Staff Biographies

- PA Child Abuse Clearance, Criminal Background Checks, Annual Health Exams, Letters of Character Reference, Verification of past child care experience & job reference checks.

- FKS has an instructor in First Aide training come to the center and train ALL staff every three years (standard certification period). The state only requires one person on site with First Aide. ** Parents who would like the training, are welcome to join us - contact the director; parents will need to pay their course fee **

- FKS has an instructor in Infant/Child CPR train for ALL staff every two years (standard certification period). The state does not require Infant/Child CPR training! ** Parents who would like the training, are welcome to join us - contact the director; parents will need to pay their course fee **

- FKS requires all staff to attend 15 hours of continuing education classes every year. The state requirement is 6 hours per year. We pay our staff for the training hours, while many centers do not! Wonder why most centers have 33% turnover year in and year out??

- FKS requires all staff members to take 2 hours of child health related training each year and 1 hour in child observation or Inclusion skills each year. These are not state requirements, but do count in the 15 hours of training.

- FKS requires all staff members attend 1 hour of fire safety and emergency procedures training each year (this does not count in the 15 hours of continuing education).

- The director has been trained in identifying and reporting child abuse. Other staff members are encouraged to attend this training.

Quick Jump to:

Center Director:

Sandi Hommer

Ms Sandi joined us in October of 2003. Ms. Sandi has a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education. Sandi is an enthusiastic director who is always looking for ways to make positive changes in the center. Whether you want to ask a question, raise a concern, make a suggestion, or just come in for a chat, Sandi's door is always open.

Sandi's years of experience as a child care professional, an elementary school teacher, and a parent show in the wonderful way she interacts with everyone at the center.

Ms. Sandi is proud to have her children, Abigail and Jacob as part of the For Kid’s Sake Family. She enjoys spending time with her husband and children, visiting her sisters, nieces, and nephews, reading, listening to music, and doing crafts.

Ms. Sandi has current Infant/Child CPR and First Aid Training. She receives at least 24 continuing educations credit hours each year in early childhood subjects. For addition staff requirements click here.

Office Admin / Floating Center Support:

Ms. Jenn

Ms Jenn joined our center in August of 2002, as a parent of one of our infants. As we grew to know each other, Ms. Jenn expressed her long term goal of working in a child care center again. Ms. Jenn joined our center in April 2003. Ms. Jenn started working as a part time 'float', working in every room of the center. In 2004 she settled into working in our PreK room, but in 2006 she is switching to work in our Preschool room, as her son will be in the PreK class this fall.

Ms. Jenn is a happy, fun loving person. She loves to help teach children to learn and grow. Ms. Jenn loves to cook (and the kids love her cooking!). Ms. Jenn also enjoys traveling and reading, when she has time. However, her favorite thing is spending time with her family. Ms Jenn is kind, caring, creative and helpful to everyone.

Ms. Jenn has an AA from Reading Area Community College in Travel and Tourism. In January 2006 Ms. Jenn returned to college to pursue her degree in Early Childhood Elementary Education. "I love being at FKS with my kids, working with fun fabulous people and playing with all of the children."

Like all of our staff Ms. Jen has current Infants/Child CPR & First Aid Training. She receives at least 15 continuing educations credit hours each year in early childhood subjects.

For addition staff requirements click here.

Infant Room Teachers:

Ms. Doris

Ms. Doris has over 16 years of child care experience working with children from Infant to Kindergarten. She has been with us since we opened in May 2000, transferring to us from the closing YMCA program, where she worked since 1992. She is a dedicated and hard working lady. We rely on Ms. Doris to open at 6:30am and I believe she has only 'called out' once in almost 7 years with us and 7 years with the YMCA. One other time she did have to call because her are was frozen shut and the de-ice was not working. In the dictionary they should put a picture of Ms. Doris next to the words reliably and dependable (not to mention caring, kind & amazing).

Ms. Doris is often heard singing a baby to sleep. Everyone comments about her wonderful singing voice! While she prefers our infants, all of our children adore Ms. Doris. She prefers to tell children stories, rather than read them books, believing this allows children to focus on words and become truly involved in the story. Ms. Doris keeps her young audiences captive with her sound effects, hand motions, and eye contact. If you drop off early or come on a day that is really light in the infant room, do not be surprised to see and hear Ms Doris reading to the children. Sometimes when it rainy, cold or snowy and the children are 'climbing' the walls we will get Ms. Doris to help save the day with her fabulous story telling!

