PRE-SCHOOL/PRE-K CO-LEAD

Hello, my name is Carolina Rivera, I am the co-lead teacher in the Pre-School/Pre-K; I have I have 6 years’ experience in early childhood, I also have my Associates in Arts. I have been working here at UUMCDC since 2018.

My husband and I are Texas natives, and live in Fort Worth with our two dogs.

In our spare time we like to go to the movies or walk our dogs.

I look forward to getting to know your children and helping to get them prepared for kindergarten.

PRE-SCHOOL/PRE-K CO-LEAD

My name is Laura Stephens and I am excited to have the opportunity to teach the 3 year old class at University United Methodist Child Development Center.  I recently moved to Fort Worth from the Hill Country with my husband of 10 years and 4 year old dog, Forrest.

I spent 2 years teaching the 3 year old class at Covenant Academy (a private Christian school) in Kerrville, Texas.  I also spent 1 ½ years teaching for a Mother’s Day Out program in the 4 year old class in Spring, TX.

I have always been active in my church and make it a goal to continue to mature in my relationship with Jesus!  I spent a year teaching the pre-k/kindergarten Sunday School class as well as Game Director for Awanas at my church in Kerrville, TX.

My husband and I spend most of our weekends travelling to see family and friends in Louisiana where we grew up.  We moved to Texas right after we married and have lived in Houston, San Antonio, and Fort Worth, Texas.

I am looking forward to getting to know each of your children and helping them learn and have fun every day!

TWO’S LEAD

Hello, my name is Chasidy Warren, I am the lead teacher in the two year room; I have been working here at the CDC since 2015.

I have over seven years of early childhood experience and have enjoyed every minute of it! I love how every day is a different day when working with children.

When I’m not working I get to go home to my two handsome boys, Trae and Trenton, who are the light of my life.

TWO’S ASSISTANT

Ms. Hazel’s biography is coming soon!

TODDLER ASSISTANT

Hello, my name is Briana Cosner and I’m the Assistant Teacher in the Toddler Classroom.

I have worked with children for over 4 years. I started working at CDC in October 2018.  I love working with children and seeing them learn and grow every day.

I have been married since May of 2018 and I have a daughter named Ryleigh.

In my spare time, my daughter and I love going on walks and going to the park. I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends.

TODDLER LEAD

Hello, my name Ittsi Vallin I’m the lead teacher in the toddler’s classroom.

I have worked with children for over 7 years and have been here at the CDC since 2011.

I love working with children and seeing how each day they grow and learn something new.

In my spare time I like to read and spend time with my family.

PRE-TODDLER ASSISTANT

Hello, my name is Brittany Verrett, I am the assistant teacher in the pre-toddler room; I have my CDA in infant/toddlers. I have been working here at UUMCDC since 2017.

Before coming here to UUMCDC I was living in Louisiana were I was a home base teacher at United Way Early Head Start for six years.

I have a degree in Criminal Justice and worked at St. Martin Parrish Correctional Center for 2 years.

I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling and reading.

PRE-TODDLER LEAD

Hello, I’m Jacqulin Latham. I’m the Pre-Toddlers Lead Teacher. I have experience working with children from age Newborn to 12 years old. I have worked in Learning Centers and Preschools for over 8 years.

I am also a licensed Hairstylist for almost five years.  I am so excited to start this adventure. I have lived in Weatherford, Texas for almost four years and grew up in Wichita Falls, Texas.

I grew up with five siblings. I also have four beautiful nieces that I love very much. I have always loved working with children and their families. In my spare time I love to read books, spend time with god, and be outdoors. I am excited to get to know you and your child and watch them learn and grow.

INFANT ASSISTANT

My name is Ms. Sharlett Thomas, I came from a family of five other siblings it was six of us total. Three girls and three boys. The person that inspired me to become the Teacher I am today was my mother. She took care of me and my siblings and other children so their parents could work.  My oldest sister and I decided that we are going to be Teachers to help the children of the world have a better future.

