Cowboy Bunnies Classroom
The Young Toddler Transition Classroom at the University of Denver’s Fisher Early Learning Center serves infants 18 months - 30 months in a warm, relationship-centered environment designed to support their earliest growth and development. Our Infant/Toddler program prioritizes deep, trusting relationships between children, teachers, and families, with low ratios and fewer classroom transitions that allow educators to provide responsive, individualized care and create a strong foundation for social-emotional development.
Guided by the Program for Infant Toddler Care (PITC), teachers implement primary caregiving, small group experiences, continuity of care, individualized learning, culturally responsive practices, and inclusive support. Through nurturing routines, sensory-rich experiences, and meaningful partnerships with families, we ensure every infant feels safe, valued, and supported each day.
Classroom Teachers
Sydney Sabbato, Lead Teacher
Sydney Sabbato is excited to be the new lead teacher in the Cowboy Bunnies classroom. She is entering her sixth year of teaching preschool and her third year at Fisher. Sydney graduated from the University of Arizona in 2020 with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Family Studies and Human Development, and she is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Social Work at the University of Denver. In her free time, she also teaches fitness classes at barre3.
Last year, Sydney spent her breaks in the Bearsie Bears classroom, where she had the opportunity to build relationships with many of the children. She is eager to continue developing strong connections with both children and families in the Cowboy Bunnies classroom. Sydney looks forward to partnering with families and building meaningful relationships through open and consistent communication. She welcomes any questions, comments, or concerns, and values both positive and constructive feedback to help families feel connected to the classroom.
Anu Beduru, Associate Teacher
Anughya (Anu) Beduru is originally from India and recently relocated with her family while her husband, Dr. Srinivas Beduru, conducts postdoctoral research at the University of Denver. She is a proud mother of two daughters.
Anu is a nurturing and dedicated early childhood educator with a passion for building strong foundations for lifelong learning. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science Education from India and values creating supportive, engaging environments where children can explore, learn, and grow at their own pace. She is known for her creativity in developing age-appropriate curriculum, her patience in guiding children through developmental milestones, and her commitment to fostering curiosity and a sense of wonder in every child. Anughya is hardworking, self-motivated, and excited to continue making a positive impact in the lives of young learners.
Kathy Soufi, Continuity of Care Associate
Kathy Soufi is originally from Iran and has lived in the United States since 1998. She moved to Denver, Colorado from New York in 2009 and has been working at Fisher Early Learning Center since November 2010 in both infant and toddler classrooms.
Before moving to the United States, Kathy earned her bachelor’s degree in Special Education from the University of Tehran and worked as a high school teacher in Iran for more than five years. While working at the University of Denver, she also began pursuing a degree in Psychology, a field she is deeply passionate about. Kathy believes that when children feel loved and supported, they enjoy coming to school and develop a lifelong love of learning.
