Childcare Staff | Kidspace

We are proud of our professional staff; each one is committed to providing quality care to your child and takes pride in their work. All classroom lead teachers have bachelor’s degrees in education or related fields and assistant teachers either have degrees or have equivalent experience. Our staff members are trained in first aid, CPR, Communicable Disease and Child Abuse and Neglect. In addition, each staff member is required to obtain 10 hours of child development trainings per year.

We are confident your child’s teacher will become your partner in helping to provide the same level of care and nurturing you expect for them. Learn more about our excellent staff below!

Meet Julie Neely, Director of KidSpace OFFICE HOURS: 7am-3pm Julie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Development from The University of Akron and has 12 years experience working with children, most recently as a lead infant teacher before joining the KidSpace family in 2008. Julie is a wife and mother to two children and is from Akron. Favorite part of your job? “Making a difference in both the child’s world, as well as the parent’s. As a Director I like being responsible for creating a quality center. Family is very important to me and I want KidSpace to be a family as well.”
Meet Samantha Jackson, KidSpace Coordinator OFFICE HOURS: 9am-5pm Email me Samantha holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from The University of Akron with a minor in Child and Family Development. She has worked at KidSpace since 2008. Samantha is certified in teaching Parent Education and is currently working on her Master’s degrees in Community Counseling. Favorite part of your job? “Since I work in the office instead of the classroom, I get to play with all the kids in the center and pop in for the fun stuff!” Most repeated phrase while at work? “It’s a great day at KidSpace, this is Sam, how can I help you?!” (When I answer the phone.)
Meet Miss Kerry, Lead Teacher – Nurturing Nest Kerry has been with KidSpace since we opened our new center in 2007, and was a nanny for children up until that time. She is a wife and mother of two and enjoys spending time with her family, shopping, knitting, hiking and crafting when she is not at the center. Favorite part of your job? “Being able to share my knowledge and experience with families and to be a caring influence in the children’s lives.” Name a unique fact about you? “I can do a split…really!!”
Meet Miss Kate, Lead Teacher – Munchkin Manor Kate has been with KidSpace since we opened our new center in 2007. She holds a BA in English from the University of Dayton. From West Akron, Kate enjoys reading, movies and Tai Chi. Favorite part of your job? “When the kids get excited to see me in the morning it is really nice. I also like coming up with new art projects for my class and of course, cuddling with my youngsters!” Most repeated phrase while at work? “Get down!”
Meet Miss Bethany, Lead Teacher – Curious Corner Bethany holds a BA in Education & French Education from Bowling Green University and joined KidSpace in 2010. From Akron, Bethany enjoys reading, knitting, taking walks and figure skating. Favorite part of your job? “I love how happy the kids get when you walk in the door. Also, the ‘I get it look’ they give you when they learn something new!” A fun fact about you? “I studied abroad in Tours, France and Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso while I was in college…it was amazing!”
Meet Miss Stevi, Lead Teacher – Discovery Den Pre-School Stevi holds a BA in Child and Family Development from The University of Akron and has worked at KidSpace since 2008. Originally from Somerset, Ohio, Stevi came to Akron to pursue her track & field dreams while in college. In fact, she is the 2009 Collegiate National Champion for throwing the Hammer! Favorite part of your job? “Writing lesson plans, watching the kids take the lessons and use their imaginations. Also, I love witnessing the first time a child writes their name, counts or sounds out words.” Most repeated phrase while at work? “Catch a bubble!” and “Let’s put our listening ears on!”
Meet Teacher Carla, Assistant Teacher – Munchkin Manor Carla has been in child care for 17 years and is without a doubt our most dedicated staff member! Carla is from Akron and enjoys making gift baskets, writing poetry, singing and helping people through church ministries. Favorite part of your job? “I love watching the children explore and learn; I love making them happy.” Most repeated phrase while at work? “It’s a great day!” and “There is power in the tongue – be careful what you say.”
Meet Miss Angie, Assistant Teacher – Curious Corner Angie is currently enrolled at The University of Cincinnati and is in the process of obtaining her degree in early childhood education. A wife and mother of three, when Angie isn’t at work she is busy with her family and all their activities. Favorite part of your job? “Being able to share my knowledge with the children and watching them explore something new.” Most repeated phrase while at work? “Walk away!” and “Good job!”
Meet Miss Antoinette, Assistant Pre-Kindergarten Teacher Antoinette is a student at The University of Akron working on her degree in Child Development. She has been at the center since 2009 and has a new baby boy named Xavier in our infant class. Favorite part of your job? “Watching the babies try new things.” A fun fact about you? “When I was a senior in high school in my hometown of Youngstown, I was crowned Miss Cinderella 2005.”

Meet Miss Tamara, Substitute Teacher Tamara holds a BA in Speech Pathology from The University of Akron and is currently working on her Master’s Degree in Counseling. She has been with the center since 2009 and steps in and helps whenever we need an extra hand!Favorite part of your job? “Watching the children grow educationally.” A fun fact about you? “I LOVE Tinkerbell!”

Meet Miss Emily, Assistant Older Toddler Teacher Miss Emily has an amazing light hearted attitude and laid back demeanor that works perfectly with the toddlers – and their terrible 2 tantrums! Don’t forget to peek into the infant room and say “Hi” to Addilyn, her adorable daughter. You can find her hanging out in a bouncer or the swing – just as laid back as Mommy. Welcome back Miss Emily, we missed you and we are SO excited to finally have Addilyn here to brighten our day.
Meet Miss Maria, Assistant Pre-k Teacher Maria recently graduated from the University of Akron with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Work. She has a three year old son, Carlos, who she loves to spend time with. Maria also enjoys playing sports and listening to music. She plans on getting her Masters degree and continuing to work with children.