Caring for children since 1983
Call us today at (412)446-0033 to schedule a tour!
HIGHSCHOOL HELPERS
Emily Smith - Lead Teacher
Abby Leise
Hi. My name is Rachel Reaghard. I grew up in Rennerdale. I graduated from Chartiers Valley Highschool in 2005, where I took child development classes and completed my preschool practicum. I was a nanny after highschool. I'm a former flight attendant for 13 years. I've lived in Salt Lake City, Chicago, and Wisconsin. I attended the Pittsburgh Career Institute where I worked in the dental field for 3 years. I'm married to a PA state trooper and we have two daughters, Skylar and Charlee. Over the last year I've been a stay-at-home mom to my girls. I'm very happy I get to see the kid's smiling faces at Wee Care everyday, while at the same time being able to check in on my girls!
Silya Khanouche
Michele Shea
Hello! My name is Oksana Burdiak. I am so excited to be your child's teacher, and it is a pleasure to have your child in our class! I look forward to partnering with you to make this a fun, learning experience for your child.
Originally I am from Ukraine, but I have lived in Paris for the last four years. In 2014, I earned my Master's degree in Primary education. In 2017, I received a degree in Speech Therapy as well. I worked with children in Ukraine as a primary school teacher for eight years and as a speech therapist for six years.
I am married and have a son, Damir. I am an energenic and active person. I attract others with my humanity and honesty.
Before I became a teacher, I had no idea that could fit so many kids in one heart! I love children very much and like to have fun with them. I look forward to meeting each child!
Hi, I'm Emily! I've been working in the child care field since 2019. I have a child development associate in infant and toddler ages. I use to teach dance to all ages and I was a yoga instructor for many years. I love doing crafts and art projects. Some of my hobbies outside of work would be walking on the trail by my apartment, painting, baking and spending time with my family. I love to sing despite not being that great at it:-/ I'm also a tattoo lover and I'm certified in interior decorating! I can't wait to get to know the children at Wee Care and all of you!
Hello, I am Heather Shiel.
I'm from Burgettstown, PA. I have been working in the child care field since 2018.
I have a degree in photography. I am currently working on my bachelor's in early childhood education. I still love photography and have my own photography business, but I love teaching and seeing the children grow. I love the positive impact that teachers have on their students.
I have two dogs. One is a Yorkie named Buddy and the other is an Aussie named Winston (Winnie). I love going to concerts and traveling.
Cheyenne Brown
Oksana Burdiak
Additional Pre-K Staff
Hi! My name is Kathy Fraino and I have worked at Wee Care since 2007. I have a son Robert who is a police officer and is married with two sons, Nico & Anthony. I have been working with children for over thirty years. I love watching young children grow!
Ashley Bayer
Camden Paulmen
Rachel Reaghard
Additional Infant/Toddler Staff
Stephanie Nero - Lead Teacher
Hi, my name is Matt Blewitt. I was born and raised in King of Prussia (Eastern PA). I have been working and educating children since 1999 (through work or schooling). I have worked here at Wee Care Children’s Center since 2002. I have graduated from Duquesne University with a degree in Elementary Education and Early Childhood. Ever since I was a senior in high school, I knew for me to be happy in life I would be somewhere educating children. My hobbies are playing golf and watching my beloved world champion Philadelphia Phillies.
Hi! My name is Heidi Hartman, and I have always had a love for working with children. I babysat my nieces and nephews from the time they were little. While I taught them a lot, I also learned a lot from them. We would visit many places over the summer months and had tons of fun. I cherished every minute of it. Their friends and neighbors considered me their "Aunt Heidi" then, and many of them still do! I love seeing the smiles on little faces everyday as they learn something new or are excited to be among friends. In those moments, I know that those tiny smiles, giddy excitement and contagious spirit are exactly why I enjoy being around them so much!
Hello everyone, my name is Aaron, and I have been working in the early education field for five years now. I first started with summer jobs, working as a counselor. Then, I became a preschool aide at a nearby center, where I earned my CDA (Child Development Associate) credential. Soon after, I transitioned to Lead Teacher at another nearby center. While there, I enrolled in the Eastern University's Early Childhood Education program and continue to take classes.
My philosophy as a teacher is to foster a partnership between parents and teachers, working together as a cohesive team to provide the best care and education possible. I value the importance of listening to children to help them thrive positively.
When my teacher brain is off, I like to go out and enjoy life with friends. I enjoy reading, writing, gaming, music, and learning new things. I also enjoy traveling and learning about diverse environments and cultures, both ancient and modern. My personal goals are to publish a children's book, write a piano song, and travel to China.
It's very nice to meet all of you!
