Kiddie Academy^® of Phoenixville

We can't wait to meet you

• Janel A. Work, Franchise Owner

  

  Janel A. Work is first and foremost a loving mother. Janel's oldest son, Maxwell, was then born shortly after and he has...   Read More

  Janel A. Work, Franchise Owner

  Janel A. Work is first and foremost a loving mother. Janel's oldest son, Maxwell, was then born shortly after and he has enriched her life and keeps her smiling each day. It was due to his birth that Janel decided to take a hiatus from public education and pursue Early Childhood Education. Then in January of 2011, the family was also blessed with their new arrival of Nathaniel (Nate). Then they were blessed with their final addition of Arianna. The family lives in Kimberton with their two dogs Momo and Lucy. Janel graduated from Susquehanna University in 2002 with a B.A. in Communications, Theater Arts and Education. While working in the public school system, she continued her education to complete her M.A. at Villanova in Education.  She also has pursued additional graduate education in ECE from Shippensburg University. After achieving her degree, Janel has worked as a daycare director and public school educator. She has taught at Owen J.Roberts School District, Reading Area School District, and in Montgomery County School System in Maryland. She was also an adjunct professor at Montgomery College. Not only did she teach, but she helped write standards-based curriculum for the school districts and several virtual charter schools. As an educator, Janel believes in enriching each child’s life and meeting their individual needs to help them flourish. Janel A. Work loves Kiddie Academy in Phoenixville and does not consider it a job but a wonderful lifestyle. She believes the center continues to redefine the standards for childcare in the area. Plus, it is a wonderful resource center to her beloved town. Janel is proud of the accomplishments at the ever growing and changing center.

• Rikki Iatarola, Regional Director

  

  Rikki comes to us with over 12 years of experience in early education. Rikki has been with Kiddie Academy since 2011, beginning...   Read More

  Rikki Iatarola, Regional Director

  Rikki comes to us with over 12 years of experience in early education. Rikki has been with Kiddie Academy since 2011, beginning as a teacher in our infant room. Throughout the years, Rikki has assisted in several roles throughout our academy both in and out of the classroom. Rikki holds an Associates's degree in Early Education from Montgomery County Community College, her Bachelors's in Education from West Chester University, along with a current Pennsylvania Teaching Certificate for grades PK-4. As Regional Director of the academy, Rikki strives to provide high-quality educational care for our community. She feels that all children deserve a safe and caring environment to learn, grow, and succeed in. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her two sons, Carter and Chase. Working with children is a passion of hers and she can't wait to watch your family grow at our academy.

• Laura Laum, Director

  

  My name is Laura Laum and I am the Center Director at Kiddie Academy of Phoenixville! I have lived in the Phoenixville...   Read More

  Laura Laum, Director

  My name is Laura Laum and I am the Center Director at Kiddie Academy of Phoenixville! I have lived in the Phoenixville area since 2001 where I attended Valley Forge University and received my Bachelor's Degree and certification in Early Childhood Education. My passion is to help all children to succeed and I love supporting families and teachers in this process! I live in East Coventry with my husband, Jeff, our children, Emilie, Piper and Cole and our many pets. My family is my inspiration and the reason I am committed to providing a dependable Early Childhood Education program. My husband is a retired veteran of the United States Marine Corps and he has shown me the value of respect and reliability. My thirteen year old is an artist and she has taught me to see the best in the world and the full potential of people. My ten year old is inquisitive and takes the time to explore and understand her world. My one year old is enthusiastic about everything he does. I feel that by providing a consistent, high quality education, children will grow up with a positive attitude, curiosity and the confidence to advance in life. I am excited to utilize my 20 years of experience in the field as I lead Kiddie Academy of Phoenixville as Center Director and look forward to partnering with you all throughout this journey.

• Samantha Capparelli, Assistant Director

  

  My name is Sammy Capparelli and I am the Assistant Director at Kiddie Academy of Phoenixville! I’m so excited to be able...   Read More

  Samantha Capparelli, Assistant Director

  My name is Sammy Capparelli and I am the Assistant Director at Kiddie Academy of Phoenixville! I’m so excited to be able to support the families and teachers here. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from West Chester University in 2011. After graduating college, I taught kindergarten enrichment and loved it so much I helped open a private, full-day kindergarten. A few years into teaching I pursued my Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education with a track towards administration and graduated in 2016. We have loved Kiddie Academy since we first toured in 2019. I started working here in the fall of 2021 and my love for the families and staff continues to grow every single day!   I live here in Phoenixville with my daughter, Evie, and our two dogs! I taught kindergarten for 12 years and was the Director of Education for 6 years. I was the Instructional Coach and teacher of a summer learning loss prevention program called Power Scholars in West Chester previously. A few fun facts about me are that I have Type 1 Diabetes and wear an insulin pump. I love to snowboard, my favorite movie is The Lion King, and my favorite book is “The Little Engine that Could.” I’m so grateful to be part of the Kiddie Academy family and I look forward to getting to know you and your family.

• Kelsey Holeton, Assistant Director

  

  My name is Kelsey Holeton and I am the Assistant Director at Kiddie Academy of Phoenixville. I was born and raised in...   Read More

  Kelsey Holeton, Assistant Director

  My name is Kelsey Holeton and I am the Assistant Director at Kiddie Academy of Phoenixville. I was born and raised in Phoenixville and I am so excited to be able to come back to the Kiddie Academy community, which I have been a part of for over a decade now.   I earned my Bachelor’s Degree and certification in PreK-4th Grade from Cabrini University in 2018 and had the pleasure of getting a teaching job right here in our Phoenixville community at Renaissance Academy Charter School, where I taught 3rd and 4th Grade English up until I had my twin daughters in 2022. Shortly after their birth, I found my way back to the Kiddie Academy family and I have loved being able to take them to work with me every day!   I started my journey here back in 2011 and have worked in almost every role. My most prominent have been teaching our Preschool and School Age/Summer Camp curriculum for several years as well as learning the ins and outs of the school as PM Shift Supervisor.    I currently live in Spring City with my husband Sean, our twin daughters Millie and Lily and our two cats, Sweet Potato and Tortellini. I want to be able to provide the best care and education for my children and I am honored to be in a position to do so, while also benefiting the community that has been so near and dear to my heart.