staff
Posted by admin
The KINDERHAVEN DIRECTOR is responsible for the day to day operations of the school, maintaining licensing and accreditation standards and supervision of staff. The director also serves as an educational advisor, trainer and support for the teaching staff.
The FACULTY AND DIRECTOR have degrees in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, and/or related fields. Classroom assistants have some early childhood education and/or experience working with young children. Volunteers and student teachers may augment the teaching staff.
The staff to child ratio is 3 to a maximum of 20 children in the oldest group (3 to 16 for the youngest). The teaching staff and director alike support Early Childhood Education and its relationship to the greater community. All faculty participates in on-going training and education, including research and trends in child development and teaching methods, as well as CPR and safety procedures.
Dr. Penny Robbins—Director and Red Class Teacher
I am so excited to state that I have been a part of Kinderhaven Preschool Academy for the past 9 years, and I have been the director for the past year and a half. I am committed to teaching children that they can and should make a difference in the world, and that they can be dynamic, creative individuals who can achieve anything they want! I have a BA in English/Physical Education, a M.Div. in divinity and feminist theology, and a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology. I love to read and write, and I am currently writing a curriculum for parents and teachers on how to create compassionate children. I lecture and give workshops on parenting issues, spirituality, personal growth, and other psychological issues. I am also the President of Achievement through Creative Education, Inc., an academic tutoring and life coaching business. Kinderhaven Preschool Academy produces compassionate, thoughtful, creative, and spirited learners—who could ask for more?!?
Meredith Massa—Blue Class Teacher
My family and I moved to Lake Forest from Connecticut over the summer (2008). My husband, Rich, and I have two children, Jenny is 9 yrs old and Ethan is 6 yrs old. Both children will be attending the Cherokee School. I have 7 years of teaching. I have taught at many age levels including 3rd grade, 1st grade and preschool. I spent the last 3 years teaching 2nd grade at Convent of the Sacred Heart in Greenwich, CT. I have my undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and my master’s degree in Special Education and Reading. I am thrilled to be a part of Kinderhaven Preschool Academy!
Kathy Friedman—Purple Class Teacher
I am so excited to be a part of Kinderhaven this year. I am a long time resident of Lake Forest, and I can still remember the first day of preschool for my two children! My son is now a junior at Lake Forest High School and my daughter is a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. I have been an active community volunteer, particularly with the APT when my children were students in District 67. I graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in Sociology, and I am currently pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education.
Kelly Sindt—Class Teacher
I am in my second year teaching at Kinderhaven Preschool Academy! I am a native of Lake County, and have over 15 years experience working with small children either as a preschool teacher or nanny. I have a certificate in early childhood education, and I’m currently pursuing a degree in elementary education and art therapy. I love art, and I believe this shows in the various art adventures I journey on with the children. I currently own my own art/jewelry company called “Funky Egg Art.” I love the creative energy Kinderhaven instills in the children!