Kid's Castle - Pleasant Run

My name is Keith Pursey and I’m the center’s director. I have worked in the field of education for twenty years. My first job was as a Home Visitor for Head Start. Then about nine years ago in April, I started a job in this field as a preschool teacher. I then became the assistant director and then director. After that role, I became the assistant director and now director at Kid’s Castle. I enjoy working with children and families. I believe this field of work is very important to care for and educate young minds. It is a wonderful and rewarding experience.

Hi my name is Katherine Brown and I been teaching for more than a decade and am the assistant director at Pleasant Run. I love working with children. I worked at Noah’s Ark here in Springfield until I relocated to Mississippi college. I worked with all ages ranging from toddlers to two’s. I was a teacher in the two’s room and a training asst. director for about a year. Now I’m pleased to be here at Kid’s Castle Learning Center.

My name is Tammy Peterson and I am a returning Kid’s Castle teacher. I taught in the three-year-old classroom in 2015. I am excited and blessed to be back doing what I love. I have been in Early Childhood education for over 20 years. I have four amazing children who are 22,19,18 and 16. We live in Petersburg. My hobbies include reading a good book, relaxing on the beach, and camping on weekends. I look forward to working with you and your children and getting to know each of you.

Hello my name is Kenny. I went to school at Parkland College in Champaign, IL with a focus on Elementary Education. I have 2 sons and a little girl that will be joining our family in December! My oldest son will be 9 in November and my youngest son turned 7 in July. I was fortunate enough to stay at home with them until they became old enough to attend school. Now I am at the Springfield School District #186 and here at Kid’s Castle Learning Center. I look forward to working with you and your children as they continue to learn and grow!

My name is Carla Robinson. I was born in Quincy Illinois in 1962; the oldest child of four. Throughout my life my parents portrayed the examples of hard work determination, loyalty and love for family, neighbors and the community.

My life experiences as a sibling, parent and grandparent have led me to the field of childcare. I truly enjoy being with children; children of all ages. I enjoy assisting the child from their earliest stages through each level of their development. The joy of learning is evident from the smiles on their faces; that awakes the joy within me. I realize that childcare is not all smiles and laughs; understanding their needs through their tears and fussing creates the complete combination that makes the best connection between the parent, the child and me. This is my goal, to bring to the classroom the partnership of teacher and parent to provide the best care possible for each child in my care. Quality childcare is my commitment to children.

My name is Claudette Rose-Pickett. I have one daughter and have been taking care of children since the age of 13 years old. I was born and raised in Jamaica before moving to the states where I became a teacher’s aide, teacher and assistant director. I now work as a teacher at Kid’s Castle Learning Center.

Hi! My name is Danielle Gleeson, and I am a teaching assistant in the toddler 2 room here in Springfield. I’ve worked at Kid’s Castle Learning Center coming up 4 years this October! I’ve always had a passion and love for working with children, so I feel extremely blessed that I get to work with such wonderful kiddos every day! A few fun facts about myself; I love spending time with my family and puppy Bennett. My favorite hobbies are reading and running my book blog. I love the outdoors and camping.

My name is Kim M. In May 2014 I graduated from Illinois State University with a degree focusing in development and disabilities. I’ve worked in childcare for 10 + years. My passion to teach stems from the joy of watching children’s faces light up every time they discover/ learn something new. I will be getting married to the love of my life Jeremiah in March! I look forward to many amazing opportunities that Kid’s Castle Learning Center provides!

Hi my name is Tara Hampton. I have been with Kid’s Castle for 6 years. I work in the toddler’s room. I have been working in daycare for 17 years. I have a 12-year-old daughter named Kayla and like to spend my time with family and friends.

My name is Tracy Rivera. I have been married for 19 years this February. I have been working with children for 30 plus years. I knew I wanted to work in a daycare after I started babysitting children in my neighborhood. I had my first job at Springfield District 186 at Carl Sandburg for 4 years and had a job working at La Petite Daycare. I love working with children and teaching the new things. I have one teenage son named Matthew, as well as 2 chi chi puppies.

