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Preschool Program
Miss Charlene, Lead Teacher
Charlene is well qualified for her position as lead teacher in the
preschool program. She has over twenty-six years of experience in
early learning and childcare. She has an A.A. degree in Early
Childhood Education and continued her studies in elementary
education at Webster University. She consistently demonstrates her
dedication and capabilities as a teacher in the classroom. She plans
developmentally- appropriate activities and lessons that stimulate
the thinking skills and readiness level of her students that help to
make the transition from preschool to the elementary school
environment.
Both of Charlene's parents were
professors at community colleges and influenced her love for
learning. She also learned the importance of early education and its
impact on the life of a young child. She has reflected these values
in the education and training of her own two daughters. Her desire
is to continue to have a positive influence on the lives of young
children for many years to come.
Miss Tamara, Lead Teacher
Tamara began her career in early childhood education and child care
by first becoming a mom. For years, Tamara dropped her children off
at the childcare center near her home. She began staying longer and
longer as she enjoyed being involved with young children. One day,
in 2000, the Temple Tottery Center offered her a teaching position.
Tamara has experience with all ages, but loves preschoolers the
best. She even taught preschool at Temple Tottery Daycare. Tamara
joined our staff in August of 2005.
Tamara has three boys! Schuyler (9),
Derrain (5), and James (3) keep her hopping all the time. It's one
of the reasons Tamara loves children so much. She says that every
day you can learn something new from a child. It's what keeps her
coming back every day. For fun, Tamara loves to cook and bake. She
loves Chinese food and anything fruity.
Miss Tammy, Lead Teacher
After graduating from Wentworth College with her AA degree in
education, Tammy spent the next 4+ years working the Excelsior &
Orrick school district as a substitute teacher. In 1997, she went
full time as speech and drama coach for the Orrick School district.
Tammy has continued to work toward her bachelor's degree from Park
University. In 2000, Tammy began working for the Richmond, Missouri
Head Start program as a center coordinator and teacher. In 2006, she
joined a small child care center as an assistant director and
teacher. From there, she became a director and a center in Richmond.
We had the good fortune of having her join our team as a lead
teacher in the preschool program in July of 2007.
Preparing preschoolers for school is
a primary goal for Tammy and watching them strive to reach their
potential a joy. Tammy has a teenage son, Kyle, and a preschool
goddaughter, Caitlyn, who lives with them. Caitlyn attends our
center. Kyle, Caitlyn and Tammy live on 5 acres and love spending
time outdoors. Other hobbies include going to the theater reading
and working in the yard. Tammy also enjoys playing basketball with
her kids!
Miss Catina, Teacher
When Catina walked into the director's office back in August of
2004, Jan knew instantly that she would do a great job in the
preschool program. Catina graduated from Slater High School. Catina
was a nanny for a family of three. She is also a dutiful aunt and
cares for her 7 nieces and nephews whenever their families travel.
Early childhood education became
even more important in August of 2003, when Catina's son, Draven was
born. Catina is engaged and her fiance works at the Olive Garden
while attending school. Her mom works at the Behavioral Institute
and her Dad works with the National Guard.
Catina loves to read and mystery
novels are her favorite. Shopping and movies occupy some of her
spare time. She has a huge family where she and her son spend lots
of time. Catina also has a very large collection of Mardi Gras
masks.
Miss Christy Y., Lead Teacher
Joining the Spectrum Station team in June of 2006, Christy
immediately knew she'd found a job she could stay with. A 2003
graduate of Oak Park High School, Christy attended Maple Woods
Community College on an A+ Scholarship. After graduating from Maple
Woods with her associates degree, Christy went on to Missouri State
University for the 2005-2006 school year. Christy is majoring in
education, but is taking some time off.
Like many teachers, Christy began
very young by babysitting children for friends and family. Christy
has always enjoyed working with children, so early childhood
education seemed a perfect fit.
Christy lives at home with mom,
Connie, dad, Dale and little sister Cindy (19). Also part of the
family are Dam and Waggles, the family's two dogs. Christy is a
self-proclaimed football enthusiast and it comes as no surprise that
her favorite seasons are Fall and Winter! She loves to camp and
spend time with friends.
Miss Amanda L., Teacher
After taking several child development classes in school, Mandy knew
she wanted to work with children. In high school, Mandy worked with
the "High-Step" program teaching kids about the dangers of drugs and
alcohol abuse. She was also in Future Educators of America and did
volunteer work in a kindercare class.
Mandy has two+ years in the early
education field and says she "LOVES IT." With 2 older brothers, an
older sister, a twin brother, and 5 nephews, Mandy has developed a
very nurturing personality. She often watches her nephews for her
siblings. She loves listening to music, going to the movies and
having fun with friends. Amanda is also a big CHIEFS fan!
Miss Rachel E., Assistant Teacher
Rachel began working at Spectrum Station in April of 2008. She is a
college student, majoring in elementary education. Rachel loves
children, and it shows every day! She worked for two years in an
elementary school, another two years at a daycare center, and was a
nanny for two summers. Being an education major, she recognized a
quality program instantly and couldn't wait to apply.
Rachel is very close with her family. Her mom and dad live
close by, but her brother Joel, is going to college in Oklahoma.
She misses him dearly. She also has two miniature schnauzers.
Rachel is a huge sports fan! In her spare time she enjoys
going to Chiefs and Royals games. She also enjoys movies and
hanging out with friends. Rachel is a wonderful addition to our
staff.
Miss Patti Jo, Assistant Teacher
Patti Jo is an intern with Winnetonka High School and intends to
pursue her degree in Early Childhood Education. She loves teaching
children and can't wait to continue her education so she can teach
full time.
Patti Jo has a very large family and loves spending time with
them. She said that family functions can be very loud but full of
love.
Patti Jo loves to play volleyball and spending time with
family and friends. She loves going out to eat with friends and
LOVES chicken fingers and ranch dressing!
Miss Christy F., Teacher
Christy joined
our team in January of 2008. She applied here after hearing about
how awesome our center is from her younger sister Amanda, who works
in our preschool program.
One of the most important things to Christy is her family.
She has been married for 18 years and has 4 children, all boys. She
is also has 4 brothers and sisters.
In her free time, Christy enjoys playing games with her
kids, reading and being outdoors. Her favorite foods are pizza and
spaghetti. Christy is a wonderful addition to our team!
Miss Emily, Assistant Teacher
Emily started with Spectrum Station as an intern with Winnetonka
High School. Emily is attending college and is planning on earning
her degree in Early Education Psychology. She loves working with
kids and feels that working with kids is her true calling.
Emily lives at home with her parents and she said her mother
is her greatest influence in life.life.life.
Emily loves scrapbooking because it allows her to be
creative and make beautiful things. She loves cheerleading and
eating all Italian food.
- Executive Director
- Administration
Teachers
- Infant Program
- Toddler Program
- Older Toddler/Two's Program
- Preschool Program
- Pre-Kindergarten Program
- Private Kindergarten Program
- School Age/Summer Camp Program
- Substitute Teachers - All Programs |