The staff love Ms. Doris and many call her 'grandma', many children call her "grandmom Doris". When the infant room is quiet and overstaffed, after ensuring everything that can be done in the room, Ms. Doris goes through out the center offering to help out. She just cannot stand to be bored and is always willing to help out whenever and where ever needed.

Ms. Doris says "my greatest pleasure is watching the children; who have been in my care grow into mature, find bright beautiful teens and young adults". My Doris loves to read, cook, bake and spend time with friends, relatives and family.

Ms. Doris has current Infant/Child CPR and First Aid Training. She receives at least 15 continuing educations credit hours each year in early childhood subjects. Ms. Doris works primarily with the Infants, but she has experience will children of all ages.

Ms. Luz

Ms. Luz began working at our center in December 2001. Ms. Luz has over 15 years experience in child care, which includes running a child care from her home for a number of years. She is kind and patient. Her true love for children here shows through easily. Often found playing on the floor with the babies or walking a cranky one around in a stroller, Ms. Luz always has a smile and a kind word.

Ms. Luz primarily works with the infants, but she has experience with children of all ages. When the day comes to a close, know Ms. Luz's patient face is one you will see here at 6pm closing the center. She does an excellent job of cleaning every toy used during the day, wiping down the floor mats, bouncy seats, swings, etc. Ms. Doris, who opens in the morning says never has she seen anyone do a better job of ensuring the children have a clean and healthy environment to start each day.

Ms. Luz has been married for 39 years; has one son, three daughters and two grandsons. Ms. Luz loves children and dedicated to proving the best possible care for each child under her care. She wants them to learn, grow and play at age appropriate levels. She likes to ensure they are clean, happy and safe.

Ms. Luz likes music and singing. In her spare time she likes to take walks, do gardening, make crafts and swim. She collects porcelain and antique dolls.

Ms. Luz has current Infants/Child CPR & First Aid Training. She receives at least 15 continuing educations credit hours each year in early childhood subjects.

Ms. Irshad (also helps in the Young Toddler Room as needed)

Ms. Irshad joined our center family in October 2004. She has more than 15 years experience in caring for children. Ms. Irshad is extremely caring and patient with the children. It is quickly obvious how much shed cares about the children entrusted to her care. Ms. Irshad works in a number of rooms through out the center, so many parents will know her and almost every child in the center knows her.

Whenever anyone asks Ms. Irshad to help them, do something for a child, stay late, come in early,...whatever her answer is always a very pleasant "no problem". Ms. Irshad is truly a 'care giver' and we all benefit from her. She has a quiet strength and a deep honesty that is apparent to all that know her. Her love of children shows through easily.

Ms. Irshad has current Infants/Child CPR & First Aid Training. She receives at least 15 continuing educations credit hours each year in early childhood subjects.

Ms. Ruth (now semi retired, but she comes to visit & occasionally substitutes)

Ms. Ruth has been with us since we opened in May 2000, transferring to us from the closing YMCA program, where she worked since 1992. Ms. Ruth has been working in child care for over 14 years. She loves caring for the children here and is sad every September to see children she has cared for since infancy to go off to Kindergarten.

Ms. Ruth helps out in the infant room in the early morning, but is fabulous with children of all ages. Don't be surprised if you see Ms. Ruth keeping 2, 3 or 4 children happily entertained.

Ms. Ruth has lived in King of Prussia most of her life; raised 3 children here and spent time taking care of her grandchildren. Ms. Ruth knits beautifully, enjoys reading and spending time on her PC.

Ms. Ruth is a pro at getting even the most fussy baby to eat, sleep and smile. Many on the staff call Ms. Ruth "Nana". We all love her like she is our grand mom, too. You never can have too many people to love or who love you! We were so glad when she came back after a few months of retirement. To see Ms. Ruth you have too come in early, as she comes in before 7am and is gone by 9am, but we love to have her here any hour of the day.

Young Toddler Room Teachers:

Ms. Shameka

Ms. Shameka is a one-of-a kind teacher who started with us when we opened in May of 2000.

