duplicate - BRIGHT BEGINNINGS CHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL

Heather Beachy – Kindergarten Exploration

Mrs. Heather has a Bachelor of Science in Education from Miami University. She has taught at Bright Beginnings for 15 years. Mrs. Heather loves to hike and ski, but mostly enjoys watching her own kids play a variety of sports. “Teaching has brought me such great joy. It is a true blessing to be surrounded by God’s children. Watching a young child experience something for the first time is precious. Nothing really compares to the joy and excitement children feel. Teaching at Bright Beginnings has allowed me to remember just how fantastic life can be through the joy of children.”

Amy Eby – Kids Morning Out & 3 day Three Year Olds

Miss Amy has a Bachelor of Business Administration from Ohio University and a Master of Science in Elementary Education from Duquesne University. Before joining Bright Beginnings, she taught for 9 years both as a first grade and kindergarten teacher before staying at home to raise her children. Amy lives in Springboro with her husband and four children, ages 15, 8, 8, and 5. She enjoys spending time with her family, working out, biking, golfing, reading and watching her children play sports. She loves teaching young children and enjoys helping them learn, grow and succeed.

Debbie Cottongim – 4 Year Olds

Mrs. Debbie graduated from the University of Dayton with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kindergarten/Elementary Education. She taught for 10 years in early childhood through 2^ndgrade. After taking a break to raise her children, she returned to teaching at Bright Beginnings. She has also been in charge of Springboro’s Sunshine Camp for the past 23 years. Mrs. Debbie is married and the mother to three children ages 20 to 23. She enjoys gardening, walking, running, biking, working out and reading.

Patti Hammett – Kids Morning Out

Mrs. Patti has a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts with a minor in Secondary Education and Psychology from the University of Central Florida. She taught at Brevard Achievement Center in Rockledge, Florida for 18 years. After visiting Warren County, Ohio for the past ten years, she and her husband decided to move to Centerville, Ohio in 2016. She has two grandchildren who graduated from Bright Beginnings and one who is currently attending. “I’m excited about being a part of Kids’ Morning Out and having the opportunity to help start the educational development of these little ones. I can’t wait! It is such a joy to watch young children learn and grow.” Mrs. Patti enjoys reading, gardening and watching college football with her husband, Bill.

Kerry Leedy – 3 Year Olds and 4 Year Olds

Mrs. Kerry has a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education and a minor in Biological Science from Ohio University. Before joining Bright Beginnings, she taught 8^th grade science for five years then was a stay-at-home mom for eleven years. Mrs. Kerry knew she wanted to get into teaching at a very young age because she had so many great teachers growing up and wanted to be able to provide others with the same wonderful experiences she had. She believes in guiding children instead of instructing them. After having learning experiences with her own three children, she learned this theme is just as relevant for younger students as it is in the Jr. High Science Classroom. It was through parenting that she realized how much she loved to work with younger kids and just how rewarding it is to watch them learn and grown. In her free time, she loves to run, spend time with her family outdoors, and work with my husband to restore their 175-year-old home!

Meghan Ruffing – 3 year olds Mondays and Tuesdays

Miss Meghan holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Ohio University, and has a current teaching license in grades 1-8. She taught elementary school for nine years before staying home with her children who all attended Bright Beginnings! Miss Meghan joined the Bright Beginnings staff three years ago when her son was in Stepping Stones. She lives in Springboro with her husband, Doug, and their three kids- Ella (10), Maddie (7) and Will (6). She absolutely loves working with children!

Debbie Petry– Stepping Stones

The 2017/2018 school year is Mrs. Debbie’s 15th year teaching at Bright Beginnings. She also taught in the public schools for seven years. She has a current teaching certificate (K-8) and a Master in Curriculum and Instruction. Mrs. Debbie is the mother of two college-aged sons.

Karen Thelen – Stepping Stones Extension

Karen has a Bachelor of Science in Social work from Frostburg State University and a Master of Science in Special Education from Johns Hopkins University. In addition to teaching at Kennedy Krieger Institute and Westminster High School, she has been involved with the Head Start program and preschool age children in various settings. She enjoys spending time with her husband Christopher and two sons who are alumni of Bright Beginnings.

Katie Veren – Stepping Stones

Katie Veren graduated from the University of South Alabama with a degree in Elementary Education. She is certified for Pre-Kindergarten through Fifth grade in the State of Ohio with a highly qualified status. Her motto for teaching is, “I will change the world one child at a time by teaching them to read, instilling proper manners, and fostering a love of learning.” Katie strongly believes in a community classroom experience to help students achieve their individual social and academic goals. She previously taught a Pre-Kindergarten classroom for two years at a Title I program in Louisiana where her husband was serving in the Air Force. After moving to Ohio six years ago, she enjoyed staying home with her young daughters. Now that they have both entered school she is very excited to return to the classroom. Some of her hobbies include spending time with her family, sewing, painting, advising the Kappa Delta Chapter at Wright State University, and watching Alabama Football.

Carolyn Wiedeman – 4 Year Olds and Kindergarten Exploration Mrs. Carolyn has a Bachelor of Fine Arts with certification in art for K-12 grades from Miami University. She has ten years of preschool teaching experience. Prior to coming to Bright Beginnings she worked in the graphic design field for 15 years. She believes teaching preschool- aged kids is amazing but teaching art is even more amazing and fun. Young children have such a unique approach to creating. It is awesome to see all the things they make. Her interests include art, sporting activities, tennis, and cooking. She is married with three college and high school students.