Children in each of five classroom areas are skillfully nurtured in an atmosphere of caring, sharing and learning by teachers with Bachelor degrees in early childhood education or a related field. UW Oshkosh work study students and student assistants with credits in early childhood development complement the Center's professional staff.
Assisting us in the classrooms are student workers, majoring in social work, communications, education, human services, music, nursing, psychology, etc., who volunteer their time at the Center to fulfill course requirements. Student parents can volunteer time and/or services to reduce their childcare costs.
Sandra Kust, Director
Where did you go to school? UW-Stout, Menomonie, WI.
Type of certification/degree: Bachelor of Science in early childhood education and a minor in speech.
Special certifications: Family Services Credential
What do you like most about working with children, families and students? I love the children's optimistic attitude, high spirits and never ending curiosity! Working with early childhood professionals is almost always upbeat and positive, they are truly unique individuals and educators. Working with parents and students on a daily basis is something challenging but always rewarding and keeps me on my toes. After 40 years in the field, I still look at the clock everyday and say, "How did it get to be 3:30 already?"
Where are you from? Appleton, WI.
Special interests: MADD and Fox Valley Humane Society.
How do you relax? Reading, walking, watching Children's Theater, dance, sports and gardening.
What makes you smile? Children and my dog, Lilly.
Julie Dey, Assistant Director
Where did you go to school? UW-Stout, Menomonie, WI.
Type of certification/degree: Bachelor of Science in child development and family life.
Special certifications: 5-year certification in Vocational Technical Adult Education. Teach early childhood courses for Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, Green Bay; AdvancEd QAR team training.
What do you like most about working with this age group? I enjoy working in the office and using my managerial and leadership skills to provide the exemplary care and education to our staff and families.
Where are you from? Oshkosh but lived in Black Creek, WI for many years.
Special interests: Enjoy polka dancing to Polish-style music.
How do you relax? Reading and listening to music.
What makes you smile? Children laughing and enjoying themselves.
Kelsey Churchill, Infant Teacher
Where did you go to school? UW Oshkosh, Oshkosh, WI.
Type of certification/degree: Bachelors of Science in liberal studies/leadership emphasis.
What do you like most about working with this age group? I love seeing the children grow and develop into their own personalities. It's such a pleasure being a part of their exciting adventure!
Where are you from? Originally from Shorewood, WI (right outside of Milwaukee); currently live in Oshkosh, WI.
Special interests: I love running, cooking and any activity in the warm summer weather.
How do you relax? To relax, I snuggle up on the couch and watch a movie, allowing myself to do absolutely nothing else.
What makes you smile? Babies laughs and making people happy.
Janet Steward, Toddlers Teacher
Where did you go to school? Marian University, Fond Du Lac, WI.
Type of certification/degree: Bachelor of Science in education.
Special certifications: Shaken Baby Syndrome
What do you like most about working with this age group? I love seeing the constant change and growth that happens day to day. Also, seeing smiles, hearing laughter and receiving "leg hugs" every day.
Where are you from? Appleton, WI.
Special interests: Cooking and baking, traveling, parenting and shopping.
How do you relax? Being at home with my family, taking walks and going to the park.
What makes you smile? Seeing my daughter learn something new.
Valery Splittgerber, Reading 4 Learning 4K Teacher
Where did you go to school? Fox Valley Technical College and UW-Oshkosh, WI.
Type of certification/degree: Associates in Early Childhood Education and Bachelors in Elementary Education with certification to teach Pre-K through 6th grade.
Special certifications: Infant and Adult First Aid & CPR, and Reading is Fundamental Trainer.
What do you like most about working with this age group? The children are always eager to come to school each day. Each day is an adventure! We know that children learn best through play. I enjoy making games for my children that are fun and educational. It's wonderful to see their excitement when they master a new task.
Where are you from? Kaukauna, WI.
Special interests: Attending classes to further my education and cooking.
How do you relax? I love to cook meals for my family! I am a recipe book lover. My weekends often consist of trying new recipes and having friends and family over for dinner to test them out. Often the meal is fabulous, but sometimes it is a flop. It is all about trail and error.
What makes you smile? Seeing my students faces light up when I teach them a new song or read a fun book! Also what makes me smile is taking my little dog, Sawyer, for a walk on a warm, sunny day! That's the best!
Karen Kolberg, 3's Teacher
Where did you go to school? UW-Stout, Menomonie, WI.
Type of certification/degree: Bachelor of Science degree in early childhood.
Special certifications: AdvancEd QAR training.
What do you like most about working with this age group? Three year olds are so eager to explore and learn about everything. They are expressive and have wonderful and funny stories to share. My goal is always to have a positive impact on all areas of their development and to help them become independent learners.
Where are you from? Neenah, WI.
Special interests: Walking, reading and skiing.
How do you relax? Long walks.
What makes you smile? My granddaughter.
Jacquie Pluim, 2's Teacher
Where did you go to school? UW Oshkosh, Oshkosh, WI.
Type of certification/degree: Bachelor of Science degree in education preK through 6th grade.
What do you like most about working with this age group? Watching the growth and development the children go through from day to day.
Where are you from? Brandon, WI.
Special interests: Reading, riding bike, going for walks and gardening.
How do you relax? Listening to music.
What makes you smile? Children, family and friends.
