I first became interested in early childhood education after my children were born. I found those early years of development fascinating and decided to learn more. I had a degree in Art History from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and after working at Southminster Nursery School for several years, I received my certificate to teach nursery school and Kindergarten in private school.
After meeting Dr. Chaney, the founder and director of our school, I became a member of the organizing board of what is now Three Hierarchs Eastern Orthodox School. Since then, I have been very busy! I am the lead teacher in the preschool classrooms and also teach art to the kindergarten through eighth grades.
Teaching at T.H.E.O.S. is a blessing in so many ways. We are afforded the opportunity to live the way of the Church each and every day, in our instructions to the children and our participation in the liturgy as a community. I also enjoy being a part of curriculum planning and working to make our school academically challenging for our children.
In the preschool classroom, each day, each week, and each year revolves around Jesus Christ and His Church. Each day, we start with a prayer, each week, we celebrate name’s days and holy days, and each year we count the days of Advent to Jesus’ birth and the days of Lent until His Resurrection.
We teach hospitality and respect for creation and each other along with Bible stories and the lives of the saints. Our classroom is filled with interesting and educational activities for the children. They are free to explore the world through science, art, language and math while learning important social skills and independence.
From our small beginning at the generous Holy Cross Church in Mt. Lebanon to our fourth year in our new building, this has been a personal adventure and a spiritual awakening for me. I thank God for it.