CYC Staff Directory

1. CYC Staff Directory As of July 2012

2. Gina Roberts – Room 121 Gina joined the staff in August of 2011. She has an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education and has enjoyed working in the field for the past 17 years. In her free time she also enjoys salsa dancing and going to karaoke with friends.

3. Carlana Johnson – Room 121 Carlanajoined the CYC in the Toddler room in February 2012. She came to CYC with over 20 years experience with children. She has worked for the childcare facilities at Eli Lilly, Bright Horizons, Day Nursery and KinderCare. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her two sons, listening to music, singing in her church choir and watching movies. One of Carlana's goals is to go back to school and complete an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education

4. Vikki Tucher – Room 126 Vikki received her degree from IUPUI in Elementary Education in 1995 and completed her Master's degree in Elementary Education with a focus in Early Childhood. She began working for the Center for Young Children in 2000 and prior to joining the CYC staff was a Kindergarten teacher at another school for four years. Vikki's hobbies include reading, listening to audio books, gardening and cross stitching. She has been married since 1998 and has two step daughters.

5. Shaila Melanta – Room 126 Shaila received her B.S. in Chemistry and Zoology from Bombay University in 1984. She has earned her B.G.S. degree from Indiana University with focuses in Biology and Early Childhood Education. She also received her Human Resource Management from Purdue in 2009. She joined CYC in 2006 and before coming to CYC she taught as an assistant teacher for Washington Township Elementary school for four years. Prior to that she was a professional volunteer for two years in Carmel Clay schools. Shaila grew up in Bombay and moved to the United States in 1999. She is the mother of two wonderful children and her hobbies include drawing, painting, cooking and gardening.

6. Laura Prange – Room 131 Laura Prange started working at the center in October of 2010. She has taken Early Childhood Education classes at Ivy Tech. She has been the manager and lead teacher in a licensed in home center since 2001. She enjoys watching children grow and develop. She has a dog named Sadie and enjoys playing the piano.

7. Emily Mayer – Room 131 Emily Mayer started working at the center in November of 2010. She is currently finishing up her degree in Psychology. She worked at a daycare center in Lafayette before coming here to Indianapolis and starting at JC Penny Portrait Studios taking pictures of families and young children. She loves being with the children and helping them grow. She just recently got married and enjoys photography.

8. Elaine Garard-McCracken – Room 133 Elaine joined the Center for Young Children in 1987 after receiving her AA in Early Childhood Development. She continued her education and received her BS in Kindergarten/Primary Education with a nursery school endorsement. She is a long standing member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Elaine worked with preschoolers until moving into the new building when she changed to the younger Weeschoolers. Elaine has seven grandchildren with whom she shares silly times. Her husband, Phil, is retired and keeps busy with many projects around the house that Elaine helps to plan. Her gardens keep her busy during the warm weather. She views her flowers like her children. They need care and nuturing as they will bloom in their own time.

9. Lori Baumgarten – Room 134 Lori joined CYC in 2010. She currently lives in Historic Irvington with her sons Emmett and Duncan. She has been working with infants and preschoolers for over 14 years. Some of her many hobbies include belly dancing, sewing, embroidery, cooking, baking, drawing, painting and jewelry making. Lori is a breast cancer survivor and spends time helping the newly diagnosed as well as being an advocate for the cause. She enjoys various kinds of music and attending concerts. She enjoys spending time outdoors and especially enjoys days that remind her of an Edward Hopper or Maxfield Parish painting. Lori is a parent who prides herself on trying to raise her sons well, so she works hard to give the parents peace of mind when they entrust their children with her.

10. Annette Nowlin – Room 134 Annette joined the CYC staff in 2011. She resides on the northwest side of Indianapolis with her two children Aysia and Aleia, and their dog Puddles. She began working with children about 1 years ago in the kindergarten room of Fort Harrison and has been enjoying working with them ever since. She enjoys traveling, reading, shopping, listening to music and collecting teddy bear figurines. Her goal is to find that perfect balance between work and family so she could spend more time with her children. When she has time in her busy schedule she truly enjoys a good inspirational book and a glass of sweet tea.

