Who We Are
Welcome to Mountain Fundamentals Learning Center - a place for children to grow, learn, and play. Your children deserve nothing but the best, so bring them here for an inviting environment that encourages curiosity and fun.
At Mountain FUNdamentals Learning Center, we believe in the power of early learning and the magic of play. We believe that there is a critical link between a child’s early experiences and later success in life.
HOW WE STARTED
We, the proud owners of Mountain Fundamentals Learning Center, met over 10 years ago. We instantly connected over our love for both education and children. We were inspired by each other's ideas and experiences.
Friendship grew fast between us and we now have a bond akin to sisters. Many wonderful evenings led to long discussions on how we could make our fantasies a reality. The three of us yearned for something new.
In 2023 Mountain Fundamentals Learning Center was born out of our passions and hopes. We found a great location in 2024 with a lot of support from our family, friends, and the families whose children we cared for throughout the years. The center reflects our desires to share the joys of friendship and fun as well as knowledge. We hope to build a space of community and safety for the youth of the future.
MEET THE TEAM
Kim Allen
Co-Founder
Hi, my name is Kim. I am a co-owner of Mountain FUNdamentals Learning Center. I am a wife, a mom ,and a CoCo .I have lived in Arden, NC for most of my life. I have been in the childcare field for over 25 years where I started out teaching and then became an administrator. It has been amazing getting to know so many families throughout the years. I love every bit of my experiences and I'm looking forward building new memories with new children and their families. I have a degree in administration and countless number of certifications. I can't wait to start the endless adventures with Mountain FUNdamentals!
Kalani Dozier
Co-Owner / Clever Critters Teacher
My name is Kalani and I am a co-owner and teacher for the 5-year-old classroom at Mountain FUNdamentals. Since being the stay-at-home support for my children, Imani and Henry, I fostered an immense love for education that has transcribed through both personal and professional experiences. For over 12 years I have had the privilege of educating preschool-age children where cultivating, motivating, and encouraging future generations has been pure joy. There is nothing like children’s imagination, creativity, and resourcefulness that never ceases to amaze me. I have a Bachelor’s degree in business and I have earned my teaching credentials along with numerous educational certificates. I hope that we can share in that wonder together here at Mountain Fundamentals Learning Center.
Susan Whitlock
Co-Owner / Squirrelly Scholars Teacher
Hello I’m Susan, a co-owner and teacher of the 3-4 year old classroom at Mountain FUNdamentals Learning Center. I grew up in New England but I moved to WNC from Colorado in 2006 with my husband, Kevin, and son, Jacob. I have been teaching for over 26 years and have my Early Childhood Certification. I have taught ages 2-12 years-old but for the last 17 years I have been a Pre-K teacher to over 425 children and still stay in contact with all of them! My passion has always been working with children and I couldn’t be more excited to have the opportunity to teach our future generations. Their unique thoughts and ideas always bring new and refreshing perspectives to life! I look forward to getting to know all the children and families in our school!
Julie Rolley
Floater
Hello, I’m Julie. I moved to Arden in 2001 from New York. I’m married and have two adult children. I’ll be floating between classrooms where I’m needed. I recently retired, but was excited to be asked to contribute to this new project. I worked as a Developmental Therapist for the NY State OMRDD for twelve years, and as a Staffing Coordinator, Teacher, and Assistant Director at various childcare centers after moving to North Carolina.
Amber Donati
Fantastic Foxes Teacher
Hello, my name is Amber! I am 26 years old & a mother to an almost 3 year old who attends Mountain FUNdamentals! I have been a dedicated stay at home mom while running an in home daycare since my daughter was born. I realized during that time that caring for children was something I excelled at & have a passion for. When I made the decision to get back into the working world, a job in childcare made perfect sense! The opportunity to work with some amazing people at Mountain Fundamentals came at the perfect time. I am teaching the “older 2’s” class & I am beyond grateful to play such an important role in helping these young children’s minds grow & flourish!
Claire Medeiros
Cub Club Teacher
My name is Claire and I love working with children. I’m the “younger” Twos teacher. Their curiosity, and enthusiasm for the world around them is contagious and I love diving into teach them about the wonderful things our world has to offer. I took my first child development class 20 years ago and since then have worked with children in various ways: I have worked with underserved kindergartners through Americorps, I’ve worked as a preschool teacher, and after care teacher in California, as a nursery and toddler volunteer, everyone’s go to new born babysitter, and kindergarten classroom aid in Florida. I have lived in Fletcher since 2023 with my wonderful husband; Mark, our three awesome kids: Phoenix, Elliott, and Indigo and our puppy, Java. I can’t wait to create new memories with all of you at Mountain FUNdamentals Learning Center.
At Mountain FUNdamentals Learning Center, we believe in the power of early learning and the magic of play. We believe that there is a critical link between a child’s early experiences and later success in life.
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