Celeste DeCecco

The very first time I taught a lesson on art and literature to a second grade class at St. Barbra’s school I fell in love with teaching. As I think about it, even as a small child I loved to play school and be the teacher. There is a freeing experience happening in the heart when you are a part of seeing a child create, learn and grow that reminds me of the beauty in simplicity. I’ve experienced that children learn, as we all do, through discovery, experiment and mishaps. By creating environments that allow children to explore, create and discover we meet the needs of every child. Being aware that children explore in many different ways helped me design a classroom space that has the right spots for each child.

1. Some children explore more privately, thinking things through and feeling safe to do so in the quiet classroom spaces teachers create.

2. Other children explore through art and having a creative zone where they are always free to create through many mediums.

3. Yet another child might explore through role­playing, and play areas with a kitchen, sofa, table and chairs, and dress-­up clothes to be who they see.

I have seen so many different types of teachers and schools over the twenty years I’ve been teaching, and my core beliefs still hold true today on the type of environment and teaching method I believe are best . It is truly amazing, and a social wellness happens, when children’s personal exploration styles intermingle. It creates the atmosphere for respect and value of others, in addition to acceptance of differences. Children will learn these things and each bit of knowledge they receive will be held better in their minds and memory, far better than any worksheet can offer. This is a peek into my teaching philosophy and the design of Cornerstone Learning Center. My desire in becoming a director is knowing that when all of these aspects of teaching and classroom design are fully implemented and continually encouraged, that school will be an amazing place for any child. Cornerstone Learning Center is that place.

The Director

Deepa N.

Hi, my name is Deepa. I grew up in a family-oriented household. I love Jesus Christ with all my heart and I am passionate about my relationship with Him. I have a bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering. I was a stay at home mom and am a mother of two; my son is 19 and my daughter is 14. I love crocheting during my free time and I also regularly volunteered at a couple of places. I enjoy doing administrative work and am happy to be a part of the Cornerstone family.

Assistant to the Director

Wendy Ward

Hello,

My name is Wendy Ward. I have two children. A son and a daughter. My son attends Arizona State University and my daughter goes to Haverford High School. I received my Associates Degree at D.C.C.C in Early Childhood Education. I have been a childcare provider and teacher for 25 years and have had experience in working with different age groups. I am privileged to be able to teach and watch your children grow and learn. My family is very committed to serving God and teaching has given me the opportunity to express God’s love to all children and families. I am excited to get to know all of you as I work here at Cornerstone.

Teacher

Danielle Worby

Hello, my name is Danielle. I am very excited to be working at Cornerstone Learning Center. I am a recent graduate of Ridley High School. While attending this school I had the opportunity to be part of an amazing program called Kiddie Korner and Preschool Lab. During this class I was able to take role as a teacher for the toddlers. I took on the same responsibilities as I will be doing here at Cornerstone. I also have 10 nieces and nephews which really enhances my love for children. I enjoy watching them grow and help them learn new things. I really want to help each and every child here at Cornerstone succeed while they are with us. I am looking forward to becoming part of this wonderful community and being a part of this wonderful team at Cornerstone Learning Center.

Assistant Teacher

Lauren Conley

Hi! My name is Lauren Conley and I am very happy to be part of the Cornerstone team!  I have been working with children for five years and have an Associates degree in Early Childhood Education.  I have also enjoyed volunteering as a summer reading aide. I honestly cannot imagine working anywhere else without children! The best things about working with children are talking to the children, teaching them new things and making sure they are safe.

Assistant Teacher

Lizzie Bringhurst

Hi, my name is Lizzie Bringhurst and I am very happy to be working at Cornerstone. I grew up in a large family with so many younger cousins that I have had the joy of babysitting ever since I was thirteen. I have always enjoyed watching children learn and play, and knowing that I could be making a difference in their life. I believe every child should be able to grow and learn in a fun and loving environment. I have also worked at a summer camp for children ages 5 to 15, as well as been in the Preschool Lab class at Marple Newtown High School for two years, working with pre-K toddlers. After high school I plan on graduating college with a degree in speech pathology to help children with that struggle with speech and language. I am so excited to be able to continue teaching children here at Cornerstone.

Assistant Teacher

Nike W.

Hello, my name is Nike and I am a wife and mother of three. My children are six years old, three years old and four months old. I am very family oriented. I am the oldest out of six children, and I always loved interacting with my younger siblings and teaching them. Ever since I was fourteen I knew I wanted to work with children so I started babysitting in my neighborhood. I began to tutor kids and worked in nurseries as I grew older. I started working in my first childcare facility after high school. I love teaching children because I am able to lead them in the direction that God wants for their lives. God also wants us to take time to teach children the right thing and as a servant of God I am here to do His will. I have been working with children for seven years and I plan to further my education so that I can be in a position to help children in many aspects. I am currently attending Strayer University for my  degree. I want to eventually get to a position where I am able to counsel children and lift them up in the Lord. Jesus Christ is my savior and He has a heart for people and I want to be able to show children the love of God in every situation in their life. I have been with the cornerstone family for three years and I can’t wait to welcome you.

Teacher

Cassidy Farrell

Hi everyone! My name is Cassidy Farrell. I am overjoyed to be apart of such a great team at Cornerstone learning center! A little bit about me... I am a recent graduate from Penncrest high school. Where I had the opportunity to take an early child development class with our own preschool. Soon I will be attending college to get my associates in early care and education. I’ve been fostering animals since I was four years old, anything from puppies and kittens to squirrels and deer!  Ive had a job since i was 13 years old. Though it wasn’t until my first job as a nanny that I realized what I really wanted to do. Watching and helping those little ones blossom into the future people they will be helped me see, I wanted to become a teacher. I was brought up to show love and kindness to others. As a member of Cornerstone learning center, my goal is to do the same and help your child grow in every way!

Assistant Teacher

Linda Payes

I am a retired mother of three girls and ten grandchildren. I have been volunteering at Cornerstone Learning Center since it opened in September, 2015. I love being with the children and watching them grow and learn both academically and spiritually. I started my working careen at the old Sears and Roebuck in the accounting department. When I married and had children I stayed home a few years and returned to the work force into retail sales. I managed a Radio  Shack store in Lawrence Park right down the road. Changing again, I went into the dental field and opened and managed Dental Practices, which I continued in  for about 20 years. My next venture was in a Life Care Community for seniors. I started in Dining Services and went on to become the Activities Director. I found I loved working with the seniors and after returning to Dentistry for about 4 years I retired and work part time doing home care for seniors. I hope to be able to continue working both at Cornerstone Learning Center and with the seniors until I really retire. Working at Cornerstone is always active and never dull. Kids say the darndest things, don't we all know. 

Assistant Teacher