Our Staff & Teachers

Mariel Butan is the Executive Director of Morningstar Learning Center, managing MLC’s finances, development, advocacy, and community outreach, ensuring that MLC can continue serving families for years to come.

Mariel earned her master’s degree in Education Administration and has over a decade in education and nonprofit management experience. She has worked with local, national, and international organizations on strategic planning, finances, and operations, and she cares deeply about using her skills and experience to help people live better lives. Creating better opportunities for teachers, working families, and their children is a major driver of her work.

In her role with MLC, Mariel is determined to improve access, affordability, and quality of early learning not just in our community, but across the sector, as she champions early childhood education’s critical importance for brain development and the economy. So far, that work has included launching need-based tuition assistance, leading the board through a strategic planning process, improving enrollment and operating systems, speaking with business leaders and elected representatives, and raising over $2.7 million to keep MLC open and to support increased pay, housing, and professional development for teachers.

Mariel is grateful to have called Big Sky home since 2017 and has many loves and hobbies; she wouldn’t want to make any of them feel bad by highlighting another as her favorite. Contact Mariel with questions about supporting, partnering with, or advocating for Morningstar and early learning.

Shannon Brennan is the Center Director of Morningstar Learning Center. Her mother opened a licensed in-home childcare when she was 2 years old; Shannon has been enamored with the world of child development and education ever since. After graduating with her bachelor’s degree from Boise state she has worked in both childcare and administration. In her past roles she has coordinated the implementation of curriculum and has encouraged staff towards professional development opportunities. She believes that the strongest resource we as a community have for our children’s development is the individual teachers that dedicate their time, talent, and energy into their classrooms. 

Shannon is excited to be back in Big Sky after leaving in 2021. Having lived in many different mountain towns throughout the west from Leavenworth, WA to Breckenridge, CO, Big Sky has always been the one that felt most like home. Shannon cannot wait to further engrain herself as a member of the Morningstar team and the larger Big Sky community. When not at Morningstar you can find her in the mountains skiing, climbing, rafting, hiking, or sitting in her hammock with a cup of tea and a good book.

Kelsey Sick brings nearly a decade of experience in early childhood education to her role as Program Coordinator at Morningstar Learning Center. Originally from Southern California, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Montana State University and has spent the past eight years teaching at MLC. Throughout her career, Kelsey has worked with children of all ages, with a strong focus on supporting Social Emotional Development.

In her new role, Kelsey supports MLC families and staff with enrollment, licensing, and school-wide coordination, helping ensure a smooth and successful year for all. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, relaxing by the lake, and sipping coffee. Kelsey’s dedication to fostering children’s emotional growth and her love for the outdoors make her a valued and passionate member of the MLC community.

Kim moved to Big Sky in August 2022 with her husband, Jeremy, and their three boys. Originally from New Jersey, she holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Baking and Pastry Arts Management from The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY, and spent several years working in top-tier pastry kitchens along the Las Vegas Strip. After becoming a mom, Kim shifted her focus from the fast-paced culinary world to raising her children. She joined Morningstar Learning Center in February 2023 as Office Manager and now serves as Development Coordinator, applying her administrative expertise, hospitality experience, and strong interpersonal skills to support teachers, students, and families.

As both a staff member and an MLC parent, Kim is deeply committed to the school’s mission, fostering meaningful relationships, and supporting the growth and well-being of the Big Sky community. Outside of work, she enjoys baking with her kids and exploring all the beauty and adventure that Big Sky has to offer.

Sloan Dalrymple has been part of Morningstar Learning Center for 3 years and brings 13 years of experience working with children ages 0–12. In her role as Curriculum Coordinator, she works closely with teachers to support curriculum development and classroom management, helping to create a positive and engaging learning environment for all students.

Originally from Colorado, Sloan holds an associates degree in Early Childhood Education, an Infant Nursery Supervisor Certificate and a Director’s Certificate. She is currently completing her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and is committed to ongoing professional growth.

Sloan is inspired by the creativity and unique perspectives children share each day. She is passionate about the power of learning and dedicated to fostering curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of discovery in young minds.

Angela was born in Bozeman and raised in Arizona and Southern California. She graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Business Economics and Political Science. With 20 years of experience in production, Angela has developed strong organizational and management skills. When she had her daughter, Angela ran an infant/toddler program out of her home for two years, gaining valuable experience in early childhood care. Her diverse background and experience make her a dedicated and adaptable professional.

