Jill Hammer

I’m Jill Hammer, the Executive Director for Children Inc. Learning Center.  I have been in the position since August of 2017.  I have been working with children in some capacity since I graduated from Butler University (Go Dawgs!) in 1992. 

I have always had a passion for education as I think it levels the playing field for all of us regardless of our backgrounds.  I want care and learning to be high quality where ever I go because it is a privilege for me and all of us at Children Inc. Learning Center to be entrusted with the care and development of other people’s children. 

One of the greatest compliments I received from a child was and I quote “Miss Jill you’re crazy.”  My favorite compliment because I think learning should be fun and it doesn’t hurt to get a little silly and playful if the children are learning and enjoying it.  I always try to put a little humor and levity into everything I do. 

I was born and raised in Shelbyville and have lived in Greenwood since 2003.  I have commuted to Columbus for work since 1998.  Although I was not blessed with my own children I helped raise my younger brother, my nieces and nephew and a few other now adults who were important in my life.  I love dogs; my partner, Brad, and I currently have 4 dogs --- Jasmine, Max, Lucy, and Tater.

Beth Lehman

I'm Beth Lehman, the Assistant Director with Children Inc Learning Center. I have my BS (Bachelor of Science) degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University. 

I am no stranger to Children Inc Learning Center, having spent the last 31 yrs as part of this ever-important team.  I started as a before and after school teacher then moved into the School Age Program Manager position before moving into the current Assistant Director position adding infant, toddlers and preschool care to my resume. 

I enjoy doing agency fairs and community events promoting the agency and being a positive asset to both children and parents in our community.  

I was born and raised in Columbus, IN., married my High school sweetheart and we have 2 awesome adult boys. I love animals, the beach/ocean, and bonfires.

Connie Starr

Hello my name is Connie Starr.  I’m the Administrative Assistant for Children Inc. Learning Center.  I have been with them for ten years. I worked with the school age kids for five years before moving to the office. Sometimes I miss being in the classroom, but being in the office I now get to see so many of the kids.   I love being able to watch them grow and learn. It is so much fun. I also love the hugs and high fives the kids give me. 

I have three grown children and five wonderful grandkids. Mason is a senior, Frankie is a junior, Grant is a freshman, Sam is an eighth grader, and Jase is in Kindergarten.  They keep me very busy because I am always on the run to their baseball, basketball, and soccer games. See why they keep me going?? But, I love being a part of their lives. I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Carla Lowe

My name is Carla Lowe and I am currently the kitchen supervisor. After receiving a Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education, from Ball State University, I started at Children, Inc. Learning Center in 1984.  

I began as an assistant in the 3 year old room and the next year became the lead teacher. I remained in the 3 year old room for 13 years.  In 1997, I began working in the kitchen and have been in my position for 22 years.  I have worked with all age groups, from 1 year old to school age children.   

I enjoy my position in the kitchen , knowing that I am helping the children with their nutrition.   My favorite thing is seeing many “children” who I had as 3 year old, return with their own children and to see how they have succeeded in life.    

Debbie Santos

Hello, my name is Debbie Santos. I started working for Children Inc. 22 years ago in the one year old classroom and still work in the same class today.

Prior to working at Children Inc. Learning Center I lived and worked in Guatemala for 20 years where I met my husband and four beautiful children of my own. I also have two beautiful granddaughters that I adore! While living in Guatemala I learned to speak fluent Spanish, which has proven to be very helpful and fun in my job. 

I currently have my CDA (Child Development Associate Credential) and continue to educate myself to be the best provider I can be.  I love working with children and I am grateful to be part of the team!    

Chris Baker

My name is Chris Baker.  I have lived in Columbus my entire life.  Growing up I always knew I would work with kids.   I’ve been married for 15 years and although I don’t have any kids of my own, I have 3 amazing nephews that are my world!  

I started working at Children Inc Learning Center as soon as I graduated high school.  I have now been here 25 years.  That is so hard to believe!  I have actually had kids of kids that I had 20 years ago!  I started in the Kindergarten room, then moved into the kitchen, and now I’m in with the 2 year olds.   

I also do some work in the office. I am now in the process of taking classes to earn my CDA.  I absolutely love kids.  I love teaching little ones and watching them learn.  The excitement on their faces when they learn something new or figure something out on their own is priceless to me!

Sara Gray

My name is Sara Gray. I am working with 1 year olds in E-21. My mom had a home daycare when I was growing up, so I have always wanted to work with children. It took me a while to figure out what capacity that would be. In 2011 a friend encouraged me to apply at a childcare. Except for 1 year, I have worked in the business ever since. I have mainly worked with 1 and 2 year olds and love seeing them develop and learn so much. I absolutely love what I do and love working with your children every day!  

