At Learning By The Lakes Academy, we understand the importance of having qualified, knowledgeable, and passionate educators guiding the next generation. Our team is dedicated to creating a nurturing environment where children feel supported, inspired, and excited to learn each day.
We are proud to introduce the Anchors of Learning By The Lakes Academy—our strong, dependable team members who serve as the foundation of our program. Through their commitment to learning, creativity, partnership, and building meaningful friendships, they help shape a positive and enriching experience for every child in our car
Meet the Anchors of Learning By The Lakes Academy.
Katie Mayo
President & Executive Director
My journey has been shaped by many roles—daughter, sister, aunt, wife of over 25 years to my husband Robert, friend, “Miss Katie” to many—but my most important role is being a mom to my three children.
With over 25 years of experience in Early Childhood Education in the Lakes Region, I have dedicated my life to my two greatest dreams: being a mother and owning and operating a preschool. My passion for learning began at a young age and has grown into a deep commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for children during their most important developmental years.
At Learning By The Lakes Academy, our mission is to provide a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment where children learn through play, exploration, and meaningful relationships. I am passionate about fostering creativity, encouraging a love of learning, and building strong partnerships with families to support each child’s individual journey.
I believe that every child is capable, independent, and full of potential. Watching a child accomplish something they’ve worked hard on—the pride, confidence, and excitement they feel—is what inspires me every day. Creating a space where friendships grow, curiosity is encouraged, and children feel a true sense of belonging is at the heart of everything we do.
One of my greatest joys is stepping into a classroom and seeing children engaged in learning—working together, problem-solving, and building friendships. You will often find children in my office playing, drawing, or sharing stories about their morning—it’s a space where they feel safe, especially on days when drop-offs can be a little harder. I love listening to their stories, supporting them through big emotions, and celebrating their successes, both big and small. These everyday moments are what make this work so meaningful.
I am often described as organized, energetic, and detail-oriented, with a strong belief in communication, integrity, and teamwork. At my core, I am someone who cares deeply. I strive to treat every child as my own and to build lasting relationships with families through trust, support, and partnership.
Learning By The Lakes Academy is more than a school—it is a community built on passion, connection, and a shared commitment to helping children grow, learn, and thrive.
Jordan Holmburg
Assistant Director / Lead Utopia Teacher
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Jordan began her journey at Learning By The Lakes Academy as a mom of two, stepping into the classroom as an Assistant Teacher. Through her dedication and natural connection with children, she grew within the academy—taking on leadership as an Assistant Director, where she oversees our infant and young toddler classrooms.
Today, Jordan is a dedicated wife and proud mother of four children—welcoming two of her babies while working alongside Katie, making her journey both personal and deeply rooted in our school community.
With experience working across multiple age groups, Jordan brings an understanding of early childhood development. She has earned her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and continues to grow in her field as she works toward her degree in Early Childhood Education, with plans to graduate in the Spring of 2027.
In her current role as Lead Teacher of our Two-Year-Old Utopia Classroom, Jordan creates a calm, welcoming environment where children feel safe, comfortable, and free to be themselves. Her classroom flows naturally with the rhythm of the children, allowing them to explore, play, and learn in a way that feels both relaxed and meaningful.
Jordan’s teaching style is very much like who she is—nurturing, easygoing, and supportive, much like a mom. She creates a space where children feel secure and understood, while gently guiding them to build confidence and independence at their own pace. Her calm presence helps children feel at ease, making it easier for them to try new things, form friendships, and grow.
Jordan believes that every child is unique and learns in their own way. She focuses on creating a fun, engaging environment filled with creativity, hands-on activities, and plenty of opportunities for children to move, explore, and enjoy their day—sometimes with a spontaneous dance party mixed in. She balances fun with learning in a way that feels natural and joyful for young children.
Having grown within Learning By The Lakes Academy, Jordan values strong partnerships with families and understands the importance of trust, communication, and support. She brings both a parent’s perspective and an educator’s experience into everything she does.
Jordan’s calm nature, genuine care for children, and ability to create a relaxed, happy classroom environment make her a truly special part of Learning By The Lakes Academy.
Olivia McCarthy
Administrative Assistant
Jennifer Aurigemma
Assistant Director / Lead Loon Teacher / Tour Specialist
Jennifer is a devoted wife and proud mother of four children, ranging in age from 16 to 2.5 years old. With over 12 years of experience in Early Childhood Education—and almost 6 of those years spent working alongside Katie—Jennifer brings both passion and heart to Learning By The Lakes Academy.
Originally from Massachusetts, Jennifer moved to the Lakes Region 8 years ago and quickly became a valued part of the community. Prior to her work in early childhood education, Jennifer worked in the culinary industry, where she successfully ran her own kitchen—bringing with her strong leadership, organization, and a deep sense of care that now shines through in her work with children and families.
