Penny Miller
EEC Director
I taught at Holy Cross Preschool for nine years. I began teaching here when I enrolled my youngest daughter in Holy Cross Preschool. I had a friend recommend this preschool for my daughter because she just loved the feeling she got from everyone at the preschool. It was the family atmosphere that brought me to Holy Cross and the same atmosphere that has kept me here for nine years! This is my first year as the director at HCEEC. I am so excited to be working in a different capacity in a place that is so close to my heart. I love Holy Cross Early Education Center, the fabulous teachers and all the wonderful families that walk through our doors.

I have my degree in Elementary Education with emphasis on Early Childhood Education. I taught preschool, kindergarten and first grade for six years before I had my three daughters. After being a stay-at-home mom for nine years, I began teaching at Holy Cross. I truly enjoy working with preschool age children. I always feel that this is my calling. Teaching has always allowed me to be creative and caring. As the director, I can use my teaching experiences, creativity and my knowledge of what makes the little ones smile to help me provide the children and the families with a safe, fun and nurturing environment.

Stephanie Bridges
EEC Assistant Director
Play a Littles (PALS), M/W/F
Stay and Play, M/F
This is my first year at Holy Cross Early Education Center. I have been at Holy Cross School the past three years as a teacher’s aide and Summer Camp Coordinator. I am very exited to be with the preschoolers this year. I love working at Holy Cross because the whole community is like a family. And, I enjoy working where I went to school.

I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Development from the University of St. Mary and an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education with Specialization in Special Needs from Johnson County Community College.

Lynn Zaenger
3 Year-olds
M/W/F AM classes
T/Th AM classes
M/W PM classes
I have been teaching preschoolers since 1981 and at Holy Cross since 1992. I teach the 3-year-olds. They are my favorite. They REALLY come in so young, and grow and mature so much in their year with me. I love watching them gain self-confidence and independence through the many activities that I plan for them. I really like finger-painting!

There is nothing more rewarding than helping a 3-year-old accomplish a task that they thought they could not do. The look of pride on their little faces always brings a smile and "job well done" from me. It also gives me pride when I hear of their accomplishments at Holy Cross Grade School. I know it is because we gave them a loving and secure experience at our Preschool.

My husband and I are originally from Ohio. We have one daughter, who lives in the area with her family, which is nice because we have been blessed with three grandchildren.

Lori Canfield
Pre-K  Teacher, M-F AM classes
Although I’ve been part of the Holy Cross community for a few years, this is my first year to teach at our Early Education Center.

I have taught Kindergarten as an Assistant Teacher for three years. For more years than I can count, I taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. Last year, I also had the privilege of being a catechist for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program.

I feel so blessed to be teaching in an environment in which I can not only teach and love the children, but also teach the children about Jesus’ Great Love for them.

Laurie Matt
Pre-K Teacher, M–F AM classes
Transitional Kindergarten Teacher, M–F PM classes
All three of my children attended Holy Cross Early Educatin Center, so I know first-hand what a wonderful place it is. The teachers and staff were and are so caring. I feel truly blessed that I was asked to teach here.

I have a degree in Elementary Education and I taught Preschool and Kindergarten at Christ the King School before having my children. I stayed home to raise them, and I have currently been substituting in the Archdiocese and Shawnee Mission School District. I am excited to teach at Holy Cross. Preschool is my favorite age to teach, and I couldn't ask for a nicer, family-oriented place to work.

Kristen Marquis
2 ½ Year-olds, T/Th AM classes
Pre-K, MWF AM
Pre-K, MWF PM
This is my second year teaching at Holy Cross EEC. I have three children at Holy Cross and have been truly blessed by the sense of "family" I have experienced here, both as a parent and teacher. The excitement on the children’s faces at this age when they look forward to coming into my class is what keeps me coming back. I especially enjoy sharing my Catholic faith with my students through stories, scripture and art. It’s wonderful to use my creative gifts to inspire others.

Natalie Ramirez
Play a Littles (PALS), M-F AM
Play a Littles (PALS), MWF PM
This is the beginning of my second year working at Holy Cross EEC. I love it! When I first stepped into the building, I didn’t have a clue on how loving and welcoming everyone is. Here, I’ve found great co-workers and teachers, who love to teach and teach love. Being here has reinforced and grown my love for children.

I graduated high school a year ago and am going to Johnson County Community College this upcoming year. My love for children comes from as far back as I can remember. I loved to do dramatic play and pretend to be a teacher or a mommy, because I love to care, protect and love those around me. I still do and that’s why I do what I do. Throughout my high school year, my main focus was our Early Education program. By my junior year, I had an internship at an Early Education Center and kept it all through the end of my senior year. I’ve learned that children are the soul of the world and seeing them grow every day is priceless