Leadership Team

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Lori Fascilla

Lori Fascilla

Executive Director

I was born into a family of seven to parents who were Idaho natives. At a young age, we moved to Maryland. I grew up in a bustling metropolis outside of Washington D.C., regularly experiencing politics, the arts, museums, and historical locations. I majored in...

Cassandra Wagner

Cassandra Wagner

Philanthropy Director

In my early childhood, I lived in the state of Nevada. After living there, we moved to Austria for a few years and eventually settled in Idaho. I have three siblings and was raised by a single mother who sacrificed everything to get us all through college. I attended...

Sofia Vera Valdez

Sofia Vera Valdez

Marketing Coordinator

Hi! I’m Sofia Vera Valdez, and I am thrilled to be part of the Giraffe Laugh team as the Media Coordinator. Originally from the Philippines, I moved to the U.S. at 19 with my family. Here, I continued my education, earning a degree in Media Arts and Public Relations...

Melissa Nickell

Melissa Nickell

Grant Writer/Admin Support

I was raised in Jerome, Idaho and enjoyed a childhood filled with dairy cows and fields of corn.  Growing up, my mother always taught me to appreciate the magic of imagination and the value of play.  I attended Boise State University where I earned a degree...

Neile Kyle

Neile Kyle

Operations Director & Site Director at Giraffe Laugh Summer Program

Beverly Haugen

Beverly Haugen

Site Director at Giraffe Laugh at The Franklin (coming soon)

I grew up in a small town in Oregon and found my way to Boise in my early 20’s. I strongly believe every child should have the opportunity to grow and thrive in a safe nurturing environment. My favorite moment is when a child grasps on to a concept that they have been...

Shellee Jackman

Shellee Jackman

Site Director at Giraffe Laugh on Grand Ave

Born and raised in the scenic town of Pocatello, ID, I embarked on a journey of growth and discovery when I relocated to the dynamic Treasure Valley in 2011—a decision that profoundly enriched my life. As the eldest among my siblings—a cherished trio of two sisters...

Emma Clement

Emma Clement

Assistant Site Director at Giraffe Laugh on Grand Ave.

I’ve been working in childcare since 2008, and was blessed to find my forever home in Giraffe Laugh in 2014. I take great pride in working for an organization that supports all families no matter what their financial situation currently is. Every child deserves a...

Laura Hernandez

Laura Hernandez

Site Director at Giraffe Laugh on State Street

My name is Laurentina Hernandez, but I go by Laura. I lived in Washington State but I am originally from California. We moved to Idaho back in 2002. I have been married to my best friend for almost 25 years now and we have three children. I have been working in...

Jackie Galligan

Jackie Galligan

Assistant Site Director at Giraffe Laugh on State Street

Hello, my name is Jacqueline Galligan. I was born in California but was raised here in Idaho. In 2017, I graduated from the University of Idaho with a Child Development/Family Relation degree. Soon after college, I married my best friend Jason Galligan and he has been...

Annie Fascilla

Annie Fascilla

Site Director at Giraffe Laugh Garden City Preschool

I was born and raised in Boise, Idaho where I attended Giraffe Laugh as a preschooler. I loved my experience there so much as a child that as soon as I was old enough, I began volunteering at Giraffe Laugh as a classroom helper. I loved being in the environment that...

Kristen Lein

Kristen Lein

Site Director at Giraffe Laugh in Kuna

I was born and raised in Minnesota and moved to California to attend college. I earned my bachelor's degree in psychology, and began my professional career working one on one with children with special needs, focusing on behavior management. Shortly after...

Karen Mackay-Smisek

Karen Mackay-Smisek

Assistant Site Director at Giraffe Laugh in Kuna

Hello!  My name is Karen.   I am new to Giraffe Laugh, and I am so excited to be a part of this organization.  I look forward to helping children learn and grow and to empower families.  I love to observe how children learn and figure things...

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We can see the future from here!

Giraffe Laugh is a local nonprofit that provides early childhood education and nurturing to 170 Treasure Valley children annually by ensuring school readiness, empowering families, and building strong futures.

Giraffe Laugh has two full-time programs that serve children 0-5 years old, a full-time preschool program that serves children 3.5-5 years old, and a summer program that serves children that are of school-age.