Kiddie Academy^® of Phoenixville

We can't wait to meet you

• Janel A. Work, Franchise Owner

  

  Janel A. Work is first and foremost a mother and loving wife. Janel and her husband Jonathan were married in 2008. Maxwell...   Read More

  Janel A. Work, Franchise Owner

  Janel A. Work is first and foremost a mother and loving wife. Janel and her husband Jonathan were married in 2008. Maxwell was then born shortly after and he has enriched their lives and keeps them 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 labradoodle & German Shepard. 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.

• 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.

• Michelle Soto, Assistant Director

  

  Michelle Soto is so excited to be a part of Kiddie Academy. She has been part of our Kiddie Academy family almost...   Read More

  Michelle Soto, Assistant Director

  Michelle Soto is so excited to be a part of Kiddie Academy. She has been part of our Kiddie Academy family almost since the start of our company. She has grown with us as a head teacher, shift supervisor, Music & More Trainer & even our Center Director. Michelle lives in Pottstown with her husband Felipe. Together they have four children, Haley, Felipe, and twins Avery and Maddox. Michelle also has a step daughter, Kaitlyn, who is currently attending college in New York City. They are amazing blessings and a true joy to their family. Michelle has been working and working on her education with us since 2011. In 2012, she obtained her CDA through Northampton Community College. In 2017, Michelle graduated with an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Montgomery County Community College. She is currently enrolled at Immaculata University where she is working towards her bachelor's in Psychology. Once she is finished she plans on obtaining her Masters in Counseling. She has volunteered for Norchester Red Knights, the Special Olympics, and works with the Pottstown School District. Michelle has 12 years of experience working with children of all ages. She truly enjoys watching children learn and grow. Given her education background, Michelle loves helping out in the rooms and getting to know the children in the center. She is a believer in having the parents be involved in their child’s education. She enjoys being part of a loving, caring, and very positive atmosphere. Overall, we are very excited about having Assistant Director for our beloved Kiddie Academy family & 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.

• Jennifer Moyer, Educational Coordinator & Infant Head teacher

  

  Jennifer resides in Pottstown, PA with her husband and family.  After eight years, Mark  proposed to her on Valentine’s Day in 2009....   Read More

  Jennifer Moyer, Educational Coordinator & Infant Head teacher

  Jennifer resides in Pottstown, PA with her husband and family.  After eight years, Mark  proposed to her on Valentine’s Day in 2009. On July 9, 2011, they started a new journey together and celebrated together in a marriage. Jen and Mark would like to take their journey down another road and start a family some day.   In 2000, Jennifer graduated from Pottsgrove High School and entered the college life. In 2003, she got her Associates Degree in Elementary Education from Montgomery County Community College. Then, she transferred to Immaculata University and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology in 2006. In 2013, she decided to go back to school and received her CDA in Infant/Toddler.   When Jennifer was in high school, she started working part time at Kay Bee Toys. At that job, she got the opportunity to interact with children. While working there, she dressed up as the Easter Bunny and Elmo for fun and loved seeing a smile on children’s faces. Jennifer’s mother has always taken care of children and she knew that someday she would do the same thing. After Kay Bee closed, Jennifer had the opportunity to start watching a 4 week old infant named Veira.  She felt it was a gift from God to watch Veira grow and develop into a toddler. It opened her eyes even more and made her realize that working with children every day is her passion.   Jennifer helped out in her church nursery since she was a young teenager.  She still enjoys helping out once a month in her church nursery. In her free time, Jennifer loves to spend time with Veira and watching her grow. Jennifer loves seeing children smile and laugh. Her passion is making children feel happy and loved.