Our Storyland Staff

The following group of dedicated staff members make up the team of individuals that care for your child day in and day out. 

What makes them unique? 

They are dedicated individuals who have a passion for children and an eagerness to teach and serve.  Their dedication along with their educational attainments, training, and experience make them one of Amarillo's premiere child care teams. 

Here is our team with their individual accomplishments. 

The Administrators

Karissa Ellison, Owner/Director

Name: Karissa Ellison

Employed Since: April 2005

Birthday: September 28

Favorite Snack: Salty snacks

Favorite Drink: Water

Hobbies/Interests: Volleyball

Tell us something about you: I love being at home with my hubby.  We enjoy playing games and hanging out with friends.

Justine McDonald, Assistant Director

Name: Justine McDonald

Employed Since: February 2012

Birthday:  June 29

Favorite Snack: Dark Chocolate covered fruit

Favorite Drink: Water

Hobbies/Interests: Cooking, baking, crafts, outdoors.

Tell us something about you: I am a Mom of 4! I have 3 boys that are all about dirt, bugs, worms, sports, and trucks, and a baby girl who has us all wrapped around her finger!

 

Mayra Gallegos, Assistant Director

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Name:  Mayra Gallegos

Employed Since: October 2020

Birthday: June 21

Favorite Snack: Hot Funyuns

Favorite Drink: Texas Tea

Hobbies/Interests: Hiking, arts & crafts, planning events, shopping, and hanging out with friends and family.

Tell us something about you: I have 3 beautiful children, an awesome husband, I am a Kansas City Chiefs fan, and I am a shopaholic.

Keitha Ratliff,  Food Manager

Name: Keitha Ratliff

Employed Since: July 2005

Birthday: September 15

Favorite Snack: Beef Jerky

Favorite Drink: Coke

Hobbies/Interests: Crafts, camping, & hot summer nights!

Tell us something about you: I married my high school sweetheart, and we have 2 teenagers.



The Teachers (Listed in Order of Employment Seniority)

Rose Bilderback

Name: Rose Bilderback

Employed Since: March 2017

Birthday: September 25

Favorite Snack: Veggie straws

Favorite Drink: Gatorade Zero

Hobbies/Interests: Riding motorcycles, hanging out with family

Tell us something about you: Married 37 years, 3 boys, 5 grandchildren.  

Brittany Gomez

Name:  Brittany Gomez

Employed Since: August 2017

Birthday: December 6

Favorite Snack: Beef jerky

Favorite Drink: Sweet tea

Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with family, watching my son play football.

Tell us something about you: I have 3 kids and 4 fur babies.

Audiana Ellison

Name:  Audiana Ellison

Employed Since: July 2020

Birthday: April 17

Favorite Snack: BBQ Pringles and beef jerky

Favorite Drink: Sprite

Hobbies/Interests: Art and doing puzzles

Tell us something about you: I like relaxing, reading, and spending time with friends and family.

Susan Matheson

Name:  Susan Matheson

Employed Since: September 2020

Birthday: December 17

Favorite Snack: Strawberry and watermelon

Favorite Drink: Water and Sweet tea

Hobbies/Interests: Reading and spending time with my family.

Tell us something about you: Proud mom and Grannie

Nikki Hargrove

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Name:  Nikki Hargrove

Employed Since: October 2020

Birthday: May 19

Favorite Snack: Dot's honey mustard pretzels, Reese's

Favorite Drink: 1/2 sweet 1/2 unsweet mint tea, Citrus green tea

Hobbies/Interests: I like to cook, bake, and listen to music. 

Tell us something about you: I have 2 beautiful baby girls, spending time with them is the best! I love working with the kids at Storyland! 

Anessa Miera

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Name:  Anessa Miera

Employed Since: January 2021

Birthday: February 28

Favorite Snack: Chips & Queso, Hot fries

Favorite Drink: Sweet mint tea and Blue Powerade

Hobbies/Interests: Makeup and painting/drawing

Tell us something about you: I want to travel the world someday.

Shaquila Gomes

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Name:  Shaquila Gomes

Employed Since: May 2021

Birthday: August 17

Favorite Snack: Pistachios

Favorite Drink: Iced Coffee

Hobbies/Interests: Painting, doing nails.

Tell us something about you: I love being a mom and teacher!

Chase Cooke

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Name:  Chase Cooke

Employed Since: October 2021

Birthday: July 16

Favorite Snack: Hot Cheetos with lime

Favorite Drink: Dr Pepper

Hobbies/Interests: Hanging out with my family and I love playing around with makeup.

Tell us something about you: I am the youngest of four brothers, I have a niece and a nephew and another on the way.  I am a huge family person.

Kilee Martinez

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Name:  Kilee Martinez

Employed Since: December 2021

Birthday: April 19

Favorite Snack: Salty Treats

Favorite Drink: Vanilla Cream Sweet Tea

Hobbies/Interests: Reading and soccer

Tell us something about you: I love going to the movies and being a mommy.

Stephanie Rocha

Name: Stephanie Rocha

Employed Since: January 2022

Birthday: April 14

Favorite Snack: Hot fries

Favorite Drink: Sweet Tea

Hobbies/Interests: Traveling, hiking, photography, and watching movies.

Tell us something about you:

Tammy Mullenix

Name: Tammy Mullenix

Employed Since: April 2022

Birthday: May 22

Favorite Snack: Cashews

Favorite Drink: Diet Pepsi

Hobbies/Interests: Quilting, crochet, and crafts.

Tell us something about you:

Christa Orsborn

Name:  Christa Orsborn

Employed Since: June 2022

Birthday: April 26

Favorite Snack: Goldfish

Favorite Drink: Sprite

Hobbies/Interests: Singing

Tell us something about you: 

Kelli Evans

Name:  Kelli Evans

Employed Since: June 2022

Birthday: January 25

Favorite Snack: Hot Cheetos w/Lime

Favorite Drink: Mountain Dew/ Lemonade

Hobbies/Interests: Anything Art

Tell us something about you: I'm going to school to become a math teacher, I love roller skating, and I absolutely love butterflies!

Analicia Ellison

Name:  Analicia Ellison

Employed Since: July 2022

Birthday: July 10

Favorite Snack: Salty Snacks

Favorite Drink: Dr. Pepper

Hobbies/Interests: Hanging with family and friends.

Tell us something about you: I love my family and friends.


Lexi Perez

Name:  Lexi Perez

Employed Since: July 2022

Birthday: November 23

Favorite Snack: Doritos and bean dip

Favorite Drink: Big Red

Hobbies/Interests: Hanging out with my kids.

Tell us something about you: I love going to the lake and to the canyon. I love sunflowers!

Kiley Roberts

Kiley

Name:  Kiley Roberts

Employed Since: February 2023

Birthday: October 7

Favorite Snack: Beef Jerky

Favorite Drink: Coke

Hobbies/Interests: Photography

Tell us something about you: I like camping and enjoy spending my time with friends and family.


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