Hello, my name is John Kempton and I have worked in the Early Childhood Education field since 2021. I've primarily worked with ages four to five, with a focus on Kindergarten readiness & basic life skills. I have lived in the area my whole life and was a student at Chartiers Valley. I went to CCAC and studied Music Technology, and have also earned my CDA credential. I love all things animal and science related. If I could hug a bear or an alligator without consequences, I would. As for pets of my own, I have two cats, Nadiya & Roxie, a crested gecko named Jameson, and I also have more arachnids than you have fingers & toes. I love to cook, but I can't bake to save my life. When I'm not at work, you can find me watching cooking shows, playing video games, or listening to music.
Hi, my name is Ashley Bayer. I worked here at Wee Care fifteen years ago- for twenty years!! Now I'm back doing the thing I love most, working with children. I have four children of my own. I have a 23 year old son and three girls, ages 21, 19 and 14. My first three children attended Wee Care from birth until 5years old. I
whole heartedly believe they thrive in life due to this amazing day care! I would never want to work anywhere else. The staff is amazing here.
Heidi Hartman
My name is Jess Wargo. I graduated from Mercyhurst University in 2005 with degrees in both Dance and World Language Education. Shortly after, I started working at Wee Care as a preschool and dance teacher, but then got a teaching job in a private Christian school in the area. During my teaching experience I had a preschool classroom for two years, a kindergarten classroom another two years, and taught Spanish K-8 for six years. I have also traveled to Guatemala three times on mission trips to an Orphanage. In fall of 2013 I returned to Wee Care working in the preschool and school age classrooms. I have been married since October 2011 and have three pet parakeets! Working with children has been one of the greatest blessings of my life, and I look forward to that continuing here at Wee Care.
Excuse us while we update the website. More information will be available soon!
Hello, my name is Kristina Sagaydak, and I am originally from Ukraine - a place that will forever hold a special corner of my heart
In 2017, after getting married, I moved to the United States to Pittsburgh, where I now live with my husband and our two wonderful daughters, Sabrina and Melissa.
For several years, I was a stay-at-home mom, dedicating most of my time to raising my children and helping care for other kids through babysitting. These experiences strengthened my love for working with children and deepened my understanding of their emotional and developmental needs.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Management, which has helped me build strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
I have a passion for traveling and photography, and I enjoy exploring new places with my family. Watching my children grow, learn, and discover the world brings me immense joy. I believe that raising kids is a mutual journey: while we guide them, they also teach us to appreciate life and find happiness in simple moments.
Jess Wargo - Assistant Director, Preschool Director
Hi, I am Camden!
Ever since coaching youth basketball and little league in middle school, I've always loved working with children. I have always wanted to have ahuge impact on children's lives, setting them up for the best possible future. Since 2019, I have been teaching at child care centers and have loved every minute of it!
I was born and raised in Ohio while being a major Pittsburgh sports fanatic and Lakers fan! I also have two dogs named Winnie and Buddy.
In Loving Memory
Hi, I am Michele Shea, I live with my husband Patrick, and our three children, Michael (20), Chloe (18), and Brady (16). My greatest accomplishment in life has definitely been being a mother.
I went to the university of Dayton and graduated in 2003. From there I moved to San Diego, where I met my husband. We eventually moved home to start a family. I stayed home with my kids until my youngest was in Kindergarten. I then began working in a kindergarten room and that is where I have been for the past 11 years. I actually worked with Miss Stephanie for 4 years and when I needed a change, she told me about Wee Care. It has been a joy to work with your children and I am so happy to be here!
Marina Goncharova
Amy Kissinger
Hi. My name is Marina Goncharova, I grew up in Kazakhstan and moved to the US in 2010. In 2010, I received my Master's degree in Human Sciences. I have six years of teaching experience with children in Kazakhstan, and four years of babysitting experience here in the US. I am married and have two children, Liza and Igor, who attended Wee Care. I absolutely love working with children, love watching them grow, and sincerely enjoy getting to know them :-D
Kristina Sagaydak
Heather Shiel - Lead Teacher
Hello, I am Cheyenne and I have a 'lil one of my own, Carmello. We recently moved to the city with my boyfriend. We left my small town of Altoona where I was a medical assistant to a cardiologist. Prior to that, I worked in the nursing field for almost five years, and earned my CNA certification. Over the years, I enjoyed the medical field most of all, helping in any way I could. I changed my career to child care, where I truly believe I found my passion. Carmello is thriving, and so am I!
We are very pleased to meet you and be a part of the Wee Care family!
Aaron Blackwell
Jr. Grasshoppers
John Kempton
Excuse us while we update the website. More information will be available soon!
Hi, I'm Stephanie Nero! I was born and raised in Bethel Park. I attended the University of Pittsburgh where I received my Masters in Exercise Science/Health & Physical Activity. After spending some time in research, I decided to return to school for my education degree. I earned my MA in teaching elementary education PreK-4 in 2016 and have been teaching ever since. I most recently taught kindergarten but took some time off to spend with my two young girls - Hannah and Hailey. I am excited to be back in the classroom and can't wait to get to know your children!