My name is Dacie! I am a teacher’s assistant in the toddler 1 room. I have worked here for almost 2 years! Working with kids has always been an aspiration of mine; therefore, this has been such an amazing experience for me. I eventually want to go back to school and study a field that allows me to continue working with children, but also allows me to travel. My other hobbies include reading, painting, going to concerts, and spending lots of time with family. In the near future I would like to move to Florida and expand my horizons a little bit.

Hi my name is Lisa Releford. I am happily married and have two children. I have an associate’s degree in Administrative Secretarial with 8 hours of early childhood education. I have worked in the field of early childhood education for 13 ½ years and love it! I am in the Infant 1 room and float as needed. I love children and I am happy to work with your child!

Hello my name is Roberta “Bert” Tippett. I have been at Kid’s Castle for three years, but my work with preschoolers began as a full-time vocation in 1987. I have enjoyed working with children and teaching them. It’s so rewarding watching their eyes light up when they grasp new concepts. Outside of work as a preschool teacher, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends (And let’s not forget my puppy, Buddy! He’s my baby!). I enjoy being involved in my church and in the past, I have served as a children’s minister, youth leader, and a member of the worship team. And lastly, I also am a message therapist on the side. I look forward to serving your child!

Hi my name is Stephanie Pedigo and I have been employed with Kid’s Castle from the beginning. I have been at this location for 17 years working with children. I love to work with children because they give me so much joy. My hobbies are reading, going to the movies, taking my camera out and taking pictures, spending time with my family, and cheering the Chicago Cubs on to victory!

Hi, my name is Katie Wilson. I have three nieces and one nephew ages are two to ten years old. I have been in childcare for 15 years and I love it. I’m in school pursing my career with children and I am happy to be at Kid’s Castle working with your child.

Hello, my name is Danielle Williams and I been doing childcare since 2001. I have been working for Kid’s Castle for a year and two months in the four’s classroom (PreK3). I’m also a foster parent and I help out at my church in the Sunday school department. I enjoy working with children of all ages in my free time I like going shopping, going out to eat and spending time with my friends and family.

My name is Tamara Wach. I have been working at Kid’s Castle for almost four years. I love working with children and have been working in daycare for almost seven years. I have worked with the Chatham School District working with special needs children as well as various other jobs. I graduated from Rochester High School in 1988 and have been married to my wonderful husband Bryan for 18 years. I have two children Michaela and Chris and have 2 grandchildren Eli and Waylyn. My hobbies include spending time with my grandchildren and family. I also like shopping, renting movies, and traveling. Working in child care is very fun and a rewarding job.

My name is Lynn Wilson and I am a people person who enjoys working with children of all ages. At the YMCA/YWCA I was the youth and community aquatic director. When I lived in Florida, I was also the recreational therapist and activity director for a local nursing home. When I came to Springfield, I took a job at Learning Nook before joining Kid’s Castle.

Hi my name is Janice and I am 26 years of age. I enjoy working with children of all ages. I am an early childhood teacher who loves her job. I look forward to working with the children here at Kid’s Castle. Teaching and growing is my motivation.

My name is Sydney Smith. I have been working in childcare for 3 years. I currently am a floater in different rooms. l attend UIS and am majoring in elementary education and psychology.

My name is Donna Ingersoll I have worked with Keith Pursey before and now I will be working here at Kid’s Castle part time. I have my teaching certificate and I am a loving grandmother. My husband and l travel a lot and I love working with children of all ages.

My name is Paige Garecht. I have an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Lincoln Land Community College and am currently pursuing a degree in nursing. I have 7 years of childcare experience including working in daycare centers/ preschools and as a live in nanny. I worked at Kid’s Castle from 2013-2014 before moving out of state for a few years. I am very excited to have the opportunity to be back here and I look forward to getting to know you and your children!

Hello, my name is Sloane Westbrook and I have been teaching children of all ages for 3 years. I attended Southern Illinois University at Carbondale for elementary education. I am currently the training assistant director. I have always loved working with children and knew I wanted to turn it into a career. I cannot wait to meet you and your children and watch them grow!

My name is Tausha Spruill I was born and raised in Saint Louis MO. I love reading stories and books in my spare time. I am a proud mother of three boys. I currently work in the Infant 2 room as an assistant teacher.