Maria Early Learning Center recognizes that our staff is the heart and soul of our program. We seek candidates who have experience engaging with young children, model Gospel values, and are committed to providing quality developmentally appropriate education and loving care.
The Center hires lead teachers who have a minimum of an Associate Degree in early childhood education or a Bachelor’s degree in a related field. Assistant teachers possess certification as Child Development Associates (CDA). All teachers have clear background checks and most are certified in first aid, infant/child CPR, the management of communicable diseases and child abuse.
Every two years the Center invests 12 hours per teacher of continuing education in early childhood.
Administration Team
Director
Lisa Nowak, M.S.
director@mariaelc.org
Mrs. Lisa has been with the Center since April of 2004. She is extremely passionate about early childhood and strives to provide an environment of high quality for both the children and staff.
Assistant Director
Jordan Zechman, B.A.
admina@mariaelc.org
Ms. Jordan began her journey with the Center in 2020. She brings many skills with her as a long time early childhood educator. She is also very passionate about providing a environment that is supportive to all of our learners.
Infant 1 Teacher
Karen Holmes
karenh@mariaelc.org
Karen had been in the early childhood field for 25 years before continuing her journey with Maria Early Learning in 2011. She has an Infant/Toddler CDA from the Council for Professional Recognition. Karen enjoys making strong bonds with the children she cares for.
Infant 1 Teacher
Connie Bastien
connieb@mariaelc.org
Connie has been with Maria Early Learning Center since 2015. She received an Associate of Science degree from Monroe County Community College in 2002. Connie enjoys helping children master new skills!
Infant 2 Teacher
Jami Hampton
jamih@mariaelc.org
Jami obtained her Bachelor degree in Early Childhood Education from The University of Toledo in 2017. She has been with Maria Early Learning Center since 2015. Jami enjoys bringing hands-on activities to the classroom.
Infant 2 Teacher
Mikki Box
Mikkib@mariaelc.org
Mikki joined Maria Early Learning Center in 2021. She has a CDA in Infant and Toddler Development. Mikki enjoys reading, playing blocks, and doing art with the children.
Toddler A Teacher
Abigail Ort
Abbey@mariaelc.org
Abbey has been with our team since 2014. She holds a Bachelor Degree from the University of Toledo. Abbey loves teaching the children sign-language!
Toddler A Teacher
Mary Staler
marys@mariaelc.org
Mary began her journey with Maria Early Learning Center in October of 2017. She holds a a CDA in Infant and Toddlers. Mary enjoys bringing creativity to her classroom. You will always find her engaged with the children in some fun and exciting activity!
Toddler B Teacher
Laura Deehr
laurad@mariaelc.org
Laura has been with Maria Early Learning Center since 2015. She enjoys bringing nature into her classroom! Laura has an AA in Early Childhood Education from Owens Community College.
Toddler B Teacher
Chelsea Brewster
chelseab@mariaelc.org
Chelsea has been with the Center since 2023. She loves getting to know all the children individually and doing hands-on activities. Chelsea has a CDA Credential from the Council for Professional Recognition with a focus on infant and toddler care.
Preschool Teacher
Gidget Losiewicz
gidgetl@mariaelc.org
Gidget embarked on her journey with Maria Early Learning Center in 2012. She holds an associates degree from Owens Community College in early childhood education. Gidget enjoys teaching in a creative and fun way.
Preschool Teacher
Natalie Ackley
Nataliez@mariaelc.org
Natalie began her journey with Maria Early Learning Center in 2020. She holds a B.S. in Secondary Mathematics Education with a minor in Spanish. Natalie enjoys playing a role in the toddler’s development by helping them meet milestones with creative lessons and sign language.
PreKindergarten Teacher
Karen Caventer
karenc@mariaelc.org
Karen loves teaching math and science to the children! She began her journey with Maria Early Learning Center in 2013. Karen has a Bachelor of Education degree from The University of Toledo.
PreKindergarten Teacher
Maria Zielinski
mariaz@mariaelc.org
Maria has been with the Center since 2023. She enjoys doing projects that involve getting our hands messy! Maria holds a bachelor’s degree from Lourdes University.
Bookkeeper
Joni Kryspin
bookkeeper@mariaelc.org