Hungry Caterpillars Classroom
The Toddler Classrooms at the University of Denver’s Fisher Early Learning Center serve children ages 18 to 36 months in a warm, relationship-centered environment that supports this exciting stage of rapid growth and discovery. Our program is grounded in research-based curricula, including the Program for Infant Toddler Care (PITC) and Creative Curriculum (CC), which emphasize strong teacher–child relationships, responsive care routines, and thoughtful observation to guide individualized learning. Low ratios and consistent routines allow teachers to nurture trust, encourage independence, and support each child’s unique development.
Through play-based learning, strong supportive routines, and hands-on exploration, toddlers build language, practice self-help skills, and develop social-emotional and cognitive abilities across all areas of development. We partner closely with families to create a welcoming community where every child feels safe, confident, and eager to learn each day.
Classroom Teachers
Andrea Tyus, Lead Teacher
Andrea Tyus is thrilled to be the Lead Teacher in the Hungry Caterpillars classroom. She has been an early childhood preschool teacher for the past twelve years and truly loves working with young children. Andrea has lived in Colorado for most of her life and enjoys everything the state has to offer.
Andrea and her husband, Chris, have two daughters: Liberty, who graduated from the University of Denver in 2024, and Ava, who recently transferred from Quincy University to complete her degree at the University of Denver. Their family enjoys hiking in the Colorado mountains with their two dogs and cheering on Denver sports teams, especially the Denver Nuggets. Andrea is passionate about children’s literature and looks forward to sharing that love in the classroom, believing that every moment in early childhood education is an opportunity for young learners to grow and discover.
Destinie Medina, Associate Teacher
Destinie is excited to be joining the Fisher community. She grew up in California and moved to Aurora as a preteen. She now lives in downtown Denver with her boyfriend and their two cats.
Destinie earned her bachelor’s degree in Political Science from CU Denver, with double minors in Psychology and Sociology. Through her education and professional experience, she has developed a strong foundation in child development, behavior, and social-emotional learning. She has been working with children on the autism spectrum since high school, beginning as a volunteer and continuing through college while working at Hopebridge, a special needs daycare. There, she supported young children in both structured and play-based settings, collaborated with therapists and educators, and helped create nurturing environments tailored to each child’s needs. She also has experience babysitting and caring for young children in both group and one-on-one settings.
Outside of work, Destinie enjoys weightlifting, traveling, and spending time outdoors. She loves staying active, learning new skills, and bringing creativity and movement into everyday routines. She is passionate about helping young children feel safe, confident, and supported as they explore the world around them and looks forward to building strong relationships with students and families while bringing patience, consistency, and positive energy into the classroom.
Andrew Rodgers, Continuity of Care Associate
Andy Rodgers is a TEFL-certified educator with 14 months of teaching experience in Shenzhen, China, a BFA in Theatre from The University of the Arts, and ongoing graduate studies in Arts Management. He’s the founder of Miscreant Theatre Collective and a newly minted father who brings creativity, empathy, and a love of storytelling into every learning space. When he’s not in the classroom, you’ll find him reading, hiking, camping, exploring national parks, playing video games, or cranking up rock music. Andy is thrilled to join DU and honored for the chance to help guide and uplift the next generation.
