KIDS FIRST Learning Place

Enhanced Learning Center

Our teachers are passionate about what they do and they strive to achieve more.  In their tenure with us, many   have gone to school and gained their degrees in Early Childhood.  The majority of our teachers have been at KIDS FIRST for years.  They truly care about the children!

Ms. Diana Peschel – I have been married for 28 years to my wonderful husband Bernie.  We have raised two children, Erica who is serving in the Air Force, and our son Alex who will be graduating from High school this year. 

I have a lot of different work experience, ten years in banking before coming to KIDS FIRST Learning Place.  In my 6 ½ years with KIDS FIRST I have worked with every age group, but my passion is with the Infants and Toddlers.  I have taken many child care classes over the years, but most of my education comes from hands-on experience.  I choose to come to work each day because I know I am making the difference in the life of a child.

 

 

 

Mr. Dwain Reynolds – I am currently attending college to pursue a degree in Secondary Education, with an emphasis in U.S. History.  I have worked at KFLP for almost two years.  In 2008, I ran for the Michigan State Board of Education, receiving about 95,000 votes.  I specialize in music and love playing the guitar.  I enjoy learning new and interesting things from the children I teach.

 

 

 

Ms. Stacy Shepperly – I’ve been with KIDS FIRST for almost 7 years.  My experience also includes working at an in-home program for 2 years.  Working very hard, I received my Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education.  Currently, I am the Program Director of the Infant and Toddler programs. 

I stand strong in the philosophy of KIDS FIRST.  In today’s society children need positive role models.  I am proud to be that person for the children we care for. 

 

 

 

Ms. Julie Trickle – I enjoy spending time with my husband and our two children who are 18 and 11 years old.  My life keeps me pretty busy, but in my free time I like to go camping, work on my garden, or curl up with a good book.

My experience includes raising my family and being a nanny for several years.  I am happy that I am able to work at KIDS FIRST and have a positive impact on children’s lives.  My work keeps me young and curious about life.

 

 

 

Ms. Linda Zylstra – I have taken care of children for more than 30 years.  I have been working with KIDS FIRST for a little over two years.  It thrills me that I am able to work with children and be a small part of their world. 

 

 

 

Ms. Shanna Burgett – I have worked at KIDS FIRST for a little over one year.  I feel that KIDS FIRST is an awesome place to work because the staff is supportive of each other and have genuine affection for the children.  I have worked with children for about 8 years by baby-sitting and teaching children in Sunday school.  I am currently working towards my Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. 

 

 

 

Ms. Julie Reamer –  From babysitting, to raising my own four children, to running a home-based day-care and now with my time at KIDS FIRST, I have many years of experience working with children.  I am very proud to say I am in my final year of obtaining my Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education.  I am very family oriented and spend as much time as possible camping, working in the garden, and serving my church. 

I love working with children because I enjoy watching a child grow and succeed.  Providing an atmosphere where you can guide a child in making healthy and successful choices is a blessing!

 

 

 

 

Ms. Autumn Chandler – I have worked at KIDS FIRST since 2006. I have my Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and am now pursuing a Bachelor’s in Learning Disabilities.  I have been working in this field for over five years.  I am an Early Childhood Educator because I want to make a difference in each child’s life.  It definitely gives me the opportunity to have fun at what I do.  I am so fortunate to be living out a childhood dream of being a teacher.

 

 

 

Ms. LeeAnn DeRosia -  I have been working at KIDS FIRST Learning Place since December 2007. I began working with the toddlers.  Currently, I am a lead teacher in the four-year-old Preschool.  I live in Middleville with my 9 year-old son.  I attend Kellogg Community College working towards my Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education. 

 

I chose my career path because I have always been drawn toward people and children with high energy.  There is nothing in this world that makes someone forget all of their worries than to hear a child laugh.  It truly is an amazing feeling when a child gives you a big hug just because you are an important person in their life who they love and adore.

 

 

 

Ms. Stephanie Kilmartin – I have worked at KFLP for six years.  I have an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from Kellogg Community College.  I am currently working towards my Bachelor degree in Elementary Education at Robert B. Miller College.  I have had the privilege of working in every classroom at KIDS FIRST.  I feel so blessed to be a part of each child’s life.  Working with children and their families is a passion for me because it allows me to give back and share my passion for fun and learning. 

Meet The Staff