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Nebula Staff and Board of Directors
Together we build thriving communities
Nebula Early Childhood Collaborative is a grass roots organization that strives to bring early childhood professionals and caregivers together to better serve our communities. To join this collaborative effort as a community partner please contact us to learn more.
Meet Our Leadership Team
Founder & Executive Director
Founder & Executive Director
Founder & Executive Director
Rebecca Armentrout
Rebecca is the founder and Executive Director of Nebula Early Childhood Collaborative. As an early childhood credentialed coach during the COVID Pandemic, she saw the field she loved in crisis now more than ever. Bringing reflective practices to the early childhood field in a holistic manner is critical for early childho
Rebecca Armentrout
Rebecca is the founder and Executive Director of Nebula Early Childhood Collaborative. As an early childhood credentialed coach during the COVID Pandemic, she saw the field she loved in crisis now more than ever. Bringing reflective practices to the early childhood field in a holistic manner is critical for early childhood professionals, families, and communities to feel honored and heard for who they are and what they do.
Rebecca has a bachelor’s degree from Metro State University in Psychology with an emphasis in early childhood development and parenting education and is currently attending the University of Colorado Colorado Springs' Inclusive Early Childhood Masters and Teacher Licensure Program. Rebecca has 19 years of professional experience in early childhood education in various positions including, classroom teacher, director, family resource specialist, coach, and workforce development specialist. Rebecca has worked in a wide variety of settings running early childhood programs including spiritual institutions, Head Start, and therapeutic preschools within an addiction recovery setting. Rebecca is a certified Early Childhood Coach, Reflective Supervisor, Large Center Director, and Nurturing Parenting Facilitator. Rebecca also has extensive experience as a non-profit administrator including finance, marketing, and strategic planning.
Born and raised in Colorado Rebecca sees her work in early childhood as building a brighter future for the world. As a mother of two, she realizes children are the next generations of leaders and decision-makers and she sees her work in early childhood as a way to continue to bring hope and healing. Rebecca approaches each child and caregiver with openness and acceptance to help them discover their own strengths and potential.
Program Director
Founder & Executive Director
Founder & Executive Director
Stacey Langer
Stacey Langer is the Program Manager for Nebula Early Childhood Collaborative. She is also a Colorado Early Childhood Credentialed Coach, who facilitates Reflective Consultation and the Nurturing Parenting Program. She is passionate about trauma-informed awareness and resilience-building frameworks. At the heart of this end
Stacey Langer
Stacey Langer is the Program Manager for Nebula Early Childhood Collaborative. She is also a Colorado Early Childhood Credentialed Coach, who facilitates Reflective Consultation and the Nurturing Parenting Program. She is passionate about trauma-informed awareness and resilience-building frameworks. At the heart of this endeavor lies the unwavering belief in the power of recognizing the strengths of each individual, not only to fortify the emotional and mental landscapes of children but also to enrich the lives of educators and parents who play pivotal roles in shaping their development. She desires to be a partner for early childhood professionals wanting to build a resilient classroom and community connecting with one child at a time through positive early childhood experiences. Stacey believes we can empower systemic change when we better support the alignment of teacher's heads and hearts.
Stacey earned a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education Theory from Colorado Christian University. She is a dedicated lifelong learner with twenty-five years of experience. She holds a Colorado Early Childhood Professional Credential Level 6, Large Center Director qualification, Colorado Substitute Teacher authorization as well as a former Pre-K CLASS observer. She began her career as a family home child care provider and has continued to grow in the professional roles of teacher, director, program specialist and as a credentialed early childhood coach serving children and families in both center-based and public preschool programs. In these diverse learning environments, she discovered the importance of self-reflection and empowerment as essential tools to impact growth beyond the classroom. Stacey envisions an era where developing resiliency is a cornerstone of learning for children and adults. Providing opportunities for early childhood professionals to strengthen this capacity through reflective, heart-centered practices is her ultimate goal.