11. Samantha Gillespie – Room 134 Sam has been working in child care since her senior year of high school in 2007. She is a senior now at IUPUI and is studying psychology. After she graduates in December 2012, she plans on staying in school for nursing. In her (very little) spare time, she enjoys reading, baking, bicycling, spending time with family and friends, and playing with her two cats, Tigger and George. For the last 2 ½ years she has most enjoyed watching the children of the CYC develop, grow, and learn while seeing the theories she has learned in school applied in a practical setting.

12. Sabrina Haughn – Room 136 Sabrina has been with the center since October of 2010.  As the aunt to 11 nieces and nephews, and the daughter of a teacher, Sabrina has many years of experience working with young children in both a social and educational setting.  She has worked for Wee Wonders Childcare (a home-based center) and has completed several classes in Elementary Education at IU Bloomington.   She most recently comes to CYC from the banking industry and is fulfilling her passion for inspiring young minds as a volunteer with Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis.  She enjoys collecting children’s books, movies and popcorn, attempting new recipes and spending time with friends and family.

13. Michelle Hotseller – Room 136 Michelle joined the center in 2011. She currently lives on the Eastside of Indianapolis with her cat, Stinky. Before joining CYC she worked at Kindercare for six years. In her free time she likes to collect dolphins, read and watch NASCAR. She also enjoys camping, hiking, and dinner with friends. One of Michelle's goals is to finish her Bachelor degree in Early Childhood Education.

14. Janet Rawson – Room 141 Janet received her BS in Early Childhood Education/Elementary Education from Indiana University and joined the Center for Young Children in 2006. Before coming to CYC, she taught for Head Start in Indianapolis, as well as preschool and first grade in Washington, Massachusetts and Kentucky. Janet is married and has 3 children and a dog named Kody.  Janet was excited to welcome her first grandchild, Caden, in 2010.

15. Danielle Williams – Room 141 For the past five years, Danielle has worked with all age groups at the Center for Young Children as an Assistant Teacher. She is currently pursuing her degree at IUPUI and says that the love of children and their development has kept her in the field of childcare for fifteen years! Danielle is a wife and the mother of two wonderful boys. Her hobbies are reading, spending time with her family, shopping, staying healthy and exercising.

16. Megan Davis – Room 143 Megan joined CYC in January 2012 after spending the past two years as a lead teacher in a preschool. Prior to the preschool she spent three years as a Spanish teacher in an elementary school. Megan lives in Indianapolis with her husband Chris and her two children Dominic and Rowen. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, bowling, taking pictures, and scrapbooking. She also enjoys foods, especially cheeses, scary movies, and meeting new people. Megan's goals are to be a great parent and to make a difference in the lives of the children that she teaches.

17. Norene Robinson – Room 143 Prior to joining the Center in 2011 she worked 4 years as a kindergarten aide and 7 years at Wayne Township Library. Norene is the proud mother of three children, Mikella, Kyle and Jevon. She currently lives on the west side of Indianapolis. In her free time she enjoys running, rowing, challenge courses, biking, crafts and cooking. Norene believes in living life to the fullest and loves new experiences. One upcoming goal for herself is to finish her degree.

18. Betty Holmes – Room 143 Betty joined in 2011. She and her husband, Robert, moved to Greenwood about four years ago from Michigan. While she was in Michigan, Betty operated a licensed child care center for eleven years and was also was involved in foster care. Betty is the proud mom of five children; Lori, Andy, Cheri, Crystal and Stacy. She also has seven grandchildren, and a cat named Princess. Besides spending time with her family Betty enjoys sewing, camping, cooking, traveling and four-wheeling in the mountains. One of Betty's long term goals is to retire and move to a warmer climate with her husband.

19. Jennifer Bohannon – Room 144 Jennifer joined CYC in May of 2012. She recently worked at Jeremiah Gray Edison Elementary as an ISTEP Interventionist. She has also taught first grade at a charter school and preschool at the Goddard School in Avon. Jennifer lives in Fountaintown with her husband Ryan and their two miniature Dachshunds, Shorts and Gretchen. In her free time she enjoys walking her dogs, reading, and having bonfires at their house in the country. She also enjoys visiting the zoo and going to various restaurants. Jennifer's goals include being the best teacher possible and to start a family.

