Janet: I live in Decatur, Illinois.  I have been teaching 2-3 year olds for about fifteen years.  I have a degree in Early Childcare and Education.  I have a wonderful husband and three children.  My children are grown -- one daughter and twin boys.  I really enjoy my little ones.
M.C. Jantz (MJ): I live in the Dallas/Ft Worth area of Texas.  I have a BS in Early Childhood Education and currently teach at an MDO 2 days a week.  I'd like to go back some day and get my masters.
E-mail: jdsmom@hotmail.com
Cathy Javor: I've lived in Hawaii for 25 years (orginally from Calif).  I have been in ECE for over twenty years.  I started off in a traditional preschool, and then in 1991, I started working with parents and their children in a program called "Traveling Preschool."  Parents and children would come together in a community setting (park, public school, etc) where we would have "preschool" for two hours twice a week.  The philosophy was that parents are their child's first teachers, and home is their first classroom.  I was there basically to work with the parents through their children.  It was a fabulous program that no longer exists.  I'm now the staff trainer for a Home Visiting program where we go into homes, and again, work with parents by sharing information on child development and ways to enhance their child's learning.  We also offer monthly groups for parents and their children.  Both programs are Native Hawaiian, meaning the children must be Hawaiian/Part Hawaiian.  Traditionally, these children have not done very well in school, so these programs were developed to work with parents.  The reasoning is that parents will carry this knowledge throughout their child's school experience.
E-mail: cjavor@hotmail.com
Jen: I was born and raised in Maryland.  I've been working in child care since 1988.  I had my own home daycare and then ventured out to work in other day care  centers.  I have my 90 hour certificate and have taken many other child care related classes.  My favorite classes are on the subjects of curriculum and transitions.  I'm a single mother of 2 teenage boys and an avid cat lover.  I presently teach 3 year olds.
Jo: I live in Fremantle, Western Australia.  I have a cat, Kyro, and a dog, Measles (a Dalmatian).  I've been teaching for 30 years and have taught mostly in low socio economic areas (3-5 year olds).  I enjoy performing in Community Theatre, doing mosaics, and beading.  E-mail: jsterk@it.net.au
Suzanne K:  I live in Mercer County, New Jersey.  I have a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and French.  I currently work as a director.  I'm on the Board of Directors of the New Jersey NAEYC, Central Chapter.  I teach science in the community and to local preschools.
Char Kalagian: I live in Wisconsin.  I've worked at "Bright Start Children's Center" for sixteen years.  Our center is NAEYC accredited.  I work with kids, ages 2 1/2-5.  I have four grown kids of my own and five Grandkids. They are my hobby right now because I'm very lucky to have them all live close to me!
Karen: I am 28 and live in Rowlett, Texas with my husband and two precious boys, ages 1 and 3.  I have a degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders.  I taught Deaf Education for three years, and then decided to stay at home when my first son was born.  I now teach three year olds where my boys attend preschool.
Karimah: I live in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and I teach Pre-School ESL to 3yr olds.  I teach at an International School (meaning that only Foreigners to this country can go there).  I have all nationalities in my class of 23 who don't speak English when begining my class but leave with a large vocabulary and understanding of all that I have taught.  I have a helper who is great with the kids and who I treat as my equal -- I would never ask her to do something I wouldn't or haven't done myself.  I depend on her a lot and would not want to alienate her at all.  We go to school from Sept to June like most schools and have a lot of fun through the year.  This is the best job I have had and I am rewarded daily with little smiling faces!
Jane Karyuka: I teach Preschool at Belgian Gardens State Preschool in Townsville, Queensland, Australia.  The school is a moderately sized state run and funded facility with around 530 pupils.  It caters (including the Preschool) to children aged 4 years turning 5 to 11 years turning 12.  At this point the students move on to the secondary school system in a different school in the area.  I have been teaching since 1972 but took several years off to work in other fields before returning to Preschool teaching.  My original qualification was a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and I have since acquired a Degree in Community Welfare (community based social work) a Graduate Degree in Aboriginal and Islander Education (Indigenous studies)and several Masters subjects which are temporarily on hold while I do some Librarian studies.  As you can probably see I really enjoy learning, and part of my personal philosophy is that it is much easier to be a facilitator of learning for the students if you continue to be a student yourself.  At this point I can not promise deep and meaningful conversation with anyone but will be glad to hear from you -- Jane.  E-mail: janek@ultra.net.au
Kathleen: I was a preschool teacher and director for about 15 years, and for the last 10, I have worked with infants/toddlers.  But I am now back with preschoolers (in Southern California), this time as a special ed. teacher working with children who are orthopedically impaired.
