Staff
I believe with all my heart that there is no finer staff anywhere than the one at Front Street UMC Playschool. To help you know them better I have asked them each to write a short self-description, telling you about their backgrounds and their feelings about working at Front Street.
~Miss Barbara
STAFF WORKING WITH TWO YEAR OLDS
Leslie Peavy
Leslie Peavy
(Miss Leslie teaches twos on Mondays and Wednesdays.)
I am originally from "Mayberry," but have lived in Burlington for almost 30 years. I studied Early Childhood Education at Surry Community College while working at Central Methodist Child Care Center in Mt. Airy. I gained great experience working as a teacher's assistant at Dobson Elementary School, and spent a year in Raleigh at Young World. When my husband and I moved to Atlanta, I worked with the 3 year old classes at Shallowford Presbyterian Church. During my 14 years here at Front Street Playschool, I have taken a class in Children's Literacy at ACC and attended too many continuing education workshops to count!
All four of my precious (and now grown-up) children went to Playschool at Front Street. Elizabeth, Alex, Grace, and Eric had wonderful and loving experiences, as did I!! When Eric was 4, and fortunate enough to have Miss Betty, I began teaching the 2 year old class. I was, and am, deeply connected and in love with Front Street and its people! So, while my own children graduated, I did not! My years here have been so rewarding. We are so much more than co-workers, we are family. Every child that passes through Front Street Playschool is treasured and loved. This is not a job to me; it is my heart and soul!
Wanda Patterson
Wanda Patterson
(Miss Wanda assists Miss Leslie on Mondays and Wednesdays. She has worked at the playschool since 1998. The following was written by her daughter-in-law, Cyndi Patterson)
Wanda is a grandmother of 6 – all of whom graduated from Front Street Playschool... Wanda decided if you can't beat 'um... join 'um"!
She was born and raised in "L.A."... Lower Alamance!!! She is an avid Tarheel fan. She loves to travel with her gang of crazy girlfriends (traveling means going places with the intent to eat and shop). She volunteers at ARMC in the gift shop and sales are always higher on the Fridays she works.
Wanda is famous for certain of her favorite sayings, including "NO WHINING" and "Use your words!" She is likely to use these with either children or adults, as the situation warrants. She is always full of energy and fun, in equal measure.
Abby Fryer
Abby Fryer
(Miss Abby began working at Front Street this school year. She is a graduate of Elon University. Abby teaches twos on Tuesdays and Thursdays.)
I have come to Front Street as a teacher after following many of my smaller friends through the playschool and always wanting to be a playschool student myself. I am really a HUGE kid! I think the greatest joy comes from working with children, because as you are trying to teach them about the world, they are actually teaching you what the world is really all about.
Outside of Playschool, I am working on my certification as a Child Life Specialist and enjoy spending time with friends and family. I have a four year old Cocker Spaniel, Sophie Grace, who is spoiled rotten.
Lawanda Porter
Lawanda Porter
(Miss Lawanda assists Miss Abby in teaching two year olds on Tuesdays and Thursdays.)
I was born and raised in Alabama, the youngest of three children. I met my husband, David, while attending college at Auburn University (WAR EAGLE!!). After college we both worked in the textile and apparel industry. His job moved him to North Carolina, so after we were married I followed him here to Burlington. We will soon be celebrating 17 years together!! We have two children; Bruce, 10, and Brooklyn, 7 years old. We are a pretty energetic, easily entertained crew and we have an overall love of the great outdoors (we pout when we have to come inside!)
Currently, and prior to coming to Front Street, I have had experience with children by being a parent, exchanging babysitting services with friends, volunteering at Vacation Bible School, and teaching preschool age Sunday school. I feel like Front Street has been a huge blessing in my life....from the time I got the "job offer" five years ago, and each year since.... be it through personal growth, growth in my own parenting skills, relationships with my co-workers, our wonderful parents and with each uniquely precious child. Teaching and learning from preschoolers has been a real treat..... you just can't help but...SMILE =)...
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Jennifer Thornton
Jennifer Thornton
(Miss Jennifer teaches two year olds on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and assists Miss Betsy in working with three year olds on Monday/Wednesday/Friday.)
Hi. My name is Jennifer Thornton. I am Mommy to two sons and have a wonderful husband and a silly little doggie at home. This is my fourth year here at Front Street Playschool. Wow! Time flies when you are having fun!! Currently I teach a two year old class and assist in one of our three year old classes. I just love Front Street Playschool. I love my co-workers, the children and their families, and everything our program stands for. There is just no happier place in town. Thank you for sharing your most precious asset with us.
Susanne Rhodes
Susanne Rhodes
(Miss Susanne assists Miss Jennifer with the two year olds on Tuesdays and Thursdays. She has a BA degree in psychology and has taken classes toward her MA.)
My husband, Chris, and I have 2 sons, Will and Sam, who both attended Front Street Playschool. They are now in first grade and kindergarten at BCA. In my spare time, I enjoy running, cooking, and reading. I am a member of Front Street Church. I graduated from UNCG with a degree in special education. Before having children, I taught special education at Grove Park Elementary. This is my third year working at playschool.
I am thankful to still be a part of the playschool family even though my children are no longer here.
Amanda Knighten
Amanda Knighten
(Miss Amanda supervises the Friday play group for twos.)
I grew up in Liberty, NC. I graduated from Southern Alamance and went to UNCW. I graduated from there with a BA in Therapeutic Recreation. I have worked in child care for 10 years now. I find it very rewarding and l couldn't think of anything I would rather do!
I am married to my high school sweetheart, John, and I am a proud mother of two girls, Olivia, age 6 and Claire, age 4. I am a member of Friendship United Methodist Church where I volunteer my time and teach Sunday School. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, watching my girls grow and learn, and also shopping and reading.
My girls have been at Front Street for four years. I started subbing on the days my girls were in class and loved it. It is such a family atmosphere. This will be my third year working with the Friday Playgroup. I am looking forward to starting a new year!
Julie Ollis
Julie Ollis
(Miss Julie has been a faithful substitute in our program in the past, and we are delighted to have her working with the Friday playgroup this school year.)
My name is Julie Ollis, and I will be assisting in the 2 year old playgroup on Fridays. This will be my first year as a teacher at Front Street! Last year I was a substitute teacher here at playschool. I am a graduate of NC State and an avid Wolfpack fan!
My husband and I have one son, Zack, who started kindergarten this year at AO Elementary School, after attending Front Street Playschool for 3 years. He absolutely loved coming here every day! We recently became members of the church!
What attracted me to Front Street was that each teacher makes every child feel special. As a parent, there is nothing more important than leaving your child with people who will surround them with love and support daily. I am excited and honored to be a part of such a wonderful group!
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