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Our Team

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

Jane Ellefson, Owner and 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. 

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Hey! I'm Karley, the Director of the Germantown location 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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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Hi everyone! My name is Odessa. I have a huge passsion for childcare and I even have my own baby here in the Chicks room! I’m excited to watch your children grow and see their personality flourish as we go on this journey together.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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