Kathy: I live in Leicester, England.  I'm 39 years old and have just gone back to college - I'm doing a diploma in pre-school education.  I have been married for almost twenty years and we have three children, two daughters (aged 16 and 14) and a son, 9, who has cerebral palsy.  I run our church parent and toddler group, the local primary school parent and toddler group (where I'm also a school governor), and I work at the playgroup at Groby Village Hall a couple of times a week.  I have only just begun to surf the net -- I'm becoming hooked!
Christena Kaufman: I live in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  I have a B.S. in Early Childhood Education and a Masters in Educational Technology.  I have taught preschool in Ohio and South Carolina for over 20 years.  I am currently working with Head Start as a Mentor Coach/Literacy Manager and I help the teachers by modeling activities and suggesting great ideas.  One of the teachers told me about this website.  It has been very helpful; a wonderful resource for those just starting out or with years of experience!
Donna King: I live in Roxboro, North Carolina.  I've taught 3 yr olds at a church-run preschool for 21 years.  It's my hobby too!  E-Mail:Larryk@esinc.net
Marcia Kridner: I live El Paso, Illinois.  I'm 32.  I am a stay-at-home mom whose husband supports that decision fully.  I feel very blessed for that.  I have two children -- one son, Andrew, in first grade, and one daughter, Autumn Leshay, who is going to be four in March.
Elly Lampner: I teach 4 year olds at Playgroup Plus Preschool, Inc, in Randolph, Massachusetts, and I'm a kindergarten camp counselor during the summer at Camp West Woods, in Stoughton, Massachusetts.
Donna Larson: I live in Indiana and "teach" Parent-Infant-Toddler classes for children (ages 8 mos-3 yrs) and their parents.  The classes are divided by age so that similar ages are in the same class.  Classes are for 1 1/2 hours once a week.  Each semester, I have crafts, story, and songs that reflect a theme.  Over the course of a semester, we put a booklet together on the theme.  At the end of the semester, the booklet will go home and be a remembrance of this time in the child's life.  I also co-teach a preschool class 3 afternoons a week (3-4 yr olds).  I will have a new partner this year who has lots of enthusiasm.  I'm always interested in new ideas.  I enjoy collecting poems, sayings, and cartoons about children, families, and teaching.  My e-mail address is wllarson@gte.net
Cassie Leatherwood: I live in Dora, Alabama.  I got married in August of 1998 and started working in child care exactly one year later.  My husband, Lee, loves children as much as I do, but we do not have our own.  We plan to one day have a day care center or serve as house parents in a group home (we might even do both if it's possible).  I also want to get a degree in Early Childhood Education.  I have served in Vacation Bible Schools as well as Nursery Coordinator.  I also taught 1st grade Sunday School for awhile.  I am not currently employed, but am seeking a job in nearby daycare centers.  I am, however, very involved with the children's ministry at my church.  I travel with our Kids Krusdades program and work weekly in our children's church.  I also babysit on nights and weekends.  Kids bring me a greater joy than I ever would have imagined.  The colored pages and flowers they bring me are just priceless.  I look forward to using ideas from this website.  Thanks Stormie and all of you who are Kindred Spirits.  My e-mail is: csleatherwood@bellsouth.net
Christian Legg: I miss the times when I could pick up both of my children at the same time without needing to visit a chiropractor afterwards, and still consider the day when my son announced that he was afraid of heights, and hence not willing to sit on dad's shoulders anymore, to be one of the saddest days of my life.  I live in Adelaide, South Australia, with my wife Roxann and children Megan and Alastair, and draw some happiness from the fact that my children are still young enough to pretend to be bears and attack me if I ever tread on a crack in the sidewalk.
Angie Linder: I work for the Comprehensive Daycare Program with the Philadelphia (Pennsylvania) School District.  I worked as a substitute for four years and have now been permanently hired as an Instructor for 2 years.  I work with 3-5 yr olds.  Many of the children can be a challenge to even the most experienced staff member, but they can also help you through rough times.  It can be hard work, but they can also make you laugh by the end of the day.  My e-mail address is lindera1@juno.com
Lisa: I'm a Christian Preschool Teacher in Yorba Linda, California.  I teach two 3yr old classes (10 children in each).  I have two daughters of my own, Tamara, 12, and Natasha, 10.  I stayed home with them when they were younger.  This will be my sixth year of teaching.  I've also been a Girl Scout Leader for the last 7 years.  Children are my passion.............and one can never have too many ideas to keep them active.
Rochelle Lloyd: I'm my kids mom.  I'm a 26 year old stay at home mom.  I have an almost 4 year old, a 2 year old, and one on the way.  Yes, I'm busy.  I have a wonderful husband who supports me and our kids in our endeavors and we support him in his work and schooling.  I graduated with my Bachelors in Elementary Education in May of 1998 from Boise State University (Idaho).  I love to play with my family, read, do outdoorsy stuff, and play my saxophone.
