Our Team

Lieba Mintz - Director

Lieba Mintz is the accomplished Director of the Preschool of the Arts, where she passionately fosters creativity and early childhood development. With a strong background in early childhood education and a deep appreciation for the arts, she has dedicated over a decade to enriching the lives of young learners. Under her leadership, the Preschool of the Arts has become a vibrant community hub, where innovative programs integrate learning, art, play, and movement—encouraging children to express themselves, explore their imagination, and develop a lifelong love of learning.

Lieba believes in nurturing each child’s unique talents in a supportive environment that sparks confidence and curiosity. Her vision and dedication continue to inspire the next generation of creative thinkers.

Originally from New York, Lieba also serves as a rebbetzin and Hebrew School teacher. Beyond her professional roles, she is the proud mother of seven children, balancing her devotion to family with her commitment to early childhood education and community life.

  • Nayrel Cano

    Toddler Classroom - Lead Teacher

    I am originally from Nicaragua, Central America, where I studied Medicine at university. After moving to Colorado, I discovered a new passion that has become a very meaningful part of my life: early childhood education. I began at the Preschool of the Arts as an assistant teacher, and I am so grateful to be starting my fourth year here and continuing to grow as the Lead Teacher in the Toddler classroom.

    Working with young children brings me so much joy. I love getting to know each child’s unique personality, interests, and way of learning. My goal is to create a warm and nurturing classroom where every child feels safe, loved, respected, and excited to explore.

    As a native Spanish speaker, I also enjoy sharing my language and culture through songs, stories, conversations, and playful activities. I especially love creating hands-on experiences with art, music, creativity, and exploration that help children build confidence and independence.

    Outside the classroom, I enjoy painting, hiking, spending time outdoors, and taking road trips with my husband. I feel very fortunate to call Aspen home and am excited for another wonderful year filled with learning, laughter, and special memories!

  • Cathy (Catherine) Wieseler-Myers

    Cathy (Catherine) Wieseler-Myers

    Preschool / Pre-K Classroom - Lead Teacher

    I have been fortunate to call the Roaring Fork Valley home for nearly 40 years and bring more than 30 years of combined experience working with children. I have always had a love for arts, crafts, and anything creative, and I enjoy bringing that creativity into the classroom whenever I can.

    My passion is helping children grow into confident, kind, and caring individuals. I strive to create a warm, happy, and nurturing environment where every child feels safe, supported, and encouraged to be themselves.

    I’m so excited to be part of the Preschool of the Arts team and look forward to caring for, encouraging, and learning alongside your little ones throughout the school year!

  • Liz (Elizabeth) Lewis

    Preschool / Pre-K Classroom - Teacher

    I am thrilled to be joining the Pre-K classroom at Preschool of the Arts! I earned my B.A. from Duke University and my Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Bank Street College in New York. I have been working with young children in Pre-K and Kindergarten classrooms since 1996, with some time away to raise my own three children.

    Working with young children has always brought me so much joy. I love watching their curiosity, confidence, and excitement grow throughout the school year—especially seeing the moment when something challenging suddenly “clicks.” I also love their wonderful sense of humor and the funny, thoughtful things they say each day.

    It is such a privilege to be part of a child’s learning and growth. I look forward to getting to know each child and creating a classroom where they feel safe, cared for, encouraged, and excited to learn.

  • Marti Norman

    Preschool Classroom - Assistant Teacher

    I am so happy to be returning for my second year as an Assistant Teacher at Preschool of the Arts! I have a background in medicine and a love for working with young children, helping them learn and grow through curiosity, creativity, and play.

    After moving to Aspen, I have loved becoming part of this wonderful community and spending time enjoying the outdoors. I feel very fortunate to continue getting to know each of our children and families and to be part of their learning, growth, and development throughout the school year.

  • Ellie (Elizabeth) Pierson

    Preschool / Toddler Classroom - Substitute

    I am so excited to join Preschool of the Arts as a Substitute Teacher and to stay connected with this wonderful school community throughout the year! Growing up in Nicaragua, I developed a passion for teaching and giving back to my community, which led me to begin volunteering with children at an early age.

    Since then, I’ve had the privilege of teaching and mentoring in a variety of settings—from leading lessons in Rwanda and conducting field research in Kenya to serving as a Teaching Assistant and History Ambassador at Santa Clara University.

    Fluent in both English and Spanish, I love encouraging creativity, kindness, and curiosity through art, stories, and exploration. Outside of school, I enjoy hiking, painting, and spending time in nature. I look forward to getting to know our children and families and being a familiar, caring presence in the classroom whenever I am needed.