Kiersten Avalos
Kiersten is the 4-year-old class Lead teacher. Kiersten has classroom experience as well as additional educational background. Kiersten has taught pre-school, been an instructor for 3–5-year-olds with special needs, and taught summer school for hearing impaired children. Kiersten volunteered with the Special Olympics for three years. She brings her passion, patience, and energy for teaching children to the Spring-Up team! Kiersten, her husband Jimmy, and daughter Elizabeth live in Hanover.
Michelle Miller
Michelle is the 3-year-old class Lead teacher. She worked in daycare for 6 years and has childcare/teaching experience in various other settings but teaching preschoolers has captured her heart from the moment she began in 2011. She is always excited to see the growth and development in "her kids" from the beginning of the school year to the end. Michelle also works as a PaperPie consultant and crafter. She is married to her favorite farmer, Travis, and has 2 sons, Jaxen and Cooper. Time spent with them is her favorite, and she also enjoys traveling, the outdoors, and building relationships with family and friends.
Jen Smith
Jen is a co-teacher in the 2-year-old classroom. She has a passion for working with kids as she volunteered many years at her own kids’ school. She loves the challenges of this age group as she helps them navigate the hurdles of separation from their parents, to sharing with their friends, and refining their motor skills. Jen and her husband Tim have two children, Lane & Chloe. Jen lives with her family in Spring Grove. Her family enjoys going to the beach & swimming in their pool. They love animals as they have a dog & some chickens.
Mackenna Jackson
Mackenna is the 4-year-old class teacher assistant. The children fondly know her as Miss Kenna. Kenna has been involved in the early childhood setting for over five years. She is currently in the process of going to college to pursue her teaching degree in early childhood education.
Connie Ensor
Connie is the 3-year-old class teacher assistant. Connie has worked in child development for over 30 years. She has provided personal childcare along with working in the public school system, daycare and preschool teaching, directing, assisting and as an aide. Connie has training & schooling certification from Millersville College, Wheaton College, and Penn State of Middletown Campus. Connie developed a Reading and Math Lab for student support in the South Western School Districts five elementary schools under the EASA Title I program. She tutored reading under the direction of Dr. Murphy for the summer program. She has volunteered in Awana, taught Kindergarten Class for Sunday school, provided artwork for backdrops for VBS, taught in VBS and been involved in a choir setting and other singing arrangements. She earned a certificate in Developing Meaning Motivational Learning Materials to enhance learning for the student.Connie, and her husband, Mike, have 4 grown children and thirteen grandchildren. They enjoy walks, and spending time with their children and grandchildren.
Kristen Miles
Kristen is a co-teacher in the 2-year-old classroom. In high school, Kristen focused a lot of time in child development where she went into college as an early childhood education major. After marrying her husband, Ryan, she went into the medical field to pursue a different career path. After having her children, she became a stay-at-home mom for almost seven years. In her spare time, Kristen loves to travel, take day trips, and watch her kids venture out into the world. Her family loves the warm weather and being at the beach. She enjoys cooking, but not so much baking. Some of her favorite things are ice cream, coffee, and being outside with her family! Kristen is so happy and excited to fulfill her time in Spring-Up Academy Preschool to be able to watch your children learn & grow. Kristen and her husband, Ryan, have two children, Mason and Emma.
Pastor Dawn Glatfelter
Pastor Dawn Glatfelter is a pastor at Wellspring Wesleyan Church and the Director of Spring-Up Academy. She was the Commander of our Kids Clubs at Wellspring for 6 years. She has organized Vacation Bible School for 4 years and runs the GriefShare support groups at the church. Dawn and her husband have two daughters and two beautiful granddaughters.