About Us

img

Little Learners Team

Little Learners was developed out of the need for a high quality child care center that caters to working families, with a year round program and flexible enrollment schedules. We recognize that the families and children we serve, are our core strength and we aim to bridge the gap between the center and home. We believe in hiring highly qualified teachers to facilitate our enriching program in meeting the needs of our children and families.


Owner/Director/Founder: Shannon Hall

Shannon holds a Bachelor's degree in Child Development from Humboldt State University. Shannon is the founder and owner of Little Learners. She has worked with children ages from birth until school-age. She has been working with children for the past 25 years. Shannon was the former 2008 Economic Fuel competition winner and opened Little Learners Preschool in 2008. Shannon has four children of her own, Brittany age 24, Hailey age 23, Gavin age 11 and Hudson age 8. Shannon understands the needs for high quality childcare programs in Humboldt County and enjoys supporting families and local businesses in our community. Shannon enjoys being a part of the community and is involved in many local organizations. When Shannon isn't at work, she can be found at local children sporting events with her children, or volunteering her time on local boards. Shannon's passion is supporting early childhood teachers and creating a strong team dynamic among Little Learners, with teachers and families. Shannon loves supporting children’s growth and development. Shannon loves spending her time working to make Little Learners the best childcare in Humboldt county!


Director at Guintoli Site - Paige Xayavong

Hello, my name is Paige Xayavong and I am one of the directors at the Guintoli site. I have graduated from Humboldt State University with my bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. I have been with Little Learners for almost eight years and I plan for many more.
I have a passion for working with children and love every single minute of it. I strive to continue my education and leadership skills. I love to be able to help guide teachers and children and provide them with new skills and experiences. I also have a love and passion for working in the medical field with children. I have been fortunate to be a part of Operation Rainbow, a nonprofit medical organization that travels to developing countries and performs free orthopedic surgeries to children and young adults. These medical missions have been a huge part of my life and I am beyond thankful and grateful for them. I was born and raised here in Humboldt County with my parents and four siblings. My husband and I have a daughter and our wonderful niece that we care for. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family and being outdoors.


Director at the 11th & M Site - Sara Dahl

Sara has her certificate in Early Childhood Development from College of the Redwoods. Sara has been part of the Little Learner's Team since 2013 when she worked at the Guintoli site. Sara then transferred to the 11th and M in 2014 where she has been ever since. She is now the Director at the 11th and M st . Sara is passionate about working with children and the families in our community. When Sara is in the classroom, she loves to teach while having fun and being silly. Sara has two children of her own, Patton age 3 , Lilliana 10 months and a baby on the way. When Sara isn't at Little Learners, she enjoys creating memories with her husband and children.


 

Director at Eureka - Krystal Arnot

Hello, my name is Krystal Arnot and I am a wife, mother of two, and have a passion for Early Childhood Education ages 0-5. Originally from Bakersfield, I moved to Humboldt over 15 years ago and have loved becoming part of the community. I have a degree in Early Childhood Education, Human Development, and a partial Leadership Studies Degree. I’ve been involved in local advocacy groups for ECE and many other early childhood opportunities. In the classroom, I love playing music, dancing, doing art, singing, and just being silly with kids as they learn and grow. When I am not in the classroom, I love being out in the community with my family at local events, playing in the redwoods, or out for walks in our lovely town. Quality early education is an investment in children and families and I take pride in the work I do for our community through Little Learners. I look forward to meeting your family!


Director at Valley East Site - Cila Hall

Cila has her associates degree from College of the Redwoods in Early Childhood Education. Cila began working at Little Learners in November of 2011 in the preschool, toddler, pre-k room. And now she works as a head teacher in the preschool room at our Guintoli site. Cila enjoys working, interacting, communicating with the children and their families daily. When Cila is in her classroom she loves to sing, dance, teach, laugh, and help support growth of each child individually. Cila enjoys learning more to create a learning and interactive classroom by going to ECE trainings, conferences and reading books and articles. When Cila isn't at Little Learners, she likes to craft, read, sing, babysit, and learn new hobbies!


Christina Heathman

Director at 10th street – Christina Heathman

My name is Christina Heathman and I am the Director as well as one of the preschool teachers at our 10th street location. I am also often a helping hand in our toddler room!
I graduated in 2013 from College of the Redwoods with a degree in Early Childhood Education. I have also been an active member in the ECE Mentoring Program since 2018 where I get to train and teach college students entering the field of Early Childhood Education.
I have been working at Little Learners since July of 2013! I started Little Learners as an assistant teacher, then Teacher, and then moved up to Director in 2017. I enjoy being both Director and teacher! Working with children has always been a passion of mine, but also leading teachers to develop themselves into intentional teachers is also a passion! In addition to work I am blessed to also be a mother of two wonderful boys! In my free time away from work I enjoy spending quality time with my Husband and my children!

Photo Credit to Paul Swenson Photo http://paulphoto.com