Hi, my name is Amy Kissinger. I have a Master's Degree in Elementary Education, and a BA in Psychology. I am currently working on my Handwriting Without Tears Certification. I am married and have two children; A.J. and Matthew. I love working with children, and have over 20 years experience working in the child care setting. My favorite part of the day is talking with children and working with them in a small group setting.
My name is Roseann Schwartzmiller. I live with my husband Rich and my dog, Sarge. I also have a granddaughter named Sophia. I enjoy watching Sophia on the weekends. I also enjoy reading books and watching TV.
I very much enjoy working with children. I previously worked at another day care for 9 months before coming to Wee Care. I also worked at Chartiers Valley Primary School as a lunch aide.
Hi. My name is Tara Lutton, and I am a proud mother of three: Evan, Kenna, and Ashlyn. When my youngest began school, I decided to return to work. I have always loved being around children and therefore Wee Care is perfect for me. I am a teacher's assistant, and I like that I get to interact with various age groups and also be there for my family. I really enjoy watching the children move from one stage to the next!
Tara Lutton
Roseann Schwartzmiller
Kathy Fraino
ADDITIONAL WEE CARE STAFF
Judy Grega - Music and Story Time
Hi, my name is Matt Blewitt. I was born and raised in King of Prussia (Eastern PA). I have been working and educating children since 1999 (through work or schooling). I have worked here at Wee Care Children’s Center since 2002. I have graduated from Duquesne University with a degree in Elementary Education and Early Childhood. Ever since I was a senior in high school, I knew for me to be happy in life I would be somewhere educating children. My hobbies are playing golf and watching my beloved world champion Philadelphia Phillies.
Matt Blewitt - Lead Teacher
DRAGONFLY ROOM
BUMBLEBEE ROOM
LADYBUG ROOM
Hi, my name is Carrie Schade. I have been employed at Wee Care Children’s Center since 1999. I graduated from Carlynton High School and Mercy Hospital Child Care Program. I also do lots of babysitting. I enjoy going to the mall and to the movies. I like working with all of the age groups. The children are special at all ages.
Carrie Schade
BUTTERFLY ROOM
Hi, my name is Samar Khalil. I am a teacher in the two year old room. I came to America from Syria in 2000. I was an elementary school teacher for 19 years in Syria. I have been at Wee Care since 2003. I enjoy working here at Wee Care because I love children and Wee Care is the best!
Samar Khalil - Lead Teacher
CATERPILLAR ROOM
Hello, my name is Camillia Juarin, but you can call me Cam. I am originally from Allentown which is located near Lancaster and Reading. I started working at Wee Care a few weeks after getting my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education at California University.
Teaching children gives me joy, but seeing them learn and understand a concept is indescribable. I see children this young as blank sheets of paper that we fill up with the basics and much more fun and interesting topics while providing love and nurture along the way. I do not have a certain age that I favor more than the other because I find that at each age you learn something new that is beneficial to my teaching career. One thing I love about being a teacher is being taught something new by the students and being inspired by them to be a better role model, teacher or person.
Camillia Juarin - Lead Teacher
TURTLE ROOM
Hi, my name is Sue. As of August, 2005, I became the new owner/director. I have been pursuing this goal for many years! I first worked at Wee Care as a high school helper. I then earned a B.A. degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education. I went on to graduate school and earned an M.S. degree in Child Development/Child Care with a specialization in administration. During this time I gained a variety of experiences with children of all ages. I then returned to Wee Care as the Preschool Director. I learned a lot from Emily Chidlow, who founded Wee Care in 1982. Now I’m excited to be back again doing what I love. It is truly a privilege to be a part of the growth and development of so many fantastic kids.
Matt Blewitt - Assistant Director, School Age Director
Hello, my name is Donna English Jozefowicz. I am Sue’s older (but not that much older) sister. I am married to Jim, whom you may have seen around the halls of Wee Care, and we have two daughters, Jill and Lindsey. We also have a dog, Bailey, the love of Jim’s life. I love being involved in the early childhood educational and developmental processes of children, and had worked at Prairie Children Preschool in Aurora, Illinois since 1998. Before relocating to Illinois, our family lived in Upper St. Clair, and I worked at Wee Care. My youngest daughter Lindsey attended Wee Care and met her first boyfriend and favorite teacher, Ms. Connie, in the two year old room. So I have been both an employee entrusted with your child’s care, and a parent who has entrusted Wee Care with my child’s care. Jim and I both attended Edinboro University. He majored in baseball and business. I graduated with a BS in Speech and Language Education. I truly enjoy working with children, and I am looking forward to meeting all the families that attend Wee Care.
Donna Jozefowicz - Owner
Sue English - Owner
ADMINISTRATIVE
LAMB ROOM