Shanan Geitgey

Director

Hi! I am Shanan Geitgey, Director of our preschool at First Christian Church.  We are so excited about your interest in our program, and we hope you will enjoy getting to know our staff!

My background in early childhood education began shortly after graduating from Canton McKinley High School in 1994. Upon graduating, I began working at an early childhood facility and was employed there for 4 years. When I began my teaching career, I started as an assistant teacher working with 3 year olds.  It was there that I realized my God given abilities in working with young children. After many hours of training and supervision in the field of early childhood development, I took on a Lead Teacher position of the Pre-k class, where I began creating developmentally appropriate, fun and creative lesson plans and activities for young children that would enable them to learn valuable lessons & academics through play. I am trained and certified in Developmentally Appropriate Practice, First Aid & CPR, Child Abuse & Neglect and am a Certified PlayRight Signature Teacher.

After working with children and families in the preschool environment, I took on a new position working with Stark County Children Services as an Administrative Assistant and Aid in their Foster Care & Adoption Units.  I was employed there for 4 years.  While working there I was trained to work with children and families and social workers in many exciting capacities!

Soon after this I began a family of my own, andmadeadecision to be a stay at home mom.  I am married to my husband Scott and have 3 wonderful children, Benjamin, Madison and Gracyn. I have been a member of First Christian Church since 1994 and have served as a volunteer in our Tiny Tots class, working with children ages 12 months to 3yrs. and in our pre-kindergarten Sunday school class as a team leader. I was also proud to serve as a member of our Mom’s Morning Core Team.

I took almost 3 years off from working outside the home before I realized that God was opening the door for me to a whole new adventure working with children in my very own church. I was the Lead Preschool 4 & 5 teacher for the 2004 & 2005 school years and then took on the role of Director in 2006, soon after completing my Child Development Associate credential.   In January of 2007 I was proud to help our center achieve the “Step Up To Quality” recognition, which proclaims our preschool as a quality, above state standards learning program for young children in our community!!

I am the oldest sibling of 4 in my family, and have always been a care taker, and I truly enjoy and have a passion for working with young children. I feel blessed everyday for my own family as well as the family of children I get to grow and learn with every day at preschool!  I look forward to meeting many of you!

Jennifer Condo

Assistant Director

Hi!  My name is Jennifer Condo. I began my journey at FYCP in 2003. I started out as an assistant in the 3′s class for two years, and then moved on to the role of lead teacher in the Preschool 4 and 5 class. In 2008 I took on the role as Curriculum Coordinator. For the 2009-10 school year, I am serving as the preschool’s Assistant Director. I will continue to assist the teachers with their lesson plans, and assessments as well as give tours, and assist the director in many different areas. In April of 2007 I was awarded my Child Development Associate Credential.  I am currently attending Stark State College and working towards getting my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education.

I am a 1992 graduate from Perry High School. In 1993, I began employment at Aultman Hospital. I worked there as a receptionist until 1998. I then became a stay at home mom. I re-entered the work force in 2003 at Rivertree Christian School as an assistant teacher in the Pre-k class. In the fall of 2003, I was hired here at First Christian, as a room supervisor for childcare. I spent over 4 years serving as a volunteer in the pre-k Sunday school class, as well as serving in our “tiny tots” class here at First Christian.

I am married to my husband Matthew, and we have been members here at First Christian since 1998. We have five children ;four boys, and a little girl.  They range from ages four all the way to sixteen! I feel so blessed that God has given me 5 children of my own, and has led me to a career path where I get the opportunity to love, and to learn with so many other children.  A few of my hobbies include baking, organizing and shopping, and spending time with my family.

I am available to help you with anything that you may need. I look forward to meeting you and your children.

Ivy Sterling

Office Assistant

Hi! My name is Ivy Sterling, and Iam the office assistant for the preschool. I am married to my wonderful husband William Sterling andwehave3 wonderful crazy boys. In my spare time I spend it with my family. They live in Canton and in Zanesville Ohio. We like to have cookouts and just be together as a family. It is very important to me to be surrounded by the people that you love.

I have been attending First Christian Church since we moved here to Canton Ohio in 2003. Last year was my first year at First Years Community Preschool, and I absolutely loved it. I worked in the office as well as worked in the classroom as a substitute teacher. It touched my heart in many ways watching the children grow to little adults in such a short period of time.

I am very excited that God has brought me into such a wonderful church family, which lead me to the preschool family. It has filled my heart in many ways. I can’t wait to meet your children this next school year. I know it will be a wonderful experience for myself and your family.

