Our Team

Committed & Qualified

Morgan Thomas

Denison Campus Director

Morgan first joined the Mudpies team in 2022 as a teacher before becoming a part of the management team later that year. She has her CDA in preschool development and is currently enrolled in school for her Administrator's Credential. When not at work, she enjoys reading, painting or hiking.

Lauren Darr

Denison Campus Assistant Director

Lauren has been in childcare since 2017. She started out as a teacher at Mudpies in 2022 and joined management in 2023. She has her CDA and is looking forward to continuing in further early childcare education. She has two beautiful girls, a loving husband, and two cats. In her free time, she loves to spend time with her family, play video games and diamond paint.

Anika Jay

Denison Campus Curriculum Coordinator

Anika has been a part of the Mudpies family since 2023. She began as a classroom teacher prior to joining the management team. She is a mom of two feisty boys. Anika is continuing her education in early childhood development as well as she has received her CDA in infant and toddler development. In her free time she enjoys hiking and spending time with her children.

Amber Shrum

Anna Campus Director

Amber joined the Mudpies team in 2017. She is a mother of 2 and a foster mom when needed. She has a true passion for children and a heart of gold. Amber earned her Texas Directors Credential in 2022 and has been in campus leadership since that time. In her free time she enjoys reading and spending time with her family.

Samantha Lavake

Anna Campus Team Lead/ Curriculum Manager

Sam has been a part of the Mudpies family since early 2016, starting as a teacher before moving into management. She is a proud mom to one spicy and spunky daughter. Sam has her AS in general studies mostly focused on child development as well as has her CDA in infant and toddler development. In her free time she is usually out on the lake fishing or cozied up on the couch with a good book!