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Head of Schools
I’m so glad you stopped by our web page to look around! My name is Bev Yoakum, and I currently serve as the Head of Schools. I achieved a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Nova Southeastern University, Fischler Graduate School of Education, Miami Florida. I am also a graduate of the Ohio University, where I received an undergraduate degree in Behavioral Science and Early Childhood Education, and an Associate of Arts and Sciences.
I am most active in the Upper School curriculum development, in addition to being responsible for the forming of policies and procedures, and conducting long range planning. I am also the founder of the school way back in 1989, when I was a young mother of 3 children in need of quality care. It could be said the school is the fourth of my children. I am passionate about what we offer our community, and truly believe it is the best education and care available in our area. |
Administrator
Hello and welcome to our school, I know you’ll love it as much as I do! I have been working here over four years as the Lower School Coordinator and take my job very seriously. Building relationships and partnerships with families and children is the most important part in my role here at the school. If you ever have any questions or concerns please call or stop in.
I graduated from Ohio University with an Associate Degree in Business and have been continuing my education in early childhood both through Ohio University and the University of Cincinnati ever since. I could be a life long student with no problem! My family and I have resided in Chillicothe for over 10 years. My daughters, Becca and Emily, keep me very busy with soccer, dance, choir, and many other school events. I love football, sweet tea, children’s books, and warm sunny days.
I look forward to learning more about your family and children. Thank you for providing your children a great start in life. Birth to eight is the most important years in a person’s life and I am ever so grateful you have trusted us to partner with! God Bless, Jessica Allen |
4 & 5-Year Old Teacher
Welcome! My name is Juanita Peck and I am a teacher in the 4& 5 yr. old Pre-kindergarten classroom. I am married and have one beautiful son. I am originally from Portsmouth Oh. There I attended Shawnee State University, first majoring in Elem. Education and then switching over to Social Sciences. I feel my background in both fields helps me to not only understand the needs of children educationally but from a psychological and sociological aspect as well.
I have worked with children from a very early age, through church, volunteer work, college, and finally here at the Academy where I have now worked for 13 years. In that time I have seen many changes and tremendous growth in myself as a professional and in our school as well. It has made me realize being an educator is about being willing to constantly reevaluate to see what we can do to improve the environment and learning opportunities for children. I feel here at the Academy we are always looking for ways to challenge ourselves so we in turn can challenge the children.
Now that I am a mother of a four year old myself, I get to experience what this school does from a parent’s perspective as well as a professional’s. I want the families here to know they can come to me at any time with a question, comment, or concern and I will try to help using my experiences as both. Being both the educator and parent has also been a great way to reflect on what I want to provide as an early childhood professional. It is simply what I would want for my own child. I want the children to be in a beautiful environment that provides a feeling of safety and security. I want it to feel like an extension of home for the child as well as their families and for the child to feel comforted here. I want them to be constantly stimulated to want to know why and how. I want them to have the confidence to try and find it out on their own. I want them to explore their creativity and understand each of them has a unique voice and their own unique way of learning and each voice is heard. I want to inspire them to see the beauty in everything and to find joy in simple everyday moments. And I want them to know they allow me to do the same. That is why I teach. |
3-Year Old Teacher
Welcome to our school! My name is Ashley Depugh and I have been a part of the Academy for three years. I was first part of the toddler program and have been involved in preschool for almost two years. In the preschool, I teach language arts, Spanish, and Sign Language. I also work along side Miss Julia with the social studies curriculum.
The preschool has been very rewarding to me because I am able to watch and listen to the children helping them learn in the ways each child is capable, which is priceless! It is very exciting to heat them talking about something you have taught them or to see them writing their names for the first time. All of these moments are amazing to me and because of that, I love my job.
I am currently enrolled at Ohio University Chillicothe in the early childhood education program where I plan to graduate in the near future. There are many activities I enjoy in my spare time although my favorite thing is to spend time with my family and friends. I am married and our family is currently growing. My husband and I are expecting our first child in August. Again welcome to our school and always know the teacher’s are here to help you in any way we can! |
Art Instructor
My name is Emily Fields and I would like to welcome your child and your family to the Academy for Early Learning! I teach the toddler class and make great efforts to ensure your child has a safe and fun educational experience. We work on several different areas of development each week using sensory experiences to help each child increase the awareness of their environment, discover friendships and build confidence. We focus on: Name recognition, Colors and shapes, Counting and number recognition, Small motor skills, such as cutting and tracing, Large motor skills, Simple science concepts and Social skills.
Along with teaching the toddler class, I also teach Art daily to the Upper School students K-6th. I use center and projects to promote a creative and stimulating atmosphere. Creativity is important not only in art; generating ideas and critically evaluating an idea is a valuable skill in every discipline and aspect of life. We focus on: Color theory, Elements of design, Art History, Critical evaluation, Art vocabulary and Spatial concepts.
Fostering creativity and guiding each child on their path to art making, confidence building, and discovering their love for the way they learn is my main goal in both roles. I hope to get to know your child and family. Once again, welcome to our school! Thank you, Emily Fields |
Toddler Teacher
Hello, my name is Amy Montgomery and I truly love what I do! I have been working with children for almost 18 years. Even as a 4th and 5th grader I had a job working with kindergarteners. I graduated from Pickaway Ross Learning Center with a certificate in early childhood education and continue to take courses to stay fresh with development and new ideas. Then, I volunteered and watched children from my home before starting here at the school.