Children of all ages take to her kind and gentle personality. Parents love her, because they can easily see that she really cares about the children entrusted to her.

Ms. Shameka has over nine years of child care experience, working with children from 6 weeks to 6 years of age. She does not mind the children making a mess if they are learning and enjoying themselves. Ms. Shameka can be found reading to, signing with and playing with the one year olds in her care. One of her favorite activities is to allow the children to finger paint (check out the pictures on the refrigerator in her room -- not many would brave the mess one year-olds make while finger paint!!!) Ms. Shameka knows the children love it and benefit from the sensory experience.

Ms. Shameka has become a part of the TEACH program and is starting to pursue college level courses in Early Childhood Education. During her free time Ms. Shameka likes to shop, go to the movies, and cook. She also enjoys constantly redecorating her classroom.

Ms. Shameka says "I love to work her because it is a great place to work - many thanks to Pat. I am blessed because I get to work with the young toddlers, the best age to work with and I really love it so so much." She must really mean it as she has commuted from Philadelphia for over 7 years, she is not kidding (more than 4 years commuting on multiple buses and walks each day / each way).

Ms. Allie

Ms. Allie began working at For Kid’s Sake in September of 2007 when she moved here from Orlando, Florida. She has a Bachelors of Arts in Sociology with an emphasis on counseling and a minor in Youth Ministry. She has more than 3 years of experience working with children in a variety of settings. Ms. Allie has also done some amazing mission work abroad where she worked with children and families.

Ms. Allie settled in very quickly at For Kid’s Sake taking on the role of Young Toddler Co-Teacher with Ms. Shameka. She is extremely open-minded, patient to the nth degree and extremely enthusiastic with the children.

Parents have been extremely impressed with her obvious love of the children and her sweet and generous nature. We could not have asked for more in an addition to the FKS family. Ms. Allie has current Infants/Child CPR and First Aid Training. She receives at least 15 continuing educations credit hours each year in early childhood subjects.

Ms. Irshad (also works in the Infant room - see Infant room above for bio)

Older Toddler Room Teachers:

Ms.Leslie

Ms. Leslie joined the FKS Family in December of 2006 as an Older Toddler Teacher when she moved here with her husband and daughter from Connecticut. She has over 6 years experience with children including child care centers in both Connecticut and Virginia (both of whom, when contacted, expressed how much they miss and love their Ms. Leslie!)

Ms. Leslie is extremely loving and nurturing, always cheerful, but has a firm grasp on the nature of 2-year olds. Ms. Leslie is looking forward to completing her CDA in the near future. We are so grateful to have her as a member of our staff. Ms. Leslie has current Infants/Child CPR and First Aid Training. She receives at least 15 continuing educations credit hours each year in early childhood subjects.

Ms.Megan

Ms. Megan is a wonderful addition to the FKS family who joined us in October of 2007. Megan came to us with her infant son, Max, looking for a new opportunity and a place for them both to call “home.” Ms. Megan has several years experience as a nanny for families whose children are now in school and she has integrated extremely well into the world of child care.

Ms. Megan is enthusiastic about learning all aspects of child care, and has eagerly taken on working with the curriculum. She communicates extremely well with parents and is an excellent team player. Megan is always willing to do anything asked of her. Ms. Megan is loved by the children and the staff alike.

Young Preschool Room Teacher:

Ms. Sydnie

Ms. Sydnie joined our center in July of 2002. She has over 14 years in child care. Ms. Syndie constantly is playing with the little ones. She incorporates education into everything she does. Whether through song, dance or games the children are constantly involved in an age-appropriate education environment. She is constantly exposing the children to new experiences - letting them play with rice, Jell-O, sticky paper, bubble wrap, and other textures. Adding scents to edible play dough and letting the children try new things are some of her favorite activities. Ms. Syndie has a wonderfully-organized, well-decorated and age-appropriate room. When she sees the children becoming bored with a learning area, she springs to action and changes it; adding new items and storing away items the children are not using - only to bring them out later. It is like a birthday full of 'new' presents when Ms. Syndie swaps things around.

