Staff
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 elementary education at the University of Idaho where I met my husband. Since then, we have raised two Vandals and a Bronco. I’ve dedicated most of my career as the Executive Director of Giraffe Laugh Early Learning Centers. Since 1990, we have seen our little nonprofit, serving low-income families, move from one small center to three schools and a summer program. Ensuring school readiness, empowering families, and building strong futures is my primary goal and mission, one child, one family at a time.”
Contact Lori by emailing lori@giraffelaugh.org or calling (208) 954-5455.
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 the University of Idaho where I received a degree in sociology. With this, I went around the world teaching abroad and traveling. Through traveling, I have learned a lot about other cultures. With this knowledge, I hope to pass compassion, tolerance, and acceptance of other races and cultures to my children. One of the best ways I can see doing this is by working and helping in the nonprofit world. I strongly feel that teaching is one of the most important professions, and investing in our children is investing in our future. I have worked with a nonprofit for the past three years. While doing this, I developed a great desire to remain in the nonprofit world. I jumped at the opportunity when I heard that Giraffe Laugh was hiring. Education and the stability of our children are how we make the world a better place to live. I am grateful and excited every day for the opportunity to work with such an amazing team of people on a mission that helps families in our community.”
Contact Cassandra by emailing cassandra@giraffelaugh.org or calling (208) 954-5456.
Lynnsey Tracy
Marketing & Volunteer Coordinator
“Hi there! I was raised in a small town in Southern Idaho and moved to Boise in June 2022. After graduating from the University of Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural science, communications, and leadership and completing a year of graduate school at Montana State University, I begin searching for somewhere to utilize my passion and knowledge in positive youth development. I quickly realized that I wanted to work for Giraffe Laugh because I could see the impact that the nonprofit makes on families in the Treasure Valley. I enjoy fishing, caring for my many houseplants, and spending time with the people I love. I have two dogs that I’m convinced make the world go ’round, Willa and Jinks. I value relationships, happiness, kindness, and learning.”
Contact Lynnsey by emailing lynnsey@giraffelaugh.org or calling (208) 954-5457.
Laura Rogers
Grant Writer
“I was born in Portland, OR, and was a life-long Pacific Northwesterner until last year when we decided to throw caution to the wind, sell everything, and move to a rural part of Costa Rica! And though it was a phenomenal life experience to have had, we decided we just needed to return to the States after being there for a few months. Knowing that we were done living in a moss-covered, rain-intensive climate, we knew we didn’t want to go back to Portland, so we started the search for our forever home-city. The first place we tried out was Boise, and we’re still here! My background is in education, event planning, writing, photography, and environmental advocacy. I went to college in Spokane and received my BA in elementary education, with a minor in English. After that, I worked in Portland as a substitute teacher, waitress, and event planner. I was busy! After getting a few years of event planning under my belt, I moved to Bellingham to work for an environmental nonprofit as their event planner. I met my husband in Bellingham and we had our two children there. After a few more moves, job changes, and exploring, we are very happy to have landed in Boise! I have many hobbies, or perhaps they are obsessions; which include: gardening, hiking, biking, dogs, my kids, travel, and eating great food. Through my travels, I have lived in Bolivia, Alaska, France, the Caribbean, and Costa Rica. I am very excited to have found my next adventure grant writing with Giraffe Laugh!
Contact Laura by emailing grants@giraffelaugh.org.
Beverly Haugen
Site Director at Giraffe Laugh 2
“I grew up in Heppner, Oregon and moved to Boise in 1998. I will soon start the adventure of obtaining my BA in early childhood education. My favorite moment is when a child grasps onto a concept that they have been struggling with. Having the privilege to witness the pride they feel in their accomplishment brings me the greatest amount of joy. I was a single mom with next-to-no education with an amazing passion for working with children. I saw an ad for a preschool teacher with Giraffe Laugh and interviewed for it. I fell in love with the children, the staff, and Lori. My passion is providing a safe, healthy learning environment for children and families regardless of their ability to pay. One of my favorite parts of my job is giving tours of our program. I love spreading the word and sharing my love of Giraffe Laugh.”