20. Karen Crawford – Room 144 Karen has worked in the Early Childhood field for a number of years. She has worked at the CYC since 2004 as an assistant teacher. She recently completed her CDA and likes to attend Indiana Early Childhood Conferences to learn fresh ideas & activities for the children. She is the mother of three wonderful children and her mission is to help educate, love and provide for all the children who are in her care.

21. Laney Blaine – Room 146 Laney joined CYC in December of 2011. She has spent the past 10 years using her Elementary Education degree by working in the education field with children in different capacities. Some of her experiences have included being a substitute teacher, working in the education department of the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo, and working at the YMCA in summer camp and before and after care.  She has also worked in preschool for over 5 years and has taught two's, preschool, and kindergarten. Laney currently lives on the South East side of Indy, in the Franklin Township area, with her husband Terry and her daughter Mackenzie. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends and her beagle named Twinkie and multiple kitties. In her free time she enjoys reading, cooking and baking, decorating cakes, trying new restaurants, photography, visiting zoos and museums. In the future Laney hopes to continue learning and growing in the field of education, and eventually pursue a master degree. She is also interested in taking classes to become certified in SCUBA. 

22. Alexis Ferrell – Room 146 Alexis joined CYC in May of 2012. Prior to joining us she worked at Monkey Joe's, the Hilltop Child Care Center and La Esqulita. She also completed an internship at Disney World. Alexis lives on the eastside of Indianapolis with her husband Casey. In her free time she enjoys singing, dancing, and playing the violin. She also enjoys family time, watching movies and writing. Alexis has the goal of one day opening a center for teenage mothers.

23. Marc Williams – Room 151 Marc joined CYC in May as a teacher for our school age summer program. He has been working in the public school system since 2008 in special education. His long term goal is to become a superintendent of a public school district or a superintendent of public instruction. He lives in the Lawrence area with his wife Lauren and their cat named Kitty. In Marc's free time he enjoys writing and playing music, DJing, and reading. He also enjoys golfing and grilling out with friends and family. Marc believes in encouraging and supporting our youth by providing engaging opportunities for them to learn and grow. He believes they are our number one resource for a healthy and positive future.

24. Linda Orr – Room 153 Linda graduated from IUPUI with a BS in Elementary Education and joined the Center for Young Children in 2006. Prior to joining CYC, Linda worked with children at Little People Prep #1, MSD Warren Township and North Central Childcare. Linda is married and has two daughters and one cat. Her hobbies include spending time with her children, cooking, scrap booking and reading.

25. Jessa joined CYC in 2011 after being a stay at home mom for 14 years. She lives in Lebanon with her husband Mike, her two children Leigha and Jake, and their dog Terra. She enjoys knitting, crocheting, reading and bike riding. She is the second of ten children, so family is important to her. She prides herself in wanting to raise her children to be happy and healthy. Jessa enjoys working with children of all ages. She enjoys watching children grow and discover who they are and where they belong in the world around them. This fist into her goal of one day getting a degree in social work so she can continue to help others. JessaSalvitti – Room 153

26. Beth Steward – Room 154 Beth graduated from IUPUI with a BS in Elementary Education and Concentration in Special Education. She worked at the Center for Young Children for several years as a classroom assistant before becoming a Lead Teacher. She has also worked at Little Bear Daycare and Kid's Corner Daycare as well. Her hobbies include reading, crafts, scrap booking and music including singing and playing the piano.

27. Resa Underwood – Room 154 Resa been working with the Center for Young Chidren since 2003. She began as a Classroom Assistant and is now an Assistant Teacher. She is currently enrolled in the CDA course and hopes to receive her Child Care Credential. Some of her hobbies include reading, drawing, painting and doing crafts.

28. Jennifer Warren – Room 156 Jennifer joined the Center in 2011. Jennifer joined the staff of CYC in November of 2011. Prior to joining us she taught preschool for 6 years and was a paraprofessional with the Speedway School system for 9 years. In her free time she enjoys cake decorating, baking, scrapbooking, and reading. She currently resides in Speedway with her husband Barry and her two children Adam and Maggie. Jennifer has two simple goals. She wants to be the best parent possible and be a great teacher to the children she works with daily.

