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Our Staff

Meet our dedicated and caring staff of the 2024/2025 school year! 

Erica Jawnyj Messiah preschool wauconda Director

Erica Jawnyj

Year I started at Messiah:

2013

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Messiah Preschool and Kindergarten Director

 

Highest level of education:

BS Elementary Education

Language Arts and Special Education Endorsements 

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Favorite part of working with children:

The unconditional love, hugs, smiles and the joy of watching children learn through play! Did I mention the hugs?! I also love supporting families as they navigate the very important journey of parenting young children.
 

Favorite children's book:

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

Deana Rossi Messiah Preschool Wauconda Before and After care Director

Deana Rossi

Year I started at Messiah:

2012

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Before and After Care Director

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Highest level of education: Associates degree in Early Childhood and Development

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Favorite part of working with children:

They teach me something new everyday. They are little sponges that soak up everything around them. They surprise you with some funny comment that just makes your day, and you realize they are listening and watching your every move! 

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Favorite children's book:

I love to read to the kids but I love singing with them even more. There is nothing better than hearing them sing my circle time songs in the middle of block building! 

Stasia Carr Messiah Preschool Wauconda Assistant to the Director

Stacie Carr

Year I started at Messiah:

2016

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Assistant to the Director

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Highest level of education:

BA in Psychology, MA in Industrial/Organizational
Psychology- Roosevelt University

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Favorite part of working at Messiah:

I absolutely love working with our staff everyday and we are blessed to have the best families attending Messiah! It's such a delight to see our events come alive, or to watch the children engaged in imaginative play. There is no early education program that compares to the Messiah early education experience.

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Favorite children's book:

All of the Bear books by Karma Wilson; Bear Stays up for Christmas, Bear Feels Scared, Bear Says Thanks etc...they are the cutest!

messiah preschool wauconda office manager

Stacy Folz

Year I started at Messiah:

2012

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Office Manager

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Highest level of education:

Bachelors of Science in Marketing, Indiana University - Bloomington, Kelley School of Business

 

Favorite part of working with children: My favorite part about working with children is getting to know them as individuals. Each child is so incredibly unique with their own special gifts and talents. I love watching them use those talents and develop new skills as they grow and learn throughout the year.

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Favorite children's book:

My favorite books are Bear Wants More by Karma Wilson and The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson.

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Amy Malizewski teacher 2's class

Amy Maliszewski

Year I started at Messiah:

2012

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Currently Teaching:

Lead 2's and Care Assistant Lead

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Highest level of education:

Associates Degree Early Childhood Development

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Favorite part of working with children:

I love working with children! My favorite part of working with children is watching them grow throughout the school year. 

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Favorite children's book:

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?  by Eric Carle

Patricia Scott 2's assistant teacher

Patricia Scott

Year I started at Messiah:

2014

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Currently Teaching:

2's Assistant and Care Assistant

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Highest level of education:

Harper College- certificates in Early Childhood

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Favorite part of working with children:

I love watching the children grow throughout the year. Their laughter & smiles when they learn something new. I enjoy their hugs, especially when you had them in a previous year and they are so happy to see you in the hallway or store.

Favorite children's book:

The very hungry caterpillar- I raise Monarch butterflies every summer. I love when my kids & their friends get to learn about the life cycle and then release them.​

Lynda Janezic 3s teacher

Lynda Janezic

Year I started at Messiah:

2002 

​

Currently Teaching:

Lead T/Th 3's and Enrichment Lead

 

Highest level of education:

Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education

 

Favorite part of working with children: I love trying to help children face challenges whether it be shyness, separation discomfort, fine or gross motor difficulties, cooperative play or any other issues. Helping each wonderfully unique child learn to enjoy learning through play is my passion!

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Favorite children's book:

My favorite children’s books are Jim Gill’s A Soup Opera and Eric Litwin’s Pete the Cat books

Becki Dellefave messiah preschool wauconda Care  and Math Enrichment assistant

Becki Dellefave

Year I started at Messiah:

2022

​

Currently Teaching:

T/TH 3's Assistant, Enrichment Assistant​

 

Highest level of education:

MSed in Special Education; BSed in Early Childhood Education

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Favorite part of working with children:

I love to see their smiles, curiosity and excitement!  It is amazing to watch all of their growth from the beginning to the end of the school year!

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Favorite children's book:

One by Kathryn Otoshi  The Kissing Hand  by Audrey Penn and The Little Engine That Could  by Watty Piper

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Cindy Hartmann Messiah Preschool Wauconda 3's and enrichment class teacher

Cindy Hartmann

Year I started at Messiah:

2014

​

Currently Teaching:

Lead MWF 3's

 

Highest level of education:

Masters of Language Arts Education and Early Childhood EDC

 

Favorite part of working with children: I love watching them grow throughout the year, the hilarious and honest things they share and say, their smiles when they greet us in the morning and getting to know their families.  It is so fun to have siblings over the years and such a neat connection!

