Meet us
Sarah Stone, PhD
Executive Director
Sarah, the founder and Executive Director of Wonderbloom, has a PhD in early childhood development and has spent over 20 years teaching and supervising early childhood programs including Parents As Teachers and Early Head Start. In addition, Sarah has trained in nature-based education approaches. She has incorporated her extensive knowledge of early childhood development with principles of nature-based learning to create the underlying philosophy and structure of Wonderbloom.
Sarah has two little ones, ages 11 years and 7 years. She loves to take them on adventures both in Utah and abroad. Sarah also loves to spend extra time volunteering in the community; you'll find her at Sundance Film Festival each Winter.
Mariah Leick
Early Childhood Educator
Mariah grew up in the beautiful Southwest desert and moved to Utah after graduating from Arizona State University in 2018. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Global Studies and Environmental Sustainability. Her previous experiences include providing gardening education to refugee community members, teaching toddlers, and working as a nanny. Mariah enjoys exploring the foothills with her dog, experimenting in her garden and kitchen, and learning new languages.
Sophie Nay
Classroom Assistant
Sophie has lived in Utah her whole life. She has subbed for daycares and after school programs in Utah for the past two years. Working in childcare has been a lifelong dream of Sophie's. She hopes to further her education in the field, providing foundational work for children and growing support for nature-based education. Sophie is deeply passionate about the environment and animals, which led her to spend time volunteering and advocating for animal rights and environmental protections specifically throughout Utah. Sophie loves going on trips to Southern Utah, crocheting, cooking and trying out new coffee spots. She is so excited to be a part of the Wonderbloom community. Sophie joined the Wonderbloom Team in February 2024.
Autumn Busse
Substitute
Autumn is a native Minnesotan, but she loves being out West. She is a sophomore in college and is studying early childhood education. Her boyfriend plays basketball for the University of Utah and she loves watching the Utes play. Her favorite state is Colorado, and she loves meeting new cats and dogs. In her spare time, Autumn enjoys camping, traveling, spending time with her niece, and being outdoors. Autumn joined the Wonderbloom Team in June 2022.
Lianna Lopez, MEd
Director
Lianna is originally from Northern California. Lianna moved to Utah in 2015, and earned a master’s degree in Education with a focus on Montessori Early Education from Westminster College. Lianna has over 17 years of experience working in the classroom with young children and families. One of Lianna's biggest passions is being a bird nerd! Lianna loves birds so much that she currently serves on the Great Salt Lake Audubon Board of Directors and is their Education Chair. Lianna also enjoys cooking, swimming, playing pinball, crocheting, hiking, golfing, backpacking, bowling and spending time with her family.
Jenna Krueger
Early Childhood Educator
Jenna is from Eugene, Oregon. She graduated from the University of Puget Sound in 2021 with a degree in Psychology. She has been living in Salt Lake City for a little over a year working as a wilderness therapy field guide. Her experience with children includes working at preschool, working at a summer camp as a counselor and a naturalist, and with a wilderness therapy program. In her free time she loves to go rollerblading, rock climbing, and reading.
Celine Pope
Classroom Assistant/Intern
Celine is a senior at the University of Utah, majoring in Environmental Science and Sustainability with an emphasis in Eco-justice and Education. Celine enjoys working in the outdoors, teaching skiing, rock climbing and being a summer camp counselor. Her hobbies include hula hooping, walking my dog, writing poetry, listening to audio books & jazz. Celine joined the Wonderbloom Team in December 2023
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Lizzy Bradford
Assistant Director
Lizzie grew up in Salt Lake City. She has a bachelor's degree from Utah State University in Family Life Studies. Lizzy has over 8 years of experience working with infants all the way up through school aged children. She is excited about the philosophy of Wonderbloom and to embrace nature based learning fully. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, restoring old items, hiking, and spending time in the sunshine.
Luma Dos Santos
Early Childhood Educator
Luma is originally from the East Coast, more specifically Quincy, Massachusetts. She moved to Salt Lake City earlier this year from California, where she was a seasonal Outdoor Educator. She has fallen in love with Utah’s wilderness and more specifically Cottonwood Canyon! Luma is very passionate about working with young learners, and has previously worked as a preschool teacher, outdoor educator, and nanny. In her spare time, Luma enjoys reading, hiking, cooking, doing arts and crafts, and spending time with friends and family. Luma joined the Wonderbloom Team in October 2023.
HIRING!
Early Childhood Educator
We are currently hiring for an EC Educator!
If you are interested in working with us please send a cover letter and resume to our Director,