29. Kim Garnett – Front desk/Kitchen Kim Garnett has been a valued member of the Center as the Kitchen Manager since 2001. Since her employment, she has been awarded a certificate by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration for successful completion of the Food Bourne Illness Prevention Program.In her spare time, Kimberly enjoys reading, listening to Gospel music, and spending time with her two children and grandson.

30. Ann Lekse – Front desk/Business office Ann was born and raised in Northern Indiana and attended Purdue University. She has been with the Finance and Administration office of the University since 2004. A long-time Speedway resident, Ann is divorced and has one grown daughter, Corey and a Siamese cat, Stella. She enjoys movies, golf, shopping and time with friends and family.

31. Barb Howe – Business Manager Barb came to IUPUI after nearly ten years of service in Central Indiana not for profits. During this time she was involved in the administration of children's programs, budgeting, human resources and fundraising. Barb was raised in Madison, Indiana, and currently lives with her husband Michael and their twin sons Mike and Matt on the Southside of Indianapolis. In her free time she enjoys camping, hiking, reading, golfing, and gardening. She also enjoys spending time with her dog Max, a Lab-Shepherd mix. Barb graduated from University of Indianapolis with a Bachelor degree in Business and minors in Health and Safety and Early Childhood Development. She received her Master Degree in Management and a certificate in Human Resources from Indiana Wesleyan University.

32. Linda Bohannon – Assistant Director Linda has been involved in the Early Childhood Education field for the past thirty years teaching preschoolers and administering early childhood programs. She graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in Home Economics and a Nursery School Teaching major. She also received her Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education degree from Central Washington University. Linda has a variety of interests including playing the piano and organ, sewing for church humanitarian projects, stitchery, traveling, and stock car racing. Her husband is retired and she has a son and a grandson.

33. Dave Sandrick – Director "Mr. Dave" began his career in Early Childhood Education in July of 2003 as one of the lead teachers in the infant room at Campus View Child Care Center on the campus of Indiana University in Bloomington. Prior to this initial early childhood experience, Dave spent several years in the field of Elementary Education both as a full-time classroom teacher and a substitute teacher. He has earned both a B.S. in Elementary Education and an M.S. in History and Philosophy of Education from IU - Bloomington. His passion for working with young children started as an undergraduate, but after the birth of his first daughter, Kate, that passion skyrocketed, and led him to the lead infant teacher position. After two-and-a-half years at Campus View, Dave became the director of the Hoosier Hills Career Center's Child Care Center where he also served as the teacher in the one-to-three-year-old classroom. He had the wonderful opportunity to work with his second daughter, Claire, at that particular center. He then went on to start the infant program at the Salvation Army of Monroe County before taking a position at the University of Southern Indiana as an instructor where he worked prior to coming to the CYC.

34. Student Classroom Assistants

35. Lindsey Gonzales Lindsey has been working at the CYC since August 2010. She is a Health Science Rehabilitation major. She would like to work with an NGO focused on child care like WorldVision. She grew up in Laporte, Indiana with three older brothers whom she loves dearly. Lindsey likes to travel, hike, camp, and bike. She recently started rock climbing and likes going to Red River Gorge when she can.

36. Adria Crawford Adria started working at the CYC after she finished high school in September of 2010. She enjoys her time working with the children and plans to stay for awhile. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her family (her church family as well), playing basketball, dancing, and writing poetry. Her plans for the future include opening her own physical therapy business/childcare center for both the employees and the patients. She wants to travel the world as well.

37. Brittaney Harley Brittaney has been with the CYC since September of 2008. She is majoring in Exercise Science – Pre-Occupational Therapy. She enjoys basketball and shopping.

38. Brooke Scheumann Brooke has been with the CYC since September of 2011. Her major is Nursing, and her minor is Sociology. She is from Decatur Indiana. She has received the following honors: ALD/PES Historian, Historian of Phi Mu, Highest Deans list at IUPUI. She is involved with Phi Mu and ALD/PES. Her interests are: Scrapbooking, Soccer, Showchoir, Hanging out with friends and family, working with children. After college she wants to specialize in pediatrics or OB nursing! She has always loved children! She enjoys entertaining and taking care of them. She has taken classes on taking care of children. She has babysat for many families in her community and still babysits now when needed. Working at the IUPUI Center for Young Children has made her realize how much she wants to work with children in her future professional life. She comes home with stories from the kids all the time and really enjoys working with them every day.