My first Childcare position was in 1982, I have been working on and off in childcare for over 28 years. I worked for Head start for 8 years.  I received Early Childhood Development experience early on. In 1999 I received my CDA while working at Head Start.

I also worked for a private owned childcare facility. I have worked with many ages including 2 year olds, 3 year olds and Infants. The infants are my favorite age group. They are the beginners of the world, so remember I wanted to be a Teacher to help children of the world have a better future. This is why I enjoy working with this age group. ALL children are special and this is why I have chosen to be a Teacher.

INFANT ASSISTANT

Hello, My Name Minelba Burgos. I am the Infant Assistant Teacher/Floater at CDC.  I moved to Fort Worth about 10 years ago from Connecticut. I’ve always had a love for teaching children. As a Texan I tutored children in Summer school.  When I got married and had children of my own, I volunteered at their school for 5 years.

When I moved to Fort Worth it gave me the opportunity to get my CDA Credential. In these classes I learned so much about how children develop and learn as they grow.

The 8 years that I have been working with children have been very rewarding and I look forward to continuing this journey.

INFANT ASSISTANT

Hello, my name is Diana Ireri, I’m from Kenya, where my daughter still lives, and I am now a citizen of the United States.

I have been working here at the CDC since 2004. It’s my joy to work with children and to see them grow from day to day. I feel that this is my calling from God to work with children.

I also work with people who feel like there is no hope for them; it gives me great joy to bring the hope and strength back to them. I like to make peace where there is none and encourage people to love each other without judging.

INFANT LEAD

Hello, my name is Luljeta Xhakupi.

I’m married and have two children and two grandchildren.

I have over 31 years working with children and have been working here at the CDC since 2007.

I feel I’m very dedicated to the profession of teaching young children. I create a welcoming environment for the children that come into my classroom. I enjoy making a difference in their learning experience and early education in life.

I love teaching and hope to be doing it for as long as I can.

INFANT LEAD

Hello, my name is Vera Siljegovic; I am the lead teacher in the infant classroom. I have my CDA in infant/toddlers. I have been working here at the CDC since 2013

I came to the United States 16 years ago from former Yugoslavia/Bosnia and Herzegovina. Due to the war, my family and I moved to Fort Worth where we found a peaceful place to live.

I have been married for 27 years and have two children, a son and a daughter.

I have been working with children for over 12 years. I love working with children because they are at a very tender age where they learn everything from adults. I want to be a part of their learning process.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Hello, my name is Mary Larson, I am the administrative assistant for the CDC office

I started my childcare career in 1986 and have been working here at the CDC since 2016.

I’m married, and have 4 daughters and 9 grandchildren.

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

Hello, my name is Sandra DeLaPaz, I’m the assistant director. I have been working here at the CDC since 1995.

I love working with children and have done so for 29 years. I consider myself a highly motivated and creative person. I received my CDA in 2015.

I have two handsome sons and three lovely grandchildren.

DIRECTOR

Hello! My name is Angela Johnson, I am the Director at the CDC. I was blessed with this opportunity to join the staff in September 2018.  I have worked in the childcare field now for 24 years and I have been a licensed Director for the past 14 years. This is more than a job to me and I feel God has called me to work with children in this position. I also have 3 wonderful children of my own, Kolton is 22 years old, Dakota is 19 years old and my daughter Calysa is 16 years old.

My experience consists of working in a center as an infant teacher, 3 year old teacher, Pre-K teacher, I have even taught an aerobics class for preschool age children. I have been a Director at a public and private after school program, worked for a family as a private Nanny. I ran my own in-home childcare center and I have been a licensed Director of a Christian Childcare Center for the last 14 years.

I am a strong Christian and attend church regularly. Jesus is my Lord and savior and I love him with all my heart. In God’s word it says, Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6. I feel that giving our children a strong biblical foundation will set them up to succeed in their lives.  I am truly blessed to be the Director at University United Methodist Child Development Center.