reader and writer. I journal everyday and love to write short stories (and some long ones). I also like to sing and play the piano. I am slightly artistic and like to work on crafts. My favorite thing to do is spend time with my daughter. She sings, dances, and plays the piano as well. One of our favorite things to do is bake. We love to try new baked goods, some turn out great, some…not so great.
I look forward to building a wonderful, positive, caring, and loving community between staff, children, and the families we serve!
Experience
I bring over 20 years of teaching and leadership experience spanning from early childhood education to college courses. I have found that my passion lies in early childhood education and am a strong advocate for strengthening the field. As an early childhood educator, I believe in teaching the whole child using creativity, music, and storytelling. I am a passionate teacher who uses methods of positive reinforcement and praise in the classroom to encourage and uplift children. As a leader, I strive to mentor teachers to reach their full potential and be strong educators and caregivers for the growing children in our care.
Education
I have an Associate's Degree in Child Development and in Liberal Arts from Victor Valley College, a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Brandman University, and am expecting to graduate with a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Erikson Institute in Spring 2022. I also continuously attend professional development training and will be pursuing my CDA (Child Development Associate) credential. I am also an active member of NAEYC (National Association of the Education of Young Children).
Contact
- Phone: 435-986-0505
- Email: jane@blakids.com
Devyn Anderson
Assistant Director
“Teaching creates all other professions.”
— Unknown.
Background
Coming soon.
Experience
Education
Coming soon.
Contact
- Phone: 435-986-0505
- Email: Devyn@beehivelearningacademy.com