Our Teachers and Staff

Ms. Heather

DIRECTOR: 

My name is Heather Engle and I am the Director of LifeSpan School and Day Care located in Quakertown, PA. I graduated with my Bachelors in Element Art Education and a specialization in Early Childhood Communication from Eastern University in 2010. I hold a PA Teaching Certificate and I obtained my Director’s Credential in 2019. I held various positions here at LifeSpan including teaching in preschool for six years before moving up to Assistant Director, and then Director in 2020.

Outside of work, I enjoy being an active part of the Quakertown community with my husband and two dogs! We love to be outside and play games with our family.

As a director and an educator, I hope to pass along my joy of learning and reading to the children in our care. My favorite place to be is in our classrooms interacting with our children. Every child brings something unique and special to the classroom. It is an extraordinary experience being able to be a part of a child’s upbringing, especially during their first five years of life when their brains are growing faster than at any other point.

 

 

Ms. Katie

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: 

My name is Katie Pursell and I am the Assistant Director her at LifeSpan School and Day Care. I am a graduate of Kutztown University with a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education. I earned my PA Teaching Certificate in 2010 and I am certified Infants to 6th Grade. I am currently working towards my PA Director’s Credential through Keystone College. I have been blessed to work with many wonderful families over the years. As an early learning educator, I started out teaching Pre-Kindergarten for two years and Kindergarten for six. I have spent time as a Title I Math and Reading Teacher, Basic Skills Teacher, and substitute teacher in surrounding school districts for grades K-6th. In addition to teaching I have served the local community as bother a Director and a Program Coordinator for various children’s summer programs.

Outside of work I can be found spending time with family, going on hiking adventures with my shepherd mix, Marlie, and checking out the latest movies and books. I love to share my love of reading with the children here at school. Some of my favorite Children’s Literature Children’s Authors are Dr. Seuss, Mo Willems, Roald Dahl, Beverly Cleary, and Kevin Henkes. Here at LifeSpan, School and Day Care, I hope to get to know you and your child as well as work together to promote growth in all aspects of development for your child. There is nothing more important than building a love of learning at the early stage and I am happy to share this experience with the children of LifeSpan.

 

Ms. Lee

Family Coordinator: 

My name is Lee Hoffman and I joined LifeSpan in July of 2023. Early on in my life, I knew that I wanted to work with children when I grew up. After high school, I attended Kutztown University where I received my Bachelors Degree in Education. I began my teaching career in Central Bucks School District before changing to preschool. In 1985, I was approached by Hatfield Quality Meats and asked to set up a child care program on their premises for employee’s children. After establishing this program and acting as Director for 16 years, my husband and I relocated to Jacksonville, FL. where I began working at Bright Horizons Family Solutions. In 2013, we returned to PA and I continued my career with Bright Horizons as a office manager at the child care center for Merck employees
near Lansdale. I am happy to become a member of LifeSpan family and look forward to getting to know the families here. A highlight of my day has always been seeing the bright faces of the children and their families each morning.

 

 

 

Ms. Rachel

Infant Teacher: 

My name is Ms. Rachel and I joined LifeSpan in 2021. I have four beautiful children- two boys and two girls. My husband and I have been foster parents for eight years and have been able to support many children this way. Before coming to LifeSpan I worked with youth and adults with special needs. During my free time, I love cheering my children on at sports or dance. I am also a Disney fanatic. My family and I love taking trips to theme parks. I look forward to many more years at LifeSpan and continuing to get to know both you and your child.

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Kelly

Infant Teacher:

My name is Ms. Kelly and I joined LifeSpan in July of 2022. I have been working with children since I was 13 years old. I have worked in two other day cares and have been a nanny to many children! I currently live in Bethlehem, but I am originally from Toms River, NJ. I have my Associate of Science Degree from Ocean County College and I completed my Bachelors Degree in Forensic Biology from Chestnut Hill College. Although one day I would like to work with the FBI, working with children has always been a strong passion of mine. Some of favorite

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Allison

Infant Teacher:

Hello, my name is Ms. Allison and I started at LifeSpan School & Day Care in September of 2023. I’ve always loved helping take care of children since I was about 8 years old. My biggest dream as a child was to grow up to be a mom and to help take care of my younger family members. I graduated from high school in 2021. I have a two year old son who I love spending my time with in addition to my two neices. I grew up in Philipsburg, NJ, but spent a lot of time in Quakertown to spend time with my cousin. I love to read, write, draw, and teach my son new things during my free time. I’m looking forward to getting to know parents, children, and my coworkers well.

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Alyssa

Walker Teacher:

My name is Ms. Alyssa and I started at LifeSpan in 2000. I have my CDA and my AA in Early Childhood Education from Bucks County Community College. My flexibility and go with the flow attitude has been a valued characteristic as an early childhood educator. I am able to enter any classroom with confidence and care! I love reading and sharing songs with the children. My favorite book as a child was The Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss. My dad would read it with me every night. I also loved playing “Sorry” with my brother and sister.

