Teacher in a striped jacket pushing a child wearing glasses sitting in a sled around the snowy ground

Teachers

We learn from and with each other through conversation and self-reflection, embracing our imperfections as essential for humility and ongoing development.

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Love. Support. Presence.

Teachers at Snow Lion prioritize connection with the children and each other. We teach by doing, modeling things like curiosity (I wonder?), respect (Just a moment, I want to hear everything you have to say when our friend is done telling their story.), and self-regulation (I need to take a deep breath. It’s so loud in here, I feel my body getting swirly.). In weekly staff meetings, we learn from and with each other through conversation and self-reflection, embracing our imperfections as essential for humility and ongoing development. This approach provides children with adult role models who navigate their challenges, encouraging continuous self-growth and change.

Meet Our Teachers

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Rachel Flax Kaplan

Executive Director, Lead Teacher

I am deeply grateful to be part of the Snow Lion community. I joined it first as a newcomer to Boulder, enrolling my twin boys as Cubs and substituting when needed.

  • With each year, I increased my time and commitments in the classroom, and it feels warm, welcome and inspiring to settle into my place as Director or Snow Lion.

    I moved from NYC to Boulder with my husband, Dan, and twin boys in 2017. In New York, I earned my MS.Ed in Museum Education with K-6 and early childhood certifications from Bank Street College of Education. I was a Head Teacher at the Barnard College Center for Toddler Development, a lab school in the Psychology Department at Barnard College. My primary classroom training there was focused on social emotional development and separation in toddlers. The journey children go through to discover that they are independent, capable little big beings is my favorite thing to witness. It’s unique to each as well as a shared experience. Observing and supporting aha moments, resilience and the figuring out of where one person ends and another begins fills me with joy. As I’ve grown in my teaching to include preschool-aged children, I’m endlessly amazed by the triumphs and tribulations of young children and their development.

    In addition to teaching in a classroom, I coached springboard diving for ages six to seventy-six for over two decades. Instructing, encouraging and gently nudging people to do incredible things with their bodies and minds (whether from a bouncy fiberglass plank into the water or from logs stacked high above a sandbox) inspires and awes me to no end! It’s amazing to me how similar humans are at any/every stage of development - toddler to septuagenarian!

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Nicole Ann Vollmerhausen

Director of Licensing,
Assistant Director, Lead Teacher

Empowered Adapter

I embody the spirit of an empowered adapter, where passionate connection meets uplifting balance and alchemizing collaboration. I thrive in change, meet challenges with creativity and intention, and build authentic relationships that support families, children, and educators.

  • I aim to create nurturing, structured environments and transform ideas into impactful practices through insight and teamwork.

    Originally from Trenton, Michigan, I earned my Bachelor's Degree in English Language and Literature from the University of Michigan and later earned a Master's in Educational Psychology through the Boulder Journey School/University of Colorado Denver partnership. I hold licensure and endorsement in Birth to Third Grade, along with a Large Center Director Certification and Level VI Colorado Early Childhood Credential.

    Since 2001, I’ve been part of the Snow Lion community—as both a teacher and parent. I’m also a Registered Psychotherapist listed with DORA, with certifications in Play Therapy, Art Therapy, and Family Mediation. My work is grounded in developmental psychology, family systems, and trauma-informed care. I’m currently renewing my Early Childhood Coaching Credential to support and mentor new professionals in the field.

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Connie Aizeki

Cubs Class Director
Steward of Peaceful Development

I work at the intersection of gentle observation and calm action. In all my years of teaching at Snow Lion my greatest joy is watching my students grow from the uncertain toddlers that step into my classroom on their first day to the empowered, creative, confident graduates that step out of school on their last.

  • I obtained my Masters degree in Educational Psychology from CU Denver through the Teacher Education Program at The Boulder Journey School.  I had the good fortune to be immersed in the Reggio Emilia philosophy and pedagogy while there and to travel to Italy to witness the way in which the preschools bring that philosophy to life. After graduating from the program I was thrilled to move straight into a position here at Snow Lion where I found my true and forever home as an educator and caregiver in this dynamic, mindful and nurturing school.

    I have lived in the Boulder area for about 30 years now and currently reside in Longmont in a sweet little bungalow built in 1910. I have spent a lot of time on the many trails here running, mountain biking, and recently I have been slowing down the pace and hiking more frequently. It has been good for me to be able to say a proper hello to the deer and notice which wildflowers are currently in bloom. I may also be found reading, baking, or embroidering.

    I have two grown children who are on beautifully individual paths that suit who they are perfectly.  I would be remiss in not counting them among my most important teachers in life.

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Lauren Pilling

Lead Teacher
Curriculum Coordinator
Creative Collaborator

I joined the Snow Lion Community in August of 2021, and I am so happy and grateful to be a part of it. What a magical place for the children and magical to work here.

  • I grew up in a tiny town in Pennsylvania—where I babysat anyone as soon as I turned 12—and moved to Utah to attend school in 2019. I moved here and started work at a YMCA summer camp, nannying, and being a teacher at an after school program. I worked my way up to being a teacher at Snow Lion and I couldn’t love it more. Outside of Snow Lion, I enjoy hiking, reading, and i love to go on long walks

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Heidi Violett

Lead Teacher: Lions & Cubs
Attuned Nurturer

I call myself an attuned nurturer because I work at the intersection of being a learning understanding communicator.

  • I’m so proud to be part of the teaching team at Snow Lion Preschool. I began at Snow Lion in 2022 as an assistant teacher and have since earned my Lead Teacher credential. It’s an honor to support children through such a magical and important stage of life, and Snow Lion’s incredible team and welcoming community truly make it a special place to teach and grow.

