Meet our TLE® Center team
Debbie Caruso
Center Director
Favorite TLE® Character:
Lionstein
Hello! My name is Debbie Caruso and I am the Center Director. I have been with The Learning Experience since 2018 and had the pleasure of working in the first school to come to The Valley. Being a mother and a grandmother myself I understand what parents are looking for in an amazing school. Our curriculum and enrichment programs offer exciting learning opportunities and our school is cheerful and clean. I moved to AZ in 2007 from NJ and started working for the Higley School District in Special Education before starting my career in childcare. I was a preschool teacher for several years, writing curriculum and training new staff prior to starting with The Learning Experience. We as a team work hard each day to run a quality school where both parents and their children are safe and happy!
Ms. Heather
Assistant Director
Favorite TLE® Character:
Bubbles
Ms. Heather is a native to Arizona and joins us with many years of previous experience as an early childhood educator. She earned her Associates in Early Childhood from MCC, and recently owned her own private preschool. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, exercising, cooking and reading. She strives to make learning fun in a safe environment where children feel comfortable to learn in.
Ms. Tera
Curriculum Manager / Lead Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Grace Charity
Tera is an Arizona native with many years of experience with young children from teaching preschool to providing habilitation services. She loves our new TLE Character Gibby Gibon who is in charge of helping us teach sign language to our little learners. In her spare time she loves to paint and watch Disney movies. Ms. Tera's classroom goals are to have fun, and learn through many play based experiences.
Ms. Barbara
Lead Infant Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Miss Chievous
Ms. Barbara is a New York native, and joins us with over 30 years of experience working with young children, mostly the Infants. She is very passionate about the first experiences young children have, and the important bonds they create together. In her spare time, Ms. Barbara likes to read and go horseback riding. Her goals are to love on each baby creating nurturing connections, and offer a solid introduction to our TLE learning experiences.
Ms. Rylee
Toddler Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Sonar
Ms. Rylee is from Wisconsin, but came to Arizona to attend ASU. She enjoys writing, reading, singing and all things Harry Potter. She loves working with young toddlers giving them a fun classroom experience filled with creativity and joy.
Ms. Tara
Lead Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Miss Chievous
Ms. Tara joined the Morrison Ranch family from a TLE in New Jersey, and is currently pursuing her degree in Early Childhood Education. She loves hiking, sports, road trips and spending time with her family. Her goals are to provide a safe and loving environment to ensure maximum learning opportunities. You will find Ms. Tara all over our school as she loves all age groups and is a great support to our classrooms and front office.
Mrs. Elizabeth
Lead Twaddler Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Miss Chievous
Elizabeth is our Lead Twaddler Teacher who joins us with several years of experience working with young children. She loves plants, cleaning, and everything Disney. Her goal is to create a magical classroom for our little learners.
Ms. Caroline
Assistant Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Penny Polite
Ms. Caroline is a passionate educator who specializes is creatively supporting young children. She was born in Taiwan and has called Arizona home since she was 6 years old. She has many years of previous experience working with young children from private preschools to head start programs and we are excited to have her part of our TLE Family!
Ms. Diane W.
Lead Preppers Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Bubbles
Ms. Diane recently joined our team after returning to the workforce. She has over 30 years teaching experience and has a passion for education and love for her students. Ms. Diane creates engaging lessons that keep her class excited and eager to learn.
Ms. Jessica
Preschool Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Grace Charity
Ms. Jessica comes to us with 15 years experience in the childcare industry. The majority of her time was spent with infants and toddlers but recently transitioned to preschool where she has found her place amongst our three year olds. Ms. Jessica’s sensitive and compassionate nature is just what they need.
Ms. Diane
School Chef
Favorite TLE® Character:
Bubbles
Diane is an Arizona native, originally from Flagstaff. Her experience includes being a kitchen manager at several restaurants as well as teaching young children in the early childhood setting. In her spare time Diane loves to go for walks and complete puzzles. You will see Diane all over our school as she knows all things TLE and loves to support the teachers when she is not cooking up her culinary creations. Her goals are to provide nutritious food, and help in all classrooms so she can get to know all of our little learners throughout the school.