Emily Nelson
Director
I have been a member of the Auraria Campus and the AELC community for almost 18 years. Starting at the Center in August 2003 as a student employee, I graduated from the Metropolitan State University of Denver in 2007 and joined the Center full-time, first as a Supervising Teacher in the Toddler Program and then as a Young Preschool Teacher.
As a member of the staff at the AELC, I love our community, the culture, the diversity, my colleagues, and feel like it is exactly where I belong. Throughout my career at the AELC, I have expanded my education, earning my Directors Qualification, married the love of my life, and had two children, both of whom went through the program at the Center. In March 2021, I had the opportunity to lead the place that inspired me to continue the path of early childhood education and became Director of the AELC.
I enjoy cooking and creating new recipes with my husband and kids—we love the kitchen! I also enjoy bringing those I love together by hosting parties and large gatherings, listening to podcasts, crafting, and reading a good book.