Julie Lord: I live in Georgia and have been married for 5 1/2 years and have two beautiful children.  I taught Pre-K for two years then went to Second Grade -- to try something different.  I went back to Pre-K the first chance I got.  These children soak up everything from abc's to all the love you have to give.  I have done Special Ed too.  Pre-K is, by far, the most rewarding.  E-mail: blord@progressivetel.com
Geri Loree: I live in Monroe, Michigan.  I wear a very large hat since I have so many feathers to put in it!  I am a wife of 31 years and a mom to two really great kids -- plus I'm a mother-in-law to two really great kids!  I can add 4 grandchildren feathers to my hat and room for more!  My husband is a pastor of a church here in Monroe.  I teach 3-4 yr olds at a local day care/preschool.  I play guitar and piano, direct the children's choir, and lead a walking Bible study group.  I sing in our choir.  I belong to several groups in the church and just started working on a special page in our church newsletter.  I love to do crafts, go for long walks, spend time at our cottage, and fish when we have time.  I am a student -- taking a correspondence course to keep my certification up to date!  I'm a daughter, sister, and an aunt.  I love to watch my class as they discover new and exciting things.  Reading and encouraging my families to read to their children is a pet-love for me.  I love classical music, as well as Hal Palmer, Raffi, and Steve & Greg.  I love cooking and trying new recipes.  To some this may not seem so exciting, but I feel very blessed and fulfilled.  E-mail: peacemaker45@earthlink.net
Lorene: I live in Utah.  I have 5 beautiful children, that I love to explore the world with.  I love all the ideas on this website.  I have done a "Mother's Preschool" with my 3 oldest children (trade teaching with other mothers and on your turn taking their children and teaching them.)  I absolutely loved it, but unfortunately, my 4th child doesn't seem to have anyone her age in our area who is willing to trade with me, so I do it with her alone.  We are having a great time learning letters, sounds, and skills to get ready for kindergarten.  Of course, my 5th child thinks it is also for her, so she colors, cuts, and sings right along with us.  What a great time to get closer to them!  Thanks for all your ideas, I tell everyone about this site!
Lori: I live in Alabama and am finishing up my 2nd year teaching a preschool Special Education class.  I've always wanted this class.  When I was in college, I would visit on my off days and hoped one day it would be mine.  I took the long route to getting the job.  I moved off to college, got married, and stayed there.  I couldn't find a school I really wanted to stay in for the next 25 years.  Due to circumstances beyond my control I found myself back at home with my parents.  That fall I found my school, my class, my special little angels.  I have children in my class with Downs Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Autism, and various other delays.  I have good days and bad days.  I would love to find other teachers in this field who are interested in swapping stories and advice. Please email me at: SpecialPreschool@aol.com. Thanks.
DeAnna Lee Bumgarner Lovette: I am 25 years old and married with 2 girls, ages 6 and 3.  I have been in daycare for 7 years.  I started out working for others, and 4 years ago I decided to go into business for myself so that I could control the environment that my children were in every day.  My daycare has 8 children in it, most of whom I have kept for 3 or more years.  I have 3 school-age and 5 preschool children.  I try to live up to my day care name "Nana's Loving Christian Day Care."
Maria: I am a Head Start teacher in Costa Mesa, California.  I have just returned to the classroom after several years as a director.  I've been married 20 yrs and have 5 children of my own.  Two of my children are diagnosed with ADHD.  I would love to hear from other Head Start teachers across the country as well as parents of ADHD children.  My website address is mariaarroz@aol.com.liv
Kathy Maxwell: I am from Richmond, British Columbia, Canada.  I currently teach preschool ages 3-5 and volunteer in a grade one Sunday School program.  Richmond has been my home for 48 years and I am so blessed to live in a community rich in many cultures.  Being a preschool teacher has allowed me to meet many new families, celebrate their traditions with them, and ultimately make some new and lasting friendships.  My hobbies are reading, walking, dining out, and working on the computer.  When I can, I love hunting for bargains at garage sales and flea markets.
Teresa Meagher: Hi there!  I live in Nova Scotia, Canada.  I'm 29 yrs young and currently director and teacher at two part-time preschools.  On average, I have 45 students a year.  Yes,this does keep me extremely busy but I love every minute I spend with the children.  (Luckily, my husband of 11 yrs humors me).  I graduated in '91 with my diploma in ECE but decided to stay home for 2 1/2 yrs with my beautiful boys, now 7 & 9, and have been teaching since.  Email: darrylj@ns.sympatico.ca
Melissa: I live in Auburn, Alabama.  I have a bachelor's degree in child development (emphasis on infancy and preschool), and am starting as a pre-k teacher in the fall at our United Methodist church.  I have two boys, ages 3 and 5, who attend an accredited preschool (although the one I teach in is not).  My family and I are vegetarian.  I'm a member of NAEYC and ACEI.  I'm very interested in preventive discipline in the classroom.
E-mail: fourmiles@mindspring.com