Helen Bodnarik - Support

I’m from the small town of Welch, West Virginia, where as a child I had fun exploring the mountains and creeks searching for caves and tadpoles and loving life. My mother instilled in me a deep love for God and all people. I have been a part of the Preschool family from its beginning. It has been a joy to work with the children and to be able to watch them grow up through the years.

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 18 years. We have 3 awesome kids! They are very involved in the arts and keep me 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. I am now in my 6th year here and love every minute of it!

I actually have the greatest joy watching these little guys grow throughout the program. Since I get most of them at age 2, I have 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!

Martha Donovan - Teacher

I was born in Colombia, South America and came to the United States when I was fourteen years old. I did not know any English, but between school, my friends and television, I quickly learned the language. I lived in Long Island, NY with my family-my mom, 4 brothers and 2 sisters. It was also in New York were I met my husband Eddie, and we were married in May of 1987. In 1998, we moved to Florida and my husband opened his garage door business.

I have two wonderful children- Sean 11 and Melissa 5. They are my passion and greatest encouragement to be a better person.

I have a degree in Business Administration, and worked for Allstate Insurance for 15 years until the birth of my daughter Melissa. When Melissa was attending the 3-year-old program at UCP, I had the opportunity to be a substitute teacher and fell in love with the children and the school. I had the opportunity to teach the 2-year-old program last year. It was a wonderful rewarding experience.

I am continuing my education in Early Childhood and hope to pursue a teaching degree.

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 - Teacher

Rhonda Iddins - Support

I was born and raised in Knoxville, TN. I am married and have five wonderful girls. My husband was in the military for 22 years so we moved frequently. I have worked at UCP since 2002. I started out as a substitute when my youngest was in a 2 year old class. I have been a 2-year old teacher, and a 2, 3 and 4 year old support teacher. Watching the children grow and seeing their desire to know more about Jesus is so rewarding. I truly feel blessed to work here.

Pam Johnson - Teacher

I was born in Richmond, Virginia. As a child my family moved quite a bit around the States, eventually ending up in Florida when I was around ten. I volunteer on various committees at my children’s school along with being on the PTA Board. I enjoy watching and helping children very much.

When I was in high school, my goal was to be a Kindergarten teacher. Now I have found something much better – early education with preschoolers. They have such high spirits and always love everything we do. Their smile is one of God’s greatest miracles.

I have been teaching at University Carillon Preschool for over six years and enjoy it very much. I also teach faith at my home church.

Karla Leyte-Vidal - Support

My name is Karla Leyte-Vidal, I was born and raised in Puerto Rico. I've been married for nine years and have three wonderful kids. Esteban (5) graduated from UCP and Sergio (3) and Camille (21 months) are attending the preschool and nursery. I worked for five years in the veterinary field before I decided to stay at home with my kids.

Now, I feel blessed with the opportunity to work for UCP as a support for the two year olds and as the Spanish teacher.

My goal is to provide positive experiences for the kids to learn and develop enthusiasm towards a second language, Spanish.

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.

Michele Reed – Support

Jennifer Schedivy - Support

I live in Geneva with my husband, two wonderful kids, a dog, cat, chickens, rabbits, pig and other minnows, frogs and creatures my kids pull out of the lake. In my spare time I like to play sports and enjoy all the wonders and beauty God created outdoors. I am also an avid runner and coach youth sports.

I was born in Erie, PA and graduated HS in Daytona Beach. I earned a B.S. in Exercise and Sport Science from UF and worked in sports medicine and health and fitness before returning back to school at USF to earn a degree in Environmental Science and Policy. I have been a stay-at-home mom for the last 7 years with both of my children having attended UCP. As a child, I aspired to be a Sunday school teacher as my career of choice and her I am today serving God in this awesome preschool. I feel blessed to be working with your children and strive every day to plant seeds of faith in them and watch and witness their love of Jesus grow.

Penny Vardas - Teacher

My name is Penny Vardas and this is my third year at University Carillon Preschool. I have been teaching preschool for 29 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

Hello! I’m Darcy Williams. I was born and raised in Christmas, Florida until I left when I met and married my husband in 1986. We traveled around for twenty years with the Navy, and returned to Orlando in 2002. We have twin fourteen-year-old boys, a seven-year- old daughter and a five-year-old son. I started with UCP when my daughter was four, and also did two years with my youngest son as a parent.

By being around volunteering, I truly grew to love the school and everyone here. I was blessed to have the opportunity to join the UCP team last year as a substitute support. This year, I have returned as a full time support with the 2- and 3-year-olds. I love working so much with the children, and am looking forward to another great year of not only teaching, but learning from your children as well.