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, and made a decision 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!

Meet Miss Jennifer Condo

Curriculum Coordinator

 

Hi!  My name is Jennifer Condo. I began my journey at FCC in 2003. I started out as an assistant in the 3's class for two years, and for the last two years, I have been the Lead Preschool 4 & 5 teacher. This year I am moving into the role of Curriculum Coordinator. I will be able 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 three all the way to fifteen! 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 excited to begin this next role that I have been given here at FYCP. I am available to help you with anything that you may need. I look forward to meeting you and your children.

Miss Nicki Hartson

Lead Preschool 3 Teacher

Lead Preschool 4 Teacher

 

Hi, my name is Nicki Hartson and I am so 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, and I enjoyed being 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 and sharing in that same experience with your child!  I have always had a passion for working with young children.  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 also began attending child development training classes to obtain my Child Development Associate Credential.  I hope to receive this credential by the start 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!

Miss Angela Heid

Toddler Too Lead Teacher

 

Hi, my name is Angela Heid. I am the toddler too lead teacher! I joined the preschool staff as an aid in the new Toddler Too class for the 2007-2008 school year, and am very excited about my new position as lead teacher! I am married, and my 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 and compassion which I feel are essential to working with children as well. I will also begin CDA training this fall to enhance my abilities to understand child development and effective teaching methods. I look forward to beginning my career at the preschool to help your child have a successful beginning to their academic career and gain a life long treasure of a relationship with Jesus.

Miss Laura McLaughlin

Preschool Substitute

 

Hi, my name is Laura McLaughlin. I joined the preschool staff this year 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. I will be finishing my training in child abuse and neglect shortly.

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.

Miss Kim Richards

Co-Lead Enrichment Teacher

Assistant 3 & 4 Teacher

 

Hi, my name is Kim Richards and I am excited to be the assistant teacher in the Toddler Too class as well as the assistant in the Preschool 3 classes. I am also looking forward to assisting in the after school enrichment class.

I am a 1988 graduate of GlenOak High School. 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 with my family, singing, doing projects around my house, watching my kids play their sports, and traveling. For the past 3 years I have been very active in the Jackson Youth Cheerleading program in Jackson Township. I will begin Child Development Associate training this fall.

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

Miss Mychele Richards

Lead Preschool 3 Teacher

 

Hi! My name is Mychele Richards, and I am the Lead Preschool 3 Teacher. I am married to my husband Mike Richards and have two boys. My experience working with children started at First Christian Church volunteering in numerous age groups of classrooms. I then decided to accept a position at McGregor Elementary School in Canton. There I was a lunchroom and playground monitor and realized then my connection to children and how much I enjoyed working with them. I am excited to be heading into another year as the Preschool 3 lead teacher! I am trained and certified in first aid, CPR, child abuse and neglect and communicable disease. In the summer of 2007 I was awarded my Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) and am looking forward to applying that knowledge in the classroom. I am very blessed with this career in teaching at First Years Community preschool. God is a big part of my life and I have him to thank for this wonderful opportunity.

God Bless You, Mychele Richards

Miss Sarah Shooltz

Lead 4's Teacher

 

 

Hello! My name is Sarah Shooltz. This year I will be the Lead Teacher for the Preschool 4’s class 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 and CPR. I am married to my husband Adam and look forward 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!

Miss Ivy Sterling

Office Assistant

 

Hi! My name is Ivy Sterling, and I am the office assistant for the preschool. I am married to my wonderful husband William Sterling and we have 3 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.

Miss Christine Webb

Assistant

 

Hello! My name is Christine Webb, and I am the assistant in Miss Kim’s transitional kindergarten class this year. I am a student at Walsh University majoring in Early Childhood Education. I am from Ravenna Ohio, but currently live in North Canton. I have a lot of experience working with children and teaching has always been my passion! In addition to working in a day care and preschool setting, and accumulating field hours at Walsh, I have also helped with Bible school and Sunday school at my home church. I am looking forward to working at First Years Community Preschool and getting to know your child!

 

 

 

 

Miss Kimberly Welch

Lead Transitional Kindergarten Teacher

 

Hi, my name is Kimberly Welch. I am pleased to be the lead teacher in the new Transitional Kindergarten class. My family and I have recently relocated to Canton, OH, from Jacksonville Beach, FL. My husband and I grew up in this area but moved to FL about seven years ago. We have four children, three daughters and a son, ranging in age from eighteen to eleven. Our oldest daughter is attending OSU and our other children are here with us in Plain Township.

I went to the University of Akron studying Early Childhood Development and Education. I also attended FCCJ (Jacksonville, FL) in order to obtain my CDA in 2003. Over the past two decades, I have run my own home childcare facility, taught three year olds and then pre-k (fours and fives prepping for kindergarten) now in my fifth year. When I am not working in my classroom, I am a volleyball, football, and fast pitch softball mom and I enjoy spending time at our family business.

I am excited to be working with the staff at First Years Community Preschool.

If you are new to our school, I can assure you that the staff at FYCP is very welcoming and a joy to work with. They have welcomed me with open arms.
I look forward to getting to know you and your child at our school.
Welcome to FYCP!