Jennifer’s love for children is evident in every interaction. Her face lights up when she sees each child in the building, and she takes great pride in building strong, meaningful relationships with both children and their families. She truly embodies the value of partnership, creating connections that help every child feel known, supported, and valued.
In her many roles as Assistant Director, Lead Teacher of the Preschool Loon Classroom, and Tour Specialist, Jennifer plays a vital role in the daily life of our academy. From welcoming new families to creating nurturing classroom environments, she ensures every child and family feels a sense of belonging from the very beginning.
Jennifer’s classroom reflects her passion for learning and creativity. She designs engaging, thoughtful environments where children are encouraged to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. She believes deeply in empowering children—reminding them each day that “I can’t” becomes “Yes, you can.”
As a strong advocate for children, Jennifer is always looking for ways to support individual needs and be a voice for those who may not yet have one. She is committed to going above and beyond to ensure every child has the support they need to succeed.
Outside of the classroom, Jennifer enjoys adding a little creativity and fun to everyday life—especially when it comes to finding outfits for “Duck,” her porch goose, who has become a favorite part of her home life.
Jennifer’s warmth, leadership, and dedication to building friendships and fostering a love of learning make her an invaluable part of our team and a trusted partner for our families.
Emily Taggett
Assistant Director / Lead Governor Teacher/ Social Media
Emily is a dedicated wife and loving mother to her 4.5-year-old son. With over 10 years of experience in Early Childhood Education—and almost 7 of those years spent working alongside Katie—Emily brings both passion and consistency to Learning By The Lakes Academy.
Born and raised in the Lakes Region, Emily has a deep connection to the community we serve. You’ll often find her out exploring the area with her son—adventuring through all the places he loves, making memories, and embracing the joy and wonder of seeing the world through his eyes as a mom.
Emily is known for being hardworking, organized, and detail-oriented. She plays an integral role in planning and executing school-wide events that bring our community together, helping to strengthen partnerships with families.
As our Social Media Manager, Emily takes the moments captured by our teachers and turns them into meaningful, engaging content that highlights the learning, creativity, and friendships happening each day. She brings a fun and energetic spirit to our social media—especially on TikTok—where she loves jumping into the latest trends and encouraging our team to join in. Her creativity helps showcase the joyful, connected community we’ve built while keeping families involved in their child’s day in a fun and authentic way.
In her leadership roles as Assistant Director and Lead Teacher of our Pre-K Governor’s Program (ages 4–5), Emily creates a classroom environment rooted in learning, creativity, and connection. She is passionate about supporting children’s development in language and literacy, math and science, phonics, and social-emotional growth. Her classroom is thoughtfully designed to balance academics with play, ensuring children are excited, engaged, and eager to learn.
Emily’s teaching philosophy reflects her deep belief that every child deserves a safe, nurturing, and welcoming environment where they can grow and thrive at their own pace. She recognizes that all children learn differently and supports their development through hands-on experiences, exploration, creativity, and play-based learning.
She values strong partnerships with families and encourages parents and caregivers to be active participants in their child’s educational journey. Emily believes that children learn by observing those around them, and she strives to be a positive role model while creating a respectful, engaging, and supportive environment.
Emily wears her heart on her sleeve and builds genuine connections with every child. She ensures each child feels loved, valued, and supported, while maintaining open and ongoing communication with families. Her classroom is filled with warmth, friendship, and a true love of learning—making it a place where children feel confident, capable, and inspired to grow.
Olivia is a devoted wife and mother to two children, along with two dogs, two cats, and many chickens. She is also an aunt and a friend to many, always showing up for others with a caring and supportive heart. Outside of work, Olivia serves as the Vice President and Cheer Coordinator for Lakes Region Pop Warner, where she brings her leadership, organization, and enthusiasm to support youth in her community.
Originally from the sunshine state, Olivia has called New Hampshire home for the past 10 years. In her free time, you can find her relaxing with a good book and a glass of wine, enjoying a quiet moment to recharge.
With over 8 years of experience in the Early Childhood field, Olivia has worked in many roles—including in the classroom and at the front desk—giving her a well-rounded understanding of how a childcare program operates. She also has experience supporting children with challenging behaviors, bringing patience, compassion, and insight to her work.
In her role as Administrative Assistant, Olivia works primarily behind the scenes and remotely to help keep Learning By The Lakes Academy running smoothly. From managing billing and handling orders to supporting day-to-day operations, she plays a vital role in keeping everything organized and on track. Her strong work ethic and attention to detail ensure that both staff and families are supported in meaningful ways.
Olivia has a natural gift for organization and is always finding ways to simplify, declutter, and improve systems. Whether she’s streamlining processes or supporting staff from afar, she brings consistency and reliability to our team.
Known for her positive attitude and encouraging spirit, Olivia supports both staff and families in ways that often happen behind the scenes but are felt every day. Her work helps create a smooth, organized, and supportive environment for our entire school community.
Olivia’s dedication, teamwork, and commitment to supporting others make her an essential part of Learning By The Lakes Academy.