For 25 years, Beverly Haugen, known and loved by generations of children and families as Ms. B, has helped create safe, welcoming spaces where young children can learn, grow, and build strong futures.
But before Ms. B became a teacher, mentor, and center director, she was a young single mother searching for safety, stability, and a better future for her child.
After leaving a difficult and abusive situation, Beverly was balancing parenthood, employment, dependable child care, and the possibility of continuing her education. During that challenging season, she turned to Giraffe Laugh for support.
That support helped Beverly pursue and earn a degree in child development. She soon began working at Giraffe Laugh, where she dedicated her career to giving other families the same encouragement, care, and opportunities she once received.
Growing Alongside Giraffe Laugh
Over the past 25 years, Ms. B has served countless children and families throughout the Treasure Valley. She began her career as an early childhood educator and now serves as the center director at Giraffe Laugh on Franklin, our fifth and newest early learning center.
Located beside an affordable housing community, the Franklin center recently celebrated its first anniversary. The center provides affordable, high-quality child care, early education, nutritious meals, and family support to families in the surrounding neighborhood.
Some of the children Ms. B taught early in her career are now adults, parents, professionals, and active members of our community, a powerful reminder of how far the impact of one caring educator can reach.
A Leader and Role Model
As a proud Black woman and educator, Ms. B has also been a meaningful role model for children, parents, and fellow teachers. She works to create environments where children of every background feel seen, welcomed, valued, and loved.
“Beverly understands firsthand what dependable child care, early education, and encouragement can mean for a family,” shared Lori Fascilla, Executive Director of Giraffe Laugh. “For 25 years, she has given that same support back to children and parents throughout our community, impacting the lives and futures of countless families.”
Today, Ms. B continues to teach, lead, and care for a new generation of children and families. Her journey reflects the heart of Giraffe Laugh’s mission: when families receive the support they need, they can build strong futures, and often go on to create those same opportunities for others.
A Message from Ms. B
“When I look back on the past 25 years, my heart is filled with gratitude. It has been such a joy and privilege to spend my days helping little ones learn, grow, and discover the world around them. Every child who has walked through our doors has left a lasting impression on my heart, and the relationships I’ve built with their families have been just as meaningful.
I believe the early years are the foundation for everything that follows. There is nothing more rewarding than watching a child gain confidence, overcome challenges, and celebrate the little milestones that lead to lifelong success. My goal has always been to nurture each child’s love of learning, build the skills they need to be ready for school, and help them believe in themselves from the very beginning.
I also know that children thrive when families feel supported and empowered. Being a trusted partner for parents, celebrating successes, offering encouragement, and working together through challenges, has always been one of the most meaningful parts of my work. Together, we are building strong foundations that help children grow into confident learners and caring, capable individuals.
As I look ahead, I hope to continue creating a place where children feel loved, safe, and inspired to learn, while partnering with families to prepare children for school and for life. It is an incredible blessing to do work that I truly love, and I look forward to continuing to help build strong futures, one child and one family at a time.”
Help Us Celebrate Ms. B
We invite former students, families, colleagues, and community members to join us in celebrating Ms. B’s remarkable journey, her 25 years of service, and the many lives she continues to touch throughout the Treasure Valley. You can mail a card to the GL Franklin Center at 203 S Orchard St, Boise, ID 83705 or you can fill out this form, and we’ll make sure your message gets to her!
