Families often find themselves in the position of choosing between high-quality preschool education verses programs that reflect their faith-based values. We believe that parents shouldn’t have to compromise. Those looking for more than childcare are seeking a place where their children are guided, challenged to learn, grounded in faith, and truly known and nurtured.
We built Lion’s Path Preschool℠ Colorado Springs to be that place.
As a growing, corporate-led organization, we’re committed to delivering a consistent, faith-based early education experience across every campus we serve. From a little one’s first weeks of infancy, through preschool and into Kindergarten, every Lion’s Path Preschool℠ classroom reflects the same mission, the same standards, and the same unwavering commitment to biblical truth.
Our approach is sincere: Nurture the Child. Teach the Truth. Walk the Path.℠
Lion’s Path Preschool℠ Colorado Springs, we don’t just prepare children for school. We help guide them on a lifelong path of learning, faith, confidence, and purpose.
My name is Darlene Ortega, and I was born and raised in Puerto Rico. Seven years ago, I moved to the United States and have since lived in both Washington and Alaska through my husband’s active-duty Army service. Being part of a military family has given me a deep appreciation for the unique experiences, transitions, and challenges military families face. It has also shaped my heart for creating supportive, stable, and welcoming environments where children and families feel truly seen, valued, and cared for. I believe the resilience military children develop is a beautiful strength that helps them confidently navigate life’s many changes and experiences.
I am happily married and a proud mother of two wonderful children who bring so much joy, purpose, and inspiration to my life.
My passion for early childhood education began in middle school while volunteering at my church’s summer camps. Those experiences sparked a love for working with children and families and inspired me to pursue a career where I could make a meaningful impact in the lives of young learners. Since then, I have dedicated my life to supporting children through education, mentorship, and family-centered care.
I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences with a focus on Human Wellbeing and later completed a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Throughout my journey, I have come to understand how foundational the preschool years are in a child’s growth and development. What I love most about working with preschoolers is their curiosity, creativity, honesty, and excitement for learning. Watching children grow in confidence, build friendships, and discover new abilities is one of the greatest joys of my work.
What makes Lion’s Path Preschool so special to me is that it is more than a school—it is a caring community where children are nurtured academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. I believe every child deserves to feel safe, loved, and encouraged, and I am passionate about creating an environment where families feel welcomed, supported, and connected.
The values that guide my leadership are compassion, integrity, respect, faith, and collaboration. I strive to lead with warmth and humility while building strong relationships with children, families, and staff. My hope is that every family who walks through our doors experiences trust, encouragement, belonging, and the love that makes our preschool community feel like home.
