Meet our Staff

Dr. Eric Bucher - Director

Dr. Eric Bucher has 19 years of experience in the early childhood education field in Arizona. He is excited and honored to join the Family Enrichment Center team as the director.

Throughout his career, Eric has taught children birth to age 5 as a preschool teacher, designed early learning activities at a science museum, coordinated multi-million-dollar education grants, managed large preschool and afterschool programs, and directed a non-profit that provided training for child care providers. He also has nearly a decade of experience teaching students as part-time faculty in an early childhood degree program at a community college.

He earned a Doctorate of Education in Leadership & Innovation from Arizona State University and a Master in Early Childhood Leadership from Northern Arizona University. His research expertise is high-quality infant/toddler care, ongoing professional development for early educators, preschool science activities, and state and federal early learning policy.

Between 2022-2024, Eric co-led the statewide advocacy campaign with local parents, educators, and businesses that resulted in a $12 million state investment in 2024 to help working families across Arizona access high-quality child care, which was the first infusion of public child care dollars in nearly 15 years. Eric has lived in Arizona for more than 25 years and grew up most of his childhood in rural Tennessee. His parents both served in the U.S. Air Force, and he deeply believes in serving the community and ensuring young children and their families have high-quality early learning opportunities to grow and thrive.

Nicole Moore – MBA - Coordinator

Nicole Moore was born and raised in Arizona Nicole said, “Growing up in the desert heat was a unique experience. It provided ample opportunities for indoor activities, and reading became my gateway to extraordinary worlds, all from the comfort of my living room. This love of reading and pursuit of knowledge has made me a lifelong learner.”

Nicole earned an associate degree in general studies and arts, a Bachelor of Science in public agency service, and a Master of Business Administration. Over the years, she has also completed various educational courses.

Most recently, Nicole is pursuing certificates in Early Childhood Education and Accounting at Yavapai College, with a keen interest in artificial intelligence. Her professional background includes a decade of experience in higher education, including Institutional Research at Yavapai College, and decades in the real estate and title industries and the bookkeeping professions. She has also volunteered at the Prescott Fine Arts Association and in the Pre-K classrooms at her church.

Nicole said, “Growing up as the youngest in a family with many older siblings and cousins taught me to appreciate all ages, interests, and perspectives, especially the joy found in interacting with babies and children. Over the past two years, I have gained education and hands-on experience in administrative and coordinator roles at the FEC, completing hundreds of hours of development and training. I look forward to many more years of growth and opportunities.”

Karen Rodriguez – Administrative Assistant

Karen Rodriguez is the administrative assistant for the FEC at Yavapai College and has been a part of the program since 2021, working in different roles such as Floater Teacher, Coordinator, and Substitute Teacher. Karen said, “I first came to the FEC as a practicum student after enrolling in the Early Childhood program with Yavapai College.

I have over 20 years of experience working with children. I started my college studies in early childhood right out of high school. My time at the FEC has brought on professional growth and I appreciate the many different opportunities I have been given.

I enjoy spending time with the children and learning every day how I can assist the program to remain high quality. In my personal time, I have 3 amazing daughters that I spend most of my time with. We read, crochet, and spend time outdoors. We also love water, so many of our vacation days are spent visiting family in California and splashing in the ocean.”

Jeannie Culbert – Infant Room Mentor Teacher

Jeannie Culbert serves as the mentor teacher in the infant room.Jeannie holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Arizona and is a certified Early Childhood Educator. She has taught preschool, kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade, and English Language Learners.

Jeannie said, “I decided I needed a change from the traditional classroom and came to the FEC. I have two grown children. When I am not at the FEC, I love to travel and explore new places. I love taking pictures in nature and being in nature. Winter is my favorite time in Prescott; I love the cold and the snow.”

Sierra Schaible – Infant Teacher

Sierra Schaible is the infant teacher at the FEC and earned an associate degree in early childhood education at Yavapai College in May 2024. Sierra is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in early childhood education with a certificate in special education through Arizona State University, graduating in December 2026.

Sierra said, “I’ve worked with children ages 3 months to 5 years, and love the calm, comforting environment of our infant classroom! I find inspiration in nature- whether at work or when I’m off. I get outdoors by hiking, and the most beautiful hikes I’d recommend are Half Dome in Yosemite, The Narrows in Zion, and Humphrey’s Peak in Arizona.”

Shannon Shea – Toddler A Mentor Teacher

Hello, my name is Shannon Shea.

I was born and raised in Santa Barbara, CA. I was homeschooled from Kindergarten all through 12th grade, after graduating high school in 2015 by family and I moved to Chino Valley, AZ during the summer of 2016.

I started attending Yavapai College in 2017 where I studied performing arts, and during that time I started as a kitchen assistant at the FEC, I had always enjoyed working with children and so when I needed a on campus job it seemed like a natural fit. I quickly realized that the FEC was unlike any other place I’d encountered, the quality of care and the philosophies were what I had always wanted to provide but hadn’t been able to before.

In 2020 when the FEC reopened during the pandemic I started working in what at the time was the Toddler B classroom. When I graduated college in 2022 I worked for a short time as a substitute teacher before returning to YC as a student later that year to get a secondary AA degree in early childhood education.

In spring of 2023 I started working full time as a floater teacher.

In spring of 2024, I started working full time as the Toddler A teacher.

When I’m not teaching I enjoy doing crafts, photography, music, and spending time with friends and family.

Sophie Trevino – Toddler A Teacher

Sophie has been a student worker at the FEC for 3 years and has significant experience in child development for 1- and 2-year-olds. Sophie said, “I have been working at the FEC for 3 years as a student worker. At the beginning of the year, I got my Associate Degree studying English and started working on my Early Childhood Education (ECE) certificate.