Angela Heid

Toddler Too Lead Teacher

Hi, my name is Angela Heid. I am the Toddler Too lead teacher! I joined the preschool staff in 2007 as an assistant in the Toddler Too class for 1 year. In 2008, I became the lead teacher in the Toddler Too class, and continue as the lead for the 2009-10 school year. I am married, andmy husband and I have two children, a daughter and a son. We have been members of First Christian Church since 2002. During my time here at First Christian, I have really discovered my heart for moms and their children. I have worked with the Mom’s Morning/ MOPS ministry at the church for the past two years as part of the planning team and as coordinator of the group. I have enjoyed working with the children in our Tiny Tots classroom on Sundays and look forward to expanding my role in working with children to the preschool. I have an Associate of Arts degree from Kent State Stark and a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from The University of Akron. While attending college, I gained experience working with children at a preschool/day care facility. After college, I worked as a veterinary assistant where I learned to use traits such as patience, gentleness andcompassion which I feel are essential to working withchildrenas well. I am currently taking CDA to enhance my abilities to understand child development and effective teaching methods. I look forward to helping your child have a successful beginning to their academic career and gain a life long treasure of a relationship with Jesus.

Melanie Gray

Assistant Toddler Teacher

Hello, My name is Melanie Gray. I am the assistant in the Toddler Too class! This is my first year teaching here at FYCP, and I am excited to be here! I have always had a love for children. I ran my own in home childcare for over 4 years. I am excited to have this opportunity to use my experience with children in the preschool setting.
I am married to my husband Gerald, and we have 2 sons ages 5 and 14. My youngest son is currently enrolled in the Transitional Kindergarten class here at First Years. It is wonderful to see all the things that he is learning every day.
I am certified in First Aid and Child Abuse prevention. I am currently taking classes in preschool education as well as Infant Toddler development classes.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, camping, fishing, going to movies and much more.
I look forward to a wonderful year getting to know you and your children!

Cindy Franz

Lead Preschool 3 Teacher

Hi, my name is Cindy Franz.  I am very excited to have the opportunity to be the Lead Teacher in the 3’s class this year.  I have a Bachelor’s of Science in Education from The University of Akron – this is where I also met my wonderful husband Joe.  We have been married for 16 years and have four children, Susan, Lauren, Andrew and Joshua who is enrolled in the 4’s class.  We are very active members here at First Christian Church.  I currently serve in the Children’s Ministry on Sunday mornings andoftensee some of our Preschool families over the weekend.  My husband grew up in this church and is on staff as the Communications Director.  I have been a member since 1995.  I have many years of experience working with Children.  Most recently I directed the launch of the Child Watch program at the Edgewood Community Center and served there as the Child Watch Supervisor.  I have a passion and a love for children.  I am certified in First Aid, Child Abuse & Neglect, Communicable Disease and CPR.  I recently received my CDA.  I’m excited to be a part of such a wonderful team here at First Years Community Preschool.

Lindsey Cady

Preschool 3 Assistant Teacher

Co -Lead Enrichment Teacher

Hello, my name is Lindsey Cady and I am the assistant in Miss Cindy’s 3′s class along with being a co lead for the after school enrichment program. This is my first year at First Years Community Preschool and I am so excited and feel so blessed to be able to share this experience with you and your child.  I graduated from GlenOak High School in 2005 then continued my education at Walsh University where I earned my Bachelors Degree in Business Finance. After five years of being a nanny to two families, I realized my true passion was working with children. I am the youngest of 4 daughters and enjoy spending my free time doing outdoor activities and playing sports with my family. I can’t wait to share the love of Jesus with your child and help them in their development of early learning! God Bless!

 Nicki Hartson

Lead Preschool 3 Teacher

Lead Preschool 4 Teacher

Hi, my name is Nicki Hartson andIamso excited to be the lead teacher for the 3’s & 4’s classes. I am married to my husband Randy and have 2 children, a daughter and a son. My daughter was enrolled at First Years for two years, andIenjoyedbeing a part of all the wonderful things she learned. I also enjoyed watching the bond that she developed with her teachers during this time; and so now I look forward to being a part of this program andsharing in that same experience with your child! I have always had a passion for working withyoungchildren. My husband and I are members at First Christian Church, and I have enjoyed helping out in many of the early childhood classrooms on Sundays. In the fall of 2007 I became certified in child abuse & neglect, first aid, communicable disease as well as CPR. I was awarded my Child Development Associate Credential in September of 2009. I feel blessed to have this opportunity to play and learn with your children, and I look forward to getting to know you soon!

