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 12 years! This is my 3rd 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 6 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.
Stefanie Bridges
EEC Assistant Director
This is my 3rd year at Holy Cross Early Education Center. I have been part of the Holy Cross Community since I was 5 years old as I went to school here. I started working here at Holy Cross 7 years ago for the Summer Camp and After School Care, then 5 years ago as a teacher’s aide and paraprofessional. Then I finally made it down to the preschool and have enjoyed every minute of it. I love working at Holy Cross because the community is like a big family and everyone is very welcoming. I love being with the preschoolers, they are always willing to learn and discover new things. I enjoy being part of their early learning years and being able to help prepare them for their future.
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 teacher, Monday/Wednesday/Friday AM classes, Tuesday/Thursday AM classes and Monday/Wednesday/ Friday PM classes
I have been teaching preschoolers since 1981 and at Holy Cross since 1992. I teach the three 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 three year-old accomplish a task that they thought they could not do. The look of pride on their little face 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.
Suzanne Dvorsky
Tuesday/Thursday 3 year-olds teacher, Lunch, and Play A Little (PALs) Teacher, Monday-Friday
This is my 2nd year at Holy Cross Early Education Center. I have been a part of the Holy Cross community for 12 years starting when my daughter began preschool and then moved on to the school. My boys are still attending Holy Cross School. This year, I am very excited to teach a three-year old class. I am so thankful to have a job I love!
Lori Canfield
T-K Teacher, Monday – Friday AM classes
I’ve been part of the Holy Cross Community for a few years and this is my third year teaching at our Early Education Center.
Previously, I taught Kindergarten as an Assistant Teacher for three years. For more years than I can count, I taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. I also have the privilege of being a catechist for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program for two years.
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, Monday/Wednesday/Friday a.m. and p.m.
This will be my third year teaching at Holy Cross EEC. All three of my children attended Holy Cross EEC, 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. I taught preschool and Kindergarten for two years at Christ the King School before having my own children. After all three of my children were in school full-time, I started teaching again.
It is always exciting for a new school year to begin. Preschool age children are my favorite age to teach. Their enthusiasm and energy is contagious, and where else can I get 24 hugs in one day! I couldn't ask for nicer, family-oriented place to work.
Brittany Thurman
Pre-K Teacher, Monday – Friday and Monday/Wednesday/Friday p.m.
This is my first year teaching and I am excited to start it at Holy Cross Early Education Center. In May 2011, I graduated from UMKC with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. I am thrilled to be in the classroom working with the children! I look forward to a fun and exciting year at Holy Cross EEC.
Maura Dodson
Play A Little (PALs) Teacher a.m. and p.m.
I came to Holy Cross Early Education Center in 2009 as a substitute. I love the atmosphere here at the preschool. I enjoy working with young children, and creating a comfortable and creative environment for them. I taught preschool for four years in Alabama before moving here in June of 2009. I have a son at Holy Cross School and my daughter is a recent graduate from Holy Cross.
I have a Bachelor's degree in Administrative Sciences from the University of South Alabama. I worked in automotive finance and business management before having my children.
Debbie Stoerman
Play A Little (PALs) Teacher, Monday-Friday
This is my second year with Holy Cross EEC, but I'm certainly not new to the Holy Cross Community. I grew up in the Holy Cross Parish and even attended the preschool. I have two children who attended Holy Cross EEC and now go to the grade school. I'm excited to be a part of the HCEEC staff who truly care, teach, and love the children. I feel so fortunate to work with your children and look forward to putting a smile on their face every day!
Nancy Tooley
Stay N Play Teacher, Monday-Friday
I became part of the Holy Cross community in 2006. I taught the wonderful two year olds and I really received so much joy as the little guys grew and gained so much confidence. I subbed for the next year and returned to teach the past two years and I love it! Everyone here is so loving and helpful that you can’t help but feel part of an extended family.
I have had the opportunity to work with many children and children’s organizations over my past 35+ years. I have an Early Education degree. I have taught Sunday School over 20+ years. I was co-director of Camp Tawasse (Campfire) for several years. I was a Youth Education Director for a church in California and operated my own in-home preschool for 12 years (we did become a Nationally Accredited Facility). I also was a preschool teacher at Knox Presbyterian Church before coming here. I am widowed, have three grown children, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. They all bring much joy to my life. Although my background is diverse, it brings with it many experiences for the children here at Holy Cross. I love working with the children and it is my hope to always be involved with children. Holy Cross allows me to create new learning experiences for the children and that truly is a blessing.
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