Our Staff
Meet our Above & Beyond staff! Our excellent and experienced educators take great pride and joy in our work and we are able to meet your child's individual needs.
Lacey Giovacchini
Executive Director
Lacey joined ELP in early 2022. She holds Certifications in the 45 Hour Course, National Administrator Credential, and CPR and First Aid Training, along with training in Conscious Discipline and Appelbaum Concepts. She is currently working on her CDC through CNM. When asked why she loves Early Childhood Education she said “I have always been interested in Early Education as I feel these young years are the most important and impressionable on molding our children’s minds. It is my goal to return to school to further my studying in Early Childhood Education.” She is a mom to 2 wonderful kids, an 9 year old son and a 5 year old daughter who graduated from ELP. With a background and degree in the Culinary Arts, she spends her free time baking and cooking for her loved ones, and enjoys dabbling in Interior Design and Event Planning.
Veronica Baldwin
Assistant Director/Pre-K Lead
Veronica rejoined ELP in 2022 and brings over three years of experience working with children ages 2-5. Veronica has her 45 Hour Class Certification, her CPR and First Aid Certification as well as a Bachelor of Science degree from Iowa State University. When asked why she loves Early Childhood Education she said “I love the enthusiasm young children have for exploring the world around them. It is so exciting to watch them learn and grow from the beginning of the school year to the end.” In her spare time Veronica enjoys spending time with family, fostering puppies, training at the gym, competing in body building competitions, reading and assembling jigsaw puzzles.
Esme Garcia
Assistant Teacher, Pre-K Classroom
Esme joined ELP in 2021and has been a teacher for 5 years. She has Certifications from 45Hour Class as well as CPR and First Aid. She is also fluent in Spanish. Her trainings in Focus and Montessori Curriculums have helped shape her love of teaching in Early Childhood Education. When asked why she loves having a Career in ECE, Esme said “I love working with kids because being part of their development growth is really satisfying for me.” In her spare time, Esme enjoys spending time with her three boys, going on road trips, and doing crafts at home.
Jackie Collins
Lead Teacher, Preschool Classroom
Jackie joined ELP in 2023 and has been an Early Childhood teacher for 5 years. She started her Early Childhood education career in Head Start before moving to ELP. She has her CDA and certifications in CPR, First Aid, and in the Nurtured Heart approach to trauma and discipline for young children. When asked why she loves Early Childhood education, Jackie said “I love the ability to help shape our future. Working with young children is a nurturing profession, and the love and care you show children today will shape how they treat others the rest of their lives.” In her spare time Jackie enjoys traveling, spending time with her son, and family game nights.
Taylor Kennedy
Assistant Teacher, Preschool Classroom
Taylor joined ELP in 2022 as a student at CNM who is beginning her Early Childhood Education Career. She has certifications in 45 hour course, CPR and First Aid Certification. When asked why she loves Early Childhood Education, Taylor said, “I love kids and I’m so happy that I’m able to get to help them grow and learn. I can’t wait to see how far they come starting from the beginning of the year to the end.” In her spare time Taylor loves hanging out watching sports with her 2 siblings and family, and going for a swim.