Echo O’Dell

Owner & Director

Background: I have loved working with children ever since I was old enough to babysit. Over the last ten years, I have worked in child care in various capacities and am a certified infant/toddler teacher and a certified preschool teacher. Every day, little ones remind me to slow down and be present. It is so amazing to watch how fast children can learn something new and absorb information.

Education: My education includes a certification as an infant/toddler teacher and a preschool teacher. I have over 500 training hours related to early childhood education.

Family and Hobbies: I am the mother of one sweet little girl (Hallie), who had the privilege to attend the Sandbox during her preschool years. Along with my daughter, my dog (Louie) and I enjoy all of what Montana has to offer. We love to backpack, camp, hike, and attend live music events.

My personal goals include; meditate daily, take at least one family trip a year.

My professional goals include; completing the CDA (Child Development Associate Credential), building a stronger foundation within the child care community, applying The Sandbox to the STARS program, and laying groundwork for becoming NAEYC accredited. More information about each program is found below.

The CDA Credential is the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education (ECE) and is a key stepping stone on the path of career advancement in ECE. The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential™ is based on a core set of competency standards, which guide early care professionals as they work toward becoming qualified teachers of young children. The Council works to ensure that the nationally-transferable CDA is a credible and valid credential, recognized by the profession as a vital part of professional development.

STARS: To support high quality early care and education programs for child care and education through a quality rating and improvement system that strengthens programs and practitioners with continuous improvement strategies and assists families to make informed decisions.

NAEYC: Equip your program with the tools to provide the best learning experiences for young children and provide the highest quality professional preparation of educators by meeting national standards of quality.

Amanda Turner

Early Childhood Teacher

I am originally from Great Falls, but have been in Bozeman for the last 10 years and love everything the area has to offer. I love all things outdoors: golfing, camping, exploring, swimming, floating, boating, you name it I probably like it. When you see me out, you’ll likely see me with my fiancé Matt and my two amazing bonus kiddos, Layla and Lily. We also have a little fur baby hunter, who thoroughly enjoys our walks by the river. I went to school at MSU and studied psychology and sociology and ultimately would love to get my masters in child psychology. I have loved kids for as long as I can remember - babysitting as soon as I could, working at afterschool programs through high school, and finally spending 8+ years working in childcare in my adult life. I love learning and exploring everyday with the tiny humans!

Frannie D'orazio

Early Childhood Teacher

I was born in Dillon MT, but have ultimately lived in Bozeman, MT the majority of my life. I have a 2 year old daughter named Delilah. My daughter and I love to go on hikes and enjoy afternoons at the park in our free time. During the spring and summer my daughter and I love to attend Crow Fair. My daughter loves to dance in the pow-wows. All year round we are very involved with our local Native American communities! I'm currently going to MSU for a Major in Early Childhood Education (P-3) with an attached Native American Studies minor with aspirations of becoming a Kindergarten teacher. I have been working with children for about 2 years now, I also have my infant/toddler teaching certification and have a strong passion for teaching and nurturing children. I believe children hold so much knowledge that they are just wanting to share with the world! I am very excited to work with your kids and get to know your amazing families!