Elizabeth Vance

My name is Elizabeth Vance. I am 22 years old and I work as an assistant teacher in the toddlers, twos and infant rooms . I enjoy having the chance to see development in action and the way the children’s faces light up when they finally understand what we have been working on!

Lisette Martinez

I'm Lisette Martninez and I am a 1 year old teacher at Children Inc. Learning Center. I have received my associates degree in early childhood education and have been working as a preschool teacher ever since. I truly love my job because this has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl, teaching and taking care of children. It makes it very easy to come into work everyday knowing I get to work with great coworkers and children. I'm also getting married next September and have 3 cats and 1 dog!  

Nicole Shuell

Rocky Shafer

My name is Rocky Shafer and I am an Assistant Teacher at Children Inc. Learning Center currently working with two year olds. I have worked in childcare for over 10 years and I am finishing classes towards my CDA (Child Development Associate) credential. 

I serve as the employee representative on the Board of Directors for Children Inc. Learning Center.  I currently reside in Columbus with my wife and children.

 I firmly believe in the importance of early childhood development and I want to continue to be an advocate for the children and their education and learning.    

Aliyah Miley-Holden

Hi, my name is Aliyah Miley-Holden and I am a teacher in the transition room. I have worked at Children Inc for three years. I have worked in every classroom with all age groups. I am currently working on my CDA at Ivy Tech. I love my job because I love to see the progress the children make every day. The looks on their faces when they "get it" makes me proud to be a teacher!

Johnathon Willis

Katherine Harden

My name is Katherine Harden, I live in Jefferson County, Indiana.  My husband and I have three grown children.  We are empty nesters and adjusting to a new life!  To help us, we have two dogs to keep us company! I teach in the B Wing at Children Inc. Learning Center.  My classroom (B4) has busy exploring three and four year old’s!  My teaching experiences include the following:  Inner City, private, non-for-profit and public preschools and daycares.  I’ve worked with one-year old’s through five-year old’s getting ready for kindergarten.  

My classroom experience includes full inclusion, working with speech, special education, ASL and sight impaired instructors.  I’ve attended numerous Early Childhood conferences and workshops.  I have a BA in Liberal Arts and an AA in Early Childhood Education from Taylor University.  I’ve enjoyed working with young children over the years.  I don’t know who learns more, me or them!  It is a joy to watch them discover about themselves and the world they live in!  Their accomplishments and successes are shown on their faces with each milestone!   

Mrinal Kulkarni

I am Mrinal Kulkarni, I have been associated with Children Inc. Learning Center since January 2019 and currently work with Pre-k and On my way Pre-K kids. Prior to this I was working in corporate job in Human Resources for about 5 years.  First time motherhood made me realize my interest in working with kids. I am so thankful to my son! I graduated with bachelors degree in Human Development and Early Childhood Education from India. I worked with infants, kindergartens, orphan and remand home kids while studying. Even though planning a curriculum for kids gives me feeling of accomplishment, I strongly believe that they teach us more than we can teach them!  I look forward making more memories with these amazing friends every day!     

Laura Parker

My name is Laura Parker. I have been working at Children Inc. since 2004. I had previously attended the school age program as a child. Throughout my years at Children Inc. I have worked in every age group. Currently I am working in our Pre-K class getting the kids ready to attend Kindergarten. I graduated high school in 2004 from Columbus East High School. In 2008 I Graduated from IUPUC with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. For as a long as I can remember I have wanted to be a teacher. I like being able to work with the children and enjoy when they finally grasp onto a concept that they have been struggling with. Their success is my success.

Tori Muldoon

My name is Tori Muldoon. I work with 3 and 4 year old preschoolers and school age.  I studied elementary and special education at Ball State University and am continuing my education at Ivy Tech and IUPUC.  A fun fact about me is I collect plants and a have a room full of them at home. I love my job here at Children Inc. Learning Center because I know the kids will use what I teach them for the rest of their lives.

Paula Hefner

Donna Dawson

My name is Donna Dawson and I work with Infants the first half of the day and School Age children in the afternoon.  I am married with 2 daughters and 4 grandchildren. I love baking and crafting. 

An interesting fact about me is that I was a flight attendant for 5 years and got to travel the world.  When my children were growing up I ran an in home child care. I usually had 6 children ranging from infants to 5 years old. I did that for about 8 years.  I love children and appreciate you letting me take care of yours! 

Rillys Mason

Johnathon Willis