Small team. Big impact.

Close-up portrait of a young woman with long, wavy red hair, blue eyes, freckles, smiling, wearing a denim shirt, against a gray background.
Digital illustration of a cluster of three blueberries with green leaves on a brown background.

Sammi

Executive Director

Samantha Cheetham, Columbia Falls, MT local, has been working within Early Childhood Education for 7 years, investing time into a Bachelor's of Science in Educational Studies to support her efforts within the Early Childhood Education space. Samantha holds accreditation from Kappa Delta Pi, the National Honors Society for Educators.

Danielle

Director

Danielle Bennett has been working in Early Childhood Education for 2 years now. Starting out as a homeschool mom she has now expanded her knowledge in various classroom settings including Montessori Education. She holds a certificate in Early Childhood Montessori Classroom Practice and is working on a Child Development Associate (CDA). Danielle brings warmth, creativity, and steady leadership to Gateway to Early Learning. With years of hands-on experience in early childhood education and a gentle, playful approach, she builds trusting relationships with children, families, and staff. Danielle champions developmentally appropriate practices, individualized learning, and a classroom environment where curiosity and confidence grow. Outside the classroom she’s known for organizing community events, supporting family engagement, and always finding new ways to make learning joyful. Her dedication ensures every child feels seen, safe, and ready for kindergarten.

What Sets Us Apart

Credentialed, Passionate Educators

Our strength begins with our team. Our staff is made up of dedicated professionals who bring credentials, experience, and a deep passion for Early Childhood Education. Each educator continues to advance their knowledge within the field, with expertise spanning early childhood development and infant development.

Intentional Learning with Lasting Impact

We believe early education is about more than preparing children for the next year, it is about preparing them for the years ahead. Through research based curriculum including Frog Street, Second Step, Conscious Discipline, and Handwriting Without Tears, we intentionally develop early literacy, mathematics, science, fine motor skills, and comprehension.

Education Extending Beyond Academics

We believe the ability to manage emotions, solve problems, and interact positively with others is foundational to academic achievement. Through intentional guidance and daily practice, children develop regulation skills and social confidence to support a smooth and successful transition into Kindergarten.

Board of Directors

Illustration of a red and pink flower with green leaves on a black background.

Jaimie is a founding member of the Gateway to Early Learning Board, championing the organization’s conversion to a nonprofit in 2025. Jaimie is the EFT Specialist at Freedom Bank, and outside of work enjoys chasing her energetic toddlers.

Jaimie Smith

Illustration of a herbal plant with multiple small oval leaves and elongated seed pods, depicted in a detailed, botanical style.

Blayne Furey

Blayne joined the Gateway to Early Learning Board in 2025 to help build a strong and sustainable program for children and families in her hometown. Blayne serves as the Vice President of Technology at Freedom Bank.

Illustration of wheat stalks with multiple grains on dark background

Gloria Gilbert

Gloria brings decades of childcare and early childhood education experience to the Board. Gloria is now retired from over 40 years with Head Start and happily spends her time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, continuing to share her love of teaching and nurturing young learners.