    I was born and raised in Boulder County and have always felt a strong connection to this beautiful area and the people in it. In my free time, I enjoy staying active, reading, and crafting.

    My favorite part of coming to school each day is helping create a nurturing, joyful space where children feel free to explore, build confidence, and discover the world around them with wonder

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Jessica Deerman

Lions Lead Teacher
Empathic Communicator & Intuitive Educator

Originally from New England, I graduated with an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Quinnipiac University, and a MA in Clinical Health Psychology from Northern Arizona University.

  • I have two children who graduated from Snow Lion and I feel so lucky to be a part of this amazing community. I have worked with children throughout my career and find myself in awe of their sense of wonder, unique expression, and the intricacies of each child’s individual path toward development. When I’m not teaching you will find me adventuring, here in CO and beyond, with my family. We love to travel, ski, hike, snorkel, anything outside will do. In addition, I have a background in yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda with a 200 hour YTT.

    I am so grateful for the opportunity to share in your child’s joy as they explore and grow in such a magical way here at Snow Lion.

Molly Harrington

Teacher

Children are capable and confident learners and advocates in the world, and we learn alongside each other on how to be our most empathetic and curious selves. With my passion for teaching stemming from my advocacy for the environment, I combine the two everyday through cultivating joy and building resilience within me and our young learners.

  • I graduated from Gettysburg College with a degree in Environmental Studies and I carried that knowledge with me as I started my career search during the height of Covid, spring of 2020. With little experience teaching, but a passion for joy and connection, I started a position as an outdoor educator on a farm in Ipswich, MA. Together, the children and I explored the wilderness while I gave them the space to guide their own learning through curiosity. Being out in nature uplifted us in such heavy and unnatural times. I was quick to discover that being around unique and resilient minds is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I moved to Boulder in 2022 for the Boulder Journey School Teacher Education program with the goal of deepening my knowledge on how to be the best advocate for children. I was introduced to the Reggio Emilia approach, a philosophy that inspires my teaching every day. Through the program I earned my Masters in Early Childhood Education and I learned how to reflect, remain patient, and communicate with children in a way that allows them to feel safe and understood. During this time I was also working towards and achieved my Early Childhood Teaching licensure (ages 0-8).

    Six years since my time on the farm, I have been inspired by many children in classrooms from Boston to Boulder. I am so excited to be a part of the Snow Lion community where I can continue to grow and be inspired by young minds.

Danielle del Nodal

Teacher

I believe children are our greatest teachers in life and I enjoy learning from them every day in the classroom. My intention is to build genuine relationships with every child through a foundation of trust and compassion. I’m grateful to be surrounded by so many wonderful teachers and community at Snow Lion as I too join the classroom and continue to learn.

Zoe Henri

Originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, my partner and I moved to Boulder, Colorado in 2019. I received my Bachelor’s degree in social work with a focus on child development and family studies at Central Michigan University in 2016. I later received my Master’s degree in social work at the University of Michigan in 2019.

  • I am a licensed clinical social worker and prior to working at Snow Lion, I practiced as an early childhood mental health consultant in preschools and daycares. I later shifted to a position as a parent-child therapist. I am very excited to be a part of the Snow Lion team! I have a passion for early learning. I highly value building relationships and supporting young children’s social-emotional development. In my free time, I love to do any outdoor activities, read, travel and spend time with my family and friends.

Dan Kaplan

Maintenance, Teacher, Admin
Wandering Wonderer

The Snow Lion kiddos like yell out “Handyman Dan” when I walk in the door. I’m Rachel’s husband and you may see me floating around school fixing, organizing and teaching in the classrooms.

  • Our family moved to Colorado from NYC in 2017 in search of a calmer lifestyle and space our twin boys to grow. I was a cook and woodworker before earning my masters degree in graphic design. I’ve picked up a large range of skills over the past many years and I enjoy applying them all. My goal is for the Snow Lion campus to reflect the values of curiosity and nature embedded into the school’s mission.

    Outside of school, I’m a big escape room enthusiast and I travel across the country (and beyond!) to play the best rooms in the world. I volunteer around our community, coach sports and create in my woodworking shop.

  • “Snow Lion teachers, full of love, empathy and kindness, go above and beyond to care for not only our child, but us. As sometimes (always) exhausted, working parents, we completely trust our daughter in their care, and they always look out for the whole family, always asking how we are doing too. We could not have asked for a more loving, thoughtful environment.”

    -Erin F., current parent

  • “Snow Lion Preschool is truly a magical place filled with so much love and joy. My children have thrived there and have made such incredible connections with their peers and teachers. As a parent, I can attest to how important it is to feel safe and secure in leaving my children in someone else’s care; and I couldn’t feel more confident in the ability of the teachers at Snow Lion. They are all so aware of the social emotional needs of young children and they handle all challenges with so much love, gentleness and empowerment. I couldn’t say a bad thing about Snow Lion if I tried (except that I wish my kids could stay there forever!).”

    -Delaney J., current parent

  • “The teachers love all the children for their own unique little personalities.”

    -Daniela C., current parent

  • “Snow Lion has such a special place in our hearts. The teachers always make class feel magical and we were made to feel right at home. Our son is always excited on school days and comes home brimming with new songs, skills and ideas to share. We couldn't be happier with our choice and look forward to our second joining in on the fun!”

    -Maddie T., current parent

  • “The love, guidance, understanding and deep knowledge of child development that is present in every staff member has been such a gift to our family.”

    - Joey W., parent of alum

  • “Snow Lion is a magical place. The staff are so dedicated, loving, and committed to creating a truly special and nurturing environment for the children.”

    -Emily M., current parent