Staff

Mrs. Abby Lazarus, EdS.

I am the CEO of Lazarus Holdings LLC; I own Peach Pit, PeachTree School of Early Childhood Education, and Peachtree Preschool. I owned Little Peaches Preschool for 10 years before closing the school in May 2023.
I am a current Doctoral Student. I, also have an EdS. and a master’s in Early Childhood Studies, with a Bachelor’s in Child Development. I am entering my 17th year in the ECE profession. My passion has always been teaching young children.
​Advocating for preschoolers and their families, as well as the entire Early Childhood profession is something I really feel is my calling. I truly believe in the work I do every day. I will spend the rest of my life educating others so that they understand the value of a preschool education.

Mrs. Layne Varland- Asst. Director of both Peachtree locations, creative director of Peach Pit

Assistant Director of Peachtree Schools. I have been Abby’s right hand for 8 years now. I began working in education after having my children, two boys, Lincoln, age 9, and MJ, age 12. I have been married for 17 years to my husband, Chad.  I look forward to working with your children and family. 

Ms. Natalie Weaver- Preschool Teacher at the 11th st. location

I’m Natalie, boy mom to amazing 2-year-old twin boys Briggs & Owen! I grew up in Colorado and then moved to Cheyenne in 2008 where I graduated from Central High School! In my free time, you can find me crafting, creating, and enjoying all things horses! I am so excited to be a part of the PeachTree family for Two years now, it has been amazing to watch all our Little Peaches grow!

Mrs. Tori VanPatten – Preschool Teacher at the 15th st. location

Hello! I have lived in Cheyenne for almost 3 years with my husband, Ty. We have a baby boy named Theodore. I have enjoyed being the preschool teacher for almost two years (and many more to come). I have received my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a focus on Early Childhood. My mission as a teacher is to help children discover the joy of learning.

Miss Lacey Mcintosh- Preschool Teacher at the 11th St. location

Hello! My name is Lacey. Originally from Alaska, I moved to Wyoming 10 years ago to be closer to family!  I am currently in the process of getting my CDA. In my free time, I enjoy crocheting, quilting, and reading. I am excited to be on this journey of learning and growing alongside your tiny humans!

Cynthia Herrera – Infant Teacher at the 11th St location

Hi, My Name is Cynthia. I have worked at Peachtree in the infant room for two years now. I am currently in school working towards my CDA and infant/toddler credential. I enjoy creating adorable crafts with my infants so their parents have plenty of keepsakes. In my free time, I enjoy traveling! I love knowing that my work is helping to lay the foundation upon which all other education is built upon. Peachtree is a family, and I appreciate the relationships we build with each one of our children and their families.

Mrs. Chelsea Kennedy – 3’s Teacher at the 15th St. location

Hello! My name is Chelsea. I am from Wheatland, Wy. and moved to Cheyenne after completing my B.A. in Education at the University of Nebraska Kearney. I live in Burns, Wy., and I love the small-town life. I have a three-year-old boy and a 6-Month-old baby girl. We enjoy reading and being outside as much as possible. I have been teaching little ones for the past five years.

Grace Dailey- 1’s Teacher at the 15th St. Location

Hello, everyone! My name is Mrs. Grace. I grew up in Alliance, Nebraska, and have lived in Cheyenne for almost 4 years now with my Husband and two kids. I have a true passion for working with our youngest learners!!  Helping each child progress in all areas of their development—academic, social, language, and motor—is a challenge that I am honored to accept daily.  I strive to create a community of learners that nurtures this growth in a positive, fun environment. I have worked with children for many years and am passionate about Early Childhood Education. I look forward to working together with you as partners in your child’s growth and development!

Mr. Bryson Cobb- Preschool Teacher at the 11th St. Location

Hello everybody! My name is Bryson! I moved to Cheyenne from Germany a little over 3 years ago and graduated from East High School. I am working towards my associate’s in early childhood education and will shortly be getting my bachelor’s degree as well. When I’m not teaching in the classroom, you can find me outdoors, playing baseball and spending time with my family, my beautiful girlfriend Michelle, and our four-legged son Buck. I am beyond grateful to be part of the Peachtree family and can’t wait to help your little kiddos sprout and grow into wonderful learners.

Ms. Meghan Gilpatrick – Infant Teacher at the 15th St. location

Hi there! My name is Meghan Gilpatrick. I’m 30 years old, and I recently moved here from Los Angeles, but I’m originally from Maine! I’ve been working in childcare for 11 years, and I have worked as a behavioral therapist and a teacher, and I have been working with 0-2-year-olds for the past 5 years. I have a dog, and I love anything that involves being outside. We go on hikes often, and I love that I can do that more now that I’m not in a big city! I can’t wait to start this new chapter with you all and grow with your amazing kiddos!

Tia Van De Vliet – 2’s/3’s Teacher at the 15th St. location

Hi! I’m Tia Van de Vliet! I grew up in Eugene, Oregon. My hubby (of 20 years), our 5 kids and I moved to Wyoming 3 years ago to be closer to some of my family. We love it! I’ve worked in childcare in one way or another for most of my life. Now that my kids are all in school, I came back to Early Childhood, and I absolutely love it! I’ve recently finished all the coursework for my CDA with an infant/toddler credential. I love working with the littles so much.

All of my family are HUGE Oregon Duck football fans. In the fall, our Saturdays revolve around when the football game is on. You’ll often see me wearing Duck gear.
I look forward to building relationships with all of you and your sweet children.

Chloe Van De Vliet: 1’s Teacher

Ariana Wagens-Newman: 1’s Teacher

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