OWNER / DIRECTOR

My experience working with children professionally began in 1988 with a summer job as a swim instructor. I discovered a passion for teaching and continued on by homeschooling my own three children and opening a daycare out of my home in the early 2000s. I’ve worked at two centers since then and eventually opened Tot to Learn. It has been a really rewarding experience working with and continuing to learn alongside my littlest friends. They teach me something new each day. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, being in the outdoors whether it’s a road trip, kayaking, hiking or just sitting in my back yard. When inside I like to craft. I knit, sew, crochet, do stained class, clay work and much more.

CO-DIRECTOR

My name is Miss Maddie and I am the director at Tot to Learn. I have a Bachelors in Community Health and Education. I’ve always been in some form of child education; whether it be teaching swim lessons for 10 years, raising my own children, and/or being a teacher. I did my externship at the Relief Nursery in a social and emotional classroom and fell in love with their techniques. I continue to use their structure and curriculum in my everyday teachings.

I meet every child at their own developmental stage and pour my heart soul into every kiddo that comes to my classroom. I love play based and outdoor curriculum the most. I try to make learning fun and hide it through singing, dance parties, and many arts and crafts. Learning comes through experiences and in the moment teachings as well as routine and structure. The progress in cognitive and language development is the most interesting and exciting part of my job.

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM TEACHER

My name is Amy Connors, and I’m the after school program teacher. I’m looking forward to getting to know all of you.

I love spending my free time with my family and my pets, a yorkie named Buster and a cat named Buttons. I am a country music fan who loves live concerts, hiking, camping, or anything with water. I’m all about everything artsy and FOOD. You will probably always see me with a coffee of some sort. Iced white chocolate mochas are my favorite.

I started working at 16 as a teacher’s aid during summer break. I ended up falling in love with early childhood education and decided to make it a career. I continued working at the same center for 18 years doing everything from cleaning toilets to being director of multi programs. I met Ms. Brandy and the rest is history. I’m excited to bring my experience to this program and create a fun nurturing and safe environment for your youngsters in Pre K and after school.

TEACHER

Hi! My name is Jessica and I have been a teacher at Tot to Learn since July of 2024. I started my journey back in 2020 at a Montessori school and have been teaching ever since. I love children as I have two of my own, and being a teacher is the best job I could ask for. Children are so intelligent, creative, resilient, and never leave a dull moment in your day.

On my weekends I enjoy spending time with my family, being active, reading, and going on trips around Oregon.

TEACHER

I am a happily married mother of three who moved with my family to Elmira in June of 2023. Although my background is in psychology, law and mediation, I have found after starting my family that I really enjoy working with children. I primarily work in the infant/wobbler room but am happy to fill in with any age group as needed. I enjoy our circle time singalongs and art projects best.

TEACHER

I began working with children early on in life by helping out with my many younger siblings. When I found out there was a position available close to home that worked with my class schedule I applied and have been going strong since. I quickly completed the trainings and hours necessary and have recently been promoted to a classroom leader.