Helen Bodnarik - Support

I was born in the small town of Welch, West Virginia, where I had fun exploring the mountains and creeks searching for caves and tadpoles and loving life. My mother instilled in me, at a very young age, a deep love of God and all people.

My husband, 2 sons and I moved to Oviedo from Wellington, Ohio in 1993. We love this community and have made University Carillon our church home.

I have been a part of the Preschool from its beginning. It is a joy to work with the children and to be able to watch them grow up through the years.

Margo Cook - Teacher

I was born in Lorain Ohio but quickly moved to Florida at just six weeks old. I grew up in south Florida and moved to Orlando after I was married. I went to college in Tallahassee, at Florida State University. I began my teaching career in the middle school setting.  I taught eighth grade science until I had my first child.  I have been at UCP now for 4 years.  Currently I am teaching a 3’s class and I am the VPK science teacher. I love it. It is such a wonderful family.  I feel that God has really blessed me by bringing me to this wonderful school. Some things I like to do outside of school are gardening, horseback riding and fishing. Our family loves to be outside.

Carla Crummett - Teacher

My name is Carla Crummett. I am originally from Little Rock Arkansas. I moved to Orlando to pursue a dream to perform at Walt Disney World. It was there that I met my husband of 23 years. We have 3 awesome kids!  They are very involved in the sports and keep us very busy.

I came to UCP as a parent with my son. He attended pre-k here and I served as a volunteer. I had never wanted to be a part of something so badly as when my child attended pre-k. I applied for a position and I am now in my 11th year.   I still truly enjoy every minute of it!

I actually have the greatest joy watching these little guys grow throughout the program.  I have had the blessing of being a part of their families for their preschool years and beyond.  I hope to always leave a little spot in their heart as they will be a part of mine forever!

Sheri Dyer – Teacher

My goals have changed since becoming a parent, which lead me to pursue my CDA certification.  Upon graduation at the University of South Dakota and completion of my Certified Public Accounting (CPA) licensing, I moved to Minnesota. Shortly after becoming a full time mother, I had my second child and for the next few years I remained at home focusing 100% on them.

As time permitted, I involved myself as a volunteer in community activities that involved children.  These activities guided me to pursue a new career in childhood education.  I started volunteering in the public school system and at a children’s shelter managed by the Children’s Home Society.   I also taught Sunday school at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church and joined their LWML organization.

After both my children started school full-time, I became a certified substitute teacher for Seminole County Public Schools.  For two years I taught K – 5th grade classes at Carillon Elementary and Partin Elementary.  I truly enjoyed the experience and when a part-time position became available at University Carillon Preschool, I jumped at the chance to work in a Christian church teaching preschoolers!  I worked/played as a support teacher for two years and then took over the P.E. coaching position. I love it and hope to continue for many years.

Kelly Faber - Support

I was born in New York but moved to Florida in 1992 where I met my husband (who is also a native New Yorker).

I spent 16 years working in the defense industry for Grumman Corp. until my son was born. A few years later my daughter was born and I knew my focus had changed.

We joined the church and enrolled our children at UCP. The dedication and devotion of the staff led me to join as a 2-year old support teacher. I have been here for 6 years now and love being a part of such a special place.

Cathy Forkenbrock - Teacher

Hello and welcome to our UCP Family! I was born and raised in Stamford Connecticut ,then moved to Florida where I graduated from Florida Southern College with a BA in Communications. My husband Ralph of 27 years and I have two wonderful children, a son studying Electrical Engineering at UCF, and a daughter studying Occupational Therapy at UF.  We love college football!

I began my preschool education  career when my two children were in their preschool years. I taught at Parkway Weekday Program for 13 years.   I feel very blessed to be  starting my 4th year here on staff at UCP as Lead Teacher for the 3's and 4's. I have enjoyed learning and growing with each one of my preschool students, they are truly one of life's greatest blessings!

I volunteer  at my church and with the ALS/Lou Gehrigs Association- Florida Chapter. I have two brothers , three sisters, and many nieces and nephews. I look forward to meeting the many families that are involved here at the preschool and getting to know their children.

I thank God for my family, friends and the opportunity to teach preschoolers.

Faith Larson - Teacher

I am married to my wonderful husband, Brian. We are active members of University Carillon United Methodist Church. We have two awesome boys, Matthew and Noah. Both of our boys have graduated from UCP and now attend Partin Elementary School.  Matthew is entering third grade and Noah is starting first grade.

I was born and grew up in southeastern PA. After I graduated from West Chester University with a B.S. in Elementary Education, I moved to FL. While working with three and four year olds, I earned my CDA. I taught Kindergarten in a private school and first grade in the Pinellas County School Board system. I have been a two year old support teacher for the last two and a half years at UCP.

I am looking forward to a blessed year with you and your children.

Cathy McFarland - Teacher

My name is Cathy McFarland and I am a native Floridian. I was born in Melbourne beach and raised right here in Orlando. I have such a wonderful family and enjoy spending time with them. Working here at UCP has been a blessing in my life. The children, parents and fellow staff have brought me much joy and fulfillment. Children are so precious and I feel it is imperative that they receive the best start possible in life. It is my goal to provide the children here at UCP with positive social experiences, a love for learning and a strong Christian faith.

Salece Miller - Support

I was brought up in Daytona Beach before moving to Orlando. The beach was my backyard, so it was an amazing childhood. After working in the corporate world, the opportunity came for me to stay home and start volunteering at my daughter’s elementary school. I believe this was my reason to really become interested in working with children. I love to volunteer at my daughter’s middle school, do things with my family, read, and of course, go to the beach! I have also volunteered with the Special Olympics, which is so very rewarding.

After coming to UCP and taking early childhood education courses, I knew this was going to be a most treasured experience. I am so happy to be associated with UCP, which enables us to continue our early childhood education and to be in a Christian environment, which is how I have been taught since I was a child.

Penny Vardas - Teacher

My name is Penny Vardas and this is my seventh year at University Carillon Preschool. I have been teaching preschool for over 30 years (!) and I can not imagine doing anything else.

I grew up in south Florida and also lived in New Hampshire, Boston and Alabama. I’ve had the opportunity to work in some very fine schools, so I was happy to bring all of my wonderful and valuable experiences to UCP.

It is my goal to make sure the children in my class have a nurturing, warm and caring environment. I want them to know they are unique, capable and creative individuals who have the tools to explore their world and their role in it.

Darcy Williams - Support

My name is Darcy A. Williams. I am an only child who was raised by my grandparents in a small town called Christmas, Florida

After my twentieth birthday I met a wonderful man. His name is Sean and was in the United States Navy and now we have four wonderful children.

My youngest children started at University Carillon Preschool. I did a lot of volunteer work and really enjoyed being around the children and the school. My son’s last year I began to work as a substitute support and the following year I moved into a full time position.

I feel that God had plans for me to be in this school and to be with these wonderful families. I’ve been here several years and hope to continue on for many more. I can’t see myself being any other place.

Terry Tomasetti - Support

I am a native of Orlando, graduating from Oak Ridge High School and UCF. I have been married to my husband, Tom, for 26 years. God has blessed us in so many ways, especially with 3 awesome children who are now adults.

My family has been attending University Carillon Church for 11 years.  My husband plays guitar and sings for the contemporary services, and I have been a part of many women’s bible studies. We have met so many wonderful people here.

I was a stay at home mom until my youngest reached first grade.  It was then that I began working in preschool. I have been assisting with two, three and four year olds for the last 13 years!  Being a part of so many children’s lives is truly a blessing.

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