Ms. Erica
Director
I grew up in Nevada, Missouri and have lived in Arkansas for the last 7 years! I have a degree in Early Childhood Education and have over 22 years experience in the classroom and as in-home provider. I have 3 grown children and 4 grandchildren with one on the way. I recently moved to Bella Vista and love it here! I enjoy reading and spending time outdoors.
The best teachers are those who show you where to look, but don't tell you what to see.
Alexandra Trenfor
Ms. Emmie
Lead Preschool Teacher
I grew up in Casper, Wyoming, but have been an Arkansas resident eight years now, having just recently moved to the Bella Vista area!
I have a Child Development Associate and a total of thirteen years of professional and in-home early child development experience; five of which have been here in Arkansas! I am passionate about it and believe that with our children spending much of their days at school they need positive, healthy interactions and experiences with peers and educators for a solid foundation on which to build their future’s!
I’m a mama to three amazing children, fur mama to a dog and a cat and like to spend as much time as I can outside hiking, kayaking, fishing, camping and also love crafts/DIY, reading, art and self-sustainability!
"A child’s mind is not a container to be filled, but rather a fire to be kindled." Dorothea Brande
Ms. Amy
Lead Toddler 1 Teacher
I was born and raised for most of my younger years in Illinois. My parents and I moved to Arizona where I received my bachelor's degree in Art History from the University of Arizona. I met my husband and moved to Louisiana and then had two wonderful boys. We then moved to Arkansas 2 years ago and feel we've found where we want to spend the rest of our lives. I’ve worked as a preschool teacher for over ten years. I have a true passion to teach children at such an important stage in their lives and help them develop essential skills. I love spending time with my family, crafting, and serving at our local church.
In my world there are no bad kids, just impressionable conflicted young people wrestling with emotions and impulses, trying to communicate their feelings and needs the only way they know how.
Janet Lansbury
Ms. Christine
Lead Infant Teacher
My family and I moved to Bella Vista a year ago but we’ve lived in the Northwest Arkansas area for the last 8 years. I have two daughters; ages 6 and 11. Most of my free time is spent with them but I also enjoy cooking, reading, and exercising. I began my journey in the childcare industry 11 years ago. Working with children has always been my passion, it’s more than just a job for me. It’s such a joy watching them learn and grow. I’m so thankful that I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of so many children’s lives over the years, knowing that I’m making a positive difference.
Children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity.
Ms. Danielle
Lead Toddler 2 Teacher
I have a degree in Liberal Arts and have been working with children since I was a teenager. I have a passion for education and working with little ones is the absolute best. My husband and I live in Bella Vista with our dog Scout. Most of our weekends are spent outdoors, checking out local food spots or trying new recipes at home. I am also a trail runner, so you can find me on the trails every weekend! I love to read, create wood working projects and crochet in my free time.
Speak to your children as if they are the wisest, kindest, most beautiful and magical humans on earth, for what they believe is what they become.
Brooke Hampton
Ms. Ariel
Assistant Preschool Teacher
I attended Parker Chiropractic University for 3 years in Dallas, after that I realized my true calling was to help make lasting foot prints on children’s hearts and minds. I have over 20 years experience between teaching, homeschooling and helping develop and nurture young children’s capabilities and confidence. I have three children of my own. We recently moved to Bella Vista, Arkansas from Dallas a little over a year ago to be closer to family and nature. After finding Busy Minds Academy, I knew it was one of the best decision I’ve ever made!! I enjoy Yoga, Crossfit, and being immersed in nature, but most of all witnessing a child’s mind flourish.
A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning.
Ms. Breanna
Assistant Toddler 2 Teacher
I grew up in Northwest Arkansas and my husband and I settled down in Bella Vista in 2020 with our dog Phoebe, cat Moira, and turtle Argyle. I am currently studying Communication Sciences and Disorders with the goal to have a career in pediatric speech languange pathology. I have been working in childcare since 2016 and have loved every moment of it. When I’m not at work or studying, I’m typically at the lake enjoying a relaxing boat ride, swimming, fishing, or paddle boarding.
The development of language is part of the development of the personality, for words are the natural means of expressing thoughts and establishing understanding between people. - Maria Montessori
Ms. Brandi
Assistant Toddler 1 Teacher
I was born and raised in NWA but have lived in Bella Vista for 3 years, with my husband, John, and our three kids. We have a twelve year old son named Gavyn, a ten year old daughter named Ali, and a four year old son named Graham, who is in the preschool class, here at Busy Minds. I enjoy spending time with my family, singing/listening to music, and doing DIY projects. I have worked at Busy Minds since October 2022, but have been working with children for 12 years now, both in an in home setting and at our church.
Almost all creativity involves purposeful play.
Abraham Maslow
Ms. Jennifer
Assistant Preschool Teacher
I moved to NW Bentonville two years ago and absolutely love it here ! I enjoy cooking - especially all types of Asian and SE Asian cuisines. I am very active and love being outdoors, whether it be walking, hiking, biking, camping, or SCUBA diving. Working with Busy Minds Academy has been such a Blessing in my life. Working at my family business for nearly 30 years, I appreciate the family-oriented way the school is run. I enjoy working with, teaching and playing with the children. They are so creative, fun and funny, and they bring so much joy to my life ! I love working at BMA!
Small things done with great love will change the world.
