Abiyoyo Classroom
The PreK Classrooms at the University of Denver’s Fisher Early Learning Center serve children ages 4 to 5 in a dynamic, play-based environment designed to prepare them for a confident transition to kindergarten. Our educators use research-based curricula, including Creative Curriculum (CC) and Connect for Learning (C4L) and Handwriting without Tears, to provide developmentally appropriate, interdisciplinary experiences that integrate social-emotional development, language and literacy, math, science, and problem-solving into meaningful daily learning.
Through project-based investigations, hands-on exploration, and consistent routines, children strengthen social independence, leadership skills, and a growing sense of responsibility while building strong academic and social foundations. We partner closely with families to create a supportive community where every child feels capable, prepared, and excited to take the next step in their learning journey.
A.K. Nell, Associate Teacher
Mr. A.K. teaches in the Abiyoyo classroom at Fisher and feels lucky to spend his days learning alongside some of the school’s greatest thinkers. He has been working in early childhood education for over a decade and has developed a deep appreciation for the curiosity, creativity, and big ideas that preschoolers bring to the classroom. Before joining the Abiyoyo classroom, he spent two wonderful years teaching in the Royal Raven class at Fisher.
Mr. A.K. grew up just outside of Washington, DC, in a small town in Maryland, where he spent much of his time playing outside and performing in neighborhood theatre productions. He later attended Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania, earning a dual B.A. in Directing for Theatre and Psychology. During that time, he discovered his passion for teaching and how naturally it connected with his love of storytelling, creativity, and working with children.
After graduating, Mr. A.K. spent a year au pairing in Paris before returning to Virginia, where he began teaching theatre classes and directing productions with a children’s theatre. When the pandemic brought many of those programs to a close, he transitioned fully into the classroom setting. He then spent several years teaching Transitional Kindergarten at an early learning center, where he discovered a true love for working with preschoolers and experiencing the world through their imaginative and thoughtful perspectives.
*Mr. A.K. is serving as Lead Teacher in the Abiyoyos while Taylor is on Parental Leave. Thank you, A.K.!
Alexis Curtis, Continuity of Care Associate
Meet Alexis one of our newest members to the team! If you spot her with something embroidered, crocheted, or sewn, chances are she made it herself!
She has a Bachelors in Psychology with a Clinical and Counseling emphasis. She also took several classes on childhood developmental psychology, classroom management, and teaching. Within the last year she was certified and practiced as a Registered Behavior Technician providing behavioral therapeutic interventions for children diagnosed with autism. As the eldest in her family of 5 siblings, and after working as a classroom assistant in an elementary school, she’s had a long time in her personal and professional life to learn how to best befriend and support young children.
*Alexis is serving in the Associate Teacher role while Taylor is on Parental Leave. Thank you, Alexis!
