Hi! I’m Leigh-Ann Scheponik. I have been teaching for 20 years. Over the years I have taught 2nd grade, 3rd grade and now I teach Pre-K!
This is my 8th year teaching at the YMCA and I absolutely love it! Young children have such a desire to learn through play. They make my job easy!
I have been married for 15 years to my husband, Jason. We live in Finleyville on 20 acres of property that we were happy to find. We have 3 wonderful children, Cody (13), Cole (11), and Tessa (8). They are very active in sports and activities. We enjoy watching them play and have fun doing what they love. Our kids also work hard to earn great grades in school. They make us proud everyday!
Whenever I get the chance I enjoy doing yoga, but my favorite thing to do is simply spend time with family and friends.
Hello my name is Nancy Snyder. I have an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. I’ve been with the YMCA since 2013 and have worked as a professional in early childhood since 2003. I am a classroom aide to Mrs. Scheponik and Ms. Katie in the Pre-school department and work in childcare during the summer months. I’ve been married for 36 years and have 3 grown children and two grandchildren. My hobbies are reading, motorcycling with my husband and enjoy being an active member at my church.
Hello my name is Jane Zelinsky. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from California University. I have worked in child care for more than 25 years. I was a director at Kinder Care for 15 years, Pre School Teacher here at the YMCA since 2009. I have been employed at the Mon Valley YMCA for 7 years. Some of the departments that I have worked in are Infants, Toddler, Year Round Day Care rooms, and Pre-School. I love working with children they make me laugh with their little stories. I was married to my late husband Joe for 38 years. I have two children Chad and Clayton and two grandchildren Lita and Steven who I am raising. They are the loves of my life and they keep me young! I have two dogs Stormy and Petey and a kitty named Dora. The kids best friends. My hobbies are reading, gardening, and a taxi for Lita and Bubby (Steven).
Hello my name is Katie Irwin. I have a Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education from California University of PA. I have been employed at the Mon Valley YMCA since 2015. I currently teach two of our preschool programs including Learning Journeys and 2day Preschool. In the past, I have worked in the Daycare Department in the 3-5 year old room and I was also a Lifeguard in the Aquatics department. I love working with children and enjoy their excitement of learning! The YMCA is a family and it’s a wonderful organization for communities, families and children.
I have one dog named Willy and we love to take walks together. I also enjoy crafting, shopping and spending time with my family.
My name is Tricia Caputo-Lerda. My students call me Mrs. Lerda since my last name can be quite a mouthful for youngsters. I have been with the Mon Valley YMCA since June of 2016.
I graduated with honors from California University of PA in December of 2007. Before my graduation date, I had been hired as a teacher for the Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts Program and taught within that program until fall of 2015 at another site up until the time when my son was ready to be born. I couldn’t stay away from early learning long!
I started my journey at the YMCA doing special children’s programs in the summer of 2016. I then began teaching the Teddy, Me and You Class in the fall of 2016. In the summer of 2017, I became the lead teacher of the Pre-K Counts program at the Mon Valley YMCA. Our Pre-K Counts program here at the YMCA is something I hold extremely dear to my heart, as I have been with it since it’s very beginning here at our site, and with the Pre-K Counts program since it’s inception in the state of Pennsylvania. There is nothing I hold in greater regard in my professional career as the honor of facilitating discovery, learning, and developing independence in children. In addition to my early childhood educational experience at the Mon Valley YMCA, I have taught art classes for kids and adults, and have assisted with the Plants and Pillars Program for youth and teens.
The things I hold MOST important in my life are my family. My husband and son. I also have some amazing pets. I am happy with all of them no matter what or where we are. I love cooking, baking, sitting around a bonfire, music, and taking joy in the simple things in life like a sunny day, or picking stuff from our garden. Life is fast and people are busy all the time. In our free time we have learned it is important to slow down and get as much in. I have many hobbies and they all involve creativity and art.
Hello, my name is Lauren Bird. I have my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and am pursuing my Child Development Associate credential. I have been with the Mon Valley YMCA since 2015. I am a Teacher Assistant in the Pre-K Counts Classroom. I love watching my students grow and learn everyday. When I’m not in the classroom I enjoy camping in Lake Erie and fun adventures with my family.