Meet our Team

Stephanie J. Rivera

Owner / President

With over 18 years of experience in the education of young children, Stephanie J Rivera is a true entrepreneur who owns and operates multiple child care centers (from start-ups to acquisitions). All of her schools have won several awards within the communities they serve. She has rapidly grown her company with an extraordinary excitement contagious to all who work with her.

Stephanie continues to be in high demand for her presentation, and leadership ability. She has presented many personal and professional motivational seminars on management, parent relations, staff development and marketing. Stephanie’s company continues to grow as she leads her team into the next realm of possibilities.

Jacy Mays

Executive Regional Director

Jacy Mays is the Executive Regional Director for Children’s Choice. Jacy's expertise in the education of young children has made her a true asset to Children's Choice. She works daily with each of the locations to ensure our highest expectations are being obtained. Jacy works closely with our Curriculum Developer to coach our teachers on how and when to implement our Core Knowledge Curriculum.

Jacy continues her education by attending National Childcare Association conferences and seminars. She believes that loving, enjoying and teaching children for all the qualities that make them unique, interesting and worthy as little individuals is our ultimate goal because there is nothing more important than your child(ren).

Kelly Stever

Executive Center Director - Children's Choice of Lone Tree

Kelly Stever is the Executive Regional Director for Children’s Choice. Kelly has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Northern Colorado. Kelly began her career with Children’s Choice in August of 1997 at our Lone Tree location. Kelly’s schools have been awarded Best of the Best by the Douglas County News Press in 2002, 2003, 2005, and 2006. Kelly works daily with the directors of each location to ensure that our policies and procedures are being followed. She has proven to be a valuable asset to the company and is always looking for a new challenge.

Karmen Hembury

Director of Human Resources

Karmen Hembury is the Director of Human Resources for Children’s Choice. In 1998, Karmen graduated from Marquette University with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Law Studies. She has continued her education at Arapahoe Community College focusing on Early Education.

Karmen first joined Children’s Choice in October 2002 as the Lead Teacher in the one-year-old classroom and also gained experience as a Lead Teacher in the three-year-old classroom. In February 2006, Karmen accepted a Center Director position at our Highlands Ranch location. As Director of Human Resources, Karmen develops training guidelines, monitors employee benefits, and upholds employment policies and procedures.

Karalynn Benekas

Supervisor of Opening Operations

Karalynn Benekas is currently the Supervisor of Opening Operations. Karalynn first joined Children's Choice in November 2003 teaching our infant program at our Highlands Ranch location. Along with teaching, Karalynn has a strong administrative background. Karalynn has experience opening and operating schools from the ground up. Karalynn is continuing her education to stay on top of the changes in early childhood care and education. Karalynn has proven to be an asset to our team.

Kris Kapral

Executive Center Director - Children’s Choice of Parker

Kris Kapral is currently the Executive Center Director at Children’s Choice of Parker. Kris holds both Bachelors and Masters Degrees in English from SUNY Potsdam. She has been with our company since 1997. Kris’ schools have been awarded Best of the Best by the Douglas County News Press in 2002, 2003, 2005, and 2006.

Kris is a very talented writer and enjoys helping the company obtain grants for additional improvements to Children’s Choice. Kris is a life-long learner and challenges herself by continuing her education in many areas of study.

Adriana Quezada

Center Director - Children’s Choice of Parker

Adriana Quezada is currently the Assistant Director at the Children’s Choice of Lone Tree. Adriana has been an integral element to the success of Children’s Choice. Adriana’s dedication to Children’s Choice has spanned for over ten years. She started as a teacher’s assistant and with persistence, experience, and education Adriana now inspires others in her Director position. Adriana stays at the top of her profession by attending National Childcare Association conferences and seminars throughout the year.

Jeneane Rupert

Executive Center Director - Children’s Choice of Castle Rock

Jeneane Rupert is currently the Executive Center Director of our Highlands Ranch location. Jeneane obtained an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from Arapahoe Community College. Jeneane began her career with Children's Choice in May 2006 teaching in our preschool and pre-kindergarten classrooms. A combination of management experience and a love for children, Jeneane has proven to be a valuable asset to the company.

Charisa Smaldone

Center Director - Childrens Choice of Fox Ridge

Charisa Smaldone is currently the Center Director at our Fox Ridge location. Charisa comes to us with many years of experience in the field of Early Childhood Education. She started with Children's Choice in 2004 at our Highlands Ranch location teaching our 3 year old program. While teaching, she continued her education and received her Director's Certificate. Charisa has attended Child Care seminars and Core Knowledge conferences to stay at the top of her profession and to be a valuable resource for the staff.

Sara Aksyonov

Center Director - Children's Choice of Parker

Sara Aksyonov is currently the Center Director at our Parker location. Sara started with Children's Choice in 2004 at our Lone Tree location. She has taught in our 1 year old and 2 year old programs. Sara is currently continuing her education at Arapahoe Community College. She enjoys getting to know every family in the school and building lasting relationships in the community.

Sarah Kornijczuk

Center Director - Children's Choice of Castle Rock

Sarah has a degree in Early Childhood Education.  She has worked for Children’s Choice since August of 2005 and has taught our toddler and our kindergarten programs.  Sarah has over 9 years of experience with children between the ages of 2 and 12.

Joyce Johnson

Center Director - Children's Choice of Highlands Ranch

Joyce has a Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education.  She started with Children’s Choice at our Castle Rock location as the Pre-K lead teacher.  Joyce has over 8 years of experience in the child care industry.