Meet the Team at Amore Preschool
Elynn Colaianni – Preschool Director
My name is Elynn Colaianni, and I am the Director of Amore Preschool. Over the past three years I have had the privilege of working closely with our children, teachers, and families while helping guide the day to day life of our school community.
I was born in Montreal, Canada, and moved with my family to Scottsdale, Arizona in 1969, where I was raised. Although I have lived in other western states, the Desert Southwest has always felt like home. I am grateful to have a son and daughter, their wonderful spouses, and a young grandson whom our family absolutely adores.
My career in education spans more than 35 years. I began working as an Assistant Education Curator at the Phoenix Art Museum before continuing my work in museums and education. I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education and Sculptural Metals from Arizona State University, a Master of Arts in the same field from California State University Long Beach, and a Master of Education in Secondary Education from Arizona State University.
In 2002 I began teaching art in both public and private schools, working with students from Pre K through 12th grade. These experiences shaped my belief that children learn best through creativity, exploration, and hands on experiences.
At Amore Preschool I am actively involved with our classrooms, teachers, and families each day. I believe strong communication with parents is essential and I always welcome conversations with families about their child’s development, classroom transitions, and any questions or concerns they may have. Supporting both our students and their families is one of the most meaningful parts of my role as director.
I have a deep appreciation for nature, the arts, and reading, along with a strong interest in health and wellness. Most of all, I believe children thrive when they are given the opportunity to explore their world through play, creativity, and discovery.
At Amore Preschool we celebrate each child’s unique strengths while encouraging curiosity, problem solving, and confidence. It is a privilege each day to help create a nurturing environment where children feel safe, supported, and excited to learn.
Ms. Jaylen - Assistant Director
Dahgot’éh! My name is Jaylen Parker and I come from the White Mountains on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation of the White Mountain Apache Tribe. I’ve always had a love for reading and playing sports growing up, and keep up with these hobbies today. This includes playing volleyball, basketball, and time in the gym! Growing up in the White Mountains gave me a love for the outdoors so I enjoy fishing, hiking, or just a drive through the mountains. My love for early childhood education began as a teen and has carried into my adult years as I’ve worked with kids for the past 5 years. My first 3 years were spent working with children at a rehab center on the reservation. After moving to the Valley, I continued my work with children while working on my degree in Early Childhood education. This brought me to Amore, where I have spent the past 2 years loving and teaching these brilliant children! Ashóóg ahìyééh!
Mrs. Sarah - Pre K Teacher
Hey there! My name is Sarah McClure! I grew up in sunny Southern California before moving to Phoenix in my teen years. Growing up, I loved playing sports like basketball and softball, and was always a very avid reader! Reading continues to be a passion of mine to this day, and I’m so grateful to be able to share my love of literature with young learners! I’ve always known that I wanted to work in education, and focused heavily on childhood development while getting my degree in Psychology from UCLA. While in college, I spent lots of time leading an on-campus organization that benefited a women’s shelter in Santa Monica. I also devoted time to my growing interest in art, so it is not uncommon to find me doodling or coloring in my free time! After graduating, I found myself longing for a career that held meaning to me, and that’s when I found Amore Preschool! I have now worked at Amore for almost a year, and my work is my pride and joy! I love having the opportunity to help your children grow and learn!
Ms. Jazmine - Preschool Teacher
Hello everyone! My name is Ms. Jazmine (or Ms. Jazzy for short), and I'm the Preschool Teacher here at Amore Preschool. I have a passion for working with young children and love spending my days interacting with, teaching, and getting to know all of the wonderful children in my classroom.
Over the past five years, I've had the opportunity to work with children of many different ages, including infants, toddlers, two-year-olds, and preschoolers.
A few fun facts about me: I was born and raised in Arizona, and I also spent some time living in Santa Fe, New Mexico. My favorite color is purple, and I'm a huge foodie who loves trying new restaurants, snacks, and desserts. In my free time, I enjoy playing video games, reading on my Kindle, writing poetry, watching Korean and Chinese dramas, and traveling. I'm also a big Disney fan and hope to visit Tokyo, Japan one day!
I'm thankful to be part of the Amore Preschool family and look forward to another wonderful year of learning, laughter, and helping children grow.
Ms. Parker - Toddler Teacher
Hello! My name is Diane Parker, but the children know me as Ms. Parker and I am a teacher for our older toddlers (two-year-olds). I'm originally from Whiteriver, Arizona, and I've been working with young children since I was a sophomore in high school. Before joining Amore Preschool, I taught children ages 2–5 at a preschool in my hometown.
I love creating a fun, welcoming classroom where children can learn, grow, and build confidence every day. My favorite color is pink, and outside of school I enjoy shopping, spending time with my family, and taking road trips.
I love getting to know each child and watching them learn new things every day.
Ms. Emily - Toddler Teacher
Hello! My name is Emily Cromwell, and I'm one of the Toddler teachers for the one-year-olds here at Amore Preschool. I am from the White Mountain Apache Tribe in Arizona and am currently attending Arizona State University, where I am studying Biomedical Terminology. I am also honored to be the recipient of five Native American-centered scholarships.
Working at Amore Preschool has helped me discover my passion for working with young children. I love watching them grow physically, emotionally, and socially while supporting them through their everyday experiences. I enjoy introducing children to different ways of learning and helping them better understand both themselves and the world around them.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and being outdoors. I also prioritize my education as I work toward my dream of a career in the healthcare industry. I love learning about different cultures and meeting people from all walks of life. Thank you for taking the time to get to know a little about me!
Ms. Angela - Infant & Toddler Teacher
Hello, families! My name is Angela, and I'm originally from the Philippines. I've been living in Arizona for the past three years and am a proud mom of two boys under the age of three.
I started at Amore Preschool as a lunch staff member and assistant teacher, which gave me the opportunity to get to know the wonderful children in every classroom. Today, I work with both our infant and toddler programs, where I enjoy watching children grow, learn, and reach new milestones every day.
A few fun facts about me: I've hiked Mount Humphreys, the highest mountain in Arizona, and I've even scuba dived with whale sharks!
Ms. Olivia - Infant Teacher
Hi! I’m Olivia, the infant teacher here at Amore. I’m an Arizona native and the proud mother of a three-year-old girl who also attends this special school. Some of my favorite activities include singing and dancing with my toddler, cooking, hiking, reading, spending time with animals, and enjoying the outdoors.
My approach to infant care begins with recognizing just how special the first year of life is. I believe in slowing down and taking the time to build a meaningful, one-on-one connection with each baby. It’s important to me that every infant in our classroom feels safe, comfortable, and well cared for.
I also place a strong emphasis on understanding infants’ nonverbal cues. Babies may not be able to speak yet, but they communicate their needs in many ways. Whether they’re rubbing their eyes because they’re tired or bringing their hands to their mouths because they’re hungry, I pay close attention and respond with care.
Throughout the day, I support healthy wake windows and create a clear distinction between active time and restful nap time. During awake time, I enjoy playing classical music and nursery rhymes, reading beginner books with expressive storytelling, and looking out the window with the babies to observe birds and trees.
I’m incredibly grateful for the trust each family places in me. Open communication with parents is very important to me, and I look forward to welcoming you and your little one to our classroom!