Teachers & Staff
Charleston Community Early Learning Center is licensed by the State of Illinois. All staff members are required to complete the following training upon hiring: First Aid/CPR for Infants, Toddlers and Adults with AED and Epi-Pen training included; SIDS and Shaken Baby Training; Off-the-Shelf Curriculum; Food Handlers; and Mandated Reporter.
Karen Pine – Executive Director
Karen celebrated her 40th anniversary with the Center in 2014. She is currently the Executive Director but has held many positions during her tenure. She likes working with the children, families, and staff – seeing the children change and grow, and watching the staff develop new ideas and skills. She especially likes the variety of her work. Karen holds an Associate’s Degree in Child Care from Lake Land College as well as a Director Level 1, Early Childhood Education Level 1 and Early Childhood Level 4 Credentials.
Tina Kumpf – Assistant Director
Tina joined the CCELC staff in September of 2019 and is excited to take the next step in her career after being in a teaching position for almost 25 years. She embraces the opportunity to watch young children grow and learn every day and enjoys the “random hugs from little ones” she receives. Tina earned an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Ivy Tech Community College in Terre Haute, Indiana. She also holds Director Level 1, Early Childhood Education Level 4 and Infant/Toddler Level 4 Credentials.
Katie – Nursery
Katie joined the CCELC staff in the Nursery in mid 2022. Katie enjoys the nursery because “I love being able to help them learn and grow. I love being able to get the foundation for the rest of their life.” Those developmental stages are fostered through her care as she commented “It is special to watch them learn to sit up, crawl, and then walk. I love watching the growth that happens in this age group. Katie has a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from Western Michigan University. In addition she’s currently working towards her Masters of Divinity with a concentration in Child Advocacy from Garrett Evangelical theological Seminary.
Marcia – Nursery
Marcia joined the CCELC staff in the late summer of 2016 and cares for the Center’s youngest children in the Nursery. Marcia enjoys the nursery because “working in the nursery is like a puzzle. Each day is different.” Watching each and every little person grow and develop at their own pace makes the nursery a special experience. Marcia has an Associate’s Degree in Child Development in addition to Early Childhood Education Level 4 and Infant/Toddler Level 2 Credentials.
Bryona – 2-Year-Old Room
Bryona joined the CCELC team in 2020. She is certified in Early Childhood Education Level 1. She likes helping the 2-year-old children grow and learn. Bryona notes, “Everyone calls it the ‘terrible twos’ but really it is just their rough patch and also their most sensitive learning point.” She finds teaching the Two’s very satisfying. Bryona holds an Early Childhood Education Level 1 Tier 1 Credential.
Kelly– Pre-School II
Kelly has worked a total of 4 years in the and in several classrooms at the Center. She enjoys how each day is different and making connections with each child encourages them to be life-long learners. For her and the 4-year-olds in her classroom, she loves observing those “ah-ha” moments on a daily basis. “They are learning about the world and they are excited about all topics.” Kelly holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Care and Education from EIU.
Judy – Pre-School I
Judy joined the staff in 2015 and has worked in several classrooms at the Center. She brought 27 years of experience with her. She enjoys working with the children and the other staff at the Center and likes the fact that she can work with a variety of age groups. For her, she enjoys seeing the young children express their emotions in so many different ways. “They are beginning to show how they are becoming independent.” Judy holds an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Care and Education as well as an Early Childhood Education Level 4 Credential.
Terri – Pre-School I
Terri has been a teacher at CCELC for over 25 years. She is currently a co-teacher in the 2-Year-Old Room. She enjoys being able to watch and see the children grow and knowing that she has a part in their development. “2-year-olds are very interested in everything at that age,” she said. “It’s challenging but rewarding.” Terri holds an Early Childhood Education Level 1 Credential.
Jessica – Pre-K
Jessica has been a teacher at the Center for over 10 years and currently plays a major role in the children’s transition to kindergarten as the teacher in the Pre-K room. She likes to sit and talk to the children and hear about their views on various subjects. “The kids are very curious and outspoken at this age,” she said. Jessica loves working with children and being there to help in their growth makes her job very fulfilling. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Family and Consumer Sciences from Eastern Illinois University and an Early Childhood Education Level 4 Credential.