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Favorite children's book:

The Crayon Box that Talked by Shane DeRolf

Brandy Perez messiah preschool Wauconda 3s class assistant

Brandy Perez

Year I started at Messiah:

2021

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Currently Teaching:

MWF 3's Assistant and Care Assistant

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Highest level of education:

High School Diploma

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Favorite part of working with children:

I love coming in everyday and seeing them smile and full of energy. Everyday I learn something new from them. Watching them them play with one another is always the best. 

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Favorite children's book:

Corduroy by Don Freeman 

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Kathy Rinaldi Messiah Preschool Wauconda 4's teacher

Kathy Rinaldi

Year I started at Messiah:

2004

​

Currently Teaching:

Lead TWTH 4's 

 

Highest level of education:

BA in Marketing and Early Childhood Certificate

 

Favorite part of working with children: Favorite part of working with children:  I love their pure joy and curiosity of learning as well as their unfiltered honesty.

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Favorite children's book:
I love the books written by Mem Fox (Koala Lou, Time For Bed, Possum Magic)

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Jennifer Radtke messiah preschool wauconda 4's assistant teacher

Jennifer Radtke

Year I started at Messiah:

2019

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Currently Teaching:

Assistant TWTH 4's

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Highest level of education:

Associates degree in Early Childhood Education 

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Favorite part of working with children:

All the laughs! Children of all ages are not only entertaining but can be very insightful too!

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Favorite children's book:

Fox in Socks by Dr. Seuss

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Mrs Kiekow Kindergarten Teacher

Melissa Kiekow

Year I started at Messiah:

2013

​

Currently Teaching:

Kindergarten

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Highest level of education:

BA + 33 hours: Speech Language Pathology

Professional Educator License: Early Childhood Education with Special Education Approval

 

Favorite part of working with children: 
There are so many reasons I enjoy working with children, but If I had to choose my favorite I would say it was seeing the wonderment every day. It truly makes me appreciate the little things in life. I love their energy and overall zest for life!!!

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Favorite children's book: Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson

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Samantha Tinsley messiah preschool wauconda Kindergarten class assistant

Samantha Tinsley

Year I started at Messiah:

2020

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Currently Teaching:

Kindergarten Assistant

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Highest level of education:

Associates in Early Childhood 

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Favorite part of working with children:

They have reminded me of how amazing the world can be. They have encouraged me to use my imagination and find new creative ways of doing things.

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Favorite children's book:

Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss​

Megan Halm 5 day prek teacher

Megan Halm

Year I started at Messiah:

2012

​

Currently Teaching:

Lead 5 day Pre-K and Care Assistant 

 

Highest level of education:

Associates in Early Childhood 

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Favorite part of working with children:

My favorite part of working with children is seeing the excitement they have when they learn new things and watching them grow each day. 

 

Favorite children's book:

Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister

Kathleen Payette messiah preschool wauconda prek assistant

Kathleen Payette

Year I started at Messiah:

2015

​

Currently Teaching:

5 day Pre-K Assistant and Care Lead

 

Highest level of education:

Bachelor of Music

​

Favorite part of working with children:

I love seeing them be kind to one another. I also love helping them journal because I see how they learn to express themselves. And I love doing art projects with glitter on them!

 

Favorite children's book:

The Quiltmaker's Gift by Jeff Brumbeau

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Jennifer Burton messiah preschool wauconda prek teacher

Jennifer Burton

Year I started at Messiah:

2018

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Currently Teaching:

Lead 4 day Pre-K and Enrichment

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Highest level of education:

Bachelor's in Elementary Education

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Favorite part of working with children:

 I love helping children learn and enjoy their childhood. It is so rewarding to see those ground breaking first moments in a child's education.  It is also amazing to see a child's growth over time.

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Favorite children's book:

Elephant and Piggie Series by Mo Williams

Books by Robert Munsch

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Suzanne Spice messiah preschool wauconda 4 day prek assistant

Suzanne Speichinger "Mrs. Spice"

Year I started at Messiah:

2019

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Currently Teaching:

Assistant 4 day Pre-K and Enrichment

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Highest level of education:
B.S. Marketing

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 Favorite part of working with children: 
I love their wide eyed enthusiasm about everything from making crafts, learning new things, playing games to making new friendships and having fun! I also love their hugs and smiles.

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Favorite children's book:
I
 couldn't pick just one. My children had these favorites and I saved them all) :

"Green Eggs & Ham"

"Hannah the Hippo's No Mud Day"

"Is Your Mama a Llama" 

" Who Will Tuck Me In Tonight"  

Shannon Wright messiah preschool wauconda before and after care assistant

Shannon Wright

Year I started at Messiah:

2020

​

Currently Teaching:

Care Assistant

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Highest level of education:

High School Diploma

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Favorite part of working with children:

My favorite part is the genuine laughs and seeing their little personality’s coming to life. Getting to know them, and getting to see them grow and play never fails to make me smile.

