Our Team
Dedicated, knowledgeable, and here to nurture your little one!

Mrs. Jane Ellefson
Owner & Director
Hello! I'm Jane I have always had a passion for working with children from an early age. I love to watch them grow and explore new things. I have a degree in Early Childhood Education and have been in the industry for over 30 years.
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Owning a childcare center has always been a dream of mine and with the grace of God and my family, my dream has come true. I am blessed and grateful to all that have let me be a part of their families.

Ms. Karley
Assistant Director | Curriculum Coordinator
Hey! I'm Karley, the Assistant Director and Curriculum Coordinator at Cardinal Academy. I studied Middle Childhood Education at Miami University. Fun fact about me is I played college basketball for two years.
I’ve been in childcare for over 7 years and am excited to make a difference here for your children and can’t wait to watch their young minds grow!

Mrs. Lila
Operations & Communications Manager
Hi! I am Lila, operations and communications manager for Cardinal Academy. I will be the one keeping you up to date on all new events, center updates, and school postings through social media and doing some work behind the scenes as well.
I recently graduated with my Bachelors Degree in Secondary English Education from Miami University (Go Redhawks!) In my free time I love to spend time with my Husband and my two baby boys! I am so excited to be a part of this team and the start of this new journey at Cardinal Academy!

Ms. Tay
Cook / Support Staff
Hi! My name is Sha'Wunta and I have 2 Children, Autumn and Winter. I love cooking, playing with children, and shopping. This is my first year working as a cook in childcare and I recently graduated from from High School. My biggest joy is being a mom to my girls and being with my mom.

Infants- Ms. Delores
Chicks Teacher
Hi! I am Delores, one of the teachers in the Chick’s Infant Room. I have been working in childcare for 28 years and hold a CDA in Infant/Toddler care. I have two children—my daughter, who is 24, and my son, who is 25. I am also a proud grandparent to two grandchildren who attend Cardinal Academy: one in the Hummingbirds Room and one is in the Eagles Room.
I have been at this center for six years and plan to be here for many more. Working with children has always been my passion!

Infants- Ms. Nosiba
Chicks Teacher
Hi! My name is Nosiba and I am one of the child care teachers at Cardinal Academy. I have five years of experience working with children and truly enjoy helping them learn and grow in a safe and fun environment.
I am a mom to four children. I am really excited to be working with your little one and want you to feel free to reach out if you have any questions!

Older Infants- Ms. Mesha
Hummingbirds Teacher
Hey Everyone! I am Ms. Mesha. It's a blessing and pleasure to be working with your children. I was born and raised in Dayton. I am known for my bubbly personality and being a nurturer. I am a Pittsburgh Steelers and Ohio State Buckeye Fan. I am extremely passionate about the children and families I serve and can't wait to work with you!

Older Infants- Ms. Desarie
HummingBirds Teacher
Hi! I'm Desarie and I have been working in childcare for almost five years. I enjoy working with kids, especially when they are reaching their milestones and big accomplishments. Seeing a bright smile on their face – nothing brings me happiness more!

Ms. Dee- Toddlers
Mockingbirds Teacher
Hi! My name is Damecia (Dee) Miller. I've been in childcare for ten+ years and have my CDA in Infant/Toddler. I have three children of my own- ages fourteen, twelve, and eight.
I am very excited to be your child's teacher, am passionate about helping them learn, committed to creating a supportive classroom. I'm looking forward to getting to know each of you and thrilled to be a guide on this learning journey!

Mr. Joe - Preschool
Blue Jays Teacher
Hi! My name is Joe, and I have been in daycare for 4 years now. I am a father of two children, with my daughter being 11 and my son 8 years old. I am currently in school pursuing a Physical Education degree and would like to teach with that degree as well.
I wanted to work with children because taking care of children comes naturally to me and I also wanted to prove a male can be successful in a woman-dominated industry.

Mrs. Hannah - Pre-K
Woodpeckers Teacher
Hi, I’m Hannah.For the past 5 years I have been working in a childcare setting and I love teaching kids new skills.
I graduated from Ohio State with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Family Science. I also swam for Ohio State and recently got married in May.

Ms. Lindsay- School -Age
Eagles Teacher
Hi,Im Lindsay! I have been working in childcare for almost 4 years. I recently graduated with my associates degree in elementary education adn am continiuting school to earn my Bachelors degree. When I am not at work, I love reading, going to concerts, and hanging out with friends.
safety first
Our team members are trained and certified in first aid, CPR, safe medication dispensing, and others.
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We also engage regularly in professional developments & trainings to stay up-to-date on child development research and early childhood education best practices.