Mother Teresa
Ms. Lee-Ann
Liaison
I’m married and we have two boys; 8 & 5, two dogs & a cat. I was born and raised in Eastern Michigan and moved to NWA December 2019. I spent 15 years dancing, playing instruments & being in various choir classes. I love music & art related things. I’m very passionate about humans being kind, children being adventurous, & caring for animals. My dream is to one day own a huge animal rescue. I enjoy spending my time with my husband since he’s my best friend. I love laughing & that’s usually what we do together. I don’t take life too seriously for the most part & I tend to be fairly calm in hectic situations. When I was asked to be a substitute teacher at Busy Minds, I just couldn’t pass it up! Watching my own child’s growth since the school opened last year has been incredible & I am excited to watch the other kiddos’ minds grow by exploring & having fun each day that they are there. I am so blessed to have this opportunity!
Children cannot bounce off the walls if we take away the walls.
Ms. Lindsay
Music Teacher
Lindsay Burnett holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from
Brigham Young University. Currently, she sings professionally with the local SONA
Singers and SONA Chamber singers. She has been teaching voice and piano lessons
for 20 years. She also plays the organ in her church services every Sunday and
works a lot with the children’s program and accompanies them singing from time to
time. Lindsay lives in Bella Vista with her husband and 4 children.
When her youngest daughter was in preschool, she taught music to the preschoolers
at Little Sprouts and loved it! She is so excited to be a part of Busy Minds Academy
and teach music to your children! Music is such an important part of helping a
child’s brain develop quickly, especially at such a young age. It will help them in all
areas of development; intellectual, social-emotional, motor, language, and overall
literacy.
Each week, I will be teaching exciting songs to learn and dance to. Melodies, beats,
and rhythm are just a few of the musical skills they will learn. You will watch your
little ones as they develop a love for music and movement and share that with you in
your home.
Music is a more potent instrument than any other for education, because rhythm and harmony find their way into the inward places of the soul.
Plato
Ms. Kim
Teacher
I'm a retired educator and school counselor. I moved to Bella Vista 2 years ago and absolutely love it! I enjoy running the trails with friends and riding bikes with my husband. I'm blessed to have 4 grown kids and 5 grandchildren. I have subbed at Busy Minds for the last 1 1/2 years and I love it! I am so lucky to have the opportunity to continue nurturing children. They make my heart so full!
Grace is best learned through the eyes of a child.
Ms. Jessie
Teacher
I was born and raised in Arkansas and have loved every minute I have gotten to live here. I come from a big family of 10 children, so being around a lot of kids has always been a norm for me. I enjoy being outside, running, reading, and anything music related. I started babysitting for family friends when I was 12 and have been working with kids ever since. I have always enjoyed the opportunities I get to teach children. Children can do amazing things if kindled with enough love and teaching, and I believe that the best way to do that is by example.
“Don’t just tell your children about the world, show them.” Penny Whitehouse
Ms. Therese
Teacher
Although I am a Bay Stater (living most of my life in Massachusetts), my husband is originally an Arkansan! After raising (4) amazing children, we decided to come back to his roots and relocated to Beautiful Bella vista nearly (2) years ago! We are now "raising" our Golden Retriever, Orvis! I have a degree in early Childhood Education and am extremely excited to be able to bring over 35 years of experience to the Busy Minds Academy Team!! It has always been my belief that at this developmental stage; the teachers are the foundation for setting up the best possible path on a child's journey. We introduce them to the joys of and the passion for what will hopefully sustain them through their school years and beyond! When I am not teaching, I enjoy hiking, further exploring this beautiful part of the country, reading, watching old movies, playing board games and spending time with family!
A man never stands as tall as when he kneels to help a child."
Knights of Pythagoras
Ms. Patricia
Teacher
I go by Patricia (Ettestad) or Miss Trish ( easier to say if you are three). My family moved to NWA two years ago and are so grateful to be here in this beautiful area of outdoor recreation as well as vibrant industry. I am a mother of 8 and grandmother of 16, children are a treasured part of my life. I was drawn to Busy Minds because of the peaceful atmosphere and extra care they devote to supporting families and children. One of my favorite quotes regarding education is from William Butler Yeats: "Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire".When not subbing for Busy Minds I stay busy with family gatherings and grandchildren, developing postpartum doula skills, creating floral arrangements, church groups, and having adventures with my two at-home teens.
Today is a gift. That's why they call it the present.
Ms. Debbie
Teacher
Debbie has a true love of the outdoors and enjoys sharing that love with children while working at Busy Minds. She has lived in Bella Vista for a little over two years. Her favorite activities include hiking, biking, camping, and kayaking. Debbie and her husband John, enjoy traveling in their RV to national parks. When not doing something outdoors. Debbie also enjoys music and reading.
Children see magic because they look for it.
Ms. Marcia
Teacher
Bella Vista has been my retirement home since 2021. Sitting on the couch isn’t very exciting so I fill my time with part time work as a substitute teacher at Busy Minds. Biking, hiking, kayaking, and reading are activities that make a good life for me. My husband and I have 2 grown children and 1 granddaughter. Working with young children at Busy Minds is a great balance of happiness and busyness in a positive and fun atmosphere.
Kid, you’ll move mountains! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So get on your way!
Ms. Liberty
Teacher
I grew up in Oklahoma and moved to NWA about 3 years ago! I just had my first baby Eleanor, she is 3 months old. I graduated from high school in May of last year. I really enjoy working with kids. I especially enjoy watching them grow and learn new things. Spring and summer are my favorite times of the year. I live with my mom and 3 younger brothers one of them is in fact a dog.
Let us remember: one book, one pen, one child and one teacher can change the world.
Malala Yousafzai
Ms. Jeanine
Teacher
I moved to Bella vista from Southern California 2 1/2 years ago & love all that Bella Vista has to offer. I have 3 grown children & 3 grandsons. I enjoy hiking & being outdoors. I have been involved in elementary education for many years in various forms. I appreciate the opportunity to work at Busy Minds & to be a part of the children’s day.
Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children.
Charles R. Swindoll