BIO OF ALL NURSERY WORKERS

 

In one of my first letters to you I expressed my desire to hopefully make FBC Nursery the place where you WANT to bring your children.  I am pleased with the progress we have made in providing the children with a safe, clean environment to begin their religious life.

 

Most importantly, I am so proud of my staff of care givers.  They are reliable, responsible professionals who are one hundred percent devoted to your children.  I invite each of you to get to know them and of course always acknowledge the great job they do. Some have been here a while but some are fairly new and I would like to introduce all of them to you.  Take the opportunity to say hello to your child's caregiver.

 

ARDIE ANZOLA - Has one daughter and came to Gainesville 19 years ago from Venezuela but is originally from Pennsylvania.  She is fluent in Spanish and has been working at Enota Elementary School for the past 19 years as a translator and para-pro in kindergarten and first grade. In our nursery Ardie provides her special care and attention to the one year olds.  Ardie is in the nursery on Wednesday nights and is always eager to fill in for special occasions.

 

KAY DEFOOR - Is originally from Atlanta but living in Gainesville since 1972.  Kay has four grown children and four grandchildren. Kay has worked at Enota for the past 27 years as a para-pro for kindergarten and first grade.  Kay's special ability to interact with children is obviously displayed in our three year old class. Kay expresses her love for working with children in our nursery and being part of the FBC family on Sunday, Wednesday nights and on special occasions.

 

AMY JONES - Born and raised in Gainesville, is married 35 years and has one daughter in college.  Amy got her degree from UGA in art education and has worked as a kindergarten teacher in Lyman Hall School and a pre K teacher in Joyland.  She has also subbed in many other Gainesville schools.  Amy is skillful in creating interesting projects that connect her class to their religious training.  Amy's calm, soft spoken manner is useful to the very bright and active four years old of today.

 

LINDA PLANTS - Came to FBC Nursery two years ago after returning from work in the Uganda missions.  Linda's family has been long time members of FBC.  Linda has one son, Peter, adopted from a Uganda orphanage.  Linda works at Challenge Child as a para-pro and in the FBC Family Life Center. Linda is the Sunday school teacher in the two year old class as well as the main caregiver for that age.  It is obvious that Linda takes her position seriously by the preparation and dedication she gives to her lessons and class.  Linda also works on Wednesday nights..

 

JULIE BENNA - Came to the nursery one year ago from the FBC preschool staff. Julie moved to Gainesville five years ago while working as a Paramedic.  Julie has an associate degree in early childhood development.  Julie is married and has two girls and one baby boy.  Julie is caring for the older ones/young two class and all of her experience and knowledge is utilized in this class.  LISA MANISCALCO - Previously a practicing attorney and independent film producer in Memphis, came to Gainesville 7 years ago.  Lisa now works as a probate attorney and county administrator.  Five years ago Lisa was asked to fill in on one Sunday.  It was quickly evident that the nursery is where Lisa wanted to be and is today the main care giver in the Baby room. Additionally, Lisa is looked upon as second in charge and can be responsible for the total function of the nursery. Lisa helps with the purchase of supplies, repairs anything broken, replaces toy batteries, maintains the very important beeper system and always available to oversee the nursery.

 

SARAH CROWE - Worked for FBC sixteen plus years in the kitchen preparing food for our Wednesday night suppers and special occasions.  Three years ago Sarah came to join our nursery staff and has worked in the Older Ones/Young Two class ever since.  Many times Sarah is asked to use her calming Southern style to calm a crying baby or to stroll a baby to sleep.  Sarah works for MOPS every other Thursday and is available to help for special occasions.

 

DEITRA LOVELL - Was raised in Gainesville and comes from a large well known family.  Deitra has a degree from Lanier Tech in early childhood development and came to the nursery one year ago.  Deitra is an active part of Sunday classes in the three year old room working with Kay Defoor.  Deitra works on Wednesday nights and with MOPS and exhibits great interaction with the children and their parents.

 

SARAH REMILLARD - Is married to her husband Michael for six years and had two grown step daughters. One daughter, Elise, helps out her mom on many Sundays.  Sarah works as a daytime nanny for three small children and attends Gainesville College at night majoring in early childhood education.  Sarah is frequently found sitting on the floor with the little ones in the Crawler room.  Sarah is always sad when a child has to move out of her class to the one year olds.

 

BEATRIZ BETANCOUR - Came to Gainesville a year ago and is a new nursery member.  Originally from Colombia, SA, Beatriz spent ten years in Alaska working as a child care provider.  Beatriz has several certifications in child care and wishes some day to run her own nursery.  A family of two grown children, husband and a job at Riverside Military Academy keep her busy now.  We are glad to have Beatriz in the two year old room assisting Linda Plants.

 

MARIAN BROWN - A new member at FBC nursery, has always lived in Gainesville with her son. Marian works at Gainesville Middle School day care as a caregiver for toddlers.  In our nursery, Marian is assistant in the one year old room with Ardie Anzola.  Marian displays a quietness and gentle manner that helps the children feel safe and comfortable.

 

JENNA THAYER - The youngest of our staff, lives in Flowery Branch and is in her third year at Brenau University as a music education major.  Jenna came on board with eagerness and enthusiasm to work in the nursery.  Jenna is assistant to Amy Jones in the four year old class.

You can see her enjoyment with the children by her bright smile and warm interaction with them.