Our Educators
Our staff are caring, qualified, and experienced Early Childhood Educators with the emphasis on continual professional development to better serve the children in our care. We are committed to a culture of improvement so our staff receive continuous training and coaching throughout the school year. All staff and volunteers at Kids in the Village are required to have the following clearances:
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PA Child Abuse History Certification
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PA State Police Criminal Background Check
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FBI Fingerprint Clearance
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National Sex Offenders Registry Verification
To provide an additional level of safety for children in our care, all KITV staff are required to have active Pediatric First Aid CPR clearances and Child, Infant, and Adult CPR/AED clearances.
Please feel free to learn more about our tenured staff and their robust qualifications, below!
-Trilingual
-8+ Years' Childcare Experience
-Education: Psychology & ECE
-Former Sunday School Teacher
- Favorite Childhood Storybook: Hey, Wake Up! by Sandra Boynton
Ms. Israa Ahmed
Baby Bears Lead Teacher
(younger infants)
Working at KITV since: 2021
- 15+ Years' Childcare Experience
- Favorite Part of Teaching: "How much children grow and learn in their early years!"
- Favorite Childhood Storybook: Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
Ms. Sami Boccella
Teddy Bears Lead Teacher
(younger 2 year olds)
Working at KITV since: 2022
- 20+ Years' Childcare Experience
- Former Home Daycare Owner from 2007 to 2009
- Education: Criminal Justice degree work (Shippensburg U, 1982).
- Favorite Childhood Storybook: Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
Ms. Patty Harris
Snuggle Bears Teacher
(older infants)
Working at KITV since: 2022
Ms. Rosemarie Marchese
Polar Bears Lead Teacher
(older 2 year olds)
Working at KITV since: 2021
- Child of God
- Experienced Faith-Based Teacher
- Favorite Part of Teaching: "I am humbly thankful and honored God chose me to love on His children and sow the Word of God into their hearts"
- Favorite Childhood Storybooks: The Very Hungry Caterpillar and The Parable of the Lily
Ms. Elizabeth Stonelake
Kindergarten Teacher
Working at KITV since: 2014
- Highest Education: Masters Degree (Carin U, 2022); Early Elementary Education & Bible Degrees (Clark Summit U, 2014)
- Favorite Part of Teaching: "Sharing the love of God with students!"
- Favorite Childhood Storybooks: Chronicles of Narnia & Madeline
Ms. Ginny Cronin
Foxes Teacher
(preschool age–3's and 4's)
Working at KITV since: 2012
- 25+ Years' Childcare Experience
- Avid Equestrian
- Previously achieved a Child Development Associates Credential
- Favorite Children's Storybook: The Frog and Toad book series by Arnold Lobel
- Highest Education: Child Development Associates Credential
- Favorite Part of Teaching: "Being able to show the love of Jesus to the children & implement the fruits of the Spirit in my classroom."
- Favorite Childhood Storybook: Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
Ms. Melissa Klawitter
Sunshines Lead Teacher
(preschool age–3's and 4's)
Working at KITV since: 2007
-15+ Years' Childcare Experience including 3rd, 2nd, Kindergarten, and Special Education K-8 age groups
-Certified Doula (Trauma Informed & Full Spectrum, focused on L&D)
-Favorite Childhood Storybooks: Are You My Mother? and If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
Ms. Diona Robinson
Koalas Teacher
(preschool age–3's and 4's)
Working at KITV since: 2019
-19 Years' Childcare Experience
-Highest Education: Bachelors Degree in progress, Associates Degree (St. Francis U).
-Favorite Childhood Storybook: The Monster at the End of the Book by Jon Stone
Ms. Becky Manuszak
Rainbows Teacher
(pre-kindergarten 4's and 5's)
Working at KITV since: 2019