Jan Huettner, Director
My degree in piano performance, Bachelor of Music, certainly has taken me down many different paths. My first job out of college was playing at a piano bar four nights a week as an arranger, and a lead sheet maker by day. After my children Jessica and Jeff were born, I played for many years as an accompanist for ballet classes, creating original scores for performances and playing for individual classes. In this capacity I worked as the principal accompanist for the Blair School of Ballet, and later played piano for Nashville Ballet and Blair School of Music.
I have worked at Temple Playschool full time since 1989, starting as a two-year-old teacher, as well as teaching music and Shabbats. I've been a religious school teacher for The Temple since '89 and the coordinator of Temple Tot Shabbats since its inception. In the summer of '99 I worked in an administrative capacity for the Playschool and became assistant director in December of 1999. In the spring of 2001, I took a college-level mentoring class to continue my training. Over the years, I have presented early childhood workshops in the state for NAEYC conferences and a national workshop at the C.A.J.E. conference in Massachusetts.
Email Ms. Huettner
Playschool directors receive at least 30 hours of ongoing training every year. Teachers are required to receive 30 hours their first year and 18 every year following. Most of our teachers and staff exceed their training requirements. We also train our entire staff in CPR and First Aid every two years.
TECTA is a program managed through TSU and other state universities.
It stands for Tennessee Early Childhood Training Alliance.
NAEYC stands for National Association for the Education of Young Children. We have been earning their prestigious accreditation for over a dozen years.
DHS, Dept. of Human Services, licenses us and rates programs with zero to three stars annually.
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Noel Pittman, Office Manager
I am from Nashville, Tennessee and went to Austin Peay State University to pursue my Bachelors in Vocal Performance and Communications. I came to the playschool in October of 2007. I have worked in a preschool setting since I was 16 years old, and am excited to take my experience in working with children to a “behind the scenes” position by working in the office.
I have been so pleased to work with the faculty and the parents here at the Playschool and look forward to this new and exciting time in my life.
Infant
Some Infant Room teachers requested that their personal information not be posted on the Internet.
Irma Spahic
I am originally from El Salvador (Central America). I moved to the U.S. in 1993 to be with my family. I am married and have a sweet 6 year old boy named Aaron. I have a Bachelor’s degree in commerce and administration-option accounting in middle and high school education. Also, an Associate’s degree in Social Communications from the University of El Salvador. I have been involved with children my entire life and have 5 years of experience working with infants in an early childhood program. I also did baby sitting on the side. I am really enjoying being part of the infant room and look forward to my experiences at the Temple Playschool.
Mary Babalola
I was born in Nashville, Tennessee; I went back to Nigeria at the age of 2. I studied at both my preschool and high school in Nigeria. I am a graduate of Tennessee State University and I have a bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences. I am married and have an adorable daughter, Tolulope. I started working at the Temple Playschool April 1, 2008. I have first hand experiences raising my nephews and nieces in Nigeria.
I am pleased to work her at the Playschool and am looking forward to an exciting time.
Toddler 1
Deidre Muhammad
A former Playschool teacher, Deidre returned to work with our young toddlers in December of 2000. Her daughter, Kalila graduated from our program as well! Deidre’s experience with children has been wide-range and fairly long-term, including childcare in her own home, work at the YMCA, and several college-level courses. She graduated from the 30-hour TECTA class in the spring of 2001. She also has been very involved in the Nashville Chapter of “Stand for Children.
Debora Bedne Izaguirre
I came from Buenos Aires, Argentina, from a family of 4. I am the youngest and the only girl! I went to a Jewish School all my life, learning Hebrew, Torah, festivities, etc. I became a leader/madricha for children of different ages when I was 17, and traveled to Israel with Tapuz Madrichim, having more seminars there. A couple of years later I studied as an Israeli Folk Dance Teacher. Since then I've been working with children. I also worked in my family wholesale business for 10 years. I am a graphic designer, a sailor, etc.
With my husband and first son, I came to Nashville in 1997. We fell in love with the city, and wanted to move as soon as possible. It took us 4 years and 2 more children to do it!! Now we have Lucas, Catalina, and Felipe. I have my hands full, but not enough. I volunteer at the Hispanic Achievers Program. Also, the YMCA, in conjunction with Belmont University, is helping Hispanic children through their school years. I teach them computer skills. I have just become a volunteer translator in the Metro Police Department with the “El Protector” Program. I enjoy working at the Temple Playschool, because I love children and I can use all of my skills.
Kristina Earps
I’m originally from a small town in southern Colorado. I moved to Nashville in 2005 to be with my husband who was returning home from a year-long tour in Iraq. We just celebrated our 4 year anniversary. We don’t have children yet, but I consider my 3 “puppies” my kids.
I have a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. I’ve taught in various settings including 6th and 7th grade in a private school and as a private home school teacher. Prior to that, I taught in a 2-year-old classroom. I have also coached peewee soccer and volleyball. I am enthusiastic about working with younger children again!
Outside of work, I enjoy running, singing, biking, knitting, playing sports, and spending time with my husband and dogs.
Toddler 2
Crystal Watkins
Crystal was born in Okinawa, Japan into a military family. She was raised in Clarksville Tn, and graduated from Tennessee State University in December of 2007. Crystal received her Bachelors in Psychology. She came to the Temple Playschool from the Nashville SEES program. She was with SEES from April of 2007 and was hired as the lead teacher of Toddler Two in December of 2007. She plans to pursue a Masters Degree in Guidance Counseling.
Ella Chiripko
I came to America from Ukraine in 1997. In Ukraine, I finished “Sales Institute” from which I have a degree. I am married with two children. When I came to America, I worked for two years at the Jewish Community Center as an infant teacher. I also have experience working with disabled and elderly people. I received the 30-hour TECTA training to better perform in my job. I began at the Playschool in December of 2001.