39. Christina Ratney Christina has been with the CYC since January of 2010, and is a senior at IUPUI majoring in Elementary Education. She is from Gary, Indiana. When she isn’t at work she loves spending time with family & friends, dancing, playing basketball, going to church, and having a good time. She is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. She loves to laugh and being a blessing unto others.

40. Ena Akoforo Ena has been at the CYC since August of 2006. He has a beautiful daughter, Jada, who attends the center. He is working on his second degree, and plans on continuing his education in physical therapy with a focus on children. Besides spending time with his family, Ena enjoys traveling around the country and also internationally. He loves sports, and tries to devote some time playing recreational basketball, soccer, and football. He loves to read and listen to music, as well as play with his dog, Kobe.

41. Elise Darling Elise has been at the CYC since August of 2010. She is a Social Work major, and is currently a junior. She enjoys basketball and is a huge Pittsburgh Steelers fan.

42. Janine Huff (pictured on the right) Janine has been with the CYC since September of 2010. She is majoring in Pre-Occupational Therapy (Exercise Science). She enjoys country music and her favorite color is orange.

43. Jessica Montalvo (pictured on the right) Jessica is a sophomore at IUPUI and is majoring in Psychology. She plans to become a child psychologist. She started at the CYC in Spring 2011. She is a proud big sister of a 14-year-old brother and a 4-year-old sister. She is a member of the Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority and is also involved in College Mentors for Kids. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and getting involved in activities that can better her as a person.

44. Kelsey Guthrie Kelsey is a Purdue University grad of 2011(Go Boilers!) who graduated with a degree in Youth, Adult, and Family Studies. She now is finishing up her first year of law school and hopes to one day focus on family and adoption law.

45. Lacey Short (pictured on the right) Lacey has been working at the Center for Young Children as a classroom assistant since 2008.  She is majoring in Nursing at IUPUI and will be graduating in May.  Some of her hobbies include reading, crafts (particularly making cards), and watching movies. Lacey is from Hillsdale, Indiana. Her favorite food is macaroni and cheese.

46. Rachael Prather Rachael has worked at the CYC since August of 2005. She will graduate in May 2012 with a major in General Studies. She loves scrapbooking and traveling. One of her favorite places to visit is Albania. She hopes to go back soon. Rachael hopes to continue working with children after graduation.

47. Stephanie Murray Stephanie has been with the CYC since August of 2008.  She is a seniorat IUPUI majoring in Sociology and plans to go on to graduate schoolto earn her Masters in Social Work.  She is originally from Memphis,Tennessee, and has a little brother who is 14.  She enjoys singing.Her favorite color is pink.

48. Shayla Van Duyne Shayla has been with the CYC since October of 2010.  She is majoring in Elementary Education with a concentration in English as a New Language.  She is involved with Alpha Sigma Alpha as well as the honor society ALD/PES, the Timmy Foundation, and 4H.  She is from Logansport, Indiana.  She has a dog and a turtle.  Her hobbies include dance, music, and doodling.  Shayla has been working with children for 6years including babysitting, nannying, and the center.

49. Tara Pynaert Before starting at the CYC, Tara was a full-time assistant teacher at Hoosier Courts, which is an IU-Bloomington child care center. She has worked in child care for the past 5 years. While in Bloomington, she completed her undergraduate degree in Therapeutic Recreation. She moved to Indianapolis in August 2010 to start her Masters degree in Elementary Education. She currently attends IUPUI full-time and will graduate in December 2012. Her future goals are to move out of Indiana and become a pre-school teacher. Young children are her passion and she cannot wait to be finished with school so she can begin a career doing something she loves!

50. Bill Lowry Bill Lowry has been working at the CYC since September 2010. He graduated from Ben Davis High School in 2009 and is majoring in Electrical Engineering. His hobbies include working on cars, hanging out with friends, and sports.