Brenda moved to Big Sky five years ago from Colorado and has been an integral part of the Morningstar team for the past four years. While she has experience working with children of all ages, her true passion lies in working with infants, where she finds immense joy in helping them grow and develop. A proud mom of two boys, Brenda enjoys the beauty and lifestyle that Montana offers, cherishing her time spent with her family. When it comes to food, Brenda has a soft spot for tacos, chocolate, and cheesecake, and her favorite color is pink!

Kylie moved to Big Sky from Chicago, Illinois and has taught at MLC for the past two years.  She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois and spent two years teaching elementary physical education. Kylie is passionate about teaching and is excited to transition into a new learning environment, working with toddlers. Outside of school, Kylie enjoys being outdoors, listening to music, traveling, watching Chicago Cubs games, and spending time with her friends and significant other.

Mayra is originally from Mexico and has called the U.S. home for over 20 years, with the past 8 of those spent in Montana. For over 5 years, she has brought her compassion and love to the babies of MLC, creating a nurturing environment for our littlest learners. A devoted mother of three, Mayra balances her family life with a passion for cooking, earning a reputation as an excellent cook. She has a special fondness for foods that include coconut and nuts, and the color red is her favorite!

Mindy was born and raised in Illinois, where she pursued her studies in Education before relocating to Big Sky.  She has been a teacher at MLC for the past 7 years and is passionate about teaching children how to become independent and finds joy in watching them develop and thrive. Outside of her teaching role, Mindy loves scrapbooking, basketball, and spending quality time with her husband and children.

Cicada is a seasoned Environmental Educator who has worked with Early Childhood programs across the west. She is passionate about bringing the outdoors in, and sharing all she’s gathered on her travels and adventures. When she’s not in the classroom, you’ll likely see her riding her bike around town, playing fetch with her dog, or out in the forest foraging and creating art. She has spent many years traveling the west early in her career, gaining insight into other cultures and environments to round out her expertise of the outdoors. She has made it a goal to learn as many teaching pedagogies as she can along the way, so she can curate her teaching to each student and learning environment. She is very excited for this new opportunity to teach in Big Sky, and bring all she has learned to this community!

Leslie was born in California and raised in Mexico. She has been teaching at MLC for the past two years and is thrilled to work in the infant center, where she provides babies and toddlers with both educational and fun experiences as they grow. In her free time, Leslie enjoys spending quality moments with her family and loves traveling. Her favorite color is red, her favorite food is pozole, and spring is her favorite time of year.

Loren grew up in Northern Michigan and moved to Montana in 2011 after graduating with a bachelor’s degree from Northern Michigan University. She has spent the last four years at MLC working with infants and toddlers, providing nurturing care and support.  Loren enjoys an active outdoor lifestyle, including cross-country skiing, hiking, canoeing, camping, and attending concerts. Having lived in Alaska, Colorado, and Wyoming, Loren has found her home in the mountains of Montana. She is also a proud mom of two boys, Arlo and Bill, and loves raising her family in such a beautiful, adventurous place.

Originally from just outside of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Paige has called Big Sky home for nearly two years. With six years of experience working with children aged 0-5, Paige is deeply passionate about supporting her students’ growth and development. She finds great joy in helping each child learn and grow every day. Outside of the classroom, you can often find Paige traveling, skiing, reading, or spending quality time with her friends and family.

Renee moved to Big Sky from Richmond, Virginia, 7years ago to be closer to her two daughters. She attended Radford University, where she studied Finance and Insurance, and later pursued a degree in Education at the University of Richmond. Renee brings valuable experience from teaching Kindergarten and 3rd grade, which she now shares with the Preschool class. In her free time, Renee enjoys playing golf and cheering on all Cleveland Sports teams. She feels blessed to be a part of the Big Sky community and is excited to contribute to the growth and development of the children she works with.

Originally from California, Sam has returned to Big Sky to pursue a meaningful career in early childhood education at Morningstar Learning Center. With a deep-rooted passion for working with children, Sam is committed to creating a nurturing and engaging learning environment where young minds can grow and thrive. Outside the classroom, Sam enjoys reading, swimming, and participating in a variety of snow sports that Big Sky has to offer. Sam looks forward to building strong relationships with students, families, and the community while continuing to grow both personally and professionally in the field of education.

Autumn Wilson is very excited to join the MLC team after she recently moved to Big Sky to help nanny her baby niece. Autumn is from northern Indiana. After attending college and completing her internship at a VA hospital, she completed her certification as a music therapist. Additionally, she has previous experience working in youth services at a public library and as a paraprofessional assisting children with disabilities in a public elementary school. In her free time, Autumn enjoys reading, theater, singing and playing instruments, and exploring the outdoors.