Mary Baringer
Molly (Mary) Baringer is a native Nashvillian and lives with her parents and four dogs! She recently received her Child Development Associate Credential from Tennessee Tech and has had several years in Early Childhood programs. She likes to hike, swim, read, and scrapbook. Molly has been at the Playschool since late summer of 2006. She is currently pursuing her A.A. in Early Childhood Studies at Nashville State Community College.
Suhad Muse
Suhad was hired in January of 2007. She is married to Rashad whose company cleans the Playschool in the afternoons! They come from Somalia, but Suhad also lived in Kuwait for a period of time as her father worked for the embassy there.
Suhad is one of 11 siblings which she helped raise and she has a young daughter herself. Besides high school, Suhad has been trained in business skills and speaks three languages (Somali, Arabic, and English). She has been in the States for 6 years. We know she is very pleasant and a hard worker. Welcome to the Playschool!!
Toddler 3
Margo Coffey
I am a native of New Orleans and have lived in Nashville for 20 years. My daughter, Colleen lives and works from here, too. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from Wheelock College in Boston, Massachusetts with a special focus in the Hospitalized Child and a minor in Music. I also hold a Massachusetts lifetime teaching certificate. My career working with young children has included a variety of settings, one of which was developing an on-campus childcare center at Harvard Law School in 1971. Another setting was a therapeutic playroom at Boston’s Children’s Hospital.
I have been at Temple Playschool since August 2003. It has been a privilege to work with the wonderful children, parents, and talented staff.
Amy Johnson
Amy Johnson is originally from Wisconsin, but has lived in Chicago, Florida and now Nashville! She and her husband have a young daughter who is also a Playschool student. Amy has her B.A. in Psychology from Northwestern and her M. Ed. in Human Development Counseling from Vanderbilt. She is currently enrolled in
another Master's Program. Although her professional career has been mostly working with youth and young adults who need "extra support", she has had previous childcare experience. Amy was hired in August of 2007.
Verlease Gates
I graduated from Hume-Fogg High School in 2007. I will be entering my sophomore year in college this fall. My freshman year, I attended the University of Memphis, but I will be transferring to Middle Tennessee State University to pursue the rest of my college education. I am currently working on my bachelor’s degree in Biology. I hope to continue on to medical school to become a pediatrician. I have volunteered at Temple Playschool since my freshman year of high school. I helped out by babysitting during special events and holidays. During my senior year in high school, I did an internship here at the Playschool under Ms. Dawn and Ms. Gladys. I really enjoy working with children, and look forward to my experiences at the Temple Playschool.
Preschool One
Some Preschool One teachers requested that their personal information not be posted on the Internet.
Patricia Guardado
I am originally from El Salvador. I lived in Bronx, New York for fifteen years. I graduated from Herbert Lehman College in the Bronx with Bachelors in Studio Art and Middle/ High School Education. Art and teaching are my passions. I work as a saxophone repair technician for two years until a friend of mine thought that I could use all my energy toward young children. I worked as a sub teacher for two weeks and by the end of the second week I realized that was something I wanted to do for many years. I register to do my master in Early Childhood and started working full time with three and four year olds at a Jewish Center in the Bronx.
I moved to Nashville in July of 2007. I started working here in August of 2007 and I enjoy working with the families and teachers here.
Preschool Two
Some Preschool Two teachers requested that their personal information not be posted on the Internet.
Kia Caldwell
Kia began at the Playschool in the summer of 2001. She has two children of her own and previous experience as a nanny. The bulk of her experience before here, was in management, sales, and customer service. Her goal is to open her own childcare center one day. She attended the 30-hour TECTA training in the fall of 2002 and has been attending Nashville State Community College, taking coursework in Early Childhood Education.
Pre-K
Some Pre-K teachers requested that their personal information not be posted on the Internet.
Catie Dougherty
I began working with children when I was 17 years old at Oak Hill Day Camp and worked there for 7 years as a counselor, art director, and co-director. I love being able to be a positive role model for children. I received my Bachelor’s of Fine Arts with an emphasis in painting and printmaking from Belmont University and am currently working towards my Masters of Education at Lipscomb.
When I am not working I am teaching private art lessons, creating art, or promoting my mural business room2paint. I also love hiking, camping, and spending time with my family. My husband and sister-in-law attended Temple Playschool and my mother-in-law helped establish the Playschool. I have a beautiful son named Art, short for Arthur. I have been working in Early Childhood Education since 2004 and look forward to being a part of the Temple community.
Floater
Ashley Stevens
I am from Nashville, Tennessee and I am currently attending Nashville State Tech pursuing my Associate of Science degree. When I graduate next semester, I will attend MTSU to pursue my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology.
I am very close to my family and have been involved with children my entire life. I love children, music, animals, and the outdoors. I am new at the Playschool and plan to receive all the proper training I need to better my understanding of children, and to perform my job to the best of my ability. I am very excited to work with the children, parents, and faculty of the Playschool!
Catie Dougherty
I began working with children when I was 17 years old at Oak Hill Day Camp and worked there for 7 years as a counselor, art director, and co-director. I love being able to be a positive role model for children. I received my Bachelor’s of Fine Arts with an emphasis in painting and printmaking from Belmont University and am currently working towards my Masters of Education at Lipscomb.
When I am not working I am teaching private art lessons, creating art, or promoting my mural business room2paint. I also love hiking, camping, and spending time with my family. My husband and sister-in-law attended Temple Playschool and my mother-in-law helped establish the Playschool. I have a beautiful son named Art, short for Arthur. I have been working in Early Childhood Education since 2004 and look forward to being a part of the Temple community.