Nurturing Parenting Facilitator Team
Narges Nikzad
Dr. Anisa Ben Idris
Narges Nikzad
Narges was born in Afghanistan but grew up in Iran and moved to America along with my four amazing children. Narges has a Bachelor of Physics from Afghanistan and has been studying Early Childhood Education in Colorado for the past 2 years with the Community College of Denver. She currently works as an early childhood educator and interpr
Narges was born in Afghanistan but grew up in Iran and moved to America along with my four amazing children. Narges has a Bachelor of Physics from Afghanistan and has been studying Early Childhood Education in Colorado for the past 2 years with the Community College of Denver. She currently works as an early childhood educator and interpreter in Dari.
Narges has a passion for supporting families and mothers in her community and is honored to provide such a warm and loving experience to others.
Fateme Jafari
Dr. Anisa Ben Idris
Narges Nikzad
Fateme is a mother of two children from Afghanistan. She has a background in early childhood education and serves as a home visitor for refugees and immigrants who speak Dari and Farsi. She believes that all children and families deserve support and nurturing. As a Nurturing Parenting Facilitator, she believes in holding space for mothers to explore their parenting beliefs and goals.
Dr. Anisa Ben Idris
Dr. Anisa Ben Idris
Dr. Anisa Ben Idris
Anisa has a PhD Bilingual Education and Early Childhood Education. She is the founder of Creative Sparkle Curriculum, LLC. Anisa has a strong background is supporting Arabic-speaking Refugees and Immigrants across Colorado as a college instructor, parenting educator, early childhood coach, EQIT, and Circle of Security Instructor. She be
Anisa has a PhD Bilingual Education and Early Childhood Education. She is the founder of Creative Sparkle Curriculum, LLC. Anisa has a strong background is supporting Arabic-speaking Refugees and Immigrants across Colorado as a college instructor, parenting educator, early childhood coach, EQIT, and Circle of Security Instructor. She believes in the importance of advocating for equity and quality in education. Through Nurturing Parenting(R) she believes she can empower families to feel confident in their parenting abilities while building a strong sense of community.
Karina Scott
Karina Scott
Dr. Anisa Ben Idris
Karina is incredibly passionate about working with children, families, and teachers. Her goal is to positively affect the lives of as many children in the world as possible. She strongly believes that the world can be changed in a single generation if the adults around children are given the education and resources they need to succeed.
K
Karina is incredibly passionate about working with children, families, and teachers. Her goal is to positively affect the lives of as many children in the world as possible. She strongly believes that the world can be changed in a single generation if the adults around children are given the education and resources they need to succeed.
Karina has been studying Early Childhood Education since 2006. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Traditional Eastern Arts from Naropa University. She holds a level 6 PDIS credential in Colorado Shines, a coaching credential, and a training credential. She is a certified Birth and Postpartum Doula, Breastfeeding Consultant, and a Nurturing Parenting Facilitator.
Karina is also the Founder and Executive Director of Freedom Inside the Box a local non-profit that supports early childhood providers and families.
Huda Dhaif
Karina Scott
Huda Dhaif
Huda Dhaif, originally from Iraq, arrived in the USA in 2002. With a strong passion for early childhood education, she pursued studies in the field, earning her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and Director's license. Huda has extensive experience working with children and families, having served as a lead teacher in childc
Huda Dhaif, originally from Iraq, arrived in the USA in 2002. With a strong passion for early childhood education, she pursued studies in the field, earning her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and Director's license. Huda has extensive experience working with children and families, having served as a lead teacher in childcare settings and as a paraprofessional in Aurora schools. Her dedication to nurturing and supporting young learners and their families has led her to become a Nurturing Parenting Trainer and a LENA Trainer. In her current role as a home visitor, Huda continues to make a significant impact by providing essential support and guidance to families, helping them thrive in their new communities. Additionally, she works at Pamoja as a homework helper and an interpreter, utilizing her fluency in Arabic, Persian, and English to assist and connect with diverse families.