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Favorite children's book:

No David! By David Shannon

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Angie messiah preschool wauconda before and after care assistant

Angie Sennett

Year I started at Messiah:

2021

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Currently Teaching:

Care Assistant

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Highest level of education:

High School Diploma

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Favorite part of working with children:

Watching them play and using their imagination. I love their laughter and energy.

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Favorite children's book:

Snow by P. D. Eastman and Roy McKie, and The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen

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messiah preschool wauconda before and after care assistant

Laura Sprague

Year I started at Messiah:

2022

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Currently Teaching:

Care Assistant

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Highest level of education:

BA Communication

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Favorite part of working with children:

Having conversations with them.  I love to hear their perspective on life and sometimes they say really funny things!

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Favorite children's book:

My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George â€‹

Dana Anderson Care teacher

Dana Anderson

Year I started at Messiah:

2015

​

Currently Teaching:

Care Assistant

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Highest level of education:

BS in elementary education

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Favorite part of working with children:

Hanging out & talking with the kids. I love getting glimpses into their whole personality. 

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Favorite children's book:
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn. It’s a great book to read & talk about before preschool starts to help with any nervousness they might be feeling but can’t quite put into words! 

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messiah preschool wauconda before and after care assistant

Ashley Perez

Year I started at Messiah:

2023

​

Currently Teaching:

Care Assistant

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Highest level of education:

High School Diploma

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Favorite part of working with children:

I get to see their smiling faces throughout the day. I'm able to be a part of their growth especially making memories. It's fun to hear their conversations and be a part of their silliness!

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Favorite children's book:

Horton Hears a Who by Dr. Seuss

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Alyssa Wagner Care teacher

Alyssa Wagner

Year I started at Messiah:

​2023

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Currently Teaching:

Care Assistant

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Highest level of education:

Some college courses​

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Favorite part of working with children:

​ One of my favorite things about working with children is watching them learn and grow throughout the school year. They’re always so excited to try new things and their imaginations are endless! You never know what they’re say or do. 

​

Favorite children's book:

​Where the wild things are by Maurice Sendak

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Siara Mcneil Care teacher

Siara McNeil

Year I started at Messiah:

​2023​

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Currently Teaching:

Care Assistant and Enrichment

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Highest level of education:

​MA Clinical Psychology

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Favorite part of working with children:

​My favorite part of working with children is witnessing their growth from month to month and celebrating their achievements together. 

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Favorite children's book:

​" Woohoo You're Doing Great!" by Sandra Boynton

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Noza Karimova Care teacher

Noza Karimova

Year I started at Messiah:

​2024

​​

Currently Teaching:

Care Assistant

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Highest level of education:

​ BA in Philosophy

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Favorite part of working with children:

 I love working  with  the children because  they are innocent and bring  a lot of joy. You can learn  many things  from them and I can  impact  their lives as much  as they do impact  mine. I enjoy when children  smile, laugh  and  do funny, silly things  everyday.  I love when they learn,play  and grow  through different developmental stages. Also,it's  interesting  to listen their ideas and thoughts.

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​Favorite children's book:

​ LOVE YOU FOREVER by Robert Munsch

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Jeanine Thorsen Care teacher

Jeanine Thorsen

Year I started at Messiah:

​2024

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Currently Teaching:

Care Assistant

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Highest level of education:

​BS Marketing

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Favorite part of working with children:

​My favorite part of working with children is sharing their excitement and energy as they see and learn new things each day.  Their energy and excitement are so contagious and heartwarming.  It is very fulfilling to be part of that environment watching children grow.

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Favorite children's books:

​ Anything written by Eric Carle, Elephant and Piggie Series and Pete the Cat Series

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Mrs Sue messiah preschool wauconda before and after care assistant

Ms. Sue Nierman

Year I started at Messiah:

​

Currently Teaching:

Music, Movement and Instrument Exploration

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Highest level of education:

Bachelors of Science in Horticulture

Minor Early Childhood Development

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Favorite part of working with children:

Their genuine interest and natural connection they have with music. I love to nurture children's musical curiosity and plant the musical seed that I know they will grow throughout their lives. They fuel my heart and soul with their unconditional love and unique personalities.

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Favorite children's book:

I See A Song by Eric Carle

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Contact Us

(847) 526-7479 
mlpk@mlpk.org

Fax 847-526-7590

Address

 25225 West Ivanhoe Road
 Wauconda, Il 60084 

© Copyright 2016 Messiah Lutheran Preschool & Kindergarten

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