Our Staff

Learn about the wonderful teaching staff at UKids - East Village! Within all classrooms there are assistants that work with the lead teachers to create a warm and positive environment that meets the needs of each child. At times we also have student teachers/interns participating in the classroom through the Department of Family and Consumer Studies. All staff members are encouraged to contribute ideas and experiences to the center. All staff, substitutes, students, and volunteers go through a state background check as required by Child Care Licensing.

Center Administration

Donna Abrams - Program Coordinator

Hi! My name is Donna Abrams and I am the Program Coordinator at UKids-East Village. I have a BS Degree in Education and have worked in early childhood for over 25 years, including over 18 years with Head Start. I am excited to be working with an awesome staff here at East Village. To quote Fred Rogers, “Play is really the work of childhood” and I agree with him that children learn best through fun and engaging activities.

I have 6 children and 19 grandchildren with whom I love spending as much time as possible. I enjoy traveling, reading, cooking and playing with my dog. I am very proud to be part of such a great University!

Caterpillar Classroom

	Ms. Courtney - Lead Teacher Hello! My name is Courtney. I am a Lead teacher in the Caterpillar classroom at East Village. I graduated from Dixie State University with an Associate Degree. I have worked in childcare off and on for almost ten years now and I LOVE it! I love seeing each child learn and grow each in their own way. I love spending my free time outside biking, boating, surfing and water skiing. I’m married and have a two-year-old along with two dogs, whom I adore!

	Ms. Melissa - Lead Teacher Hello, I’m Melissa! I graduated from Utah State University in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in Integrated Studies with an emphasis in human development, psychology, social work, English, and history. All this to say, I’ve got a lot of knowledge in a lot of random things. I’ve been in childcare for about 7 years and I’ve worked with kids from birth to kindergarten. I like to read, write, and play video games in my free time. I love getting to know people, so you can always come to me for a chat!

	Ms. Naomi - Classroom Assistant Hi, my name is Naomi and I’ve been working with children almost all my life. I am born and raised in salt lake. I am currently studying at the U to become a child psychologist. I like to draw and am a huge movie buff. My favorite thing about childcare is being able to see how much a child grow and develop over time.

	Ms. Rebecca - Classroom Assistant Hey! I’m Rebecca, an international student from Brazil working on my BS in psychology at the University of Utah #GoUtes.

Ladybug Classroom

Ms. Kaylee - Lead Teacher

Hi! My name is Kaylee.
I am currently studying at the University of Utah and majoring in Family, Community and Human Development with a Child Life Emphasis. I have worked with UKids since February 2022 and spent a majority of my teenage and adult life volunteering with various programs working with kids. In my free time, I love to read and spend my time outside.

Bumblebee Classroom

Ms. Julie - Lead Teacher

BA- Education

I have two boys and have been married for 23 years.

I have lived in Alaska, Utah and Arizona.

I love to hike and have outdoor adventures.

Ms. Sydney - Classroom Assistant

Hey! I'm Sydney (or Syd, whichever you prefer). I've been working with little ones since I started babysitting at 11 years old & I love it! I am an art teaching major/ art history minor here at the University of Utah. I love all things art related! I spend most of my free time painting, reading, running & hiking. I can't wait to get to know you & your kiddos!

Ms. Miriam - Classroom Assistant

Hello everyone! My name is Miriam and I was born and raised in Spain. I lived in Chile for a year and later, I moved to the USA to pursue my education in psychology.
Living in three different countries has made me learn, appreciate, and love the diversity of cultures and its traditions. I’m addition to that, psychology has opened my eyes to a deep understanding of the world; how we think, manage emotions and behave, among many other things. One of those things is the importance of guiding, loving, teaching and bringing safety to our children their first three years of their lives; these three first years will impact their life as they grow.
With this knowledge I try to be the best guide to your kids so that they can feel safe and grow mentally and physically healthy in their childhood and later on as well.

Cricket Classroom

Ms. Kirstie - Lead Teacher

Kirstie is the full-time teacher in our Cricket room at UKids-East Village. She grew up in Wyoming in a large family. With many nieces and nephews, she decided early in life that she wanted to be a teacher. Kirstie graduated from the University of Wyoming with a degree in elementary education with a certification in early childhood education. When she’s not working at East Village, she enjoys working as a dog breeder of Goldendoodles and Labradoodles. She has two Labradoodles of her own and loves playing with them. Kirstie also loves music and involves music in her lessons, teaching songs to her preschoolers.

Mr. Greg - Classroom Assistant

My name is Gregory Kogan. I am a classroom assistant in the Cricket classroom with the 3-5 years-olds. I have worked here for 16 years (going on 17 years) and currently have my Child Development Associate credential (CDA).

I have Down syndrome. My hobbies are listening to music, play 4 instruments -- Piano, Guitar, Drums, and banjo. I am involved with Tanner Dance and UILC. I also have two cats that I adore.

UKids – East Village

Student Parent Support Center

Donna Abrams - Program Coordinator

Ms. Courtney - Lead Teacher

Ms. Melissa - Lead Teacher

Ms. Naomi - Classroom Assistant

Ms. Rebecca - Classroom Assistant