Contact Beverly by emailing beverly@giraffelaugh.org or calling (208) 954-5450.
Emma Clement
Site Co-Director at Giraffe Laugh 2
“For over eight years, I have taken care of children and love it. I like to help them learn and grow into amazing people who will change our world. I wholeheartedly believe in Giraffe Laugh’s mission to ensure school readiness, empower families, and build strong futures in our community. Since 2014, I have worked in the toddler room and preschool room of Giraffe Laugh.”
Emma was the Site Director at Giraffe Laugh 1 before it was closed in June 2022. She was relocated to Giraffe Laugh 2 and has been serving as co-director alongside Beverly.
Contact Emma by emailing emma@giraffelaugh.org.
Lisa Duncan
Assistant Director at Giraffe Laugh 2
“Serving others is important to me, and I became involved in Giraffe Laugh as a volunteer. Now as an employee, I am thankful to be able to serve children of the Treasure Valley and help prepare them for school. I also oversee the center’s nutrition program and enjoy the questions the children have about their meals. I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and am the eldest of three. My husband and I have a daughter named Kaylee. I am working on a bachelor’s degree in health sciences and finishing an associate’s degree in early childhood education.”
Contact Lisa by emailing lisa@giraffelaugh.org.
Annie Fascilla
Site Director at Giraffe Laugh 3 Garden City Preschool
“Hello, my name is Annie Fascilla. 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 shaped me and helped me learn and grow, and watching that wonderful experience unfold for so many others. I attended the University of Idaho and got a bachelor’s in early childhood development and education. After working at Giraffe Laugh’s summer program, I knew my calling was to work with young children. As soon as I graduated, I began working as the preschool teacher for Giraffe Laugh 4 and eventually worked my way up to being the Site Director for Giraffe Laugh Garden City Preschool. I feel so blessed to be a part of bringing quality preschool to the deserving families of Garden City. When I’m not teaching, you’ll find me somewhere on the Greenbelt or with my nose buried in a good book.”
Contact Annie by emailing annie@giraffelaugh.org or calling (208) 954-5462.
Laura Hernandez
Site Director at Giraffe Laugh 4
“My name is Laurentina Hernandez, but I go by Laura. Growing up, I lived in Washington but I am originally from California. I married my best friend, Josue, and we have three wonderful children named Isai, Kayla, and Jazmin. My hobbies are spending time with my family, collecting turtles, nail polish, and sunflowers. I’ve been in early childhood for 22 years, 13 of which have been with Giraffe Laugh. Working with children has always been my passion. I love to see the children grow and learn new things. Teaching is a big part of my life and my heart. I am eternally grateful for all that children have taught me. For me, Giraffe Laugh is more than just a job… it’s a family too.”
Contact Laura by emailing laura@giraffelaugh.org or calling (208) 954-5465.
Jackie Galligan
Assistant Director at Giraffe Laugh 4
“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 relations degree. Soon after college, I married my best friend Jason Galligan, and he has been nothing but loving and supportive. I have loved working with children since I was a young girl. I am the lead teacher of preschool and Assistant Site Director at Giraffe Laugh 4. Working with children has been amazing. It has taught me so many things about the way they learn and develop as they grow. Most important to me though, is the smile they bring to pursing what I enjoy, and hope for many years on this fun early education journey.”
Contact Jackie by emailing jackie@giraffelaugh.org.
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Giraffe Laugh is a local nonprofit that provides early childhood education and nurturing to 150 Treasure Valley children annually by ensuring school readiness, empowering families, and building strong futures.
Giraffe Laugh has two full time centers serving children from birth to five years old, a full-time preschool program that serves children from three and a half to five years old, and a summer program that serves children that are of school-age.