Meet Our YWCA of Pekin Childcare Staff
Meredith is currently advancing her education by attending professional development for new directors and considering continuing her education through the McCormick group that offers attending course work to attain college courses and director credentials. Meredith has been part of the birth to five family council where she helped advocate for childcare and families needs. Meredith’s dedication to our children is inspiring. Her commitment to fostering a nurturing learning environment is truly commendable.
Outside of working at the YWCA Early Learning Center and pursuing education, Meredith loves spending time with her family and friends. Meredith is a mother to a wonderful son who loves to learn and play, as well as, a wife to Kyle. She loves having opportunities to serve in her community. In the past she has co-led a local food pantry and volunteered at community events.
If you asked Meredith why she works in childcare she would say… “Childcare is an important part of our community. It is a place where families trust us with some of their most precious treasures, their children. It is also a place where children can learn, grow and be a child in a safe environment. It is exciting to see children and their families grow and learn over the years. It is also exciting to see how staff come into their teaching styles and confidence as advocates for children and families. It has been a great opportunity to be able to witness so much growth, support and love in the community.”
Miss Amy C. has been a member of our team at the YWCA Early Learning Center since 2000! She’s been a key part of our infant classrooms, bringing her Level 1 Early Childhood Education Credential to life. When asked why she loves working in childcare, Amy said, “I love watching the children learn and grow.”
Miss Natalie, a committed educator at YWCA of Pekin since 2011. With her level 4 credential in infant toddler care and early childhood education, Natalie teaches in the infant classrooms, focusing on impactful early development. As she beautifully states, “I enjoy watching children grow.” Her dedication exemplifies the vital role early childhood education plays in shaping future generations.
Miss Kara, our dedicated infant/toddler classroom teacher, has been at YWCA since 2023! With her Early Childhood Education Credential from Gateways, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a heart full of love. When asked why she chose childcare, Kara said, “I love teaching, watching them grow, and I just love kids!”
Miss Jessica, who has been a vital member of the YWCA Early Learning Center team since 2021 currently teaches in our two-year-old classroom! Jessica holds level 4 credentials in both Early Childhood Education and Infant Toddler care. Her qualifications as a teacher and director equip her with the expertise to foster a nurturing learning environment for our young learners.
Miss Annette is our preschool teacher for 3- and 4-year-olds. She is dedicated to preparing children for the pre-kindergarten classroom at YWCA! With CDA certificates in infant-toddler and preschool, Annette truly loves interacting with children and making a difference in their lives. “It’s exciting to see children learn and share what they’ve discovered!” Her commitment to fostering a love for learning in young children is truly inspiring.
Meet Miss Amy H.! Since 1999, she’s been shaping young minds at the YWCA Early Learning Center. With her CDA in preschool and ECE Level 1, Miss Amy brings passion and expertise to our community. When asked why she has stayed in childcare she stated “I believe as a teacher of young children that we are teaching the future of the world. It is my job to help children learn empathy, compassion, confidence, and self regulation. I feel that children are hands- on- learners. They learn by seeing and doing. I have set up our classroom with a comfortable home environment as opposed to the institutionalized classroom. I incorporate hands-on learning with a lot of reflection on emotions and self regulation. I teach the children in my class that we are a classroom family. Everyone plays an important role in our day to day events. I feel that if I am able to help young children understand their emotions, give them skill to learn self regulation and the importance of communication skills, I am setting them up for success. Understanding these skills will help children become successful learners.”
Miss Kristina has been making waves since 2022, starting as a swim instructor and now shining as an assistant teacher in our preschool classroom! Miss Kristina holds a Level 1 Early Childhood Education Credential through Gateways, demonstrating her commitment to professional growth.
We are proud to have Amy H. as our visiting nurse since 2024! With her expertise, she has been instrumental in educating our infant and toddler staff on critical topics related to health, growth, and development. Her commitment to early childhood education is paving the way for healthier futures.
Miss Gail, our amazing Kitchen Manager and Cook at the YWCA Early Learning Center since 2000! She not only prepares delicious meals for our children but also lends a helping hand during nap time and with laundry duties.
Meet Miss Susan! Our amazing substitute assistant teacher/receptionist in the infant classrooms since 2023, Miss Susan is dedicated to shaping young minds with her level one early childhood education credential from Gateways.
Miss Oakley has been an assistant teacher at the YWCA of Pekin Early Learning Center since 2023. Miss Oakley floats between our toddler, two’s and preschool classrooms while pursuing an associate’s degree at ICC and holds an Early Childhood Education Level 1 credential. Her commitment to fostering early childhood development is inspiring, and we look forward to seeing her grow in the field.
Miss Cindy has been a vital part of the YWCA of Pekin Early Learning Center since 2019! As a qualified substitute teacher for all age groups, she brings joy and knowledge to every classroom.
Miss Cassandra, has been an integral part of the YWCA of Pekin Early Learning Center team since 2024 as an assistant teacher in the infant/toddler classroom. With a Level 1 credential in early childhood education from Gateway, Miss Cassandra’s passion for teaching and nurturing young minds is evident. She states, “I love working with kids. It is rewarding to teach them new things.”
Miss Abby joined us as an assistant teacher in our toddler and two-year-old classrooms starting in 2024! Miss Abby is currently pursuing her degree at ICC and holds an Early Childhood Education Credential level 1. Her passion for nurturing young minds is sure to make a wonderful impact!
Miss Bekah is new to our team as an assistant teacher! Since joining us in 2024, Bekah has brought her Early Childhood Education Credential Level 1, showcasing her commitment to fostering young learners’ development. Miss Bekah is also currently working on her CDA to become teacher qualified. Her expertise will surely enhance our educational environment.
Miss Jennie joined us in 2025 as a floating Substitute Assistant Teacher. In addition to her teaching role, she will serve as our center nurse, visiting our infant and toddler classrooms. Prior to joining our team, she earned her nursing degree and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, along with an RN license. We are thrilled to have her with us!
Miss Joni joined our team in 2025 and currently serves as a floating assistant teacher. She is passionate about working with children and is dedicated to facilitating their learning and growth each day.
We are pleased to introduce our newest assistant, Ms. Hannah. A recent high school graduate, Ms. Hannah brings valuable experience in childcare to our team. Her enthusiasm and dedication make her a wonderful asset to our toddler and three-year-old classrooms.
Ms. Elizabeth serves as the Assistant Teacher in our Toddler Two’s classroom at the YWCA. In addition to her role in early childhood education, she instructs swim lessons in our facility’s pool. Elizabeth brings valuable teaching experience to our team, enhancing the learning environment with her expertise and dedication.