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Meet Our Staff
SandCastles Learning Center staff are either full-time or part-time. All teaching and administrative staff are Pediatric First Aid and
CPR certified. All staff that work directly with children are licensed
through the City of Boise. This license includes a fingerprint and
FBI background check.
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Anji Armagost
Director
Education: Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Science in Social Science, Graduate level course work in Early Childhood Education.
SandCastles since April 28, 2009
Experience: 1996 – present as YMCA Camp Counselor, Childcare Teacher, Intensive Behavioral Interventionist in Nampa and Boise Schools, and Developmental Specialist
"I love to learn! School has always been a priority in my life since I was in Kindergarten through today. Encouraging the love for learning in children is so rewarding. I believe that positive early childhood experiences in the classroom can foster a thirst for learning over a person’s lifetime. I am so fortunate to lead a skilled and enthusiastic team of teachers who love what they do and look forward to teaching each day. Observing them at work in the classroom always teaches me something new. When not at work, I love to cook, read, watch reality TV shows, play board games, camp, travel, and garden!"
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Michelle
Eddy
Lead Teacher, Seahorses Classroom
Education: Bachelor of Science Early Childhood Education and Family Relations
Experience: I have worked with children since I was 12 years old, and have been in child care for 10+ years.
SandCastles since October 31, 2006
"I love working with children. They are amazing and they teach me something new everyday. I love that I get to play at work and watch the children grow. Family is important to me, whether it is my family or a child’s family."
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Dana
deKruyf
Lead Teacher, Dolphins Classroom
Education: pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education
Experience: Before and after school program in the Issaquah District in Washington; 7 years in childcare.
SandCastles since August 8, 2007
"I have always wanted to work with young children and I plan to continue my education at Boise State University to earn my degree in Early Childhood Education."
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Katie Moore
Lead Teacher, Sharks Classroom
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology from Boise State University
Experience: 3+ years working one-on-one with children with special needs, 1 year as Team Leader
SandCastles since October 2011, Community Partnerships of Idaho since April 30, 2008
"I love watching children learn and grow! The best feeling is seeing a child progress and knowing that I was a part of their success. I love seeing excitement in a child during an educational and fun activity. Making a connection with a child and having the feeling that a child is happy to see me and be at SandCastles also make me love working with them! When I’m not at work, and not doing homework, I love playing with my dog, Gibson. I like taking him on walks, playing in the river with him, and playing fetch! When I have spare time, I love to read. Family is important to me, so I like to make sure I have time for my parents and my brothers when they’re in town."
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Kristin Beckman
Seahorse Assistant Teacher, Cook, Van driver
Education: High school graduate with classes in Love & Logic, Child Development, and Parenting
Experience: 2 years at Chuck-E-Cheese and 18 months as a substitute teacher
SandCastles since October 4, 2011
"I love watching kids grow and learn. I think that every child brings something special to a classroom and home. I love learning what is unique and special about each child. When I’m not working, I like to go camping, listen to music, and watch movies. I spend a lot of time with my friends and family."
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Jessie Dennis
Dolphin Assistant Teacher
Education: pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Studies
Experience: 5+ years babysitting and teaching Sunday school
SandCastles since June 8, 2010
"I love what children bring to the environment. They are care-free, loving, and always have something to teach you! I love watching them explore and have adventures! I love helping kids grow. It’s cool to see the change in them as well as in me. There’s something new everyday! When I’m not at work, I like to hang-out with my friends, watch movies, play games, and go to youth group. I also enjoy snowboarding, riding horses, reading, writing, and drawing!"
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Substitute Teachers
Alanna Kimmel
Experience: Working with children and teens for over 6 years.
SandCastles since November 24, 2009

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Melissa Griffith
Education: pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at Boise State University.
Experience: 3+ years with children of all ages. Assisting in Elementary classrooms throughout the community.
SandCastles since August 24, 2010
"I love being a part of children learning and experiencing new and positive things. It’s so fulfilling to see a child learn a new skill and know that you were involved in teaching them that. When I’m not at work, I love to visit my family, play with my 2 dogs, go boating, and swimming. I also love to ride my bike, snowboard, and work on my photography."
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