Hello my name is Diane Nonack. I have been in the field of education since 1992 where I served as a classroom teacher and administrator.

I began my teaching career in first grade, which I taught for four years. I also had the experience of teaching second grade for two years and a seventh and eighth grade all girl’s elective. After nine years as a teacher, I moved into an assistant principal’s position for three years until the birth of my twin girls. After my twins were born, I resigned to be a stay-at-home mother until they turned four. In 2009, I accepted a position as a preschool teacher at the Mon Valley YMCA.

My educational experience has earned me two Masters’ Degrees: Education Administration/Supervision and Reading. I achieved my Bachelor’s in Elementary/Early Childhood Education.

I enjoy working with preschool students. The growth the children make in their preschool year is remarkable and very rewarding. I am very proud and honored to be a part of their preschool education experience.

I have been married for twenty-three years and my husband and I have twin girls and twin puppies.

My hobbies include shopping, reading a good book, and making crafts.

 

Hello my name is Kylie Kritikos. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from California University. I have worked in childcare for eight years and have been employed at the Mon Valley YMCA for twenty one years. I began working at the “Y” my freshman year in college. I worked in the Serving Children before They Serve Time program and then was transferred to the JASP Program with Loretta Manus who was a close family friend and my mentor. I graduated college and then went to work in the Day Care Department. Last fall I was offered a position in the Preschool Department. I love working with the children and Mrs. Nonack. I can’t see myself doing anything else! I’ve been married for one year to a wonderful man. His name is Jason. We have a cat her name is Luna. My hobbies are spending time with my husband, helping to run our Valley Skating Center in Donora, and having fun with friends.

 

 

Hello my name is Leigh-Ann Scheponik. I have a Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education. I have been employed at the Mon Valley YMCA since 2013. I am a teacher in the Pre-School department. I taught second grade for eleven years at Bellevue Elementary in the Northgate School District, I love to teach and watch the children learn and discover new things. Working at the YMCA is a lot of FUN! I have a husband and three children: Cody, Cole, and Tessa. They are growing so fast it was like yesterday that they were just born. My hobbies are yoga, shopping, and spending time with my family.

 

 

 

Hello my name is Nancy Snyder. I have an Associate Degree in Early Childhood. I have worked in childcare for 10 years and have been employed at the Mon Valley YMCA since 2013. Some of the departments that I have worked in are Infant, Toddler, Year Round Day Care rooms, Summer Day Care, and Pre-School. I’ve been married for 30 years. I have 3 children. Love God, my family, friends and working with children. My hobbies are reading, riding motorcycles, and listening to Christian and Country music.

 

 

 

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 Tricia Lerda. I have my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. I have been working with children for 17 years and I love it! My husband, son and pets are my total world. I have my own jewelry business in addition to being a mommy and teacher. Family time is my favorite thing. In the classroom I love to encourage creativity and imagination. I also love reading fun stories. I have many achievements that I’m proud of, but my son is my greatest and proudest one.

 

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.