MEET OUR STAFF
We have a great staff at our Early Learning Center and can’t wait to meet you and your child!
About OUR STAFF
Our hiring practices meet and exceed licensing requirements. Each staff is individually interviewed and three (3) references are checked and documented; and experience working with children is preferred. All staff have a background check and their fingerprints are run through a national database. All staff meet state licensing education requirements and the Paths to Quality requirements. All staff complete at least 20 training hours per year. They are CPR/FA certified and are trained in Universal Precautions. Other trainings include Child Abuse and Neglect, Safe Sleep and CACFP Nutrition/Meal Service. All staff continue education on the newest information concerning Early Childhood Education. The Y constantly searches for new ways to keep our staff informed and educated about the most up-to-date ECE practices. We also participate in T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Indiana which enables full-time staff the opportunity to earn certificates and/or degrees in Early Childhood Education.
MEET OUR TEAM
Continued education and training is an essential part of our commitment to offering the highest quality of care and the finest education.
Kathryn Rice
Interim Director/Infant & Toddler Specialist
Kathryn's Bio
I’ve been an educator of young children for over twenty-five years. I enjoy watching kiddos grow, develop, and learn new concepts. I love to read, play Scrabble, and travel. I have nine grandkids and love spending time with them and the rest of my family!
I’ve had the privilege to teach in different communities. However, my husband, Willard Rice, and I are happy to be back in our hometown area of Kokomo after being away for fifteen years.
With my experience and dedication, I hope to lead the YMCA Early Learning Center to a new level in serving the families in our community. It takes a village to raise a child! Allow us here at the ELC to welcome you and be part of your village.
Becky Owings
Cook
Becky's Bio
Becky has a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and 20 years experience teaching children.
What are your favorite hobbies?: Becly enjoys reading and walking.
Who is someone you admire, and why?: “My grandma. She always told me to just be myself!”
Darlene Dorsey
Assistant Teacher
Darlene's Bio
Darlene has a High School Diploma. Darlene is currently enrolled at Ivy Tech and has 5 years experience teaching children.
What are your favorite hobbies?: Bowling and playing with my dog.
Who is someone you admire, and why?: “My Grandmother. She has always been a strong and independent woman. I want to be just like her.”
Jackie Studebaker
Assistant Teacher
Jackie's Bio
Jackie has a High School Diploma and 2 months experience teaching children.
What are your favorite hobbies?: Camping and being outside with family and friends.
Who is someone you admire, and why?: “My mom. She was always happy and stayed positive about everything and was always smiling.”
JANET NELSON
Lead Teacher
Janet's Bio
Janet has a Child Development Associate and over 50 years of experience teaching children.
What are your favorite hobbies?: Reading and researching new things.
Who is someone you admire, and why?: “Jesus. I want to be like Him. My mother. She set an example of how we should be.”
Jenny Davis
Lead Teacher
Jenny's Bio
Jenny has a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and 30+ years experience teaching children.
What are your favorite hobbies?: Spending time with my grandchildren and attending their activities.
Who is someone you admire, and why?: “My Dad because he was a big supporter of the Y and its mission.”
Monica Brown
Lead Teacher
Monica's Bio
Monica has a Child Development Associate (CDA) credentialand 30 years of experience teaching children.
Who is someone you admire, and why?: “My Dad. He worked midnights and farmed during the day while providing a home for his family.”
Juliana Corrales
Assistant Teacher
Juliana's Bio
Juliana has a High School Diploma and is currently enrolled in CDA (Child Development Associate) program. Juliana has 6 months of experience teaching children.
What are your favorite hobbies?: Going for walks and fishing.
Who is someone you admire, and why?: “My Mom. She is sweet and kind..”
Kyra Smith
ELC Staff
Kyra's Bio
Info coming soon!
What are your favorite hobbies?:
Who is someone you admire, and why?:
Michelle Page
Assistant Teacher
Michelle's Bio
Michelle has a High School Diploma and has 13 years of experience teaching children.
What are your favorite hobbies?: Baking and decorating my home.
Who is someone you admire, and why?: “My Mom. I admire her because she has always been there for me and she’s the type of person I strive to be.”
Morgan Fearnow
Lead Teacher
Morgan's Bio
Katrina has a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and has 8 years of experience teaching children.
What are your favorite hobbies?: Going to concerts.
Who is someone you admire, and why?: “My parent. For demonstrating and teaching me a strong work ethic.”
Peggy Alter
Substitute
Peggy's Bio
Peggy has a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and has 49 years of experience teaching children.
What are your favorite hobbies?: Going camping.
Who is someone you admire, and why?: “Charlotte Levi. She was a wonderful mentor when I worked at the City Day Care Center.”
Penny Salinas-Sparling
Assistant Teacher
Penny's Bio
Penny has a high school diploma and 7 years experience teaching children.
What are your favorite hobbies?: Penny enjoys Crocheting.
Who is someone you admire, and why?: “My sister. She’s kind and caring and loves all people.”
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