Staff

 

 
Discovery School teachers are known for their excellence, dedication, and enthusiasm. Teachers have their Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education or a related field. Associate Teachers have an Associate of Arts or a Child Development Associate Certificate. Teachers participate in ongoing training and workshops. Members of Discovery's staff have taken local and state leadership roles in the development of learning standards and in professional organizations.

 
Front Office
 
Ms. Maria M., Co-Director

Maria has been at Discovery since 1990.  She was the assistant director for 10 years before assuming Co-Director responsibilities.  As Co-Director, she enjoys supporting both teachers and parents.  She also is a teacher in the Project Child class in the morning.  Maria has a M.S. in Early Childhood Education from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. She has been working with young children and their families for over 35 years. Maria is the past Co-President of Southwestern Illinois Association for the Education of Young Children, a member of Illinois Voices for Children, and she has served in an advisory capacity on various Early Childhood school boards. She was also a project participant in the development of the Illinois Early Learning Standards. She would like to share a special thought with you: “You can teach a child a lesson for a day; but if you can teach him to learn by creating curiosity, he will continue the learning process as long as he lives." - Clay P. Bedford
Ms. Grace S., Co-Director

Grace is excited to begin her 5th year as Co-Director at Discovery.  She earned a BA in psychology from Chapman University in 1990, a BS in Early Childhood Education with her teaching certification in 1991 and then went on to complete a MS in Education in 1997.  She especially enjoys working with families, sharing, and teaching about the uniqueness of each child and family. Erma Bombeck once said, "When you look at your life, the greatest happinesses are family happinesses."  Grace's greatest joy is her own family.  She and her husband, Wes, have three children and four grandchildren.  Her spare time is occupied by reading and crocheting.
Ms. Edna M., Administrative Assistant/Associate Teacher

Edna has her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and an Illinois State Teacher’s Aide Certificate.  She has 30 years professional experience working with preschoolers and children through age twelve.  This is her 19th year at DISCOVERY.  Edna has worked in the office full time for 12 of those years but also assists in the classrooms as needed.  She teaches children’s  classes for her church and has directed Vacation Bible School.  She is the proud “Granny” of Taylor, a graduate of DISCOVERY, and Devin and Isabella, who love to come visit “Granny’s school.” She enjoys the laughter, excitement, and joy of living that children have.
Ms. Margo T., Parent Coordinator/Teacher

Margo is excited to begin her 8th year at DISCOVERY.  She received a B.S. in Human Development & Family Studies from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign.  She has had wonderful experiences working with children, including student teaching in the Child Development Laboratory on the U of I campus, completing a Child Life practicum, serving as a camp counselor, tutoring children with special needs, being a therapist for a child with autism, and also is a volunteer in her church. She and her husband have one child, Daniel, who will be 1 in November.

Top

Teachers
Ms. Maria M., Purple Room

Maria has been at Discovery since 1990.  She was the assistant director for 10 years before assuming Co-Director responsibilities.  As Co-Director, she enjoys supporting both teachers and parents.  She also is a teacher in the Project Child class in the morning.  Maria has a M.S. in Early Childhood Education from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. She has been working with young children and their families for over 35 years. Maria is the past Co-President of Southwestern Illinois Association for the Education of Young Children, a member of Illinois Voices for Children, and she has served in an advisory capacity on various Early Childhood school boards. She was also a project participant in the development of the Illinois Early Learning Standards. She would like to share a special thought with you: “You can teach a child a lesson for a day; but if you can teach him to learn by creating curiosity, he will continue the learning process as long as he lives." - Clay P. Bedford
Ms. Vicki B., Blue Room

Vicki is very excited about starting her 5th year at DISCOVERY.  She received her B.A. from McKendree College and her M.A. in Early Childhood Education from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville.  She has 16 years experience with preschool and kindergarten age children.  She has taught in Mascoutah school district #19, SIUE Early Childhood Development Center, and was a Parent Educator in Belleville school district #118.  She and her husband, Will, have three children, Paige, 12 and Brent, 8 who are DISCOVERY graduates, and Bryce who is 4.   She loves working with children and believes that children learn best when they are being surrounded by a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where risk taking is encouraged, and a positive self-concept is being constructed.
Ms. Liz  C., Yellow Room

Liz is beginning her 4th year at DISCOVERY.  She graduated in 2008 from SIUE with her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education.  She enjoys the opportunity to get to know each child and their family and to see the progress made by each child throughout the year.  She and her husband have one child, Alaina, who will be 1 in December.

 
Ms. Gabi M., Red Room

Gabi and her husband Tom are former DISCOVERY parents.  Their children Sam, 21 and Seth, 19 are DISCOVERY graduates.  Gabi started her teaching career at DISCOVERY as a substitute.  She joined the staff as a regular employee 15 years ago.  She has a B.S. from Bradley University and spends her time away from DISCOVERY as an active participant of her synagogue, a member of an interfaith group, singing with the Masterworks Chorale, and Off-Track.

