My name is Kristi Hoffman Spear, and I am thrilled to introduce myself as the Montessori teacher in the Lemon Patch!
I have been a certified teacher since 1986, and started my teaching career at Oxford Montessori where I worked for seven years. In 1993 my husband and I opened The Learning Link Center, where we provided care and learning for children ages 6 weeks through 13 years until we closed just this summer. Although that was a very difficult experience, I must say that I am very excited to be able to continue doing something that I love with families and children so close to home!
Children are amazing and inspiring! They learn new things every day in so many ways, and I consider it a special privilege to be able to participate in that process by guiding them. I think it’s important to provide as many experiences as possible, as well as to give them tools for successful learning that they can use forever. I believe that happens best in a structured environment, with logical discipline, and a warm, nurturing, fun team of teachers.
My husband, Gene, and I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary this year, and we have three grown children. Our oldest son, Brad, lives with his wife, Ann, in Auburn Hills. Our middle child, Ian, is finishing law school in Washington, D.C., and our daughter, Dana is a junior at OU, studying social work. I have lived in Lake Orion my whole life, and am glad that I still have a short drive, or bike ride, to work!
I love to spend my “free” time…riding the bike my kids bought me for Mother’s Day this year, reading, walking and exercising. My daughter-in-law and I joined Weight Watchers last year, and are enjoying training for and participating in 5K walks. We traveled to Washington D. C. for one in June, completed the LOEF walk in August, and have already scheduled one walk for each month from now till Christmas. I also really enjoy cooking, and finding new recipes to lighten up!
Hi, my name is Sarah Zelinski and I am excited to be joining the Pee Wee Patch family. I have been involved in early childhood education for about 6 years and I am overjoyed to add Montessori to that list of experiences.
I went to Oakland Community College for Child Development and received an Associates Degree in early childhood education. I’ve also work for several daycares, development centers and a school district as well.
Children are a gift from God and they are precious. Some learn quicker than others so you need to be patient and kind with them. Always praise them no matter what. Children need to learn to go their own way and make messes and to have that opportunity. To be around them gives me such life and joy, I love doing what I do.
I have a brother Ben, 19, and a sister Michelle, 20, and mom Barb and dad Mike, both are 49. And I also have a dog named Willie.
I enjoy scrapbooking and spending time outside (hiking, camping etc). My favorite time of the year is fall because I love the colors. My favorite color is green, my favorite pop is mt dew and cherry crush. My favorite candy is Skittles and Starbursts. I love to watch Food Network, What Not to Wear, and whatever is on the Sci Fi channel. My favorite character is Snoopy. I also like Tinker bell and Jack from Nightmare Before Christmas. My favorite countries are China/Japan and France and Africa. I hope to travel there some day.
I love to spend my free time with my friends and family. I also like to travel. I have only been around the US and Canada. I like to do a lot of volunteer work at churches and religious children groups such as VBS (vacation bible school).
My name is Latasha Lee and I am honored to be a member of the Pee Wee Patch staff. I thank you for allowing me to be someone who makes a difference in your children’s lives. It really means a lot to me.
I am currently a student at Wayne County Community College studying Early Childhood Education. I am two semesters away from receiving an Associates Degree in Applied Science. I plan to continue my education at the University of Michigan-Dearborn with hopes of receiving a BA in Elementary Education and a ZA endorsement in Early Childhood Education. I also look forward to obtaining a Montessori Certificate. I have worked as an in-home childcare provider, a site-coordinator for an after school tutoring program, and have held internships in three different childcare centers, including one at a Montessori preschool program.
I currently live in Warren, MI with my cat Pretty. My family is from Taylor, MI and I am the middle child of seven. I come from a big, close family and they all mean the world to me. I am involved in many community service projects throughout the year including working as a mentor for young girls in the urban community. I enjoy reading, writing, art, music, theatre, poetry, movies, and most of all shoe shopping. |
