Meet our 2020-2021 YWCA Early Learning Center Teachers
We are excited to introduce our 2020-2021 teaching staff!YWCA’s mission of “Eliminating Racism and Empowering Women” starts with our youngest participants. Children in our classrooms benefit from a supportive “Love and Logic” curriculum and an emphasis on diversity and inclusion in all of our care procedures. The ELC is open from Monday to Friday from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM. To find out more, read our article, Could the Early Learning Center Save the Universe?Our teachers and support staff are vital to our success in providing excellent and affordable childcare in a fun, enriching environment. Without further ado...
Hello! My Name is Brittani
I am the Lead Pre-Kindergarten Teacher. I have 3 lovely children of my own, Mellina (9), Tyson (5), and Alaina (3). I have been in the childcare field for 8 years in October. Before working at the YWCA, I was an assistant at 2 different home day cares. I love teaching because I enjoy watching the kids get excited when they have learned something new.Hobbies: I like to play with my animals, do fun things with my kids, and play video games.Favorite Restaurant: Golden Corral
Nice to meet you, Ms. Brittani!
Hello! My Name is Stephanie
I teach in the pre-school room. I have been teaching for 2 years. I started teaching because I love children and want to prepare them for kindergarten. I love my two pets, Max and Asu.
Hobbies: I like gardening and painting. I helped create the new murals in the ELC hallway!
Favorite Restaurant: I love eating at Culver's.
Nice to meet you, Miss Stephanie!
Hello! My Name is Zya
I am the Lead Toddler Teacher. I love to teach at the ELC because I get to be a part of the kids development. It’s rewarding to see one of them reach a milestone or conquer a challenge they’ve had. Every day they teach me something new.Hobbies: Singing terribly and upcycling clothes.Favorite Restaurant: El Mezcal and Pappadeaux SeafoodFavorite Quote: “I never lose. I either win or learn." - Nelson MandelaPlace you would love to visit: The island of Maldives
Nice to meet you, Zya!
Hello! My Name is Elijah
I float between classrooms but I primarily work in the pre-school classroom. I love teaching because I love to help kids grow and improve emotionally and academically. I am very passionate about literacy and incorporating it into the way I teach.
Hobbies: I love to create art of all types in my free time (most recently I’ve been interested in print making).
Favorite Restaurant: Brew Bank
Favorite Quote: “You’re not to be so blind with patriotism that you can’t face reality. Wrong is still wrong no matter who does it or says it.” - Malcom X
Place you would love to visit: I have always wanted to travel to Ecuador because it has a nice climate all year long.
Nice to meet you, Elijah!
Hello! My Name is Nevaeh
I’m Miss Nevaeh, or just Vaeh as the kids call me. I just graduated from Topeka High School, and I was a part of the Topeka High Drumline. I've been teaching here since my sophomore year. I am the assistant teacher in the toddler room. I love to teach because I want to be a positive influence on young minds. If any of my kids in the future ever needed me they would know I was here for them. I love how young minds work and I like to see the progress from the start of the year to the end. I love being around the kids and they make me happy. I just want everyone to stay safe and have a great day and a great week. Tootloo!Editorial note: Miss Nevaeh's signature phrase, "Tootloo!" has caught on around the ELC and most everyone will call out a hearty "tootloo!" before leaving the YWCA for the day.
Nice to meet you, Nevaeh!
Hello! My Name is Chris
You may know me as the ELC Director. I have been teaching in the childcare field for about 30 years. I love to see the kids' wheels turning when they are trying to figure it out; the joy on their faces when they learn something new. I also love forming a bond with them, and getting hugs and cuddles. I have three kids and three grand kids.
Favorite Restaurant: Texas Roadhouse
Favorite Things: I love sweet tea, Dr. Pepper, and chocolate
Nice to meet you, Chris!
If you are interested in enrolling your child in the Early Learning Center, please contact Chris Hickle, ELC Director, to find out more information on available space, rates, and other considerations.Interested in joining our ELC staff? Check out our Careers page.