Meet our TLE® Center team

Melissa Mikell
Preschool Director
Favorite TLE® Character:
Flexi Flamingo
My name is Melissa Mikell and I am the Center Director for The Learning Experience Rhodes Ranch Las Vegas. I am currently attending Grand Canyon University obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Educational Studies. I have been working with children and families for over ten years and could not imagine doing anything different. The excitement, amazement and wonder that children experience while learning is the reason, I absolutely love what I do. I have four wonderful children of my own that bring their own set of adventures to my life and we would not have it any other way. I am thrilled to be a part of your family’s adventure in learning.

Jhana Pardue
Center Owner
Favorite TLE® Character:
Two Plus Toucan
My name is Jhana Pardue and I am the Center Owner of the Learning Experience of Rhodes Ranch. I graduated from the University of Central Florida with a B.S. in Accounting and Minor in Early Childhood Education. Go Knights! I am a mom of two wonderful children Noah and Riley. It was them who inspired me to pursue opening our schools. The most rewarding part about my job is seeing our little learners grow and develop right in front of our eyes. I look forward to meeting you and your little one soon.

Rachel Day
Assistant Director
Favorite TLE® Character:
Phoebe Phonics
My name is Rachel Day and I am the Assistant Director here at The Learning Experience at Rhodes Ranch in Las Vegas Nevada. I am currently pursuing my Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education Business Administration from UAGC. I have working in childcare for 10 years with kiddos of all ages. It has been my career goal since I was a little kid myself and started helping with my siblings. I have a daughter who brings me the all the happiness in the world. She is a constant reminder of why I love what I do- the joy and enthusiasm children get when they learn something new. I am excited to get to share that joy and enthusiasm with you and your family.

Crystal Melton
Toddler Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Flexi Flamingo
Ms. Crystal is the Lead Toddler teacher. She has worked in education for over 27 years with children of all ages. Ms. Crystal loves seeing her students blossom into individuals with their own unique personalities. She is looking forward to helping your child learn and begin to realize all of the amazing things they are capable of.

Halee Martinolich
Assistant Infant Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Flexi Flamingo
Experience in Early Childhood Education: 5 years Credentials: Multiple trainings and classes Why you love being in ECE: Working with kids, helping them grow, helps me feel like a kid myself- sharing the joys. Hobbies: Disney, Hiking, and Make-up Favorite TLE Character: Flexi Flamingo

Barbara Marin
Infant Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Miss Chievous
Hello my name is Barbara and I am from las Vegas NV. I love crafts, food and movies. My goals for my classroom is to be more organized and to give my little babies plenty of love .

Fran Wolfe-Connor
Helping Hand
Favorite TLE® Character:
Bubbles
Ms. Fran is one of our Helping Hands. She will be assisting around the school, offering any assistance our teachers might need to ensure our students have the happiest and safest educational environment we can offer. She has been working with children of all ages for over 50 years. A brief retirement a few years ago showed her just how much she loved working with children and helping them learn and grow, prompting her to jump back into Early Education. She is looking forward to providing a positive and loving environment for your child.

Ana Guevara
Lead Toddler B
Favorite TLE® Character:
Flexi Flamingo
Experience in ECE: I have 22 years in ECE. Credentials: Multiple Trainings and Classes Why I love ECE: I enjoy being around children, and how they transmit their energy and happiness onto you. Hobbies: Watch Tv. Listen to Music, Read Books

Halee Martinolich
Assistant Toddler Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Flexi Flamingo
Experience in Early Childhood Education: 5 years Credentials: Multiple trainings and classes Why you love being in ECE: Working with kids, helping them grow, helps me feel like a kid myself- sharing the joys. Hobbies: Disney, Hiking, and Make-up Favorite TLE Character: Flexi Flamingo

Mina Affane
Assistant Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Bubbles
My Name is Mina and I am an Assistant in the Toddler B Classroom. I am From Casablanca , Morocco and have a College Degree in Mathematics. My goals for the classroom are to be more Organized and to teach the children Life Long Skills.

Shanteriel Thompson
Twaddler Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Miss Chievous
Experience in ECE: 1 year Credentials: Multiple trainings and classes Why you love being in ECE: I love being a good role model for children and someone that understands them Hobbies: Basketball , Reading, Puzzles, Hiking, Walks,

Samantha Lilligard
Prepper Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Sonar
Experience in Early Childhood Education: 1 1/2 years Credentials: Associates in Science and Art Why you love being in ECE: working with kids and watching them grow! Hobbies: Plant MOM, Gym, Reading, Shopping

Amayah Jackson
Helping Hand
Favorite TLE® Character:
Bubbles
I am from Lancaster, CA. My hobbies are Singing , Photography, Hair and Nail Styling and Crafting. My goals for my Classroom are to create a space for fun stimulating learning.

Midnight Star D'Amour
Prepper Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Flexi Flamingo
Hello my name is Midnight but I go by Star. I am from Las Vegas NV and I enjoy being a part time Nanny, Hiking and Makeup. My goals for my classroom are to help every child succeed and thrive .

Michelle Padgett
Preschool Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Bubbles
Hello my name is Michelle and I am from Starkville, MS. I love spores-soccer, video games, hiking and areal. My goals for my classroom are to solidify letters, numbers, sight words and to work on problem solving with friends .

Michelet Steele
Preschool 3 Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Bubbles
I am from California. I have an Associates Degree in ECE. My hobbies are Dancing, Painting, Water Aerobics, Singing, Hiking, Walking and Cycling.

Shiela Auino
Preschool 3 Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Bubbles
I am originally from the Philippines. I have A Bachelors in Elementary Education. I love Cooking , Reading Books, Dancing, and Singing. My goals for my classroom is to to assist the school administration , teachers and students to reach their Academic Behavioral goals .

Kim Dickson
Preschool 1 B
Favorite TLE® Character:
Bubbles
Experience in Early Childhood Education: 21 years Credentials: Multiple trainings and classes Why you love being in ECE: Seeing how little one’s minds work, their imagination, and how amazed they get when they learn new things. Hobbies: Puzzles and Trivia
Regina Anderson
Preschool 1B
Favorite TLE® Character:
Penny Polite
I am from Los Angeles CA. I have a Degree in Medical Assisting as well as multiple trainings and classes. My hobbies are Hiking, Traveling, Spending time with family and participating in activities pertaining to my spiritual journey. My classroom goals To grow with the Children and the School and to continue to strive to be a great teacher for my students.