Meet our CAREGIVING TEAM
Our Mini Makers™ Studio is under the direction and supervision of a professional team of Educators, Behavioral Psychologists, Professional Coaches, caregivers, student interns, and parents. Together, they aim to expose your children to a variety of educational and artistic experiences while they learn and play together! All caregivers are certified in Pediatric CPR and First Aid, current on immunizations, and have a clear LiveScan and clean background check.
Leadership Team
Leslie Bosserman, M.Ed., CPCC, graduated from UCLA with degrees in Communications, Education, and Applied Developmental Psychology. She also is a trained as a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach and has experience working in Higher Education in student leadership development. Leslie is the Co-Founder of The Makers Place™ where she currently serves as the Community Manager and Director of the Mini Makers™ Preschool. She also works as a Leadership Coach and Lifestyle Strategist at her boutique practice, Lead With Intention®.
Joel Bosserman, M.A., BCBA, has over a decade of professional experience supporting children and families as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst working in early-intervention for school districts and in-home programs. He recently joined our teaching team full-time in our Mini Makers™ Preschool where he focuses on teacher training and creating innovative classroom environments. Along with his wife Leslie, Joel is the Co-Founder of The Makers Place™ and also does Behavioral Assessments, Parent Training, and in-home work for children and families through his corporation, Entropy Behavior Services, Inc.
The Bossermans are based in Sacramento where they live with their three young children. When they are not playing at local parks or hosting epic dinner parties, they enjoy traveling the globe, dancing (and singing) to all kinds of music, and reading as a family.
LEAD CaregiverS
Julie Vang is passionate about working with young children and has a deep love for nurturing their development. As a mom of three teenagers and adult children, her approach to education is characterized by a strong sense of responsibility and respect for each child's unique needs and growth. By fostering trust and respect, Julie aims to positively impact their developmental journey and build a strong foundation for their future. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and watching movies with her family. She also serves as a Teacher’s Aide in our Mini Makers™ Preschool.
Lilli Barajas is studying Child Development at Sacrmaento State University, with ambitions to pursue a career as an elementary school teacher. Lilli finds joy in spending time with children and actively volunteers at local events to engage with them whenever she can. In her free time, she enjoys various artistic activities such as ceramics, painting, crocheting, and aerial silk.
ASSISTANT CaregiverS
Ariel Hughes is studying Early Childhood Education at Los Rios Community College. Her passion for serving her community and pouring into our next generation led her desire to work with young children. Ariel currently supports our infant and toddler program as an Assistant Caregiver in our Mini Makers™ Studio, while their parents cowork onsite, as well as a Teacher’s Aide in our Mini Makers™ Preschool. As a mother, she understands the importance of building an early foundation all children through developmentally appropriate activities.
Sophia Molina is studying Early Childhood Education at American River College in the ECE Apprenticeship Program. After she completes her program, she hopes to further her education and gain the necessary experience to pursue a career as an educator. She is very musical and plays guitar, tenor saxophone, and most percussion instruments. In her spare time, Sophia enjoys reading, writing, playing with her dogs, and listening to music. She is excited to support our Mini Makers as they learn, grow, and develop along with her!
STUDENT INTERNS
Joy Furman recently graduated with her degree in Child Development at Sacramento State University. She has a passion for writing stories and reading, and wants to share her love of literature with young children so that they might someday have a strong foundation that will help to support their reading skills. She also enjoys working out, cooking for herself, hanging out with her apartment roommates and friends as well as watching movies and listening to music.
Laurie Mamola is excited to be entering the workforce again after raising 10 children over the past 4 decades! She is currently part of the American River College’s ECE Apprenticeship Program and is serving as an Assistant Caregiver in our Mini Makers™ Studio. Laurie is kind and empathetic and is passionate about offering loving, quality care for children. Her favorite pastime is watching her daughter pitch on her softball teams and hanging out with her nine perfect grandchildren.