Category: Staff Members

My name is Irene Vela, and I was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. I began my journey in childcare in September 2025 after spending two years as a stay-at-home mom. When I decided to return to work, it was important to me to find a role where I could continue being close to my children. I was fortunate to find a childcare center that welcomed both me and my two boys. Although that chapter ended unexpectedly after the center was sold, it ultimately led us to finding our new home with The Big Red Barn family. My boys and I are incredibly happy to be part of such a warm and supportive community.

I believe it is essential for young children to feel safe, secure, and supported by their caregivers to confidently explore the world around them and grow into the best version of themselves. I value child-led learning and believe children learn best when given the opportunity to explore at their own pace, with guidance and support offered when needed. I also strongly encourage early independence and problem-solving skills as part of children’s overall development.

Outside of work and life’s many responsibilities, I enjoy baking and spending time outdoors with my family and friends. 

I am excited to continue this journey, watch my children grow, and build meaningful connections within this wonderful community.

irene vela rosales

assistant infant teacher

Hi! I am Jayden Lopez – you can call me (jade)! I am 22 years old, born and raised in Denver, Colorado. I have dreamed of becoming a teacher since I was five years old. I’ve always had a deep love for babies and children both in my family and beyond. I began working in early childhood education at 15 and quickly discovered my passion in caring for and teaching young children. I truly enjoy watching each child learn and grow in their own unique way, while feeling happy, loved, and safe in my presence. Seeing the impact of the hard work and love I pour into the children is a true blessing. At 21, I gained foster custody of my now one-year-old daughter, which changed my life and strengthened my dream of one day becoming a school director or owner. Babies truly have my heart, and being a positive, loving adult in other children’s lives is an amazing feeling. I look forward to growing with The Little Red Barn and giving the children and parents my very best. In my free time, I enjoy doing makeup, studying my Bible and going to the gym! Growing a strong relationship with God also is one of my best traits. 

“The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.”

Luke 6: 40

jade lopez

assistant mobile infant teacher

Hello! My name is Jeanie Jungbauer and I was born in Greeley, CO. I lived in Manitou Springs for the last 23 years and loved the sense of community in a mountain town. I am presently living in Golden and grateful to be here to help with the two classes at The Little Red Barn Nursery. I am a mom of two adult sons who changed my life! I love being a mom. It’s been my favorite job. I have always gravitated to babies and children of all ages since I was younger. I watched my younger cousins and brothers, the neighborhood kids in high school, and loved helping my grandparents in Fort Collins with their 2 year old Sunday School class when I was in college. I have a background in Psychology and have worked in a variety of settings with kids and families, from a Safehouse program to my boy’s Manitou schools as well as through Mom and Me yoga, prenatal, preschool yoga to all ages. I love nurturing babies and children to feel safe and loved, and be able to be curious, explore, and grow as they each need. Connection with others,  and for them to be seen and heard is something that is really important to me. I am excited to be here in such a positive, Jesus loving environment. I love trail running, yoga, exploring nature, traveling, and spending time with my boys and family. I am also a birth doula and yoga teacher; birthwork and wellness are a huge other passion of mine! Fun fact is I have always dreamt of going to serve in Africa and I went to Kenya this summer. I look forward to getting to know each of you more!

jeanie jungbauer

assistant float teacher

Hi, my name is Layla and I was born and raised here in Colorado! I love working with infants and getting to watch them learn and grow! Every child is different and has different needs and providing them with individual guidance and support is extremely important to me. I love letting the children get creative and explore through sensory and interactive play that they personally show interest in, helping them reach social, emotional, and physical goals. Providing infants with a loving, nurturing, safe environment has always been my biggest goal. A little bit about me is that I love being outdoors, whether it is hiking or paddle boarding or even just a walk, it’s my favorite! I’m so excited to meet you all and get to know you and your little ones better!

layla wisse

lead non-mobile infant teacher

Hi, My name is Kayla, and I’m a proud Colorado Native, although I did spend a few years in Arkansas when I was a little girl. I’m a mother of three – I have an 11-year-old daughter and two sons, aged 9 and 1.

I’ve been dedicated to early childhood education since late 2010. My journey began with volunteering in a childcare center during high school, leading to a full-time position after graduation. I worked as a float, gaining experience with children aged 1-5, and then became a lead teacher for the 2-year-old classroom until late 2015. While I initially pursued Early Childhood Education at the Community College of Denver and always dreamed of being a teacher, I also considered a career in law! After taking a break to raise my two older children, during which I also studied cosmetology, I returned to early childhood in 2019, focusing on infants. Since then, infants have held a special place in my heart, and I’ve been an Infant Nursery Supervisor since 2019. Most recently, in May 2025, I completed LENA training, which focuses on building brains through early talk.

My personal philosophy is to love each child as my own and help them develop into their unique selves. I genuinely enjoy learning about every child and supporting their growth into the amazing individuals they are meant to be. I am committed to building strong bonds and relationships with each family, treating them as if they were my own. I have an instinct for understanding infants and their needs, and I’ve learned to differentiate their cues and respond effectively. I’m skilled at working with both introverted and extroverted children, allowing them to guide the bonding process.

On a more personal note, I enjoy going to concerts and sporting events. Football is my favorite (Go Broncos!), but I also love basketball, baseball, and hockey. Spending quality time with my family is very important to me, and we enjoy activities like exploring the mountains, fishing in lakes, playing games, and anything active. I also have a small family business selling sweet treats on weekends or my days off. Volunteering and being involved in my children’s school are very important to me. I am truly looking forward to building amazing bonds with all the families here at The Little Red Barn and The Big Red Barn, and I’m very excited to get to know each of you!

kayla aragon

infant nursery supervisor

Hello! My name is Carmen, and I’m excited to be joining the Big Red Barn Early Learning Center team as I begin this new chapter in my career.

I have a background in leadership and youth programs, where I’ve had the joy of helping young people grow in confidence and skills. Now, I’m thrilled to bring that same energy, patience, and care to working with toddlers and young children here at the center.

Outside of work, I love camping, exploring the outdoors, and trying new activities—whether it’s discovering a new hiking trail, visiting a place I’ve never been, or learning something hands-on and creative. I believe every new experience is an opportunity for growth, and I look forward to learning alongside the children in my care.

Most of all, I’m excited to get to know your families, support your child’s development, and be part of the wonderful learning community here.

With Gratitude,
Carmen Nelsch

carmen nelsch

assistant float teacher