Excellence in Early Education Award
In addition to the inspiring presentations, we proudly announced the winners of our 2025 Early Childhood Educator Awards including the “Childhood Champion” Award which will be awarded to a grand prize winner ($5000) and two “Elite Educator” Awards ($2500 each). These awards honor educators who have demonstrated outstanding dedication, creativity, and leadership in their classrooms and communities.
Nominations are open to parents, community members, fellow educators, and employers who wish to recognize the extraordinary efforts of early childhood educators in Teton County. We encourage everyone to participate and highlight the remarkable work these individuals are doing to build a brighter future for our children. Nominations were submitted from September 16th to 29th, 2025
2025 EMpowerED Winners
Childhood Champion
$5,000 prize

Maria Del Rosario Vasquez
Mountain Academy
of Teton Science Schools
Elite Educator
$2,500 prize

Joy Anderson
Moose Corner Children’s Academy
Elite Educator
$2,500 prize

Rilla Ferreria
Children’s Learning Center
2025 Symposium Nominees
Cecelia Contador, Children’s Learning Center
Danny Martin, Mountain Academy of Teton Science Schools
Emilie Rendall, Children's Learning Center
Heather Martin, Little Lambs Preschool
Jasmin Moreno, Children Learning Center
Jennifer Lopez, Children's Learning Center
Jenny Olvera, Children's Learning Center
Jessica Castillo, Children's Learning Center Rafter J
Joyce Susano, Children’s Learning Center
Justin Finch, Children's Learning Center
Karla Sanchez, Teton Literacy Center - Literacy Lab
Samantha O'Brien, Children's Learning Center Rafter J
Sheila Jones, St Johns Hospital Childcare
2024 Symposium Winners
2023 Symposium Winners
Thank You Sponsors!
Education for Our Futures Endowment Fund