 

Debbie Derbyshire

 Preschool 4 M/W/F Assistant Teacher

Hi, my name is Debbie Derbyshire.  I joined the preschool staff this year as a substitute and am now also the assistant in Miss Nicki’s MWF 4’s class.  My first experience with the preschool was as a mom last year when my daughter was in the 4’s class.  I was truly impressed by the experience that she had and I feel blessed to now be a part of the staff. 

I have a graduate degree in psychology with experience in the counseling field.  I have greatly enjoyed being a stay at home mom for the past 6 years I am excited to be re-entering the work world with the opportunity to work with children in a classroom setting.

I have been married to my wonderful husband for 20 years and we have 2 daughters, ages 9 and 5.  I have been a member of First Christian Church since childhood.   For the past several years, I have co-lead the Youth Arts Program for teens on Wednesday nights and am in the second year of directing an elementary musical at my girls’ school.  I am greatly enjoying working with the children at the preschool as they learn and prepare for the years ahead.

 

Kim Richards

Lead Preschool 4 Teacher

Assistant Preschool 3 Teacher

Hi, my name is Kim Richards  

I am excited to be the Lead Teacher in the preschool M/W/F 4′s class as well as an assistant in the T/TH 3′s class.

I am a 1988 graduate of GlenOakHighSchool. I am happily married to my husband Steve and we have been blessed with 2 beautiful children. I have been a stay-at-home mom devoting my time and energy to raising my children. My family and I have been members of First Christian Church since 1998. I have served as a volunteer for Mom’s Morning child care and the Shine Ministry which is devoted to children with special needs. I went out in the work place in 2007 at Edgewood Community Center. There I enjoyed watching children while their parents exercised.

Some of my favorite things to do are spending time withmyfamily, singing, doing projects around my house, watching my kids play their sports, andtraveling. For the past 3 years I have been very active in the Jackson Youth Cheerleading program in Jackson Township. In September of 2009 I was awarded my Child Developoment Associate Credential.

I can’t wait to share the love of Jesus with your children and help them in their development of early learning.

Joni Venet

Preschool 4 M/W/F Assistant Teacher

My name is Joni Venet. I live in North Canton with my husband John, daughter Tannesha and two dogs Sasha and Genavie.  I have a degree in Child Development from the University of Akron. I have worked with preschool children through teaching preschool and working at Akron Children’s Hospital for ten years as a Speech Therapist Assistant. This is where I met our daughter whom we adopted at age 5.

My familyattends First Friends Church where my husband and I serve as greeters at the front desk. I am also involved in the fitness ministry, teaching Pilates. Sign Language and worship are two things that I love.  Traveling with our sign choir “Signing in God’s Name” is a pleasure for me and an opportunity to share Christ.

It is amazing to love to go to work. The children in my class are special gifts from God and it’s a privlege to work with them.

Tina Lemon

Lead Preschool 4 Teacher

Hi! My name is Tina Lemon. I am the Lead Teacher for the M-F Preschool 4 class. This is my first year teaching here at FYCP, and I am excited to be on the staff of such a great preschool! I have been in the field of early childhood for over 11 years. I have taught 3′s, 4′s, Pre-K, andElementaryArt at a private school. I also have administrative background serving as a Curriculum Director, Assistant Director, and a Director at a Child Care Center. I have also been a SPARK Parent Partner. I was awarded my CDA in 2004 and I am currently a student at Stark State College majoring in Early Childhood Education.

I have been married for 20 years to my husband Rod. We have 3 children , two girls anda boy. Kaylan is 18, and a Freshman at Baldwin Wallace Music Conservatory. Our son Tanner is 17 and a junior at Perry High School. Our youngest daughter Reid, is 15 and a sophomore at Perry. I am a member of SherrickRoadChurch of God. My husband is a children’s minister there, and also a licensed pastor working in the ordination process with a Bachelors in Professional Ministry. I also serve as a  Sunday school teacher in the preschool class at our church.

I am an Girls High School Assistant Track coach at Perry High School. I also serve as a Director for Summer Food Program that serves lunches to inner city children from June- August. In my spare time I enjoy sports, scrap-booking, reading and spending time with my family.

I am looking froward to working with your children and watching them grow spiritually, developmentally and socially throughout the preschool year. I am also looking forward to developing a relationship with families! I can’t wait to meet you and your children!

 

Traci Hall

Preschool 4 Assistant Teacher

Co- Lead Enrichment Teacher

Hello! My name is Traci Hall. I  am the assistant in the M-F 4′s class as well as a co-lead  for the after school enrichment program, which I love. I have an Associates degree in Early Childhood Education.I am so excited to be back on staff at First Years Community Preschool. I was previously on staff from February 2007- January 2009. I left to pursue my bachelors in special ed. I however after much prayer, realized that my true gift and love was in a Christian preschool setting. I am blessed to be apart of an amazing preschool and staff.