I am excited to teach alongside Shannon in Toddler A, getting to spend more time with the kids, helping with art, and lesson planning. I look forward to teaching the toddlers every day, and being more involved in their lives!”

Mattie Dundas-Tillman- Toddler B Mentor Teacher

My name is Mattie Dundas-Tillman, and I am so excited to be a part of the FEC team! I am the Mentor Teacher in the Toddler B classroom.

I was born and raised here in Prescott, Az and I have a younger sister. My dad worked for the forest service and my mom was a music teacher for PUSD. After I graduated from Prescott High School, I began taking classes here at Yavapai College. I transferred to NAU and moved to Flagstaff. I majored in Elementary Education and received a Bachelor of Science in Education. I have my Arizona Teaching Certificate for Elementary (K-8) with an Early Childhood Endorsement (Birth-Age 8).

I taught Kindergarten/1st grade for 8 years and then began teaching Preschool. Preschool is by far my favorite age to teach! This will be my 11th year teaching.

I am married and have two incredibly active and adorable little boys. My oldest son is Bode and he is 4. He is currently in Preschool B. My sweet baby boy is Jory, and he is 9 months. He is currently in the Infant room. We also have two big dogs, Echo and Mia.

I am so grateful to have my boys with me at FEC. In the short amount of time I have been here, I have seen my two boys thrive and I believe I have grown into a better teacher by learning and playing with the children in Toddler B. I feel so lucky to be a part of this wonderful program at Yavapai College.

John Olivas – Toddler B Teacher

Hello, my name is John Olivas, I was born in Yuma, AZ, grew up in a small farming town about 55 minutes outside of Yuma called Roll, AZ. After graduating high school, I moved to Prescott, AZ in 2000. I graduated with my A.A.S in Early Childhood Education in 2007, and furthermore was hired as a student worker the same year. I have been part of the Del E. Webb Family Enrichment Center here at the FEC for about 14 years. I have been in all the classrooms from the infant room to the preschool rooms, including the kitchen and front desk.

My favorite age group to work with is the infants to 2-year-olds. Currently I am back at Yavapai College, working towards my business administration degree part time. When I am not teaching, I like watching sports, like soccer, baseball, and the Olympics. In addition, I enjoy hiking, Zumba, exercising, playing video games, going to the movies, being outdoors and reading.

Ashley Brown –Preschool B Mentor Teacher

Hi! My name is Ashley Brown, and I am the mentor teacher in Toddler A. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Arizona State University in 2010. I’ve worked with children in summer camps, school districts, private preschools and even watched children from my in-home daycare. With all the different experiences I have, working with young toddlers is my absolute favorite. Seeing growth in the children is the most rewarding and exciting aspect. I love getting to know their personalities, providing experiences for them to learn and grow from plus they give the best snuggles!!

When I am not working, I’m usually spending time outside with my family. Mike and I have been married for 9 years. We have 2 children, Lincoln and Della. We moved to Prescott, from Gilbert AZ, in 2018 and have loved being here since!! We love getting outdoors, the chill vibes and small town feel, and you can’t beat the weather!

Makenzie Tormollan - Preschool B Teacher

Hi, Im Makenzie Tormollan! I was born in Southern California, but raised in Colorado and Arizona for majority of my life. I graduated High school in Prescott Valley in 2022 at AAEC. This is my first job working in a preschool environment, but I have worked in education before working a lot with kids with special needs. I have been teaching since I was 16, teaching people how to ride and all about horses! I am a horseshoer on the side, and was also a large animal Vet tech before. I was originally in school to get my DVM, but soon realized I enjoyed and missed working with kids much more. I still love animals, I have 2 dogs, a tortoise, and just recently sold all of my horse.

Outside of work and school, I enjoy working with horses, and mounted archery, reading and writing, blacksmithing, hiking different places with my boyfriend with our two dogs and being around my loved ones.

Lauren Calkins – Preschool A Mentor Teacher

Lauren is the mentor teacher in Preschool A. She has over 25 years of experience working with young children. She loves to come alongside children to help them discover themselves, the world, and their place in it.

Lauren and her younger son share a home and two cats. When she is not working, Lauren frequently visits her mom and her 4 other children and 15 grandchildren. She also enjoys dancing, crocheting, and reading.

Sarah Martin – Preschool A Teacher

Hi there! My name is Sarah Martin, and I am the teacher in the Preschool A classroom. I was born and raised near Chicago, Illinois, but I moved to Prescott when I was 21 years old. I have wanted to be a teacher since I was a young girl. I would play "school" with my neighbor, and we would use our stuffed animals as our students. My mom and sister are teachers as well, so we are a family of teachers. I graduated with my AAS from Yavapai College and would eventually like to continue on with my Bachelors.

I started working at the FEC in 2019 as a student worker in the Toddler B classroom. The FEC shortly became my 2nd home. In 2022, a position opened up for the teacher in the preschool classroom, so I decided to apply. I was filled with so much joy when I found out I was offered the position. I love watching the children's curiosity and imagination develop during the preschool years. I am very honored to be a part of the children's lives at this young of age. I am very excited to continue my teaching journey at the FEC!

I have a daughter, Isabelle, who is my pride and joy! She is such a sweet, gentle, and spunky little girl! Together we enjoy going on hikes, singing, reading, planting, playing with our 2 dogs, and, of course, cuddling together. My daughter attends the FEC and the memories and relationships she has made there will last a lifetime.