Meet the Teachers

Kimberly Engstrom
Preschool Director/ Teacher

“I went to work for CARE for Children because CARE stands for the same philosophies that are important to me, empowerment through education, inclusion, and CARE’s active role in “improving the lives of children of all abilities. I believe the best part of working at CARE is watching the excitement and joy on a child’s face as they accomplish something that they never thought they could. CARE for Children is truly for the child.”

Kimberly earned a Masters of Education in Special Education from Edinboro University and a Bachelors of Science in Education in Early Childhood Education from Lock Haven University. She was selected to attend the 2007 Pennsylvania Governors Institute for Early Literacy. She has over ten years experience in Early Childhood programs and began her career at CARE in 2000.

Kimberly is involved in many programs at CARE but her main focus is the Rainbow Corner Preschool where she is responsible for the overall programmatic operation, including the implementation and delivery of a curriculum that meets the pre-K standards in all developmental areas and provides the students with the school readiness skills needed for Kindergarten. Kimberly also was instrumental in starting a developmental playgroup at CARE for children between 24 and 42 months of age which focuses on language development, sensory exploration and social skills in a child-initiated play environment.

As a Special Instructor, Kimberly provides therapy for children between the ages of birth to 3 years old with a 25% delay in cognitive or social/emotional development in the child’s natural environment. The therapy is family centered incorporating each family’s strengths, routines, needs and priorities to help the child reach his or her full potential. She is also always willing to help out during the Kid Fitness programs, rec programs, and childcare for family support meetings.

Kimberly resides in Bradford with her husband, two dogs and two cats.

Janice M. Stiles
Preschool Aide

“My daily duties are to help teach the children in our classroom, but many times a child becomes the teacher and I become the student. Some days are more challenging than others but so many wonderful things happen that make me laugh and put a smile on my face.”

Jan has over ten years experience working with young children. She has been a teacher’s aide at CARE since 2003. Jan has dedicated herself to the preschool program and believes that the success of the program is directly related to the small staff that truly works together for the good of each child.

Not only does Jan play an integral role in the preschool program and developmental playgroup, she also volunteers for recreation events and child care for special events. She is also the in-house artist responsible for bulletin boards and other creative ventures.

Jan credits her belief that there is no better place to work and CARE for Children’s success, on the excellent group of people that dedicate themselves to making a difference in the lives of children, including the staff, the board, volunteers, and families.

Jan resides in Bradford with her husband and two dogs. She also has two children and two beautiful grandchildren.

Barbara McGarry
Classroom Aide

“I hope my time working with children gives them courage and determination to keep learning, because I learn new things from them everyday. Children will learn if they are encouraged. I am blessed to work with a staff that shares my passion.”

Barb began working at CARE during the 2008-2009 school year. She has over ten years experience working in early childhood and school settings.

Barb enjoys working at Rainbow Corner because of the great environment, small class sizes, and the preschool’s dedication to making learning fun. She encourages the children in the program and always finds a way to praise them for their efforts and accomplishments. She always has a smile and a positive attitude.

Barb believes that CARE for Children ‘goes above and beyond’ in the services and programs they provide. She also notes that the agency has great kids and a great staff that is like a big, happy family that works together for the good of the children, and their families.

Barb resides in Bradford with her husband and has a son and a daughter.