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Alexis

Walker Teacher:

Hello! My name is Alexis and I recently joined lifespan in September 2023. I am currently a full time student at Lehigh Carbon Community College, and looking forward to continuing my education. I have worked with kids for years and absolutely love the field, I believe it is one of the most rewarding jobs you can have.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Allie

Walker Teacher:

My name is Ms. Allie and I joined LifeSpan in 2022. I look forward to getting to know the families here. I enjoy reading, playing, and singing with the children.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Melissa

Walker Teacher:

My name is Ms. Melissa and I joined the LifeSpan team in 2007. I am currently furthering my education while working towards my CDA. I have worked in many of the classrooms in our school, with my main focus on infant and toddler education. I am always sharing my patience and caring heart with my class. I love to sing and dance with the children. My favorite activity myself as a child was dancing along to the record player with my mom and dad after breakfast on Saturday mornings.

 

 

 

 

Ms. Hajnal

Toddler Teacher: 

My name is Ms. Hajnal and I joined the LifeSpan team in October of 2015. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Hungary and have over 25 years of teaching experience. I have always wanted to be teacher because I love being part of the process of the growth and development of young children. I am also very interested in arts and crafts and gardening. I love to spend my free time with my family doing outdoor activities with them such as hiking, camping, and traveling.

 

 

 

 

Ms. Janice

Toddler Teacher: 

My name is Ms. Janice and I started working at LifeSpan School and Day Care in Quakertown in 1999. I hold my CDA. I am shy, yet very loving and funny! The children in my care are always lucky to have my dependability and patience. I jokingly say I am too old to remember my own childhood, but I enjoy participatinf in my grandchildren’s. One of our favorite activities to do together is reading! My childhood nickname was “JannyBananny” because I ate so many bananas.

 

 

 

 

Ms. Jess

Toddler Teacher: 

Hi, my name is Ms. Jess and I graduated from Lehigh Carbon County Community College with a Liberal Arts degree when I joined LifeSpan in 2006. I absolutely love working with Toddlers! My son, Tyler, and husband, Ryan, and I enjoy taking walks together and playing outside. I really enjoy working here at LifeSpan and after so many years of being here I feel like this is my second home!

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Brittany

Toddler Teacher: 

My name is Ms. Brittany and I started at LifeSpan in 2022 and have been working in child care since 2006. I am looking forward to teaching and watching the children learn and grow! I graduated from the University of Valley Forge in 2021 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Ministerial Leadership.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Nigina

Toddler Teacher: 

My name is Ms. Nigina and I joined LifeSpan in January of 2023. I am originally from Uzbekistan. In addition to English, I speak Russian, Tajik, and Uzbek. I attended the Institute of Foreign Languages where I received my Bachelor’s Degree. Prior to coming to LifeSpan, I had four years experience working as an assistant teacher. I have a family of my own that consists of my husband and my three children. I am very happy to get to know all of you and be a part of the LifeSpan Family!

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Alexys

Preschool Teacher: 

My name is Alexys and the children at LifeSpan call me Ms. Lexy. I started in 2022 as an Assistant Teacher in the Walker 1 Classroom. I am currently enrolled at Bucks County Community College for Early Childhood Education and I will graduate with an Associates degree in 2023. I look forward to getting to know you and your child well. Communication is key! Outside of work and school my hobbies include driving, taking hikes, ATVs, and firefighting.

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Kathy

Preschool Teacher: 

My name is Ms. Kathy and I joined LifeSpan in November 2023. I graduated from the College of New Jersey with a Masters Degree I Special Education. I was a classroom teacher in Central Bucks School District for 30 years where my greatest accomplishment was integrating my special needs classes into regular education. I live in Quakertown with my husband and 3 rescue dogs. I love the beach and being outdoors. I am very much looking forward to working with you and your children at LifeSpan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Sharon

Pre-Kindergarten Teacher: 

My name is Ms. Sharon and I joined the LifeSpan team in 2008. I earned my Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from East Stroudsburg University. I also hold a PA Teaching Certificate. I am a popular teacher here at LifeSpan! Former students and their parents love to visit with me long after they have left! I always knew I wanted to be a teacher- even as a child I was always playing teacher with my siblings and neighbor!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Elizabeth

Pre-Kindergarten Teacher: 

My name is Elizabeth (most often Beth) Ciccarone, and I live with my husband Albert in Hereford Township in Berks County. I was born in Oxford, England. After high school, I attended Antonelli Institute where I earned an associate’s degree in art and photography. I attended Arcadia University where I received my bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. I also obtained a certificate in outdoor education from the Outward-Bound School of the Northern Cascades in Washington State. I have worked in very diverse educational settings in both Philadelphia and in the surrounding counties. For ten years, I worked as an assistant director of therapeutic outdoor education with socially challenged high school students. This work took me throughout much of the United States while I worked as part of a team in wilderness education and personal development. After working as an outdoor educator, I became a lead pre-K teacher with Play and Learn in Green Lane and Collegeville for 11 years. After one year away from the classroom, I am thrilled to return to teaching with LifeSpan in Quakertown! LifeSpan’s philosophies and programs are so like my own, and I look forward to being part of the LifeSpan community!

