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. Jenny

Family Coordinator: 

My name is Jenny and I became a member of the LifeSpan School and Day Care team in 2020.  I have my Bachelor of Arts with a major in Psychology and a minor in Sociology from Millersville University.  My studies focused heavily on child development, childhood disorders, and family dynamics. I have spent over 10 years working as a daycare teacher with all different age ranges.  I also have 2 years of experience working one-on-one with early intervention for children on the spectrum in East Penn School District and for Glenn R. Koch and Associates Behavioral Services. I live in Pennsburg with my husband, two dogs, and my wonderful daughter Charlie who attends the Preschool classroom here at LifeSpan. We are expecting our second child due in December, which the whole family is very excited about. I am a huge fan of listening to music and love getting immersed in a good book.  I believe heavily in the importance of open communication and want everyone to feel comfortable reaching out to me. I am very passionate and excited about building close relationships with all the children and their families!

 

 

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. Melissa

Infant 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. Jamie

Infant Teacher:

My name is Jamie Reiss. I joined LifeSpan in April 2024. I started my early childhood education career in Delaware in 2018, where I was with toddlers and infants. I love watching the kids learn, explore & hit milestones big and small. Also I love the bond you create with each child & their families. The smiles and laughs of the kids are just a plus! Outside of work I enjoy playing with my pets, watching movies & going to sporting events. I also enjoy traveling and making memories with family and friends. I’m excited to see my career grow here at LifeSpan and also further my education. I’m excited and looking forward to growing relationships and working with all the kids and coworkers

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Kelly

Infant Teacher: 

Hello, my name is Ms. Kelly and I joined LifeSpan in August of 2023. I have my Bachelors Degree in Psychology and Social Science from Penn State University. I have about 20+ years of experience working with children and families. I have worked in day care as well as in home care as a nanny for several families. I also worked with children with special needs through the Bucks County Intermediate Unit. I live in Quakertown with my husband and four beautiful daughters. My favorite things to do are going on walks with our dogs, riding bikes and playing outside with my girls. I also enjoy doing DIY projects with my talented husband. I am very excited to get to know all the children at LifeSpan!

 

 

 

 

 

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. Catherine

Walker Teacher:

My name is Catherine and I started LifeSpan in June 2024 and am very excited to get to know everyone! I graduated with my Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Montgomery County Community College with about 5 years of previous nannying experience. I am often told how good I am with kids and I love to interact with them and see them grow! “When you have a dream, you’ve got to grab it and never let go.”

 

 

 

 

 

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. 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. Alisha

Toddler Teacher: 

My name is Alisha. I joined the LifeSpan team in October of 2024. I have been working with children for over 10 years in a variety of settings. I’ve received a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Kutztown University. My favorite thing about teaching is being able to witness the wonder, curiosity, and joy children experience as they learn about the world around them. I am a mom of two wonderful girls. My oldest is in college and my youngest is in high school. We live with our puppy, two bunnies, and a gargoyle gecko. I enjoy spending time with my girls, playing with our pets, kayaking, hiking, reading, and getting together with family

 

 

 

 

 

 

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. CJ

Toddler Teacher: 

My name is Ms. CJ and I started at LifeSpan in June of 2024. My son Parker and I love to hike, do yoga, and do art together. We love to spend time with our dog, Arlo, in our free time. I love to teach ASL and calm breathing exercises in the classroom. I am looking forward to getting to know you and your child well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Crystal

Preschool Teacher: 

My name is Crystal Kinsey (she/her) and I have been an early childhood teacher since 2014. One of my core philosophies is “behavior is communication.” Every child deserves the opportunity to express themselves in a structured but understanding environment. I feel lucky that every day I have the opportunity to collaborate with parents to help their children grow into their best, happiest selves! I was born and raised in Arizona, where I worked in early childhood education and taught art. Currently, I am aiming to complete schooling to strengthen my teaching abilities. In my free time, I take nature walks, forage, draw, paint, crochet, read, and spend time with my life partner. I love animals, geology, and learning about nature. I’m ALWAYS willing to try something new! My life goals are to broaden my horizons and enhance the lives of others.

 

 

 

 

Ms. Mackenzie

Preschool Teacher: 

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. Alyssa

Preschool 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. Brittany

Preschool 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. Kate

Pre-Kindergarten Teacher: 

Hi, my name is Kate Baltzell and I am the new Assistant teacher in Preschool 1.  I am so happy to be a part of the Lifespan family. As for my experience, here goes….After 30 years of Restaurant and Retail management, I graduated from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in 2017 with my degree in Sociology and a minor in Social Work.  After graduation, I worked at Berkshire County Head Start as a Family Advocate and Parent, Family, Community Engagement Coordinator. After obtaining my Early Childhood Certification in Massachusetts I spent a lot of time in the classrooms.

I am a parent of four children; Two daughters that live in Reno Nevada and Orlando Florida, my youngest son lives in Bucks County and my oldest son Leo passed in 2018.  I have six Grandchildren, ranging in age from 33 months to 19 years old.  I moved back to Bucks County in 2021 to be closer to my son and his family.  This allowed me to be closer to three of my grandchildren and to be there when my youngest granddaughter Jenni was born and to watch her grow up.  Playing with and teaching Jenni these last 33 months have brought me more joy than words could possibly convey.  This also made me realize just how much I love being around “littles”.  They say that you should find what you love to do and get paid for it.  I can honestly say that I love my job.

In my free time I like to watch movies (Especially Disney), I love gardening, yoga, hiking and reading.  I am a huge Harry Potter Fan; I love to color and play dress up.  I love my fur babies.  I have two cats named Pip and Ollie, a dog named Emmie and a turtle named Kiwi. I am looking forward to getting to know both you and your child.  You are your child’s fist and most important teacher.  Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your child’s life.

 

 

 

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. Maria

Pre-K Counts Teacher: 

My name is Ms. Maria. I was born and raised in the Philippines. I have been teaching Early Childhood for more than a decade now. Previously, I taught 7th and 8th graders in US Virigin Islands for three years. I have a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education in Social Science. I have completed the academic requirements in Master of Arts in Special Education and still collaborating with a previous principal for thesis writing. I love to help all children with their individualized needs.

I am blessed with a loving husband and a fur baby- my cat, Bobbie. He is a manx cat that is dog-like in character. He is a sweet companion that we love so much!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Deanna

Kindergarten-Prep Teacher: 

Hello, my name is Ms. Deanna and I started at LifeSpan in December of 2023. I have worked in the early childhood field for over five years. I graduated from Northwestern Lehigh in 2018 and LCCC in 2021 with my associates in Early Childhood Education. I have always enjoyed working with children and watching them grow and learn. One of the main strategies I value is learning through play. I am excited to get to know you and your child well!

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Tania

Kindergarten 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. 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. Sharon

Floating 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!