Meet Kayla Dyer And Melisa Guggenmos | Kayla, Supervisor of the city of Aurora’s Meadowood Preschool and Melisa Guggenmos, Supervisor Senior of city of Aurora Preschool Programs

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kayla And Melisa Dyer And Guggenmos and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kayla and Melisa, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Kayla Dyer, Supervisor of the city of Aurora’s Meadowood Preschool
Melisa Guggenmos, Supervisor Senior of city of Aurora Preschool Programs

1. How does your business help the community and the world?
I am always excited to shine a light on how our preschool helps support our community by starting with what matters most; our youngest learners. “The world is your playground” isn’t just a string of words; it’s an amazing understanding that the world around every child can be fun and filled with adventure, and preschool is an amazing first step into the big bold world!
The Aurora Preschool program brings this to life in a truly special way by celebrating the diverse cultures that make up our community. We encourage our families to share their traditions, languages, and stories with each other, and us, turning classrooms into vibrant spaces full of learning, connection, and discovery. Children not only learn about the world around them, but also see their own identities valued and celebrated.
Through play, connection, and shared experiences, our preschool community is helping to raise curious learners and compassionate citizens. When children are supported through excitement, joy and are encouraged to embrace the richness of everything around them we are able to build a stronger, more inclusive community. One that will continue to make a positive impact far beyond the classroom! – Kayla Dyer

People often think working in preschool is “just play,” but as a Supervisor, I see it differently: we are the architects building the foundation for our community and the world. Between the ages of three and five, children aren’t just having fun; they’re mastering the essential building blocks that shape their entire life’s trajectory. In our classrooms, “play” is where they learn how to navigate choices and consequences, develop the patience to take turns, and build the language and literacy skills that stay with them forever. Whether they grow up to pursue an advanced degree, master a trade, or become a dedicated parent, that journey begins right here. By nurturing these early years, we’re helping children become the kind of thoughtful, contributing citizens that our world needs to thrive. – Melisa Guggenmos

2. What do you think is the most important thing you’ve done as a parent in terms of the impact on your children?
The most important choice I’ve made as a parent would have to be teaching my three boys how to lead with kindness while still knowing how to stand their ground. I spend a lot of time with my children exploring and learning about what it takes to be understanding, patient, and treating people with kindness. I have also taught them from an early age that it is not only acceptable, but at times essential, to speak up and advocate when something isn’t right.
I like to think I’m raising children who understand that you can be both soft-hearted and strong at the same time; that there is just as much value in being compassionate and kind as there is in being firm and unmoving. My hope is that they grow into someone who will look out for others, believe in themselves, and aren’t afraid to use their voice when and where it really counts. – Kayla Dyer

Honestly, I think the most important thing I’ve done for my daughter is just stepping back and letting her fail sometimes. It’s so tempting to jump in and fix everything but letting her make her own mistakes and learn from them has been huge for her confidence. We keep the lines of communication wide open, so even when things go sideways, she knows she can come to me without feeling judged. It’s about helping her build that inner resilience and problem-solving muscle she’ll need as she grows up. At the end of the day, I want her to know she’s strong enough to handle life’s curveballs, but that I’m always here to be her sounding board. – Melisa Guggenmos

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
We’ve built an incredible community that feels more like an extended family; whether it’s families who attended years ago who still rave about their experiences or new families experiencing what makes our program so special (and can’t wait to tell their friends!)
Because our preschool program is smaller we get to do something really meaningful… We truly get to know our families! These strong, genuine one-on-one connections allow us to support each child in a way that feels personal, thoughtful, and impactful.
Personally, I find so much joy in welcoming new children into our preschool world. Watching their confidence grow, their curiosity bloom and their personalities shine is incredibly special. Those joyful “aha!” moments? They never get old! Being part of those little breakthroughs; when a child discovers something new or realizes what they’re capable of, is truly the best feeling and a constant reminder of why I love what I do. – Kayla Dyer

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I’m someone who looks at the whole journey and stays focused on the purpose behind every struggle. I’m not afraid of the messy parts of growing up because I see them as essential steps forward. Whether I’m at home or in the classroom, I’ve realized my real ‘superpower’ is acting as a guide and an interpreter—I can take a tough moment, like a meltdown over a lost game or a mistake on a school project and decipher the frustration to turn it into a clear lesson about resilience. I’m most proud of the fact that I have the patience to step back and let people fail. It’s definitely not easy to do, and it can be hard to watch, but I do it because I truly believe that confidence isn’t born from getting it right the first time. It comes from knowing you have the inner strength to handle it when you get it wrong. By keeping the lines of communication wide open and being a steady sounding board, I’m giving the kids in my life the tools they need to navigate the world on their own. – Melisa Guggenmos

