Owner/Director

Amy Bennett

Amy Bennett

Educational Background:

B.S. East Stroudsburg University

Why I love working with children:

I laugh often and much, I smile almost all day long, I win the respect and affection of truly amazing little beings, I am able to play and get dirty, I am able to be creative and I surround myself with honest people. Who else would I want to work with?

Our Team

Tina Haldeman

Tina Haldeman

Position:

Assistant Director

Educational Background:

A.A. in Early Childhood Education from HACC

Why I love working with children:

I love working with children because they are the future. I enjoy teaching them, watching them grow and develop and, encouraging them to be independent and simply loving them. In many ways, they actually end up teaching me!

Darrian Pry

Darrian Pry

Position:

Teacher – Young Toddler

Educational Background:

2 years undergrad and 2 years Nursing at HACC

Why I love working with children:

They crack me up and they’re like little sponges with all of the constant new knowledge they absorb! So impressive!

Ellen Zitko

Ellen Zitko

Position:

Teacher – Infant

Educational Background:

Studying for Bachelors in Elementary and Special Education

Why I love working with children:

I love opening children’s eyes to the world and helping them discover new things. Teaching them gives me such gratitude and positivity. Watching them grow fills my heart and has taught me so much about every aspect of life. I am so thankful that Bright Beginnings has given me the opportunity to do what I love!

Iza Gatbonton

Iza Gatbonton

Position:

Teacher – Older Toddler

Educational Background:

Early Childhood Education

Why I love working with children:

They’re all different. It’s different everyday. I just love seeing things from their eyes and seeing them grow.

Linda Boyer

Linda Boyer

Position:

Teacher – Older Preschool

Educational Background:

A.A. Early Childhood Education HACC

Why I love working with children:

Because every day is different. I like to plan activities and see what each child discovers. It is very rewarding!

Lori Farling

Lori Farling

Position:

Teacher – Infant

Educational Background:

AS in Travel and Tourism

Why I love working with children:

I love watching their personalities develop and helping with their needs to blossom and grow.

Tiffany French

Tiffany French

Position:

Teacher – PreK

Educational Background:

A.A. Early Childhood Education Keystone Technical Institute

Why I love working with children:

EVERY day is a new and exciting adventure!

Irma Vandercolff

Irma Vandercolff

Position:

Floater

Megan Krieger

Megan Krieger

Position:

Floater

Educational Background:

B.A. Elementary Education Penn State University

Why I love working with children:

I love helping and watching children grow!

Peyton Heard

Peyton Heard

Position:

Floater

Educational Background:

Studying Elementary Education at HACC

Why I love working with children:

There is certainly a lot to love about working with children. It’s a pleasure to watch them develop their individual personalities and interests, and to potentially make a big impact in their lives.

Loureen Shafik

Loureen Shafik

Position:

Floater

RoseAnne Horan

RoseAnne Horan

Position:

Cook

Educational Background:

B.S. Business/Marketing Bloomsburg University

Why I love working with children:

I chose to work here because it’s a very friendly and positive environment; close to home. My job is very fulfilling.

Team Qualifications

Bright Beginnings Child Development Center staff meets and exceeds the requirements of the PA Department of Human Services regulations. Staff members are required to continue their professional growth through participation in workshops and credit courses related to the education and development of children. All staff undergoes three background clearances; Child Abuse History Report, Pennsylvania State Criminal History Record, and FBI Criminal History Record.

Do you have any questions?