Board of Directors
Janiece Kneppe Walter - Board Chair
Melissa Maldonado Board Member at Large
Melissa Maldonado Board Member at Large
Janiece has served on Nebula's board passionately as she believes that early childhood education is a pathway to a brighter future in this world. She is the Early Childhood Faculty Chair at Red Rocks Community College. She has worked hard to ensure equity and access to all in Early Childhood higher education.
In 2019 she developed the Red Rocks Community College's Mentor Teacher course and continues to work to develop innovative solutions to the early childhood workforce while providing research and evidence-based approaches. Janiece's academic background includes a BA in Biology, Dordt College, Medical Technology certification MT(ASCP), American Society of Clinical Pathologists, MA Ed: Early Childhood Education emphasis, Concordia University, St. Paul, MN. She has worked in a variety of roles in Early Childhood including instructor, trainer, and director.
Melissa Maldonado Board Member at Large
Melissa Maldonado Board Member at Large
Melissa Maldonado Board Member at Large
Melissa Maldonado serves as a Policy Analyst on the Illinois Policy team at Start Early, where she supports state legislative advocacy efforts in early childhood by working with the legislature and other policymakers in Springfield. Prior, she served as a Career Pathways Program Manager in Denver, Colorado where she led various early childhood workforce and professional development initiatives in Denver County. She also previously worked with children and families of Mesa County, Colorado, teaching early literacy and early bi-literacy skills during library programs and community outreach events. In addition to her expertise in early childhood, she has also participated in immigrant rights advocacy and child welfare as a Court Appointed Special Advocate in the foster care system of Colorado.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Speech and Communications from Colorado Mesa University. She is currently pursuing a Master of Jurisprudence (MJ) in Child Law and Policy with Loyola University Chicago’s School of Law and a Master of Science (MS) in Child Development with Erikson Institute.
Dr. Gordon Duvall, PNP, DNP - Board Member at Large
Sayara Esslam Board Treasurer
Sayara Esslam Board Treasurer
Gordon Duvall is a Doctor of Nursing Practice, pediatric nurse practitioner, fatherhood practitioner, educator, father, and community activist who has been involved in advocating for and serving the youth and adolescent community by providing direct care as well as serving as a clinical instructor for nursing students. Gordon provides nursing consultation services to childcare centers in the Denver Metro area in an effort to ensure that our youngest community members receive quality care and are safe in the childcare settings that they attend. Gordon has worked in his community as a health advocate working for children and those disadvantaged. Gordon has most recently been the Aurora Community Health Clinic director of medical, education, and operations.
Sayara Esslam Board Treasurer
Sayara Esslam Board Treasurer
Sayara Esslam Board Treasurer
Sayara Esslam humbly serves as a board member of Nebula Early Childhood Collaboration, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of early childhood education. Beginning her educational journey in language and literature at Kabul University in Afghanistan, Sayara transitioned to the United States in 2013, driven by her passion for supporting children's development.
During her time in the U.S., Sayara embarked on a path of continuous learning and professional growth. She completed the Early Childhood Apprenticeship Program through Red Rocks Community College, laying the groundwork for her career in early childhood education. Sayara furthered her credentials by obtaining an Early Childhood Education Director certification from Community College of Denver and achieving a Level 4 credential in PDIS Colorado Shines.
Drawing from her diverse experiences, Sayara has worked tirelessly with children in various settings, including early childhood centers and elementary schools, both domestically and abroad. Her dedication extends beyond her professional roles, as she actively supports and advocates for women within the Afghan community, recognizing the challenges they face in pursuing careers in childcare.
Motivated by her deep-seated passion for education, particularly in the formative years, Sayara remains steadfast in her belief that every child deserves access to quality education and nurturing guidance. Her commitment to this cause underscores her unwavering dedication to shaping a brighter future for children worldwide.
Welcome to our Community
We are glad you are here! Nebula is a grassroots non-profit organization designed bring together and empower early childhood caregivers. Join us in lending a voice to as we advocate for the important role early childhood caregivers. Learn more by joining our mailing list to receive updates on opportunities to grow and learn as a community.