Meet Our Preschool Staff!
Our teachers are our greatest asset
TLC teachers are loyal to our preschool and our children. Our staff receives training regarding CPR and First Aid and each staff member attends 15 hours of inservice each year in an effort to continually better our knowledge and ourselves. Inservice training allows us to stay updated on new developments and ideas.
Meet Our Preschool Teachers!
Pictured Above (back row to front row):
Pam Kahl, Sue Kittel, Nancy Jennett, Linda Kranz, Elsie Graves, Michele Clifford,
Kathy Bowser, Gail Kedsch, Shelly Goers, Lisa Ahmer, Pastor Kittel,
Carol Lehr, Kathy Kaszuba
LISA AHMER - 3 Year Old Lead Teacher and Assistant. Lisa received a BS degree in Kindergarten-Primary Education with a minor in Early Childhood Education from Indiana University in Bloomington, IN. Lisa taught Preschool, Kindergarten and Second Grade for a total of 9 years before starting a family. All three of Lisa’s children attended TLC Preschool. “I looked very hard to find a nurturing, fun and positive environment for my boys to attend preschool. I was blessed to find TLC, and am now thrilled to be teaching with such an outstanding and supportive staff!”
KATHY BOWSER - 3 Year Old Assistant / Substitute. Kathy has been part of TLC Preschool since 1995, volunteering when her children attended school here. After taking a short break, Kathy was back in the classroom volunteering and substituting. In 2001, Kathy was hired as an assistant in both 3 & 4 year old classrooms. Kathy also supervises the childcare room for Sunday morning services at our church. “I guess my length of time here says something about how much I love this preschool, the children we teach and my colleagues. We have a family atmosphere here and you feel it as soon as you walk through the door. I'd like to add that my children are now 20, 18 and 13 and all the teachers they had at age 3 and 4 are still teaching at TLC and that says it all!”
MICHELE CLIFFORD - 3 / 4 Year Old Lead Teacher. Michele has attended Kent State University and McHenry County College, where she majored in Early Childhood Education. She has been working at TLC since 1996, 7 years as an assistant and 6 years as a teacher. “My son attended TLC and I have been in love with the program ever since! He received such a positive start to school, and I want to continue to give children that positive start. We provide learning experiences needed to succeed in school and a loving and nurturing environment that also meets their emotional needs. They are so precious! I love my job!”
SHELLY GOERS - 3 Year Old Teacher Assistant / 4 Year Old Program Assistant (a.k.a. “potty lady”). Shelly joined the TLC family as a staff member in 2004. She is a proud mom of a TLC Alumni. A native of Huntley and a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Shelly is married to John and they have one daughter, Kaylee. She states, “I love to see the joy on the children’s faces. It’s so contagious! You can't help but be HAPPY when you're with them! I just wish I had a quarter of their energy!”
ELSIE GRAVES - 4 Year Old Assistant/Teacher. Elsie received an Elementary Education Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. She taught 26 years as a kindergarten teacher in District 26, Cary, IL. She joined TLC’s staff in l999. She states, “I love working with preschoolers because they have so much fun learning and exploring. TLC is a fun filled school with wonderful children and a caring staff.”
NANCY JENNETT - Teacher’s Assistant. Nancy started her career at TLC Preschool in 1996 as a teacher’s assistant. Her twin daughters are alumni of TLC and are now in college. She says, “At TLC we are more than co-workers; we are family and support each other in many ways. I feel blessed every day to work with the staff, the wonderful families and amazing children. Each day I am greeted by children with their warm smiles, laughter and sometimes silly stories. I especially enjoy the amazement in their eyes at learning something new. To me, no job is more rewarding and each day seems like my very first day at TLC!”
PAM KAHL - 4 Year Old Assistant. Pam has been with TLC Preschool since 1998. She is also a Trinity Lutheran Church member and volunteers her time at church as well. Pam has a childcare background and takes 15 hours of continuing education in early childhood each year. She says, “I love working at TLC! It is such a warm and caring environment for the children to play and learn in! I love to watch the children mature and grow each year into “kindergartners”. My 2 girls are TLC graduates, and I feel their preschool experience at TLC has prepared them well for the challenges of the elementary, middle, and high school years.”
KATHY KASZUBA - Program Assistant. Kathy has an Associate Degree from Triton College and a Bachelor Degree in Psychology from Elmhurst College. She joined TLC Preschool in 2009, as soon as the last of her children started Kindergarten. All four of her children attended TLC and as Kathy says, “There’s no place like home. Becoming a part of the TLC family was an easy decision to make.” When Kathy is not working, she enjoys reading and trying new recipes.
LINDA KRANZ – Director, 3 / 4 Year Old Teacher, School Age Program Teacher. Linda attended Harper College and the McHenry County College Early Childhood Education program and has an Associate Degree in General Education. She worked at MCC’s child care before starting at TLC in 1995. She volunteered in her three sons’ classrooms, taught Religious Education, and Vacation Bible School. She especially loves the connection she’s made with her families and the joy in the kids’ eyes while they are exploring the activities and when they realize “I can do it!” She says, “A happy, excited child can make your heart melt.”
CAROL LEHR - 3 / 4 Year Old Lead Teacher. Carol has been at TLC since 1995. She has her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Ed from Northern Illinois University in Dekalb. She has also taught 4th Grade, Kindergarten, Vacation Bible School and summer camp. Her son, Austin, attended TLC from 2003 – 2005. Carol loves her job. “It’s a warm, happy environment filled with hands on learning and a smile!”
KELLY RAYMOND - 3 / 4 Year Old Lead Teacher / Before and After School Program / Playhouse Coordinator. Kelly has a Bachelor of Science from De Paul University where she majored in Elementary Education. Before moving to the area, she worked as a 3rd and 4th grade teacher in the Chicago Public School system. Kelly became a part of the TLC staff in 2010 at the same time her daughter Carly entered the 3 year old preschool program. Kelly’s son Colin also is a proud TLC alumnus. “When our son finished the preschool program, I was a bit sad because TLC brought such warmth and happiness to our family – and we would miss that. I was so grateful when an opportunity arose for me to become a part of the TLC staff!”