Ms. Syndie is very caring. She is great at helping children and spotting and supporting the special differences in all children. Ms. Syndie is extremely clean, neat and organized. When we need the supply closet sorted out or another teacher need organization help - Ms. Syndie is the one to help! If a parent has a question or concern, Ms. Syndie thinks long and hard on how best to address the issue. She takes the welfare and development of the children entrusted in her care very seriously. She truly loves the children.

Ms. Syndie is a wonderful single mom to her teenage son, Tyler. She loves working out and cooking (and eating). She spends most of her free time with her son, friends and cat Jack. Ms. Syndie's favorite part of working at FKS is the warm loving atmosphere and the children. She really enjoys learning about all of about the different ethnicities represented here, especially learning about their different foods.

Ms. Syndie has current Infants/Child CPR and First Aid training. She receives at least 15 continuing credit hours each year in early childhood subjects.

For addition staff requirements click here.

Preschool Room Teachers:

Ms. Staci

Ms. Staci joined our staff in November 2006 as a substitute/float while she learned more about working in child care. Ms. Staci has many years experience working with children, but this is her first child care opportunity. After working in every classroom and learning the FKS philosophy, Ms. Staci found a permanent home in the Preschool Classroom. Ms. Staci is extremely reliable and a fantastic team player. She is always found on the floor playing with the children or teaching them from their level. Ms. Staci is enrolled in an Associates program for Early Childhood Education and she is extremely motivated to constantly improve the quality in her classroom.

Ms. Staci enjoys playing sports with the kids and running an exciting and interactive Circle Time. She is looking forward to obtaining her degree and planning a wedding with her Fiancée, Mike.

Ms. Staci has current Infants/Child CPR & First Aid Training. She receives at least 15 continuing educations credit hours each year in early childhood subjects.

Ms. Bethany

We recently welcomed Ms. Bethany back to the FKS family in January 2008! She originally joined our center family in June 2006 and left us to student teach in Colonial School District in September 2007 after finishing her Masters Degree in Elementary Education. Ms. Bethany also holds a BS from West Virginia University in Child Development and Family Studies. Ms. Bethany grew up in Pittsburg and is a huge Steelers fan! She loves to watch Pro and College football and going out with her friends.

Ms Bethany's loves working at FKS because of "the kids are great and we have such a close, friendly staff!" When you see Ms Bethany in the room working with the children you will be struck by her kindness and obvious love for the children entrusted to her care. Parents have commented on how competent, gentle, loving and kind she is with the children entrusted to her care.

Ms. Bethany holds current Infant / Child CPR and First Aide Training and receives at least 15 continuing educations credit hours each year in early childhood subjects.

Ms. Bethany has graciously agreed to come back and work full time in the Preschool Classroom with Ms. Staci until we are able to find a perfect match for that room.

Pre-Kindergarten Room Teachers:

Ms. Kristin

Ms. Kristin joined the center in February 2006 after receiving her BS in Elementary Education. Ms Kristin grew up in Philadelphia. While attending college she volunteered with the Urban Bridges Program as a tutor for adults working towards obtaining their GED. She also worked as a sports instructor for the Black Women in Sports Foundation, whose goal is to give inner city children exposure to non-traditional sports.

Ms. Kristin brings a wonderful spirit to the class. The children love her and are often found running up for hugs, showing her their latest art project, or sitting on her lap as she reads them a book. Ms. Kristin has a loving, but firm manner - proving the children with loving encouragement, but also wonderful at providing age-appropriate structure and setting proper behavior expectations. With Ms. Kristin's love of decorating & painting, her class room is frequently changing with new decorations and art work!

Ms. Kristin enjoys spending time with her husband, Andrae (married in September 2006,) painting, writing, watching cartoons, decorating & shopping.

Ms. Kristin has current Infants/Child CPR & First Aid Training. She receives at least 15 continuing educations credit hours each year in early childhood subjects.

Ms. Kelly J

Ms. Kelly J. joined the center in April 2005. Ms. Kelly was a parent of a child in our center and joined us when we her job location moved and we had an opening. Ms. Kelly has her BS degree in Elementary Education. She loves working with the children and it is obvious to see how much the children love her! Ms. Kelly J teaches part time in the Pre-K class and also substitutes throughout the building.

