Teachers
Kimber Deckard - Director
I am 24 years old married to my husband Keith for 2 years. I graduated from Olivet Nazarene University in 2007 with a bachelor's degree in Child Development. Coming from a large family has definitely spiked my interest for working with children. I have a sister who was born with Cerebral Palsy. Working with her all of my life has given me a passion for children with special needs. I attend services and am active with the First church of the Nazarene. I help my husband out with the youth group every Wednesday evening. I am continually searching for God's will on what to do next in my life. There is never a moment that He can't use me, I just have to search him.
I have been employed at Kiddie Kollege for 3 years. I have served as substitute, part-time and full-time teacher, office assistant, interim director, and currently serving as director. I have a strong passion for children and their growth. It has been a joy to witness the physical, intellectual, and social growth of our children in the past few years. I am learning simple things about life with these children that normally I would take for granted. I feel so blessed to be able to serve your family.
My favorite scripture is: Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Deanna DePew - Bookkeeper
I am married with two children. My son has just completed his freshman year in college and my daughter will be entering high school fall 09. I started as a sub for Kiddie Kollege in 2006. In 2008, I was blessed with the job as bookkeeper for Kiddie Kollege, working Mondays and Fridays. I enjoy the kids so much that I often find myself here on my "day off" to see the kids on special events such as; Day of the Child, graduation, Christmas program, and many more. Thank you for sharing your wonderful children with us.
Cindy Miller - Food Administrator
My name is Cynthia Joann Miller. The children call me both Ms. Cindy and Ms. Miller. I am 32 years young and will be 33 on October 6th. I am engaged to a wonderful man named Paul McHaney. Together, we have a handsome, healthy little boy named William Edward, whom will be 4 years old in August. I enjoy bowling, scrapbooking, stamping, movies, and playing any type of ball with my son and Trixie (our dog). Trixie became our family dog after being found in the church parking lot unclaimed.
I have worked at Kiddie Kollege since I graduated from High School in 1995. I have had many positions since I started; I have worked with ages two through before and after school , currently working as food administrator preparing meals and serving. I also help out where ever I am needed within the preschool.
Sheila Kohne - Kindergarten teacher
I have been a Lafayette resident since 1986. I live with my husband, two children, and a boxer dog named Chloe. I have been with Kiddie Kollege since 1998. I have worked with all age groups, but I have mostly worked with the preschool children and have taught Kindergarten for four years.
I am a member of the First Church of the Nazarene and I love the Lord. I am constantly striving as a teacher to integrate the love and actions of Christ into everything I do and teach in the classroom.
Sandy Aldridge - 4's teacher
My passion for teaching children began when I was around seven years old. I played "teacher" with my younger siblings. God had put me in teaching positions all of my life. First as the big sister, then neighborhood sitter, Sunday school leader, mother, Back Yard Bible Club teacher; well you get the picture.
My husband Mike and I have been married for almost 37 years. We have two daughters, a son-in-law and 3 3/4 grandchildren. Number 4 will be here July 15th.
I have been with Kiddie Kollege for about 7 years. I have been blessed with many opportunities of training and growth. I have been teaching children for over twenty years, I thank God for all he has done through me.
I believe that every child has the capability to learn and share in their uniqueness. I am honored to be part of that process knowing that I am helping to shape a child's life, future, and present living; It is an awesome privilege and responsibility. I want to be a building block that helps your child be all that God has created them to be. Thank you for the privilege of working with your child and serving your family.
April Hawkins - 4's teacher
I am so happy you are interested in Kiddie Kollege for your child or already have a child enrolled with us. What a pleasure it is to be able to teach and mold young minds!
A little bit about me, I have lived in the Lafayette area for 12 years. I am married with two children, Conner, age 9, and Olivia, age 5. Conner is currently a 3rd grader at Edgelea Elementary School. Olivia has been a student at Kiddie Kollege since she was 1., and is currently enrolled in Kiddie Kollege's kindergarten program. As a parent, I am elated at the level at which Olivia is both socially and academically growing. Kiddie Kollege has been a wonderful influence on her growth.