Ms. Julie R., Orange Room

Julie is excited to be returning to DISCOVERY after 4 years.  Julie originally taught at DISCOVERY for 8 years then taught in the O'Fallon School District #90 for 4 years.  She received her B.S. in Early Childhood from SIUE and has over 14 years of experience working with preschool and kindergarten age children.  Julie and her husband, Steve, have a beautiful 3 1/2 year old daughter, Cora, who is the love of their lives.  As a family they enjoy camping and running their Pawn Shop in Collinsville.  Julie is looking forward to a great school year!

 

Ms. Jenny S., Green Room

Jenny has a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from SIUE.  She is returning for her 7th year at DISCOVERY.  Jenny became acquainted with DISCOVERY when student teaching here.  Jenny comes to DISCOVERY with 21 years of experience in childcare with 2-12 yr. olds. Her spare time is spent with her family including her two children, daughter Bailey, 11 yrs. old, a DISCOVERY graduate and son Logan, 7yrs. old, also a DISCOVERY graduate.   Jenny is thrilled to be a part of the DISCOVERY team and looks forward to working with the children, staff, and parents at DISCOVERY School.

Top

Associate Teachers
Ms. Kristi E.

Kristi is excited about starting her 19th year at DISCOVERY.  She has completed the certificate program in childcare at Southwestern Illinois College, and has her teacher’s aide certificate.  Kristi is looking forward to going back to school.  She is working on her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education.  During summer camp she has enjoyed being the Primary age teacher.  The children and Kristi have fun and exciting adventures playing games, reading, and creating their own works of art.  She enjoys interacting with staff, children, and parents at DISCOVERY.
Ms. Lynn M.

Lynn has received her Early Childhood Education Certification from Southwestern Illinois College as well as a Teacher Assistants Proficiency Certificate.  She has 14 years of experience working with preschoolers in a state licensed day care and preschool centers.  She has one daughter Julie, 15 yrs. old, who is the pride of her life, and enjoys spending time with her. In her spare time Lynn enjoys making renovations to her older home. She also volunteers for Family Hospice Heartlinks program, a grief support group for children. Lynn enjoys working with children very much, and is looking forward to her 7th year at DISCOVERY.

Ms. Jan M.

Jan has her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.  She is returning for her 22nd year at DISCOVERY.  She has 27 years experience with preschoolers through school age.  She and her husband, Daniel, have two adult daughters, Khara and Jayme, and one granddaughter.
Ms. Lisa R.

Lisa has a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Wofford College in South Carolina.  Lisa received her Masters in Counseling from Troy State University.  She has experience as a preschool teacher and has taught children’s swim lessons and gymnastics with the American Red Cross and the YMCA.  She enjoys working with children now but previously has served as an education counselor with adults.  She and her husband Bill, have two sons, Collin and Clayton.  They are both DISCOVERY graduates.  Lisa loves working with children and truly believes they are the key to a better world.  She feels very fortunate to be a part of their learning experience.  In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family and two dogs, Cagney and Lacy.
Ms. Shannon R.

Shannon began working on her degree at Central Texas College and will complete her Associates in ECE at Southwestern Illinois College this fall.  She worked one year at an Army CDC (child daycare) and one year as a family childcare provider on an Army post.  She worked as the nursery coordinator at her church for three years and volunteers for many of the other children’s activities offered there.  She is excited about beginning her 6th year at DISCOVERY.  Her son, Christopher, is a DISCOVERY graduate.
Ms. Amy S.

Amy is returning for her 17th year at Discovery.  She has an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education along with her 1-year certificate from Southwestern Illinois College.  In her many years at DISCOVERY, Amy has worked with all age groups and especially enjoys sharing her love of nature, art, and books with the children.  She is looking forward to meeting her new students and their parents and sharing the DISCOVERY experience with them.  In her spare time, Ms. Amy enjoys spending time in her yard working in her garden and flower beds.
Ms. Dolores S.

Dolores is a native of Arizona and is bi-lingual.  She will be introducing Spanish to some of our classes.  She received her Associate’s Degree from Cochise College and a certificate as a Teacher’s Aide.  She worked with children aged 18 months to 5 years in Arizona.  She began teaching at DISCOVERY 15 years ago.  She has also taught religious education in Arizona and teaches the Atrium classes at her church in O’Fallon.  She has been married for 28 years and has two children, Michael, 27, and Daniel, 25.  She loves singing, dancing, and going for walks.
Ms. Andrea P.

Andrea is looking forward to returning for her 8th year at DISCOVERY.  She has her Associate Degree in Child Development from Rend Lake College and her Illinois Director Credential Level I.  Andrea enjoys watching children learn and grow through developmentally appropriate activities in a positive and caring environment.

Ms. Megan K.
   Ms. LaTonyia A.

LaTonyia is excited to be a part of the DISCOVERY team of staff, parents, and children.  She has her Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education from SWIC.  She currently completed her Bachelor's Degree from Kendell College.  LaTonyia has worked in the early childhood field for more than 10 years as a Lead Preschool Teacher, Assistant Director, and PM Supervisor.  LaTonyia finds joy and happiness in guiding and facilitating learning, fun, and exploration inside and outside of the classroom.  She looks forward to becoming a positive influence and having a great impact on all of the children at DISCOVERY.

 

 

 

 

Top