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Kayla Dyer Recommendations
One of my favorite kinds of days to share would be an “antique and wander” day. Aurora has all these little pockets that reward curiosity, especially around Havana near Four Square Mile. You can spend hours popping in and out of antique shops, finding unexpected treasures and just enjoying the process of exploring without an agenda. It’s the kind of outing where the fun is in what you stumble upon, not what you planned.
On days when we want something a little more relaxed and easy going, I’d take them to Great Plains Park. It’s such an easy place to settle into whether you are stretching out under the trees, grilling, people-watching or just walking around. There’s something really grounding about spending an afternoon within the park space! Especially when you mix in a little nostalgia on the playground or cool off by the splash pad.
Of course, we’d balance that with a couple of more lively, all-in-one spots. Stanley Marketplace is perfect for that! An indoor space full of local businesses where you can snack your way through the day, grab a drink and browse without ever feeling rushed. It has that creative, community-driven energy that makes it easy to lose track of time. Then there’s Southlands, which offers a different vibe; more open-air that pulls in a mix of your favorite familiar shops and restaurants. During the warmer Colorado months there is also a farmers market that adds a really fun, social feel to the whole area!
Over the course of the week, we’d keep things flexible! Maybe a spontaneous coffee run, a sunset walk or revisiting a spot we unexpectedly loved. To me, the “best time ever” isn’t about checking off a list. It’s about showing how effortlessly full and enjoyable a week can be here. It’s the combination of low-key mornings, small discoveries and places that invite you to just hang out and be present

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Melisa Guggenmos Recommendations:
To truly explore all of the great spots in Aurora, you need way more than a week! Some of mine and my daughter’s favorite places to visit:
• Stanley Marketplace- only in Aurora can an old aviation factory be turned into a thriving community marketplace. From the one-of-a-kind shops to the delicious restaurants, this is sure to be a place not to miss.
• Star K Ranch- this is a great hiking spot and offers some really cool classes.
• Nickel-A-Play- a one stop shop to play all the old arcade video games from the past. Bonus- the games cost only a nickel (sometimes 2 nickels), there is a small fee to get into the arcade but it is totally worth it to go back in time to play all the classics.
• Hampden Run Park- also know as “The Green Park” by my daughter. This is one of our favorite playgrounds. Between the climb up the spiraling towers to traversing the skybridge that connects the two towers- it is a challenge for all ages. The best part is a twisty tunnel slide to get back down!

Some Favorite Places to Eat:
(We love to eat breakfast at our house so many of our favorite places to eat have delicious breakfasts)
• Denver Biscuit Co- homemade biscuits and jumbo-sized cinnamon rolls, need I say more??
• The French Press- delicious fully loaded breakfast burritos
• Milly’s Community Café- you have to stop in for a hot chocolate and the cookie of the day (they are giant).
• Rosie’s Diner- besides breakfast all day- who can go wrong with that, they have rich creamy shakes.
• Rebel Cookie Dough- this one can be hard to find at times as it is a roaming food truck but it is totally worth it! Their edible cookie dough is delish! They are usually at all the major city events so I never miss an event.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to two people who fundamentally shaped my perspective on learning and leadership: my sophomore English teacher, Mrs. Mays, and my first boss, Luis Navarro. Mrs. Mays sparked a lifelong love for reading within me and showed me just how enjoyable the process of discovery can be. From Luis, during my time at the movie theater, I learned the essential leadership principle of never asking an employee to do something you wouldn’t do yourself. Today, whether I’m diving into a new book or leading by example while cleaning up messes in the preschool classroom, their influence is a constant guide in my life. – Kayla Dyer

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I want to shout out an amazingly fun and powerful book that I discovered very early on in my career that I still enjoy sharing with families and their children. The book is called “I’m Gonna Like Me: Letting off a Little Self-esteem” by Jamie Lee Curtis.

This is a fun story filled with pages of colorful and engaging artwork that connects the reader with the idea that feeling good about yourself starts with simply liking who you are. It encourages children to take notice and appreciate their own unique qualities, no matter how silly or small it may seem to others. The tone of the story is playful and bright, but the underlying theme is about building self-esteem and confidence! It is a wonderful book that I have always felt connected to and used as a guideline of how I connect with children on unique and personal levels. – Melisa Guggenmos

Website: https://www.AuroraGov.org/Preschool

Instagram: @AuroraPROS

Facebook: @AuroraPROS