About Us

AppleTree Educational Center is a 5 STAR, nationally accredited, faith-based, non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to providing comprehensive family support services. Our mission is to meet the needs of the ‘whole child’ by providing high-quality and affordable programs for Sierra County families with children. AppleTree Educational Center offers early care and education to all children birth to five, in a center-based environment with small teacher-to-child ratios. AppleTree provides New Mexico PreK, Early PreK, and afterschool care, comprehensive services that address health and wellness, community and economic development, recreation, and education.

More on AppleTree Educational Center

OUR HISTORY

Founded in 1999, AppleTree Child Development Center opened in response to repeated requests from Sierra County educators, parents, and the faith-based community for a center-based child care program. Over the years, gaps in community services have been identified, and, when possible, AppleTree has expanded its programs to meet the community need. Our non-profit scope of work was expanded, and our name officially changed to AppleTree Educational Center. Today, we serve over 100 families weekly by providing comprehensive services that address health and wellness, community and economic development, and education and recreation.

OUR MISSION

“Meeting the needs of the ‘whole child.'” This also includes the family and community through high-quality, affordable programs that are accessible to all.

OUR PURPOSE

To offer a warm, accepting, positive atmosphere in which the whole person can grow spiritually, emotionally, socially, creatively, intellectually, and physically.

OUR SLOGAN

“Cultivating Hopes and Dreams.” We believe that individuals learn best through activities and environments that are healthy and safe, age appropriate, engaging, and meaningful. As a result, AppleTree Educational Center creates programs for children, youth, and families that are responsive to needs, that are based on best practices, and that empower individuals and families to reach their full potential.

Psalms 1:3

“And they shall be like a tree planted by rivers of living water; that brings forth their fruit in their season, their leaf shall also not wither, and whatsoever they do shall prosper.”

Meet Our Team

REBECCA DOWFounder & Volunteer Ambassador

Rebecca founded AppleTree in 1999 and has dedicated most of her life to advocating for underserved populations, especially the children and families of Sierra County. Rebecca holds degrees in Business and Early Childhood Education and has 20 years of Non-Profit Business experience.

AMELIA WILCOXDirector

Amelia has spent the last fifteen years at AppleTree Educational Center. Amelia is a mother of four who started working at AppleTree as a classroom teacher. Since working at AppleTree, Amelia has her Associate’s in Early Childhood Development from Western NM University. Amelia is the director of AppleTree Educational Center, overseeing birth to PreK, afterschool and out of school programs.

BRISA AGUILERAFinancial Director

Brisa is originally from El Paso, TX, a mother of three, and is currently working to obtain a bachelor’s in Accounting and a minor in Business Management from Park University. She has an extensive amount of experience in Accounting from working in non-profit like Project Amistad and Texas Tech University. Brisa takes care of the bookkeeping finances, accounts receivable, accounts payable, general ledger, and financial statements for AppleTree Educational Center, Manzano Christian School, Little Things Matter (Home Visiting), and The Club.