INFORMATION
Mrs. Cheryl Tomko:
I have a nursing background, where I attended nursing programs at Carlow College and West Penn Hospital. I also worked in a pediatrician’s office in Pittsburgh for 4 years. I have worked in the preschool since 2002. In addition to aiding, I am the lead teacher in the Early Childhood specialty camps during the summer months. My goal is to make sure every child feels safe and cared for in the classroom so that each child can learn and play freely. I am married and have 3 daughters. In my free time, I enjoy watching them play sports and getting together with friends to play games.
Mrs. Lisa Loveless:
I have worked with children ages 3 to 6 in a classroom setting during the school year and also in the summer, and have been doing so since 2003. I attended Manatee Community College in FL, where I earned an AS degree in early childhood education. I believe children learn best through a play-based environment. Taking advantage of everyday teachable moments instills social and personal growth, which will promote a lifetime love of learning. I am a married mother of 4, all of whom attended Gentle Learning. I love to spend as much time as I can at the beach. I also love to play tennis.
Mrs. Sue French:
I have a BS from DePaul University and a MS from Loyola University. I worked in Human Resources for a few years, and then moved into a supervisory position of a day care center at a health club. I have been with the preschool since 2001. Along with aiding, I teach some enrichment classes during the school year and Kiddie Kamp in the summer. When in the classroom, I strive to create a fun and educational experience where children will be enthusiastic about learning, and to foster an atmosphere where they can freely express themselves while learning to be respectful to others. I am married and have 2 daughters and a dog. I like to read and enjoy gardening in my spare time.
I hold a BA in French and a MS in Ed in Educational Administration. I taught at the middle and high school levels for 14 years before taking some time off to raise my family. I started working as a substitute at Gentle Learning Preschool in 2016. My goal as an aide is to work closely with the classroom teacher to create a safe space where the children feel comfortable to engage in thoughtful, creative play. I am married and have three sons. In my free time, I like to run and knit.
I graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Retail Management. I later went on to pursue my Master’s degree in Elementary Education from DePaul University. After completing student teaching in Chicago Public Schools, I stayed on to work as a substitute teacher. It is my hope that the students I work with have fun and develop a love for learning. My husband and I have 3 children. We love to travel, especially to Disney World! In my spare time I also love to bake!
Stepping Stones Aide, Mrs. Denise Llewellyn:
I graduated from Beloit College. I have worked the Before School Program for the park district since 2006, and have been with Stepping Stones since 2012. I strive to create a fun, safe environment where first timers can begin to learn some of the basic school routines. I am married with 2 boys, and enjoy time with friends and family. I also like to read.