 Together withmy husband Todd we have3 children. Chancey is in 8th grade, Jessalyn is in 4th grade and Ashlyn is in 1st grade. The kids keep me busy with wrestling, gymnastics andswimming. Our family moved to Ohio on military assignment in 2004. My husband has since retired after 21 years of service. Before moving to Ohio, we lived in Newport News ,VA for 16 years. First Christian Church is our families church home.

I am looking forward to getting to know you and your children!

 

Sarah Shooltz

Lead Transitional Kindergaten Teacher

Hello! My name is Sarah Shooltz. This year I will be the Lead Teacher for the Preschool Transitional Kindergarten program 5 days a week!  I came to First Years Community Preschool in December 2006 after moving here from Michigan and have enjoyed my time here! I have a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Michigan State University and I have a lot of experience working with children of various ages, student teaching, planning and implementing curriculum, and leading & planning extra programs and events pertaining to young children. I am also trained and certified in first aid andCPR. I am married to my husband Adam andlookforward to hopefully adding a puppy to our family this year! We have been members of First Christian Church since December 2006 when we were both baptized as Christians. When I’m not engaging in my passion for teaching I enjoy reading and furthering my education, scrapbooking, camping, and traveling back to Michigan to visit family and friends! I am excited to meet you and your child and look forward to a wonderful new school year!

Reka Byrk

Assistant Transitional Kindergarten Teacher

Co-Lead Enrichment Teacher

 Hi There! I feel truly blessed to be the assistant teacher in Miss Sarah’s TK class this year. God answered a huge prayer of mine by opening a door at FYCP. I am so excited to work in a Christian environment where I can openly tell the kids about the greatness of our loving God. He is the One who planned every detail of my life and brought me here from the other side of the world! I am originally from Romania and I have been living in the States for less than 2 years. Although I love America and its people very much, I often miss my family and friends from home. My husband, Owen and I met in Hungary while we were both students at Word of Life Bible Institute. It was love at first sight… at least for him   We have been married for 2 awesome years and currently living in North Canton where we recently started attending First Christian Church.

As the daughter of two teachers, it has been always my desire to work with children. So, after graduating Bible college I became the Coordinator of Children’s Ministries at WOL. This included organizing evangelistic events,  planning of camp activities, leading the puppet ministry, counseling, and many other responsibilities. Almost all my experiences with children have been geared toward the goal of making a lasting difference in their lives through the Gospel of Christ. I have a burning love and a strong passion for children’s ministries. Having that as my primary goal, I intend to get an in-depth training in the field of early childhood education. I am currently a 2nd year student at Stark State College, majoring in Early Childhood Education-Intervention Specialist. Also, I am trained and certified in Child Abuse & Neglect, CPR and First Aid. After obtaining my Associate Degree, I am planning to complete my Bachelor’s Degree as well.

I know we will have a wonderful, memorable year together and I am really looking forward with great anticipation to getting to know each one of you!

 

Laura McLaughlin

Preschool Substitute

Hi, my name is Laura McLaughlin. I joined the preschool staff in 2008 as a substitute. I am very excited about the opportunity to work with your children.

I have been married to my husband Pete for 16 years and we have 3 beautiful daughters. Courtney is 13, Morgan is 12 and Rylie is 5 years old. I graduated for the University of Akron with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management. I worked for a local company for 11 years before deciding to be a stay at home mom. Since my youngest is in kindergarten know I decided to re-enter the work force. I am trained and certified in first aid, CPR and communicable disease, and child abuse and neglect.

We are members of First Christian Church. My daughter Courtney and I volunteer in the 1 year olds class and my daughter Morgan volunteers in the playland with K-4. We are enjoying working with the little ones and getting to know the parents.

I want to thank Shanan and Jennifer for allowing me this opportunity to work at First Years Community Preschool. I am excited to work with your children as they learn and grow this school year.

Elizabeth Hively

Substitute Teacher

Hi, my name is Elizabeth Hively. I joined the preschool staff this year as a substitute teacher. I have a love for children and am looking forward to getting to know you and your children. I am a member here at First Christian Church and I have volunteered in the preschool Sunday School class for five years.

I am married to my husband Don, and we have 4 great kids . Allan 14, Hannah 11, Drew 7, and Daniel 5.  In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and watching my children participate in sports.

I am looking froward becoming a part of a staff that values Early Childhood education. I am excited to get to know your children and share the love of Christ with them.