 

Ms. Tiffany

Pre-K Counts Teacher: 

Hi, my name is Ms. Tiffany! I joined the LifeSpan team in September of 2015. I graduated from Kutztown University in 2004 with a Bachelor’s in Education. I hold a PA Teaching Certificate in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. I taught at a child care center on an army base for eleven years before coming to LifeSpan. I am currently working towards my Masters of Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Children’s Literature. My husband and I bought our first home in Frederick, PA. We reside there with our two daughters, Alexis and Eva, and our two dogs, Sophie and Oreo. I love painting, drawing, and almost anything that is creative! I absolutely love the people and children that I work with here at LifeSpan. They are truly my second family.

 

 

 

 

Ms. Gaynell

Pre-K Counts Teacher: 

Hello, my name is Ms. Gaynell. I joined LifeSpan in 2016. I am so excited to make new memories here. My family and I live right here in Quakertown. I am married with four children and ten grandchildren. I have been working in this field for over twenty years. I attended Delaware County Community College where I obtained my CDA, an associates degree in Early Childhood Education along with my Director’s Credential. I love spending time with my grandchildren, vacationing, arts and crafts, and sports. I am looking forward to providing the students here with a well-rounded quality education while at the same time providing them with a safe, nurturing and healthy environment. My goal is to “touch the heart of a child.” Everyday is a new opportunity for learning experiences, whether it is me teaching them or them teaching me.

 

 

 

 

Ms. Alison

Pre-K Counts Teacher: 

My name is Ms. Allison and I started at LifeSpan in 2021. I am excited to be teaching in our Pre-K Counts program and I cannot wait to share the year with your family. I graduated from Penn State and hold a Bachelor’s degree in Elementart and Early Childhood Education. I received my PA Teaching Certificate in Pre-K-4th grade. I am also an alumni of Penn State’s Professional Development School for elementary educators and have experience teaching children from preschool-2nd grade. I feel incredibly lucky to work with so many amazing children! Outside of school, I spend time with my family and our many pets. I also enjoy drawing, cooking, kayaking, and playing the violin.

 

 

 

Ms. Alyssa

Prek Counts 2 Teacher:

Hello! My name is Ms. Alyssa and I joined Lifespan in September of 2022. I have baby-sat off and on since the age of 16 and I worked as a summer camp counselor. I am excited to start a career in the professional child care world. I love little kids of all ages so it is hard to answer when my preference because I truly love them all! They have to be careful though- I’m a big cuddler!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Tania

Kindergarten Prep Teacher: 

My name is Ms. Tania Mercer and I will be your child’s kindergarten prep teacher. I have taught pre-K and Kindergarten children for about 15 years. I live in Quakertown with my husband Michael and my 2 beautiful children Adelyn and Colton. I have a dog named Jasmine a cat name Zelda and a bunny named Ivy. I enjoy spending my time outdoors with my family. What I enjoy most about teaching is seeing all the children’s smiling faces, especially when the children are learning and having fun. I graduated from West Chester University with a bachelor’s degree in Early childhood Education. I also just received my level 2 teaching certificate, and also just got my special ed certificate from West Chester University.

 

 

 

Ms. Melissa

Kindergarten Teacher: 

My name is Ms. Melissa Matos and I joined LifeSpan in 2021. As a member of the LifeSpan team, I am very excited to work with such a great group of families. I look forward to getting to know each of the children with the objective of helping your son or daughter achieve their individual learning goals while preparing for Kindergarten! I have taught Preschool in an integrated classroom of both general and special education settings for several years in the state of New York. There, I have students ages 3-5 years of age who had very diverse educational needs. I am looking forward to applying my skills, knowledge, and passion for teaching the creative curriculum used at LifeSpan.

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Rachael

Floating Staff: 

Hello, my name is Ms. Rachael and I started at LifeSpan in 2022. I am happy to get to spend time with children in many of the classrooms. I love to sing, read, and play with the wonderful children here at LifeSpan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Mackenzie

Floating Staff: 

Hi, my name is Mackenzie and I joined the LifeSpan family in February 2023. I am currently enrolled at DeSales University as a dual major in in Elementary Education and Special Education. I attended Bucks County Technical High School in Fairless Hills, PA where I was involved in the Early Childhood Education program and obtained my CDA in preschool. I have been working with children since the age of 12, ranging from 6 weeks to 10 years old, and truly enjoy being a part of the growth and development of each child. One of my favorite activities to do with children is to dance around and read books with them! During my free time, I enjoy dancing, spending time with friends and family, working out, riding ATVs and watching Netflix. I am also a huge fan of going camping and going to the beach. I put great value on communication and building relationships which is why I am super excited to get to know both you and your child.

 

 

 

Ms. Cassidy

Floating Staff: 

Hello, my name is Cassidy and I joined LifeSpan in July of 2023. I graduated from Upper Perkiomen High School in an area I have lived in my whole life. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my son, Cole. We like to go fishing, read books, and go to the beach. I look forward to getting to know the children more and be someone they can trust and look up to.