I have always had a passion children and wanted to be a teacher, so working at Kiddie Kollege is a perfect fit. I love to read and drink Starbucks coffee, so naturally Barnes and Noble is one of my favorite stores. I am a full-time student at Ivy Tech transferring to Purdue in the fall of 2010. I am one of the pre-k 4 teachers and also dabble a little in Spanish. I am also the Sunday School director for my church, along with my husband, Brad. I love all sorts of things from sports, Go Boilers, to just hanging at the park with the kids or curling up on the couch and watching a good movie. My hope as a teacher is to plant seeds for future growth.
I believe you are never too old or too young to learn new things. You are only limited by the limitations you set for yourself. May God Bless and guide your family toward wisdom and love.
Emily Pettry - 3's teacher
My name is Emily Pettry, I am 20 years old. As a little girl I attended Kiddie Kollege and now have been employed at Kiddie Kollege for two years. I live in Rossville with my family, where we have lived for the past seven years. I am currently attending Ivy Tech as a full time student going for my year business degree. When I graduate from Ivy Tech, I plan on attending either Ball State or the Art Institute of Indianapolis to pursue my degree in photography. I have greatly enjoyed my time here at Kiddie Kollege and am very excited to further my relationship with your child.
Linda Herrmann - Part-time 3's teacher
I have been involved with Kiddie Kollege in one capacity or another for over twenty years. I served as director for nine years, worked as a part-time afternoon aide, substitute teacher, preschool teacher and board member.
Debbie Phillips - 3's teacher
I am married and have two sons, one daughter, and six grandchildren. I started part-time in the afternoons at Kiddie Kollege in the fall of 2006, working with the fours and fives. Before coming to Kiddie Kollege I was a co-teacher at Noah's Ark pre-school for 5 years. In the summer of 2008 I started Full-time at Kiddie Kollege in the three's room. I love working with children- no two days are alike!! I have taught Sunday school, vacation bible school, as well as worked in the childcare of the MOPS (Mother's of Pre-schoolers) program at my church. God has blessed me with my position at Kiddie Kollege. I feel privileged to teach, learn with your child, and work with co-workers who love the Lord.
Kiara Eldridge - 2's teacher
My name is Kiara Eldridge. I am currently attending Ivy Tech, majoring in Early Childhood education. I graduated from Jefferson High School in 2008 beginning my employment with Kiddie Kollege during an Internship my senior year. Besides Kiddie Kollege I have volunteered my time at Miami Elementary as well as caring for my younger siblings on the weekend.
I love working with children and watching their continual growth. Our main goal in the classroom is potty training and preparation for the three's classroom. we work daily on our abc's, colors, numbers, shapes, Spanish, calendar, art, and circle time. What a joy it is each day to see the children learn new things. I am looking forward to another great year at Kiddie Kollege.
Jennifer Fuchs - 1's teacher
I am 20 years old and have lived with my family in Rossville for 15 years now. I have been an employee for Kiddie Kollege since November of 2007. I have been a teacher for the afterschool children, afternoon teacher for the four's, and now assistant teacher for the two year olds. However, I have had experience in every age group at Kiddie Kollege.
As my mom babysat children as I was growing up, I began to develop a passion for the life and growth of little ones, which has brought me to work with the children at Kiddie Kollege. I have really enjoyed working with your child and hope to further my relationship with them.
Andrea Fisher - 1's teacher
I am Andrea Fisher, 36 years old. I have been married to my husband, Kale for 7 years. We have a 3 1/2 year old son Eli and 1 1/2 year old daughter Emeree. My kids love Kiddie Kollege.
I have an associates degree in business and worked in retail management field for 13 years. I enjoy spending time with my family. I am currently an afternoon teacher for the one year olds at Kiddie Kollege. I love teaching and helping them become successful toddlers.