My family is very important to me. My husband, Jim, and my son, Bryce, are my biggest supporters. But just as important as that is, I have my second family here at Academy. I am fortunate to have both. I promise to educate and love your child as I do my own. I would like to show them new ideas and help them develop into their own individual person. I would be very honored to be given the opportunity to have your child be a part of my classroom and extended family! |
Toddler Teacher
Welcome to the Academy for Early Learning. My name is Julia Lindsey and I have been employed here for over 6 years. I started here as an infant provider and have moved through every age group landing in the preschool. A couple of years ago I wanted a new challenge so I became one of the lead teachers in the 4&5 year old classroom. As an early childhood educator, I feel I have an important responsibility, and wonderful opportunity, to teach and nurture the youngest of learners. During the preschool years young children develop the knowledge, understandings, skills, and interest they need to become successful problem solving adults. Ohio’s Early Learning Content Standards guides the teachers on the concepts and skills young children should know and experience before heading to Kindergarten. As an educator it is my goal to ensure each child is prepared and has a variety of experiences to set a strong foundation for the rest of their lives.
My family is an important part of my life. My husband is a hard working, supportive man whom I share an eight year old child, Collin, with. We as a family love supporting the Ohio State Buckeyes. Go Bucks! We like spending most of our free time outdoors. I have a Child Development Associate, CDA, from California and hope to continue my education in Early Childhood in the near future.
Should you have any questions or concerns please feel free to ask. On behalf of AEL, I would like to thank you for your commitment, time and energy you are investing in your child’s education. Sincerely, Julia Lindsey |
Special Studies
My name is Lauren Groves and I am currently a senior attending Ohio University, majoring in Early Childhood Education. I graduated from Unioto High School in 2003. I also attended Columbus State Community College receiving an associate’s degree in Paralegal Studies. I have been a part of Academy for Early Learning since 2007, with the privilege of working in each developmental stage, infancy through pre-school. I currently teach Language Arts in the 3’s pre-school classroom. I love exploring and discovering with children, and offering experiences that are valuable and meaningful to them.
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends whenever possible. Although I have no children of my own, I do have 3 dogs I treat as my children. I love animals, reading, and going to the beach!
I would like to thank you for allowing me to be a part of your child’s education! I will strive to create an engaging, home-like environment for your child. “Any book that helps a child to form a habit of reading, to make reading one of his deep and continuing needs, is good for him.” Maya Angelou |
Infant Teacher
Welcome to the Academy for Early Learning Infant Program! I would first like to thank you for choosing the Academy to meet you childcare needs. You have made a very important choice that will affect your child’s entire life. We do not view this as merely a “daycare center” or even a “preschool”. This is “garden” where from six weeks through middle school, we will nurture and care for your child with the utmost respect. As the mobile infants’ lead teacher, it is my job to give your growing seedling not only the water and sunlight, but also the soil rich with nutrients that will allow him to grow strong roots, and plenty of room to develop into the budding and eventually beautiful blooming flower you will see him explode into at the Academy. Through sensory, art, music, fine and large motor, and early literacy activities which meet key developmental indicators, I will give your child the opportunity to grow and develop while respecting his individual needs. I will watch and listen to his laughter, crying and intrigue to know when he needs me to carry him, hold his hand, or let him run free.
I first came to the Academy in early 2003 as an Ohio-University student observing and doing field experiences in the infant and preschool classrooms. In the fall of 2003, I was privileged to complete my preschool student teaching experience in the Academy’s four-year-old preschool. Afterwards, I received my Associates degree in Child Development from Ohio University and in March of 2004, I was hired as a lead preschool teacher. It was not long before a need arose in the infant room, and thanks to my recent long-term field experience there, I became the lead infant teacher. When the Academy expanded into our current building, I became the mobile infants’ lead teacher. Having worked with young children since my teenage years through my church, as an employee of the Chillicothe and Ross County Public Library, and in my college practicum, I now feel I have found my calling. I love my career and give it a very high priority in my life.
Also having a high priority in my life is my very understanding husband of eight years, Matt, and my three-year-old daughter, Justice. My daughter Justice attends the Academy preschool because I know her development will be nurtured in a loving and caring environment where she is respected as a learner. My church, family and friends are very important to me. I enjoy spending time with them, eating out and shopping, and I also have a new found love for thrift stores. And, when I’m not busy with any of these things, I like to find time to exercise. I want you and your family to feel like a vital part of our classroom. Please bring in a family picture that I can display in our classroom. (I can make a copy for you if you do not have one you are able to give away.) I want your child to feel his family is valued and be comforted by being able to see your picture throughout the day. Please do not hesitate to talk with me about any questions or concerns. I want this experience to be a cooperative one between you and I. I want your child to feel the same security here as he does as home. If my work hours do not coincide with your drop off or pick up times, you can contact me by e-mail at ael_infants@yahoo.com. I am looking forward to our new relationship! Again, welcome to our Academy family! Love, Ms. Gracie |
Infant Teacher
Welcome to the early infant classroom. My name is Gail Bouillon. I have been teaching children in child care setting since 2002. I began teaching for Wilson County School System in Tennessee where I was a teacher for infants and after school care for school age children. I then moved to beautiful South Carolina where I was employed by the Marine Corp Community Services teaching preschool children age 4. I then moved back to Tennessee where I was employed by Kindercare in Hermitage Tennessee where I was a preschool teacher for children 2 ½ to 3 ½ . I moved back to my hometown of Chillicothe and now teach early infants 6 weeks to mobility.
I have four children, two of them live in Tennessee and my daughter and 12 year old son still live at home with me. I have ten grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Parents and family are a child’s first teacher. We as you child’s teachers at The Academy want to share the experience of helping your child learn through exploring his or her world. |
Mr. Willam (Bill) Kitts - Head of Maintenance
Mr. Rami Yoakum - President
Ms. Aubrey Cameron
Mrs. Cordilla Boedicker
Mr. Larry Reynolds
Mrs. Betty Pettit
Ms. Sally Timmons |
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Jessica Allen
