In honor of Provider Appreciation Day and 10 years of celebrating excellence, thread is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 thread Awards, revealed during a virtual ceremony on Friday, May 9.
Quality Improvement Program of the Year Award
This award recognizes a licensed family home child care program and a licensed child care center enrolled in Learn & Grow, Alaska’s Quality Recognition and Improvement System, for their commitment to continuous quality improvement.
Anchorage Cooperative Preschool (ACP) is the 2025 Quality Improvement Program of the Year, Child Care Center recipient. Founded by a group of engaged parents in 1970, ACP has remained committed to a play-based, social emotional learning model that nurtures children and engages families. Under the leadership of Director Jessica McCartan, the program has grown significantly while staying true to its community-centered values.
Learn more about ACP here: Center Recipient of the Quality Improvement Program of the Year
Chickadee House Montessori is the 2025 Quality Improvement Program of the Year, Family Child Care Home recipient. Owner Naomi Ozuru transitioned from a career in graphic design to early education, embracing the Montessori philosophy. Since opening in 2016, Chickadee House has provided intentional, high-quality care rooted in creativity and mindfulness.
Learn more about Chickadee House Montessori here: Family Home Recipient of the Quality Improvement Program of the Year
Cindy Harrington Heart & Mind Award
This award honors an individual in early childhood education whose character, dedication, and passion shine through their work and leadership.
Darby McFetridge, Director of North Star Learning Center, is the 2025 recipient. From her early inspiration drawn from her grandmother to her leadership today, Darby exemplifies strength, compassion, and advocacy. Her efforts have supported children’s learning, staff development, and equitable access to quality education for families. Darby’s collaborative and reflective leadership is deeply valued by her team and the wider community. Learn more about Darby here: Current Recipient
Legacy Award
To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the thread Awards, thread introduced the Legacy Award to recognize individuals whose long-standing contributions have strengthened early childhood education in Alaska.
Heather Bailey is the inaugural Legacy Award recipient. With a career spanning nearly four decades, Heather’s influence as a teacher, mentor, and leader has shaped countless educators and programs across Alaska. Currently serving as the Operations Manager at Knik Tribe’s Benteh Early Learning Academy, Heather continues to lead with vision and heart. Her advocacy for high-quality, culturally respectful early learning environments has left a lasting imprint on the field and inspired generations. Learn more about Heather here: Legacy Current Recipient
thread congratulates each 2025 award recipient and celebrates their enduring commitment to young children, families, and early educators across Alaska.
Watch the Awards Ceremony
thread would like to thank this event’s generous sponsor, Credit Union 1, for their support of this event. Thank you for supporting quality child care in Alaska! We also extend our sincere appreciation to all individuals who took the time to submit nominations. Your efforts are a testament to the invaluable work being done by nominees across Alaska.
Join us in congratulating this year’s nominees:
SOUTHCENTRAL
Anchorage
Alicia Villarroel
Anastasiia Buriak
Chris Jurenka
Eneida Gonzales Ortiz
Estrella Brocales
Karina Padilla
Kathleen Liwanag
Manilyn Herman
Maria Rincon
Melanie Saeteurn
Mya Wooden
Sheryll Fernandez
Steven Katrobos
Tawni Neese
Theresa Robertson
Paola Gomez
Talkeetna
Alison Cassidy
Sarah Brock
Trapper Creek
Alice Speir
Palmer
Samantha Reigard
Seldova
Kathleen Gruber
Wasilla
Bailey Hand
Belinda O’Malley
Billie McCann
D’nayla Alston
Heather Bailey
Kaysi Christensen
Jasmine Brookes
Lisa Benson-Nuyen
Lizzie Robertson
Maria Mata
Mark Lackey
Michelle Krueger
Taylor Marth
SOUTHEAST
Douglas
Owen Greenwood
NORTHERN/INTERIOR
Fairbanks
Amanda Lee
Allison Lennon
Arica Green
Jessica Armstrong
Iris Boehm
Mary Willey
North Pole
Chelsea Clarke
Darby McFetridge
Denise Zuniga