The staff at Every Little Blessing recognizes the unique challenges and joys of knowing and working with children with Down syndrome and other abilities. Families can be assured that their child will be loved, supported and encouraged to try new things. In an inclusive setting, our staff understands the developmental milestones of typically developing children as well and children become the role models for the Down syndrome population. Teachers work to individualize goals for all children beginning with what their strengths are.
Ms. Jessica is the Director of ELB since 2021, after spending 3 years as the Lead Teacher for Littles class. She comes with over 16 years of teaching experience in elementary special education; she attended UTEP for her undergraduate studies and NMSU for her master’s in special education. Ms. Jessica is currently teaching a graduate course for Intro to Special Education at NMSU and is working on her Doctorate Program in Curriculum & Instruction emphasizing in Early Childhood.
Ms. Jessica has worked with children 5 years and younger in the public-school setting and is most passionate about early intervention with babies and preschool-aged children. Ms. Jessica is married to Noah and together they have a beautiful daughter named Josslyn. They are both very supportive of the Every Little Blessing program and enjoy spending time with the kids every chance they get!
Ms. Jessica is called Yaya by her loved ones, including the students. She is very dedicated to the success of ELB and providing the best support and resources to our families and children.
“Our task is to help children communicate with the world using all their potential, strengths and languages, and to overcome any obstacle presented by our culture.” Loris Malaguzzi
“Play is the only way the highest intelligence of humankind can unfold.” Joseph Chilton Pearce
Jackie Haines brings more than 25 years of experience in office management to Every Little Blessing. As a mother of two grown sons, Jackie appreciates the joy children add to life and truly sees each student as a blessing.
Jackie considers being a part of Every Little Blessing to be one of the greatest experiences of her career and looks forward to coming to the school every day.
Jackie’s role at Every Little Blessing extends beyond the management of all administrative needs, she is a part of every aspect of the school. You will enjoy her bright smile and positive energy when you walk in the front door! Ms. Jackie is our “Jackie of all trades” and we wouldn’t know what to do without her!!
Ms. Chana is the Lead Teacher for the Bigs & Littles class at this time. With ELB since 2022, she brings over 10 years of experiences working in a school setting. Ms. Chana’s first year was working in an EPISD Preschool Programs for Children with Disabilities (PPCD) class as a paraprofessional working under a fantastic mentor (Ms. Jessica). She then went on to work as a special education teacher in the EPISD district and Clint ISD as a Life Skills teacher.
She has a wonderful husband who is super supportive of her teaching career and loves to hear how her day was. Her husband has worked for Southwest Airlines for the past 25 years.
Ms. Chana has three beautiful girls and 1 grandpup. Madison, her oldest, is also a Special Education teacher in the Las Cruces public schools and is a great mother to her grandpup. Savannah, her middle daughter is a nurse and is extremely busy. Taylor, her baby lives in Albuquerque and enjoys going to church and recently got back in to school.
While Ms. Chana stays busy outside of school, she is committed to your child and will enjoy watching the growth and progress that Every Little Blessing can offer you both.
Ms. Cassey has been with ELB since 2021 when she started as a substitute. Ms. Cassey has grown into a wonderful Lead Teacher and has changed her major from psychology to education after falling in love with working in the Littles classroom as a Teacher Assistant. Now comfortable with designing engaging lessons, tracking individual progress, and leading the classroom, we have named her the Lead Teacher for the Toddlers classroom.
When Ms. Cassey is home she is a cat momma to her two cats Luna and Nova. She has a dream to travel to New York and spend Christmas in the city. Her hobbies include baking and making sweet treats - it’s therapeutic.