Ms. Kelly J is the proud Mama of Haley and Tyler and enjoys getting so see them periodically throughout the day as she works. Ms. Kelly J likes spending time with her husband and children and her “third child,” better known as her chocolate lab, Casey. She enjoys playing games on the computer, surfing the net, and watching her daughter, Haley riding a horse. She loves reality shows.

Ms. Kelly has current Infants/Child CPR & First Aid Training. She receives at least 15 continuing educations credit hours each year in early childhood subjects.

Ms. Kelly H

Ms. Kelly joined our center in October 2004. Ms. Kelly has worked with children for more than 25 years in various childcare settings. Ms. Kelly has her bachelor's degree in Child Development from Cabrini. Ms Kelly is a lively and vibrant teacher. She obviously loves the children in her care and she makes every child she sees feel welcome, as she gets down to their eye level to interact with them. Ms. Kelly has recently moved from a full-time Older Toddler teacher to a part-time Pre-K teacher.

Ms. Kelly is a lover of books and reads (using lots of different 'voices') to the children often. Children of all ages love to stop by Ms. Kelly's room to see what fun and exciting things are going on and to get a few extra hugs!

Ms. Kelly lives with her husband Jeff and her two teenage sons, Addam and Zacharie. Kelly has many hobbies including boating, going to the beach, gardening, sewing, visiting thrift stores (guess where a lot of the bins of toys, books and dress up clothes come from!) She loves to read and enjoys home keeping. She comes from a big family and loves spending time with here sisters and nieces and nephews. "I love children and am happiest when I am spending time with them." The children return that love and respond to her obvious caring!

Ms. Kelly is certified in Infant/Child CPR and First Aid and receives at least 15 continuing education credit hours each year in early childhood subjects.

Kindergarten Teacher:

Ms. Beth

Ms. Beth joined our center in August of 2000. Ms. Beth has her Bachelors of Arts in Education & History. She also has an Associates degree in Education Technology. Ms. Beth has over 12 years of child care experience and has worked with children up to 10 years of age. It is so wonderful to listen to Ms. Beth teaching her class. The love of teaching and watching children learn and grow is obvious as you watch Ms. Beth interact with the children in her care. Ms. Beth taught in several classrooms before she found her “home” in the Kindergarten room. She is continuously improving the quality of her program as she researches new methods of teaching language arts, math, science, social studies, art, music, physical education and so much more. So many parents have contacted us to thank her for the excellent job she does preparing her class for first grade. Ms. Beth’s biggest success is instilling a love of learning in every child she touches.

Ms. Beth is the proud mother of Nathaniel, who is also part of the For Kid’s Sake Family. She enjoys spending time with her husband and son, visiting her family in New Jersey, shopping, and cross-stitch.

Ms Beth has current Infants/Child CPR & First Aid Training. She receives at least 15 continuing educations credit hours each year in early childhood / elementary education subjects.

Floating / Substitute Teachers:

Ms. Hansa (Substitute)

Ms. Hansa joined our center in November 2000. Ms. Hansa has a Bachelors in Psychology & an Associates in Art. Ms. Hansa completed the CDA (Child Development Associate) program, which consists of 45 credit hours, all in early childhood education topics. Ms Hansa has over 14 years of experience working in child care. Ms Hansa is kind, caring and loves helping the children learn new things, balancing fun and structure which is so needed with the age group. Ms. Hansa's beautiful art work can be seen in the classroom and in the center. She takes great pride in knowing that her children will go to school with good knowledge base and a desire to learn.

As of January 2006, Ms. Hansa became a 'snow bird', spending winters in Florida with her Husband. When she is in PA she works with us part time, as a substitute to help cover vacations, maternity leaves, etc.

Ms. Hansa has current Infants/Child CPR & First Aid Training. She receives at least 15 continuing educations credit hours each year in early childhood subjects.

Parent Volunteer:

We currently have no 'regular' parent volunteers. If a parent wants regularly to volunteer they must: pass criminal and child abuse checks; provide character references, pass the staff physical and be wiling to view the 15 PA Stars Child Care Orientation video set (within 6 months of starting). We also recommend the parent volunteer in a room other than their child's room, unless their child has a nature that does not mind them reading to, holding and playing with other children in the classroom. We have had many great volunteers over the years and we love them!

Any parent who wants to come in and occasionally help out in their Childs room, is more than welcome.