meet the team of great days!

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Sub Director | Bear's Teacher | Pre-K 

Hello! My name is Hailey. I’ve been an Early Childhood teacher since 2016 and I started at Great Days in April of 2025.

I graduated from the University of Oregon in 2013 with an English degree but still felt incredibly pulled toward working with young children. This led me to Lane Community College where I received my degree in Early Childhood Education. It instantly clicked for me that I spoke the language of children better than adults and it was clear to me that this work is what I was meant to do. 

I have lived in Cottage Grove since 2018 with my husband and my two children, Hazel (a chocolate lab) and Louise (my beautiful kitty with an orange toe). In my free time I enjoy reading and making weird faces at my pets!

Bears Teacher | Pre-K

Hi! My name is Melina, and I have always had a heart for working with children. Since I was 15 years old, I have been dedicated to supporting and caring for children of all ages, and I truly believe it is a privilege to be part of their growth and development. Watching children learn, build confidence, and discover the world around them is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.

My goal is to create a warm, nurturing, and engaging classroom where every child feels safe, valued, and encouraged to be themselves. I am passionate about fostering meaningful connections, celebrating each child's unique personality, and creating positive experiences that inspire a lifelong love of learning.

When I'm not in the classroom, you'll likely find me exploring scenic hiking trails, getting lost in a good book, or spending time enjoying the outdoors. A fun fact about me is that I love sushi so much, I could happily eat it for every meal! I look forward to getting to know each child and family and being part of such an exciting stage in their journey.

Bear's Aide | Pre-K  

Hello! My name is Ashley, and I am a Teacher’s Aide at Great Days. I have been part of the Great Days family since my senior year of high school, and I currently have the privilege of working in the Bears classroom.

I truly love coming to work each day and being part of these amazing children’s lives. Watching them learn, grow, make new discoveries, and reach important milestones is incredibly rewarding. I enjoy creating a warm and welcoming environment where every child feels supported, valued, and excited to learn and explore.

I’m grateful to be part of each child’s early years and to help create fun, meaningful memories along the way. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, camping, and taking trips to the Oregon coast. I feel very lucky to be part of the Great Days community and to have the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of our little ones each day.

Racoon's Teacher | 3's 

My name is Aaliyah, and I am so excited to be part of the team at Great Days. I have always had a passion for working with young children and helping them grow through play, exploration and creativity. Watching children discover new things, make friends and build independence is such a rewarding experience. I feel very fortunate to be part of these special moments.

I am an older sibling to 13 kids and knew from a young age that my desire was to teach. I bring many years of experience with me and feel this is where I want to continue my growth in early childhood education. 

In our classroom I will strive to create a warm, safe, and welcoming environment where every child feels loved, encouraged, challenged, and excited to learn. I look forward to partnering with staff and parents to make this a wonderful year of growth and fun for your child!!!

Outside of the classroom, spending time with my family, reading and being outdoors are my favorite activities!

Racoon's Teacher | 3's

My name is Lucile, and I have been a teacher for the past eight years. Teaching has always been something I truly love and feel passionate about. One of the most rewarding parts of being an educator is having the opportunity to watch kiddos grow, learn, build confidence, and discover new things every day. I love creating a positive and welcoming classroom environment where students feel safe to be themselves, ask questions, make mistakes, and celebrate their accomplishments. 

I grew up in France, and living there was a wonderful part of my life that has shaped who I am today. I am excited to bring my experiences, culture, and love of learning into the classroom.

When I am not teaching, you can usually find me outdoors on a hike with my dog, curled up with a good book, or in the kitchen cooking and trying new recipes. I love spending time outside, discovering new places and enjoying the simple things in life. 

I am so excited to be part of this amazing team and look forward to getting to know everyone. I feel very lucky to continue doing what I love while being part of a community that supports and inspires one another, I cannot wait for all the learning, growth, laughter and wonderful memories this year will bring!

Ladybug's Teacher | Toddler 2's

 Hello! My name is Sidney. I graduated from the University of Oregon in 2026 with a degree in Elementary Education while I worked with all ages, from newborns to preschool ages. I have always had a passion for working with young children and helping them learn through creativity and imagination, while providing them a safe and comforting environment to grow. I look forward to the years ahead at Great Days and working with all children! When I am not teaching I am usually hiking or reading with my cat, Sir Leopold. 

Wolverine's Teacher | School Age

When I was a kid, I always heard the question, "what do you want to be when you grow up"? The answer that may have been shocking to most was, "I want tot be a mom and I want to be a children's art teacher". I have been passionate about kids since I was once one myself. 

The biggest goal for me as an early children's educator is for a child to grow up, look back and say that I encouraged them to laugh more than cry and made them feel capable of doing the impossible.

Outside of working with children, I love being a mom to my happy little boy. I enjoy taking pictures for families and being outdoors, going on adventures.

Wolverine's Teacher | School Age 

For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to make a positive difference in the lives of children and in the community I call home. My journey into education began while I was working as a correctional officer, where I realized that one of the most meaningful ways I could serve my community was by investing in its youngest members.

I spent a year operating a licensed in-home daycare while earning my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education through the University of Phoenix. That experience confirmed my passion for working with children and ultimately led me to pursue my dream of becoming a teacher. I’m incredibly grateful to have met Tonie, whose leadership and support gave me the opportunity to begin that journey at Great Days.

I love bringing creativity, enthusiasm, and a sense of adventure into the classroom. Whether I’m creating cardboard masterpieces, dressing up in costumes, exploring the outdoors through hiking and camping, or sharing my love of motorcycles, I enjoy finding ways to connect with children and make learning fun and engaging.

Most importantly, I genuinely love working with children of all ages. Their curiosity, creativity, humor, and unique personalities inspire me every day. Being part of Great Days feels like a dream come true, and I’m excited to create a positive, welcoming, and memorable experience for every child in my care.

Support Staff | Pre-K & School Age

 My name is Jenny, I grew up in this beautiful little town most of my life. I am 34 years old and a mother of two amazing kiddos: Mya (14) and Beckett (4). I love anything art involved and all things creativity. Aside from being a full time Mom, I have experience with various ages of children from newborn to middle school age. I was a Sunday school teacher in the daycare at Riverside Church, and I nannied for a family when I was younger for several years. I became an educational assistant for some of our local South Lane schools after the pandemic when they needed so much extra support. I really enjoy being a part of being able to bring so much knowledge into their growing minds.